The march to Blackrock Fortress took three days, and with each mile, Kael's understanding of his new abilities deepened. The goblin warriors that served as his advance guard moved with an efficiency that would have been impossible before their binding. The Legion Commander talent didn't just create loyalty—it created a psychic link that allowed him to coordinate their movements with thought alone.
Marcus walked beside him, occasionally glancing at the floating map that showed their progress. "I've been thinking about your abilities," the older man said. "The combination is... unprecedented. Most challengers get one talent, maybe two if they're incredibly fortunate. Five SSS-rank talents? It's like the Tower System broke when it analyzed you."
Kael nodded, his attention partially focused on the stream of information flowing through Death's Echo. The absorbed memories of the goblin chieftain were particularly valuable—they showed him the political landscape of the First Floor, the various tribes and kingdoms that controlled different territories, and most importantly, the location of resources he would need to fuel his growing empire.
"There's something else," he said, his voice thoughtful. "The talents aren't just separate abilities—they're synergistic. The Soul Forge can create weapons specifically designed for the armies I raise with Legion Commander. The Dimensional Arsenal can house both my forces and the realms I create with Realm Builder. And Death's Echo gives me the knowledge to use it all effectively."
One of his goblin scouts materialized from the shadows ahead, its form barely visible against the twilight sky. The creature had been enhanced by the binding process, its natural stealth abilities amplified beyond what should have been possible for its species.
"Master," the scout reported, its voice carrying the reverence of absolute loyalty. "Blackrock Fortress is two miles ahead. The structure is abandoned as the map indicated, but there are signs of recent activity. Scavengers, mostly. A few human refugees have taken shelter in the outer buildings."
Kael's enhanced senses picked up the scout's emotional state—excitement mixed with bloodlust. The goblin was hoping for permission to attack the refugees, to add their souls to the growing collection within Shadowbane. But that would be wasteful. Humans could serve purposes that goblins could not.
"How many refugees?" he asked.
"Thirty-seven, Master. Mostly non-combatants, though there are a few with warrior classes. They appear to be survivors from a settlement that was destroyed by the Ironback Tribe."
Marcus frowned. "If they're refugees from goblin attacks, they're not going to be happy to see you commanding a goblin army."
"Then we'll have to be persuasive," Kael replied. "I need human administrators and craftsmen. Goblins are excellent warriors, but they lack the intelligence for complex tasks."
As they crested a hill, Blackrock Fortress came into view. The structure was massive, its dark stone walls rising nearly a hundred feet into the air. It had been built into the side of a mountain, its foundations carved from the living rock itself. The architecture was impressive—not the crude stonework of human kingdoms, but something far more sophisticated. Kael's absorbed knowledge identified it as dwarven construction, probably built during the Third Age before the dwarves had retreated to the deeper floors.
[BLACKROCK FORTRESS - ANCIENT DWARVEN STRONGHOLD]
[CURRENT STATUS: ABANDONED]
[DEFENSIVE RATING: EXTREME]
[OCCUPANCY: 37 REFUGEES]
[HIDDEN FEATURES: UNKNOWN]
The fortress was positioned to control the main trade route between the northern kingdoms and the southern city-states. Anyone wanting to move goods or armies through this region would have to pass under its shadow. It was perfect for his needs.
"Goblins, establish a perimeter," Kael commanded through the psychic link. "Stay hidden but be ready to move if things go badly. Marcus, you're with me. We're going to have a conversation with our new neighbors."
The massive gates of the fortress hung open, their hinges rusted from years of neglect. As they approached, Kael could see that the refugees had done what they could to make the place defensible. Crude barricades blocked the main courtyard, and he could see sentries on the walls—humans in mismatched armor carrying weapons that had seen better days.
"Who goes there?" called a voice from above. A young woman appeared at the battlements, her archer's bow drawn and aimed at Kael's chest. "State your business!"
"I am Kael Thorne," he replied, his voice carrying the authority of his Intimidation Mastery skill. "I've come to claim this fortress as my own. You and your people are welcome to stay, but you'll serve under my command."
The woman's eyes narrowed. "And what makes you think we'll just hand over our shelter to some upstart challenger?"
