Building the Strongest Undead Empire from Scratch

Chapter 388: I won't be anyone's puppet

"Hey, Alex, what are you thinking about?" Lilith asked, noticing Alex's spaced-out expression. Her voice snapped Alex back to reality.

"Nothing, just thinking about some things," Alex replied vaguely. "What are those elves doing running off to the Holy Court?"

Knight City didn't accept commoners, let alone Freelancers. Its inhabitants were descendants of knights, raised from birth to become holy warriors. Therefore, Alex had little knowledge of the Holy Court's inner workings.

The forest elves residing in Knight City were a better source of information for Lilith.

"It seems they're preparing to leave," Lilith replied, recalling the information she had received. The city's inhabitants were packing their belongings, including the elf king.

"Leave?"

Alex looked puzzled. The Holy Court was one of the most powerful factions on the Arsen continent. If they were planning to leave, it meant they were leaving the continent altogether.

"Are they abandoning their stronghold on the Arsen continent?"

Lilith shook her head. That was beyond her knowledge.

Essentially, Lilith had come to thank Alex, share some information, and offer her the remaining dark elves.

"Torin, accompany Lilith to the Arsen continent and conquer the dark elf clan."

"As you command, my Queen."

As Torin and Lilith stepped into the Portal of Transit, Alex immediately summoned Sophie.

"Any unusual activity from the humans?"

She was concerned about the Holy Court's strange behavior and hoped to glean some information from the humans.

"Nothing out of the ordinary," Sophie replied, shaking her head.

This was odd. Either the Liberty Church hadn't uncovered this information, or... the humans were unaware.

Alex gazed towards the city's outskirts, wondering what the Holy Court was up to.

Both Holy Church and the Mage Guild had been unusually quiet, even the Angel race. Why was the Holy Court so active?

Soon, Alex received a notification. Torin had returned with the dark elves.

Subjugating the dark elves had been a breeze. They didn't even have a King level being, so they were no match for an Emperor level opponent.

As Alex had suspected, the system recognized the dark elves as a distinct race.

Therefore, the dark elf Auxiliary Barrack was automatically established.

Alex had no intention of using them in battle. Having them serve as servants within the undead empire wasn't a bad idea either.

The leader of the dark elves was a Monarch, likely an leader chosen as their temporary leader. He followed Torin nervously as they made their way to the palace.

He was about to meet his new master.

"Respected Undead Queen, the dark elves pledge their eternal loyalty to you."

"Very well. I can ensure the continuation of your race. You won't be required to fight. From now on, you will remain within the city, under Sophie's command." Alex waved her hand.

"Thank you for your grace, Queen!"

The dark elves were no strangers to the undead. As dark creatures, they felt a natural affinity towards them.

"Do you know why the other elf kings left?"

"Reporting to the Queen, I only heard rumors. They said it was to seek refuge. I know nothing more."

Seek refuge? From what?

"Alright, you may leave." Alex pondered the situation, but something felt amiss. She summoned Death Spirit. "Inform Lilith to be prepared."

That was all she could do for now.

Alex went to her bedroom and changed into local human attire. She then retrieved her Honorary Mage robe and badge, carefully folding them.

As she held the badge, her gaze sharpened.

"There's a tracking magic circle embedded within it."

Eldrin must have placed it there for her safety. He was an Emperor level mage, so his methods couldn't escape Alex's detection now.

Considering his actions, she suspected that the relationship between the previous undead lord and Eldrin was more complex than it appeared.

She no longer needed his protection, but she was grateful for his past kindness. She decided to visit Thunder City and return these items to him personally.

And perhaps get some answers.

With Alex's guidance, Ruby had made significant progress in comprehending a sphere. She no longer needed Alex's direct instruction and would likely reach Emperor level within a few days.

Everything was stable for now. The undead empire wasn't facing any immediate threats.

Alex decided to use this opportunity to inquire more from Eldrin.

Before leaving, she gave Garethor specific instructions. Someone had to manage the empire in her absence.

...

Starfallen Empire, Hurricane City.

As Alex stepped into the city once more, she could sense the aura of every inhabitant.

The vice president was an Emperor level mage, his level similar to hers. The president, that woman, was a Sovereign level mage, although Alex couldn't determine her exact stage.

There were over twenty Magus, hundreds of mages, and tens of thousands of apprentices within the city.

The Mage Guild's foundation was truly formidable. Even a single branch possessed such terrifying strength.

However, Alex had no time for idle observations. She didn't bother greeting the two presidents. She concealed her aura and headed straight for the teleportation department in the basement.

She didn't wear her hood, allowing her long, white hair to cascade down her shoulders, drawing curious glances from the mages.

The most eye-catching feature was the gleaming gold badge on her chest, bearing the insignia of two branches, signifying her status as an Honorary Magus recognized by both Thunder City and Yellowrock City.

"I need to go to Thunder City."

Ignoring their surprised gazes, Alex addressed the mage in charge of the teleportation array.

A flash of white light, and Alex found herself in Thunder City, on the continent of Nytheria.

She materialized in the dimly lit teleportation chamber, exchanging polite greetings with the surrounding mages before hurrying upstairs.

