Building the Strongest Undead Empire from Scratch

Chapter 326: Hope this reward will not disappoint

Alex was blissfully unaware of the ripples her newly established Undead Empire had sent through the world's power structure.

She had no idea that her ascension had alerted not only the major factions but also the remnants of the previous undead lord's loyal followers.

The memory of the former Undead Empire, its reign of terror, still lingered in the minds of many, not just the major factions but also the smaller races.

However, most were unaware of the new Empire's race. They assumed it was simply another faction that had risen to prominence.

The only cause for concern was the fact that an Empire hadn't emerged on the Eldoria continent for eight hundred years. A new Empire wouldn't threaten the established order of the major factions. It was the smaller races that had reason to worry.

The major factions, however, possessed special methods for detecting undead activity, a safeguard against a repeat of the undead scourge that had once ravaged the seven continents.

Fortunately, the Undead Imperial Capital was shrouded by the Dark Forest, its spatial distortions a legacy of Ruby's father, a powerful Sovereign level powerhouse. While weakened over time, these distortions were still potent enough to deter casual observation.

Establishing the Empire prematurely had its drawbacks. It exposed the undead to the world while Alex was still at King level, lacking the power to defend against a concerted attack.

But it also had its advantages. The system rewards, the ability to gather faith power... these were significant boons.

Ultimately, it was a gamble, a calculated risk with both opportunities and challenges.

[Blood Moon in the sky, darkness descends]

As evening descended, the six gathered in the palace dining hall, enjoying a rare moment of camaraderie.

It was their first time dining together like this, and, considering their upcoming departures, it would be their last for a while.

"Miss Alex, do you know anything about human customs and traditions? Especially their food?" Xiao Hui asked, her curiosity piqued.

Since arriving on the Eldoria continent, they had spent most of their time within their respective castles, venturing out only to explore the surrounding areas. Entering a human city was a risky proposition, one they hadn't dared to consider.

Alex savored a bite of sub-dragon meat, carefully considering Xiao Hui's question.

"I've only been to the Mage Association's city. It's mostly mages and apprentices, not many commoners. I imagine it's quite different from a regular human city."

Her knowledge of other races, aside from the humanoid ones, was limited to their basic habitats and behaviors.

Without a proper identity, she hadn't dared to venture into a human city. Her appearance, with her striking white hair, would have drawn unwanted attention.

"Oh, well. You'll have to tell me all about it when you get back," Xiao Hui said, her voice laced with longing.

"No problem," Alex replied, nodding in agreement.

She then turned to Drake, her expression turning serious.

"One of my objectives for this trip is to eliminate the Angel Lord."

"You found Stone Pillar Mountain?" Drake asked, his eyes lighting up.

He had no sentimental attachment to his former allies, especially now that they were under Raphaela's influence. Eliminating them was the most logical course of action.

"Yes. I learned its location from two human mages on the Arsen continent. It's some distance from the human kingdoms. It was originally an Angel scheme to gather faith power, but the Mage Association caught on, and it was abandoned."

Alex couldn't allow Raphaela to continue amassing power unchecked. Now that she knew her location, she had to act decisively.

Her biggest concern was that Raphaela, having experienced death multiple times, had shed her humanity, becoming a tool for the Angel race, a weapon to be wielded against the extraterrestrial visitors.

But even more importantly, Raphaela knew about the undead. That knowledge couldn't fall into the hands of the Angel race.

Eliminating Raphaela was her top priority.

"Good. The sooner, the better. Her strength has barely recovered. She hasn't reached King level yet. You'll crush her," Drake said, relieved.

Alex was a woman of action. If she said she had found Raphaela, then Raphaela's days were numbered.

"But won't killing the Titan Lord alert her? What if she's already moved her city?" Xiao Mu asked, voicing his concern.

If Raphaela relocated, finding her would be nearly impossible.

"Stone Pillar Mountain is a valuable source of faith power for her. She won't abandon it easily. I learned that much during my previous encounters with her," Drake countered.

He believed that Raphaela, desperate to regain her strength, wouldn't risk leaving such a valuable asset.

While she possessed the inherent ability to gather faith power, Stone Pillar Mountain amplified that ability, extending its reach. That was why she was so eager to subjugate other Lords.

"Now that you mention it, I've noticed that they've been less active in the World Chat lately. It's mostly Freelancers talking now," Sophie chimed in.

"Probably scared after Miss Alex took out the Titan Lord," Xiao Hui muttered.

"Either way, I'm going. And she better not have left Stone Pillar Mountain," Alex said, her voice cold and resolute.

Alex now possessed the ability to gather faith power herself. Raphaela wouldn't be able to outpace her.

If she could kill her twice, she could kill her a thousand times.

"Remember to suppress your killing intent when you're within range of Stone Pillar Mountain. We don't want to spook her and give her a chance to escape," Drake cautioned.

"Got it."

Thanks to Drake and Lilith, Alex had a basic understanding of angels' heightened senses.

They chatted for a while longer, lightening the mood before turning their attention to their respective tasks.

Drake, preferring the comfort of his own Dragon City, departed first, his dragon soaring into the night sky.

Xiao Mu, eager to familiarize himself with his new responsibilities, opted to spend the night in Gemini City.

Ruby had already returned to the far north to establish her kingdom after receiving the Vassal Kingdom's Tear from Alex.

The Arctic Tigerfolk Kingdom, Alex's first vassal kingdom, was now a reality, its territory encompassing the northernmost reaches of the Eldoria continent.

Xiao Hui and Sophie retired to their respective palaces.

Alex returned to her own palace, deciding to absorb the complete Undead Quintessence reward and level up that night.

"Hopefully, this reward won't disappoint," she murmured, gazing out the window at the Undead Imperial Capital, bathed in the eerie red glow of the blood moon.

She opened her system interface and selected "Absorb."