Kael smiled, the expression cold and predatory. "Because I have thirty goblin warriors surrounding this fortress, and they're all very hungry. But I'm not here to slaughter refugees. I'm here to offer you something better than mere survival."
He gestured to Marcus, who stepped forward with his hands raised peacefully. "I'm Marcus Ironheart, former captain of the Redstone Guard. This man saved my life and the lives of countless others in the Tutorial Realm. He's offering you a chance to be part of something greater than hiding in ruins."
The archer's bowstring remained taut, but Kael could see uncertainty in her eyes. Through Death's Echo, he sensed the fear and desperation of the people behind the barricades. They were barely surviving, living day to day on foraged food and hoping the various monsters of the First Floor wouldn't notice them.
"Sarah, lower your bow," came a voice from the courtyard. An older man emerged from behind the barricades, his gray beard neatly trimmed despite their circumstances. He wore the robes of a scholar, but Kael could see the calluses on his hands that marked him as someone who had learned to fight. "I am Elder Matthias, and I speak for these people. What exactly are you offering?"
Kael stepped closer, his presence radiating the quiet confidence of someone who had faced death and emerged victorious. "Protection. Purpose. A chance to build something that will last beyond the next monster attack. I'm going to turn this fortress into the capital of a new kingdom, one that will span multiple floors of the Tower."
"With goblin soldiers?" Matthias asked, his voice skeptical.
"With whatever soldiers are necessary," Kael replied. "Goblins are just the beginning. I have abilities that allow me to bind defeated enemies to my service, to create weapons and armor that rival the gods themselves, to build realms that exist outside normal space. Your people have skills I need—craftsmanship, administration, knowledge of local conditions. In return, I offer them safety, purpose, and a share in the power we'll build together."
The elder studied him for a long moment, his weathered face thoughtful. "You're not just another challenger, are you? There's something different about you."
"I have five SSS-rank talents," Kael said simply. "The Tower System has never recorded anything like me before. I'm not here to climb the Tower like a normal challenger—I'm here to conquer it."
A murmur ran through the refugees at this revelation. SSS-rank talents were the stuff of legend, and claiming to have five of them was either the boast of a madman or the declaration of a force of nature.
"Prove it," Sarah called from the walls. "Show us these legendary abilities."
Kael nodded and reached into his Dimensional Arsenal. The air shimmered as he withdrew the Primordial Forge, the massive structure materializing in the courtyard with a sound like breaking reality. The device was easily the size of a small building, its crystalline components pulsing with inner fire. Ancient runes covered its surface, and the very air around it seemed to bend and warp.
The refugees gasped in awe and terror. Several fell to their knees, recognizing the divine nature of the artifact. Elder Matthias's eyes widened as he read the floating identification panel that appeared above the forge.
"Impossible," he breathed. "Primordial-grade equipment. The last time anyone saw something like this was during the Age of Heroes, three thousand years ago."
"This is just one piece," Kael said, dismissing the forge back into his dimensional space. "I have an entire arsenal of such artifacts, and the ability to create more. I can forge weapons that will make your warriors unstoppable, armor that will turn them into living legends. But I need people who can handle such power responsibly."
He gestured to Shadowbane, the primordial sword humming with barely contained energy. "This weapon has claimed dozens of souls already, and it grows stronger with each victory. But a weapon is only as good as the army that wields it."
Elder Matthias looked around at his people, seeing the hope beginning to kindle in their eyes. They had been surviving day to day, constantly afraid, constantly hungry. The offer of safety and purpose was more tempting than any treasure.
"What would you require of us?" he asked.
"Loyalty," Kael replied without hesitation. "Complete, absolute loyalty. I won't bind you with magic like I do with defeated enemies, but I will expect you to follow my orders without question when it comes to military matters. In return, you'll have a voice in how we build this kingdom. Your skills and knowledge will be valued and rewarded."
"And if we refuse?"
Kael's expression didn't change, but the temperature in the courtyard seemed to drop several degrees. "Then you're free to leave. But you won't be welcome back, and you'll be on your own against the dangers of the First Floor."
It wasn't really a choice, and everyone knew it. Alone, the refugees would be picked off by monsters or rival factions within weeks. United under Kael's protection, they had a chance not just to survive, but to thrive.
