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A notification appeared on Cassius’s panel.

[You have occupied a city with a population of ten thousand, gaining the special achievement 【Lord】]

Achievement 【Lord】

“This will become my territory, and I shall be the Lord of the world! —Conqueror King Audick”

Trait gained: 【Law of Dictatorship】

Charisma +1

Rulership Proficiency +6

You have conquered cities through sheer power. Your dictatorial rule instills fear in all, making it difficult for any considered “subjects” to defy your commands within your territory. Additionally, your edicts will take on the force of natural law within this land.

(Note: Any players in your territory belonging to your faction who attempt to break the law must pass a strict will check; otherwise, they will be sentenced to death. Based on the size of your territory and number of subjects, you may currently enact up to three laws.)

An invisible force enveloped Cassius.

His charisma increased to a daunting 26—almost comparable to some ancient dragons, thousands of years old, deeply connected to the world.

A unique, psionic-like power also emerged within Cassius’s will, waiting to be used.

"Law of Dictatorship, interesting."

"This will be effective for controlling the players."

While players appear chaotic and unruly, they are, in reality, bound by the greatest order—the system.

Everything they do, from combat to leveling up, strictly follows the system's rules.

Now, with 【Law of Dictatorship】, Cassius could establish himself as a pseudo-system administrator, implementing precise control over players’ actions, until they become accustomed to it and willingly serve Ember Nest as labor.

"Let’s try it out."

With this thought, Cassius wielded the invisible force tied to his will, issuing his first “Law of Dictatorship.”

Based on what he knew of players, they would definitely violate this law, allowing him to see the effects of this new ability.

【No theft is permitted here.】

"Whoa, this city’s way bigger than Baator City."

"Yeah."

"I heard it has over ten thousand people."

"The modeling is so realistic, even the marks on the city walls feel ancient."

Players stood at the city gate, gazing up at the tall walls of Trow City, which had stood for centuries, marveling at the sight.

"Imagine how many lootable items there must be in such a big city."

The player with the ID “Nocturne’s Verse” remarked.

Everyone turned to him, watching him warily and putting some distance between them.

“Nocturne’s Verse” was a rogue with the sub-class 【Thief】, already at level three, notorious as a pickpocket. Alongside “Surf Stripling,” he was part of the “Twin Scoundrels of the Mines,” infamous for stealing countless newbie players' money and gear in the dark mines.

His class traits 【Quick Hands】 and 【Gentleman Thief】 allowed him to get away with each theft, leaving his victims seething but helpless, venting their rage on the forums.

"Get lost, Nocturnal Scum!"

"Don’t go into the city with us!"

Players despised him, as he’d robbed hundreds of people.

Nocturne’s Verse protested, "I’m just making a comment, not doing anything. I haven’t stolen from you—what’s with the attitude?"

Once the other players had moved on, he pulled out a recently stolen ring, his lips curling into a sinister, smug smile.

【Treasure Ring】

Quality: Common

Description: A valuable ring that can be sold at a jewelry store for five gold coins.

"Heh, nice loot."

Using his “Gentleman Thief” trait, Nocturne’s Verse silently jumped onto the rooftop of a building.

Minutes later, the player he’d stolen from noticed something was off, felt his empty finger, and yelled.

"Wait… my ring is gone!"

"Damn it, it’s Nocturnal Scum!"

When he turned around in fury, Nocturne’s Verse had already vanished.

"Next time, come with me to corner him!"

"This bastard is the worst!"

"That was a reward I earned after grinding for over ten days—"

While the players raged over their losses, Nocturne’s Verse had already picked a lock, sneaking into a lavish mansion.

"Heh, Baator City had nothing like this—just a pesky sheriff."

"This is a paradise for thieves!"

The interior was finely decorated, with expensive gold and silver jewelry displayed in mahogany cabinets.

Nocturne’s Verse eagerly rubbed his hands, his eyes shining with excitement.

"This necklace is worth fifteen gold coins, this bracelet eleven, this pendant twenty-one, and these earrings six…"

"Heh heh."

"Hello, my precious—"

Suddenly, Nocturne’s Verse froze.

Notifications rapidly refreshed on his panel.

[You have violated 【Law of Dictatorship Clause 1—No theft is permitted here】]

[You must pass a will check.]

[Target for the check: 20; your result: 2]

[Will check failed]

[Status acquired: Death]

Nocturne’s Verse could only mutter, "Damn it…"

Before he could react, a powerful, invisible force crushed his brain.

"Pop!"

His head exploded like a smashed watermelon, leaving red and white splatters on the floor.

The next day, rumors spread of several mysterious headless bodies found in Viscount Burton’s mansion, scattered in various locations with nearby locks pried open.

People claimed they were loyal followers of Count Dawson, aiming to assassinate Viscount Burton, who had surrendered to Ember Nest, only to fall into the Viscount's well-prepared trap.

Meanwhile, several posts appeared on the player forum.

"Serious complaint about the game’s unfair treatment of rogue players!"

"Is there a bug in the game?"

"What kind of law is this—"

"Thievery is part of the world’s fabric; banning it disrupts the game’s flow."

However, the comments under these posts were largely mocking, especially in Nocturne’s Verse’s thread, where victims celebrated.

"Good and evil always come full circle."

"Look up if you don’t believe—officials spare no one."

"Nocturne: I steal your money. Officials: I steal your head."

"Fully support! Suggest extending this law to Baator City."

"It seems it’s already updated there—now sheriffs can’t catch thief players, only the native pickpockets."

"Justice is served!"

"Nice job, devs!"

"Why doesn’t this trigger when I steal in Northwind Fortress? Hasn’t it updated yet?"

"Surf Scum, why aren’t you dead yet—"

Cassius browsed the player posts, nodding slightly.

This first display of “killing the chicken to scare the monkey” seemed effective. These players now viewed his laws as part of the system’s rules. Once they got used to this, he could gradually impose stricter regulations.

He’d just have to pace himself; harvesting too aggressively might drive players away from Ember Nest, which wouldn’t be ideal.

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