The air in Shin's private chamber held a hush that felt sacred—velvet silence broken only by the soft rustle of silk as he leaned back in his throne. The obsidian walls flickered with warm light from enchanted braziers, casting long shadows that danced like spirits, ethereal and watchful. Despite the stillness, Shin's mind pulsed with energy. Thoughts churned like a storm beneath his calm exterior—visions of empire, war, family, and legacy taking shape in the crucible of his will.
"Heart, call for Sage, please," he said, voice smooth and deliberate, a command laced with quiet authority.
["Yes, big brother,"] came Heart's response, warm and obedient as always, her voice chiming gently into the air.
While Heart dispatched the summon through the kingdom's internal relay system, Shin flicked his fingers and summoned a translucent interface into existence. Swift taps brought up a thread with PhantomFox—his agile, sharp-tongued perimeter commander.
Reinforcements are on the way to handle your ogre problem.
A moment passed before a response blinked across the screen—an animated kiss emoji followed by: Thank you.
Shin chuckled softly. "You're welcome, little fox," he murmured with an affectionate glint in his eye.
A new message arrived: a picture of PhantomFox, cheeks flushed, a playful smile on her lips.
["Is she going to end up one of my sister-in-laws?"] Heart asked dryly.
Shin laughed, rich and indulgent. "Maybe it's the Void Dragon and Succubus Queen blood. Who knows… if you ever get a body, I might just add you to the harem."
["Eeeeh?!"] Heart squeaked, flustered. ["Big brother, that's not something you say so casually!"] Then softer, almost embarrassed: ["But… I wouldn't say no."]
A thoughtful silence followed.
"Heart," Shin said, his voice softer now, "if you ever did get a body… would you have the same bloodlines as me?"
There was a pause—reverent and still, like a whisper waiting for breath.
["You mean… Void Dragon and Succubus Queen?"] she asked, quieter now.
Shin nodded slowly, his gaze distant, eyes shimmering gold. "You were born from me. Forged by the goddesses for me. If you became real—truly real—would you share my legacy?"
["If that day ever comes,"] Heart whispered, emotion curling around her words, ["then yes. I think I would. I'm not just your system, Shin. I'm your shadow, your spark… your echo. If I awaken as you did, I'll carry your essence in my soul. And in my blood."]
A quiet pride flickered across his features—subtle, but unmistakable.
"Then I'll have to protect you," he murmured.
["Too late,"] she teased gently, ["you already do, big brother."]
Before Shin could reply, footsteps echoed faintly in the corridor. He turned his gaze toward the grand chamber doors just as they creaked open.
"She's here."
["Good luck, big brother,"] Heart said softly. ["And… thank you. For asking."]
Sage entered like moonlight through clouded skies—serene, inevitable, timeless. Her violet robes shimmered like the midnight tide, her every step a calculated measure of grace and poise.
Shin straightened just slightly, enough to reflect the weight of what was to come.
"Sage," he began, "I have three tasks for you. Each one is vital."
She nodded once, silent and still.
"First, I need you to collaborate with Lara on upgrading the industrial sector. Focus on efficiency, sustainability, and ensuring that it supports our rise without creating future strain. Lara will manage the framework. You'll refine it."
Another silent nod. She was already calculating.
"Second," he continued, "I want you with Ka Ryo Ten. Help her train our next generation of strategists—not just generals, but visionaries. Leaders who can win wars before the first blade is drawn."
Sage's expression shifted ever so slightly—respect, perhaps admiration.
"Lastly, assist Natasha and Talia with Project Nightshade. It's delicate… filled with shadows, psychology, political nuance. Your experience will make a difference."
For the first time, she spoke. "Yes, Lord. I will. I'm honored to assist wherever I'm needed."
Shin nodded, satisfied. "Good. I'm counting on you."
As Sage turned to leave, a soft chime sounded—another message. It was from Nico.
Brother-in-law, good news. Just secured fifty dwarves. Want me to add them to your current order?
Shin's eyes brightened. "Yes, Brother Nico, please do. They'll be a great help."
Done. I'll let you get back to your work, Brother Shin.
With a flick, Shin dismissed the interface.
"Heart," he said, focus sharpening, "send a message to all my wives, generals, and troops. Tell them to gather at the outer walls. The night won't wait for us."
["Right away, big brother."]
The air shifted. The tempo of fate began to quicken.
With a slow exhale, Shin reached into his inventory and withdrew both
Subjugation Orders. The moment he held them, a familiar chime echoed in his ears.
DING! Does host wish to use both
Subjugation Orders to increase the number of monsters in each wave? Y/N
He smiled, eyes gleaming with challenge. "Yes."
Updated Subjugation
Trial: Double Difficulty Activated
Conditions:
• 10 Waves Total
• Increased enemy strength, coordination, and numbers
• Final wave features two Emperor-tier Boss Monsters
• Environmental hazards begin on Wave 7
⸻
Wave 1: The Forgotten Dead
Enemies: ~8,000 undead
• Skeletons, zombies, wights
The undead shattered beneath Shin's vanguard like pottery under a sledgehammer. It was barely a skirmish—more ceremony than challenge.
⸻
Wave 2: Beastkin Skirmish
Enemies: ~10,000 beastkin
• Werebears, Firelions, Rock Apes
Coordinated strikes. A step above savagery. But not enough to pierce Shin's formations.