"I'll need to discuss this with my people," Matthias said.
"Of course. Take your time. But while you're deciding, let me show you what we're capable of."
Kael closed his eyes and reached out with his Realm Builder talent, feeling the dimensional space around the fortress. The ability showed him the underlying structure of reality, the places where it could be shaped and modified. Blackrock Fortress was built on a convergence of ley lines, making it an ideal location for his purposes.
He began to work, pouring his will into the stone and steel of the ancient structure. The Realm Builder talent responded eagerly, reality bending to his command. The rusted gates began to gleam like new, their hinges restored to perfect condition. The crumbling walls regenerated, their stone blocks fitting together with mathematical precision.
But more than simple repair was happening. The fortress was expanding, growing new towers and ramparts that spiraled up the mountainside. Underground chambers carved themselves from the living rock, creating space for workshops, barracks, and storage facilities. The courtyard enlarged itself, becoming a proper parade ground surrounded by buildings that seemed to grow from the mountain itself.
[REALM BUILDER ACTIVATED] [BLACKROCK FORTRESS ENHANCED] [DEFENSIVE RATING: EXTREME → LEGENDARY] [CAPACITY: 100 → 5,000] [SPECIAL FEATURES UNLOCKED: DIMENSIONAL ANCHOR, MANA FOUNTAINS, SELF-REPAIRING WALLS]
The transformation took only minutes, but when it was complete, Blackrock Fortress had become something magnificent. The dark stone walls now gleamed with protective enchantments, and the mountain itself had been carved into a series of defensive terraces that would allow defenders to rain death on any attacking force.
The refugees stared in wonder at the transformation. This wasn't just repair—it was creation on a scale that rivaled the gods themselves.
"I've installed mana fountains throughout the fortress," Kael explained, his voice calm despite the monumental feat he had just accomplished. "They'll provide unlimited magical energy for crafting and defense. The walls are now self-repairing, and the dimensional anchor will prevent enemy teleportation or portal attacks. This fortress could withstand a siege by a Floor Guardian."
Elder Matthias fell to one knee, his decision made. "Lord Kael, we are at your service. The people of Millbrook Refuge pledge their loyalty to you and your cause."
One by one, the other refugees followed suit, kneeling in acknowledgment of their new lord. Sarah, the archer, was among the last to kneel, but when she did, Kael could sense the genuine respect in her gesture.
"Rise," he commanded, his voice carrying the authority of true leadership. "You are no longer refugees. You are citizens of Thornhold, the first settlement of what will become the greatest kingdom the Tower has ever seen."
As the people rose, Kael felt the Legion Commander talent stirring within him. Unlike the magical binding he used on defeated enemies, this was something more subtle—a voluntary allegiance that created a psychic link between him and his willing followers. He could sense their locations, their emotional states, their general well-being. In return, they would gain enhanced abilities and protection from his aura.
[LEGION COMMANDER ACTIVATED]
[37 HUMAN CITIZENS ALLIED TO YOUR CAUSE]
[KINGDOM MANAGEMENT INTERFACE UNLOCKED]
[THORNHOLD ESTABLISHED AS CAPITAL SETTLEMENT]
A new interface appeared in Kael's vision, showing the status of his growing domain. Population, resources, military strength, diplomatic relations—all of it was laid out in neat columns that updated in real-time. He could see that his people were hungry, tired, but hopeful. The fortress modifications had impressed them, but they would need to see concrete improvements in their daily lives to maintain their loyalty.
"Marcus," he said, turning to his mentor. "I want you to oversee the military organization. We'll need to train these people to fight alongside our goblin warriors. Sarah, I'm putting you in charge of scouting and intelligence. Your archery skills will be valuable, but I need you to recruit and train others."
"What about supplies?" asked a woman who had introduced herself as Elena, a former merchant. "Food, materials, equipment—we need resources to support a growing population."
Kael smiled and reached into his Dimensional Arsenal again, this time withdrawing a dozen Soul Crystals. The crystallized energy pulsed with blue light, each one containing enough power to run a small city for a year.
"These are Soul Crystals," he explained. "They can be used to power magical devices, enhance equipment, or traded for resources. I have hundreds of them, and I can create more through combat and conquest. Elena, I want you to establish trade relationships with the various settlements on this floor. We'll need food, raw materials, and skilled craftsmen."
