Building the Strongest Undead Empire from Scratch

Chapter 315: Special effects

Alex had expected Ruby to have some recollection of her father's past, given her surprised reaction. However, it seemed her memories held little beyond the pull towards the Dark Forest.

It made her wonder. If even a powerhouse like Edgar refused to speak his name, perhaps Ruby's father, like the former undead lord, was subject to some divine taboo.

Just how far did the gods' power extend? Could they truly erase someone's existence from the world?

After a moment of thought, Alex decided not to directly share what she knew with Ruby. Instead, she started from the origins of their group of Lords.

Ruby, hearing about the Lords for the first time, found their situation somewhat pitiable. They were living well, only to be suddenly transported to this strange world to survive.

Through Alex's explanation, Ruby became curious about Earth, where Alex and the others originally came from. To her, it sounded like a paradise—no fighting, no killing, no need to strive for power, just living peacefully. There were even people called 'police' who maintained order. Ruby listened quietly, a look of envy on her face.

"If I could, I'd love to live on this Earth you speak of."

As for the system's existence, Alex vividly described it as a deity. Indeed, in Alex's view, the system's power was comparable to that of a god. Boldly, she even considered that the system might actually be a god in disguise.

Hearing this, Ruby, who had been puzzled, finally understood where the extraterrestrial visitors got the power to build castles and even cities out of thin air.

"So, some of the words you say are blocked because it doesn't allow us natives to hear them, right?"

"Exactly, that's one way to put it," Alex nodded.

"Do you think the deity brought so many of you here to choose a successor?"

Ruby's words left Alex momentarily stunned. It was a possibility she hadn't considered! Perhaps the previous Lords hadn't become gods not because of their lack of talent. The system's Lord competition might be a way to select its successor. The end of the path for a Lord was to become a god, but who knew if becoming a god meant turning into the next emotionless system?

The thought was terrifying. Alex resolved that once she reached the Sovereign level, she must uncover the truth!

Alex forced herself to remain calm, so Ruby wouldn't notice anything unusual, and continued their conversation. Ruby had learned enough about the Lords, so Alex moved on to the main topic, sharing all the information she had gathered about Ruby's father in the Dark Forest.

After listening, Ruby fell silent, contemplating.

"So, he left suddenly to protect us from getting involved, and he has many powerful enemies out there."

"Yes, that's my guess too. The native powerhouses wouldn't allow an extraterrestrial visitor to become a god."

A deity could transcend races and establish their own power, becoming a top force in the world. This would be a huge threat to the natives, who would naturally resist it.

"Alex, you've helped me a lot. I've heard the Source of Fear is dangerous, constantly affecting its owner's mind."

This was Ruby's impression of the Source of Fear, a memory that seemed to constantly remind her not to contact it.

"Indeed, without [his] help, it would have been a big problem for me," Alex explained, referring to the system.

"That's all I know about your father. If you want to avenge him, you'll need to reach the Sovereign level. Until then, don't act recklessly."

Alex spoke sternly to Ruby, knowing how deeply Ruby cared for her father. It showed that he had given Ruby a happy childhood. Now, suddenly learning of his death, it was hard to accept, even though she had suspected it.

Seeing the determination in Ruby's eyes, Alex knew she wouldn't let this go.

"I know, don't worry."

Ruby seemed to remember something and added, "So, this has been going on for at least three hundred years. I've been asleep, while the enemy has grown stronger. I don't even know who my father's enemies are."

"It's good you think that way. In this world, strength is everything."

"I understand. Alex, are you the top Lord right now?"

Ruby thought Alex was exceptional, progressing so quickly, unlike any Lord she had met before.

Alex didn't downplay it. The system's rankings didn't lie, and half of the top ten were her people. She was undoubtedly the top Lord.

Seeing Alex nod, Ruby wasn't surprised. In fact, she would have been surprised if Alex wasn't number one.

"Alex, I'll finish handling my tribe's affairs tonight, and then I can leave. I've been asleep too long; I need to see the world outside."

Ruby's expression was serious. This time, she didn't mention going to the human city for fun. After all, Ruby's mind was that of a teenager, having lived in the far north all her life. Since waking from her slumber, she had faced life-and-death crises and started a life on the run.

"Alright, I also need to learn more about this world."

Alex planned to wait for Ruby to finish her tribe matters while she upgraded the Kingdom's Tear to establish the Undead Empire. It was something she had to do before setting out.

"I'll go take care of things now. I need to gather some tirbe members and give them instructions. Feel free to do as you please here. If you need anything, just ask them."

Ruby needed to leave temporarily to instruct the other elders and set up contingency plans.

"Alright, go ahead, don't worry about me."

With that, Ruby left the room, and Alex, naturally, wouldn't just stay put. Being close to the Endless Sea, she could take the opportunity to learn more about the Sea Folk.

The room quickly became empty, with only the cold wind howling through the window.

[Blood Moon in the Sky, Darkness Descends]

As night fell, Ruby concluded her tribal affairs, while Alex returned from her exploration near the Endless Sea.

Despite her status as a King-level character, Alex wasn't proficient in swimming and lacked the ability to breathe underwater. Initially, she had planned to explore the underwater realms, but she soon reconsidered. Diving unprepared into unknown waters could expose her to unforeseen dangers.