Knock, knock!

"Enter," a deep, masculine voice boomed from within.

Alex paused, puzzled. That wasn't Eldrin's voice. She glanced at the sign on the door, confirming that this was indeed the vice president's office.

Creak—

The old wooden door groaned as she pushed it open. A tall, middle-aged man sat behind the desk, his short beard and black hair framing a face with a dark complexion, hinting at African ancestry.

"Who are you?"

Alex didn't recognize the man, but anyone occupying Eldrin's office must be the president of the Thunder City branch.

However, the man wore no insignia of his position, so Alex couldn't be sure.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I am one of the Seven Guardians of the headquarters, codenamed Thunder. You may address me as Mr. Thunder."

Alex's eyes narrowed. Not the president, but someone from the headquarters?!

She scrutinized the man. He was powerful, a Sovereign level being!

Alex quickly realized that his position must be even higher than the president. Why would he bother introducing himself to a mere Honorary Magus?

"Your real name is Alex. You're a lord from another world, an Emperor level being, and the new undead lord. Am I correct?"

Alex frowned, a black blade materializing in her hand. She was about to strike when a hand clamped down on her arm.

"Alex, calm down. He's not your enemy."

It was Eldrin, arriving just in time.

"Ah, youth. I was just as impulsive in my younger days. Action before words."

Thunder chuckled, seemingly unfazed.

Fearing that Alex might become wary, Eldrin quickly explained.

It was Mr. Thunder who had issued the order to allow the undead empire's expansion.

Upon hearing this, Alex lowered her weapon, but she was still displeased.

"Eldrin, you betrayed me?"

"You misunderstand him. The undead's growth couldn't remain hidden forever. I learned of it by chance, not from Eldrin. However, considering his connection to the previous undead lord, I deduced that you two were acquainted."

Thunder rose from his seat, defending Eldrin.

"So, what do you want?"

Alex glared at Thunder, her guard still up.

"Allow me to explain."

Thunder remained calm and composed.

"But first, I have a question for you." His tone turned serious. "Which side are you on?"

So he was here to gauge her allegiance. It seemed the Mage Guild had the same intentions as the dragon race.

Alex considered her answer carefully.

"I won't be anyone's puppet."

Thunder smiled, impressed by Alex's unwavering gaze. "Good. You're truly his successor."

"Now, listen carefully. Follow your own path, and trust no one."

"I don't need you to tell me what to do."

Alex retorted.

Thunder ignored her remark, continuing his explanation.

"The Mage Guild, despite its outward appearance of unity, is actually riddled with factions. The root cause of this division is the World's Heart. Its influence runs deeper than anyone realizes."

Thunder paced around the room, stopping by the window.

"All Sovereign level beings, even gods, are forced to choose between the two sides. But very few have the courage to break free. He (the previous undead lord) was one. You are another. As for the top lord of the previous generation, although he was exceptional, he ultimately chose a side. But in the end, they were all failures."

Thunder turned back to Alex. "Do you understand what it means to step outside this game?"

"To break free from control, to become a player instead of a pawn?" Alex replied calmly.

"No. Have you never considered ending their conflict, making this world a true world, where those extraterrestrial visitors are no longer subject to interference and persecution?"

Thunder's words stunned Alex. She had never thought of that before. However, her stance remained clear.

"I'll do what I can. But ultimately, self-preservation comes first."

Alex's philosophy was simple. She would only act if she was capable. Reckless heroism was for fools.

Eldrin was completely lost, unable to follow their conversation. As an Emperor level mage, he wasn't privy to such high-level information.

"Good. We will do everything in our power to help you achieve this, to bring peace to this world!"

Thunder's sudden declaration stunned both Eldrin and Alex.

"Are you joking? Why would you help me?"

First, the dragon race had sought an alliance with the undead. Now, the Mage Guild was extending an olive branch. It was all too strange.

Did they really see her as some kind of savior?

"When I say 'we,' I'm not referring to the entire Mage Guild. If other guilds target you in the future, fight back. As long as we're alive, we won't abandon you."

Thunder's gaze was serious as he approached Alex.

"As for the reason..." He pulled out a wristwatch from his pocket.

Eldrin looked puzzled, but Alex gasped.

"You're a lord too!"

No wonder Mr. Thunder resembled someone of African descent. That wristwatch was clearly an Earth artifact, something that shouldn't exist on planet Astralon.

"Yes, it was a long time ago. This is my only memento, unfortunately, it's broken."

A nostalgic look crossed Thunder's face.

Realization dawned upon Eldrin. He was Thunder's confidant, yet this was the first time he had heard such shocking news.

"Then, who else is involved?"

Knowing that Thunder was a lord, Alex finally understood his words.

Her wariness towards him lessened considerably.

"Myself, Wind, and..." Thunder paused. "The president of the Thunder City."

"What?"

Alex was bombarded with one surprise after another.

"What about the others? And the god?"

Alex blurted out her questions.

"That Divine Mage? No one knows what he's thinking. As for the others, trust no one except us three. I have a reason for asking you to trust us."

Thunder's voice was firm and deliberate.

"Because the deceased undead lord was the president's son!"