Three days passed since the swift, decisive defeat and conversion of the Frost Giants. The Necrotic Dynasty rapidly consolidated its power, leveraging its terrifying victory and the immense resources of its new territory.

​The Dynasty's military strength had swelled dramatically: it now commanded over 15,000 soldiers, consisting of a powerful and diverse array of Barbarians, Humans, Ghosts, and Frost Giants. The civilian subject population rose to well over 50,000.

​Vahn kept his promise, initiating a massive distribution of wealth and resources. He gave each soldier and subject resources strictly according to their new roles and contribution, fostering fierce loyalty.

​Ezekiel and the Ghost King received the largest share of cultivation resources after the Queens, allowing their cultivation to soar and further solidifying their positions as the Emperor's top field commanders.

​Vahn also fulfilled his ultimate promise to the newly integrated Frost Giants: he personally oversaw the purification of their Ice Bloodline. This crucial step granted them enhanced control over the Ice element and removed generations of debilitating stagnation.

Their progress was staggering; their cultivation rose at an astonishing pace, making them a truly elite fighting force.

​Selena, now the personal maid and Royal Guardian of Queen Lilith, achieved a monumental breakthrough, reaching the Nascent Soul Realm. This elevation in power reinforced her eternal loyalty for Vahn and Lilith for the second chance she received.

​The entire Frost Giant race listened to her command as she was now their official chief and the direct link to the Dynasty's resources and power. Her devotion served as a powerful stabilizing force for the newly integrated territory.

Vahn was currently going through the daily afternoon report from Ezekiel with an exhausted face. Sure, the battle and conquest were fine, but the official paperwork that came afterward was the most tiring and annoying part of being an King.

​Ezekiel stood before Vahn, presenting the critical operational reports.

​"Your Majesty, the Barbarian Chief informed that they need more Beast Cores for their consumption, but we don't have enough Beast Cores to feed their entire Vanguard," Ezekiel reported, his own face looking weary from the continuous resource management.

​The Barbarian Vanguard, now Vahn's largest and fiercest military division, relied on high-grade Beast Cores to sustain their cultivation and growth.

​"Also," Ezekiel continued, his tone turning serious, "he said that several other tribes of Barbarians had taken notice of their surrender to a Human King. The Great Barbarian Union in the East might see this as an offense to their race. So, we should be prepared, just in case."

​Vahn rubbed his temples. Conquest brought resources, but it also brought a relentless demand for more resources and new enemies.

​

​Vahn sighed, his exhaustion momentarily giving way to his Ruler's resolve. He addressed the two major issues: resource scarcity and the looming tribal threat.

​

​"The Barbarian Vanguard is the sword of this Dynasty; they must be kept sharp," Vahn commanded. "The Oslan territory is rich, but not in Beast Cores of the necessary quality. We must look outwards immediately."

​"Ezekiel, divert half of the newly acquired Frost Giant gold and ice crystals to establishing immediate trade routes. We need high-grade Beast Cores and spiritual herbs from the Southern Jungles and the neutral territories."

​"Furthermore, task the Ghost Commander with leading a targeted, silent raid deep into the territory of the Serpent Demon Tribes in the west. They are known for their massive Beast Core stockpiles. Let the Ghosts acquire what the Barbarians need. Ensure zero trace is left behind; we are not yet ready for a war with the Demon Tribes."

​"As for the Great Barbarian Union, they will indeed see our conquest as both an opportunity and a threat," Vahn mused. "But we will not wait for them to catch us off guard .

​Use the newly purified Frost Giants to establish a heavy defensive line in the eastern mountain passes. Their elemental affinity provides an excellent natural defense against any aggressive movement from the eastern plains.

​Deploy a detachment of the Serpent Clan spies and newly converted Dark Elves to infiltrate the Union's border. I need actionable intelligence on their leadership, cultivation levels, and immediate intentions.

​

Send a highly visible envoy to the Union's border, accompanied by Selena and a platoon of Barbarian Giants who are clearly thriving. Do not offer alliance, but simply state that their Barbarian brothers chose prosperity over stagnation, and any intervention will be met with the strength that crushed the Frost Giant Kingdom in one afternoon."

Ezekiel listened attentively, noting down Vahn's critical orders regarding the Beast Cores, the trade routes, and the Barbarian Union defense strategy.

​"I will do everything you said, Your Majesty. I must take my leave now," Ezekiel confirmed, bowing before turning to execute the complex, multi-front plan.

​However, just as he was about to leave, a gust of profound darkness and light whined through the Courtroom. Vahn's eyes sharpened instantly, seeing Lilith and Seraphina appear so suddenly, and with the look of urgency.

​"Vahn, she is here!" Lilith announced, her voice hateful..

​Before Vahn could process who Lilith was talking about, he noticed a fourth figure swiftly land on the floor with a burst of Starlight energy.

​"Celestine?" Vahn questioned looking shocked and weary.

​"Yes. It is me," the newcomer confirmed, her voice calm and ethereal.

​She had the same long silver-white hair flowing over her shoulders, with a delicate silver ornament woven through it. Her skin was still pale and flawless, with a soft rosy glow. Her eyes were large and light lavender, radiating a calm and beautiful serenity. A red gem rested on her forehead, giving her a sacred, prophetic look. She wore silver and blue jewelry that shone softly in the light. Her dress was white and pale blue with golden patterns, marking her as elegant and pure.

She was the Saintess Of Stars and Fate: Celestine Starborn.

​Celestine's gaze locked onto Vahn, her eyes seeming to look directly into his soul.

​"How did you find us? Our location is shielded by Heaven Grade defenses," Vahn demanded, still sitting on the throne.

Despite his growing strength and influence, he had this weird feeling that this was the one person who could truly see his deepest secrets.

"How I find you, it's not important right now. You must come with me, Vahn Necrotis. Or should I say... Elias Maxwell?"

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