He paused, considering his next words carefully. "But remember—we're not just traders. We're conquerors. Every negotiation is a chance to expand our influence, every trade deal a step toward dominion. Be friendly, be fair, but never forget that we're building an empire."
The next few hours were a whirlwind of activity. Kael assigned roles to each of his new citizens, making use of their existing skills while planning for their future development. The former refugees threw themselves into their tasks with enthusiasm, grateful to have purpose again after months of aimless survival.
As night fell, Kael stood on the highest tower of the fortress, looking out over the lands that would soon be his domain. The Dimensional Arsenal pulsed in his mind, already showing him plans for expansion. The Soul Forge hummed with anticipation, ready to create weapons and armor for his growing army. And somewhere in the distance, he could sense the presence of greater challenges waiting to be conquered.
Marcus joined him on the tower, his weathered face thoughtful. "You've done something remarkable here," the older man said. "In a single day, you've transformed a group of desperate refugees into the foundation of a kingdom. But the real challenges are just beginning."
"I know," Kael replied. "The Ironback Tribe will come looking for their missing warriors. The other powers on this floor will want to test us. And eventually, we'll have to face the Floor Guardian itself."
"The Red Dragon of the North," Marcus said, consulting the map interface. "Level 100, according to the Tower System. That's twice as strong as anything we've faced so far."
"Then we'll have to be ready," Kael said simply. "The Soul Forge can create weapons capable of harming such a creature. The Dimensional Arsenal can house an army large enough to challenge it. And Death's Echo will give us the knowledge we need to exploit its weaknesses."
He turned to face Marcus, his gray eyes reflecting the light of the stars above. "But first, we need to consolidate our power. The Ironback Tribe is just the beginning. I want to unite all the goblin clans under my banner, then move on to the human settlements. By the time we're ready to face the Floor Guardian, we'll have an army that can shake the very foundations of the Tower."
A new notification appeared in his vision, glowing with urgent red text:
[FLOOR ANNOUNCEMENT]
[EMERGENCY COUNCIL CALLED BY THE FIVE KINGDOMS]
[TOPIC: THE ANOMALY CHALLENGER]
[LOCATION: NEUTRAL GROUND - KINGS' MEETING HALL]
[ALL FLOOR INHABITANTS ARE ADVISED TO REMAIN VIGILANT]
Kael smiled grimly. Word of his abilities had spread faster than he'd expected. The established powers of the First Floor were already moving to counter the threat he represented. But that was fine—he had been hoping for a chance to meet them all in one place.
"It seems we're about to receive some visitors," he said, showing Marcus the notification. "The Five Kingdoms want to discuss the 'Anomaly Challenger.' I assume that's me."
Marcus chuckled. "You've certainly made an impression. What do you want to do about it?"
"We're going to accept their invitation," Kael replied. "But not as supplicants. We're going as equals, with the power to back up our words. It's time to announce to the entire First Floor that a new player has entered the game."
As if summoned by his words, one of his goblin scouts materialized from the shadows. The creature bowed deeply before speaking.
"Master, urgent news. The Ironback Tribe has allied with the Bloodfang Clan and the Shadowmaw Pack. They march on the fortress with over three hundred warriors. They will be here by tomorrow night."
Kael felt a surge of excitement rather than fear. Three hundred enemies meant three hundred potential souls for his collection, three hundred new warriors for his army. The timing was perfect—a demonstration of his power just before the meeting with the Five Kingdoms.
"Excellent," he said, his voice carrying genuine pleasure. "Send word to our human allies. Tomorrow night, we make our official debut on the First Floor. And we're going to make sure it's a performance they'll never forget."
The Tower of Eternity stretched above them, its peak lost in the clouds of forever. But for the first time since arriving on the First Floor, Kael felt truly ready for what lay ahead. He had a fortress, an army, and abilities that defied comprehension. Most importantly, he had a purpose that extended far beyond simple survival.
He was going to climb this Tower, floor by floor, challenge by challenge, until he reached the very top. And when he did, he would reshape the cosmic order itself.
But first, he had a kingdom to build and enemies to conquer. The real game was just beginning.