Without the necessary magical abilities, her capabilities would be significantly reduced underwater, prompting her to decide against the venture.

While exploring the coastal areas, Alex observed the Sea Folk. These creatures were not particularly strong. In fact, compared to the undead, their status was even lower than that of the most basic Skeleton Soldier, making them the weakest among the sea races.

Like on Earth, the oceans in this world were vaster than the lands, and the sea races inhabiting the Endless Sea were undoubtedly the most numerous of all races. It was no wonder that Lilith's enslavement of some sea creatures went unnoticed by the sea races; their sheer numbers made them difficult to keep track of.

"Miss Alex, shall we go?" Ruby's voice lacked excitement and seemed distracted, likely still pondering her father's situation.

"Do your people know you're leaving?" Alex asked as they walked toward the undead fortress.

"They don't. Only Maulclaw, Shadowfang, and a few of my guards know. Very few have the information. I told them I'd be gone for a few days with you, and they're at ease."

The two passed through the undead fortress and were instantly transported to Undead City. Ruby was curious about the changes around her, constantly looking around and observing the grand undead city as Alex led her toward the palace.

It was dinner time, and although Alex had the ability to go without eating without starving, others, including Ruby, needed to eat.

"Did you have dinner before coming here?"

"No, I eat fish every day, and I can't cook. It's awful." The Arctic Tigerfolk's diet was primarily raw, unlike humans who preferred cooked food.

"Perfect, let's eat here then," Alex said, leading Ruby up the palace steps. From the high vantage point, Ruby noticed a black forest surrounding Undead City and was puzzled. Had the city moved?

"This is deep within the Dark Forest." Hearing this, Ruby immediately wanted to fly outside, but Alex held her back.

"Don't bother; he's long gone."

Ruby was disappointed, realizing she wouldn't get more information about her father.

"Take it easy, one step at a time. Your strength is still lacking. Even if you learned something about your father now, what could you do?"

"Yeah, I get it," Ruby nodded, acknowledging Alex's point.

At the palace entrance, dark elf servants respectfully opened the doors for Alex.

"Master, tonight's dinner is steamed freshwater dragon fish."

"Ugh, fish again?!" Ruby exclaimed, hoping for a change of taste at Alex's place, only to find they were also having fish.

Alex looked at the dark elves, who quickly explained, "Master, these dragon fish were all sent by the leader from Mossvale Continent. After seeing them, the leaders unanimously decided on fish for dinner. If you don't like it, we can prepare something else."

It turned out Drake had sent them.

Alex turned to Ruby, "Well, at least it's cooked."

The two entered the palace and headed to the dining room, where three others were already dining.

The fish were large, weighing at least ten pounds each, with three in total—one for each of them. Alex's eyebrow twitched; could they really finish all this?

Soon, the dark elves brought in two more fish, and Ruby immediately grabbed one and started devouring it.

"Leader, you have to try this; it's super tasty!" The others weren't surprised by Ruby's presence, as Alex had mentioned it earlier.

"I can't eat that much..."

"This was sent by Drake. He found them by a freshwater lake. They're a type of fish with a trace of dragon blood, and there are many of them. He caught dozens. They're delicious and have special effects."

Even Xiao Mu couldn't help but praise it, indicating how good it was.

Alex sat down, picked up a fork, and tasted the fish. The tender meat was unlike anything she'd ever had, prompting her to admit it was the best fish she'd ever eaten.

[Consumed dragon fish meat, gained 10 experience points, acquired special effect: Soul Gathering]

[Soul Gathering: Enhances soul power.]

"Yeah, this is some good stuff," Alex remarked after checking the system information.

"Miss Alex, what special effect did you get from eating the dragon fish?" Xiao Hui eagerly asked, as Alex closed her system interface.

"Wow, you got such a good effect? Enhancing soul power?" Xiao Hui reopened her system interface, double-checking her own effect.

[Nutrient Absorption: Speeds up metabolism.]

As soon as Alex saw this peculiar effect, Xiao Hui dashed to the restroom. That fast?

"What special effects did you two get?" Five minutes later, Alex was nearly full and curiously asked.

"Stamina recovery," Xiao Mu replied, glancing at Sophie, who seemed hesitant.

"Big Shot, I... I'd rather not say," Sophie stammered.

Just then, Xiao Hui returned from the restroom.

"Haha, I know! I peeked earlier. Her special effect is drooling!" Xiao Hui laughed.

"Drooling?" Alex looked at Sophie, noticing only a ring of oil around her mouth, with no sign of any liquid.

Wait a minute... Could Xiao Hui actually be referring to a more intimate kind of moisture?

"Ahem!" Xiao Mu coughed loudly, glaring at Xiao Hui for her indiscretion. Xiao Hui stuck out her tongue and resumed eating.

Alex was speechless. No wonder Xiao Mu initially mentioned "special effects."

"How many more of these fish are there? Tell Drake to catch them all for me!" Hearing Alex's command, Xiao Hui was taken aback, then grinned mischievously.

"Oh~ so that's the kind of leader you are!"