⸻
Wave 3: Savage Echo
Enemies: ~12,000 units + terrain traps
• Elementally-enhanced beasts, Fire-roaring lions
• Spike traps (auto-triggered hazards)
The battlefield bled wild chaos. Shin's troops responded in perfect rhythm.
⸻
Wave 4: Ferocious Advance
Enemies: ~14,000 enemies (including ~500 Beast Shamans)
• Mixed beast units with support casters
• Buffs and healing extended skirmishes
This wave tested stamina. Endurance. The mettle of formations under siege.
⸻
Wave 5: Mini-Bosses Enter
Enemies: ~16,000 total
• Kiju the Elemental Warbear (Mini-Boss)
• Titanblood Ogre Commander (Mini-Boss)
• Thunderbird Riders (~1,000 aerial units)
• Hobgoblins and Demons
Commanders split the battlefield with surgical precision. Strategy reigned.
⸻
Wave 6: Swarm of Chaos
Enemies: ~22,000 swarm-type enemies
• Zerglings (~10k), Harpies (~4k), Goblin warbands (~6k), Skeletal Warlocks (~2k)
A deluge of threats. Acid blood and death magic threatened to unravel cohesion. But Shin's leadership held them firm.
⸻
Wave 7: Death Jungle Awakens (Hazards Begin)
Enemies: ~18,000
• Jungle Hydras (x100), Vine Ghouls (~8k), Corrupted Treants (~5k), Poison Spores (~5k spores & creeping vines)
• Environmental Hazard: Poison Fog
Visibility dropped. Healing stuttered. But the storm was endured.
⸻
Wave 8: Nightmare Corps
Enemies: ~15,000
• Dread Knights (~5k), Flame Wraiths (~4k), Abyssborn Succubi (~6k)
• Heavy psychological warfare and magic assaults
Mind games. Fear magic. Emotional breakdowns. Only the strongest of will remained untouched.
⸻
Wave 9: Monster King's Vanguard
Enemies: ~20,000
• Archdemons (~4k), Wyverns (~3k), Beastlords (~2k), Elite Mixed Forces (~11k)
• Hazard: Mana Storms (every 20 seconds)
Magic faltered. Screams filled the air. But the army pushed forward, Shin at the front.
⸻
Wave 10: Emperor Showdown
Enemies:
• Boss 1: Ashen Hydra of the Endflame (Emperor-tier)
• Each of its 9 heads casts elemental spells independently.
• Boss 2: Queen Xal'thira, Broodmother of Nightmares (Emperor-tier)
• Commands ~10,000 Nightmare Spawn, illusions, venom constructs
• Hazards:
• Lava Fissures, Collapsing Walls, Unstable Magic Storms
The world cracked beneath them. The sky burned above. And still… Shin's legend roared louder than the apocalypse.
He stood at the precipice of another crucible—one not just of battle, but of legacy. As troops assembled, he gave his newest wives a briefing on what was to come.
"I'm taking part in each wave," Scáthach declared. "I want to see how strong each of you are—your generals, your troops. If you don't meet my standards… training will follow."
Shin smirked. "Is this a test, my dear?"
Scáthach yes I want my husband to have the strongest army the world has ever seen.
Wonder Woman crossed her arms, intrigued. "Is this to increase our strength?"
"Yes," Shin replied. "All battles here increase our strength. Some of your sisters have already reached the threshold for Ascension. You'll get stronger through this."
Black Widow leaned in, curious. "So that's why your troops are so powerful?"
"Exactly. Most have ascended at least once—or are just a step away. And if needed, I can give you system items or even allow you to assimilate other summons' powers to grow stronger."
DING! Wave 1 Begins.
Shin's golden eyes gleamed. "Ri! Show them the power of the Fei Xin Unit!"
"You hear my brother!" Ri Shin roared, his voice echoing over the walls. "For the Lord! For the Kingdom of Legends!"
He and his troops surged forward like a storm given form, their charge splitting the undead like dry twigs. In moments, half the wave was shattered.
En Sei watched in stunned silence. "How did they become this strong…? If we had this kind of power back in our world…"
Shin's eyes narrowed. "This isn't even their full strength. Just wait."
Scáthach stepped forward, her voice purring with anticipation. "They have potential, dear. Let me handle the rest."
Her spear blurred. Undead flew apart in sprays of bone and ichor, disintegrating under her flawless form. She ended the wave alone—and ascended.
DING! Wave 2 Begins.
Ri Shin raised his glaive. "Let us handle this one too, my brother."
Shin nodded. "Go ahead. After this, you must rest."
The Fei Xin Unit surged forward once more, meeting werebears, firelions, and rock apes with unshakable formation and unmatched precision.
Wonder Woman drew her blade. "To me, sisters! Let us show them what it means to be Amazon warriors!"
They charged alongside Shin's veterans, taming beasts, slaying foes, and claiming victory.
DING! Wave 3 Begins.
The ground trembled.
From the far end of the battlefield came the low growl of fire-roaring lions. Elemental beasts snarled behind shifting terrain. Spike traps glinted in the moonlight like hidden fangs.
The battlefield was transforming. It would not be a skirmish. It would be a storm.
Shin stepped forward, his cloak billowing in the rising wind.
"This… is where it truly begins."
⸻
TO BE CONTINUED…
————————————————————
A/N
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