Page 149

Chapter 149: The Kingdom's Domain

Inside the council hall's chambers in Northwind Fortress.

"How long until the criminal code is completed?"

"Lord Cassius, forgive my frankness, but this task is far too daunting. Drafting a comprehensive kingdom code is not something we can achieve in a matter of months."

"Oh? Why not?"

"The structure of the Ember Kingdom is excessively complex. It requires consideration of local productivity, social structures, racial customs, and even the use of magic. This is an entirely new field for us. Without extensive field research, it’s impossible to proceed."

"My lord, let me give an example: cannibalizing one’s kin. For humans, this is unquestionably a severe crime of desecrating remains, but for ogres, it is an ancient cultural tradition. With the current number of races in the kingdom, we need to draft over twenty versions of the code, and this number may grow in the future."

His voice carried exhaustion.

"But the kingdom’s order demands written law. It cannot wait."

"Of course, we’ll do our best—"

"One month. Within one month, you must present a simplified framework for the 《》Kingdom Code《》. Other details can be deliberated and filled in later."

"My lord, I believe this timeline is still—"

"I will provide you with all the texts collected by the Lackman Duchy over the past century, along with substantial funding."

"But—"

"No buts. If you satisfy me, wealth, status, or power—you’ll have it all. Understood?"

"Understood, understood."

The player speaking was named "Cloud Calm Wind Gentle." His expression was a mix of joy and sorrow.

"Sigh..."

He was just an ordinary lawyer, burdened with immense work pressure and years of sleepless nights. By thirty, he was already suffering from severe hair loss. On his doctor’s advice, he set aside his work temporarily, seeking solace in the virtual world of Erezaghe, hoping for peace in this land of swords and sorcery.

Unlike professional players capped at level 4, Cloud Calm Wind Gentle was just a level-1 novice. He hadn’t even taken on combat missions and had only ever killed a chicken—a common situation for many casual players.

Hoping to earn some contributions as a clerical sorcerer, he inadvertently exposed his professional skills and was assigned the daunting task of drafting the kingdom’s legal code in the council hall.

Yet, dazzled by the immense rewards, he chose to resume his old career.

Cloud Calm Wind Gentle glanced around at the players, most of whom were law students and even some trainee lawyers. Compared to them, he was a seasoned veteran.

"Everyone, the timeline is tight. Our client is relentless... I mean, he’s a dragon, not even human."

"We only have one month."

"We’ll have to work overtime to make progress."

Looking at the densely packed 《Kingdom Code》 drafts on the floor, he suddenly felt a pang of sorrow. The middle-aged, balding man within him sighed deeply.

"No way."

"Even in another world, I’m still working!"

Cassius left the chamber and returned to the main hall.

"These players need constant prodding, or they’ll slack off. Otherwise, they might delay this until the open beta."

Cassius was well-versed in the art of client pressure to drive project progress.

He didn’t actually expect the 《Kingdom Code》 draft to be completed within a month. If it was ready in three months, that would already be impressive. By setting a one-month deadline, he ensured they worked as efficiently as possible.

Players always sought compromise. If you proposed opening a window, they’d resist. But if you suggested removing the roof, they’d settle for the window. Legal drafting worked the same way.

"The 《Dictatorial Rules》 are ultimately limited in their influence on natives. They can’t replace true laws. The kingdom needs a genuine legal code that transcends eras and races."

Cassius mused.

The Red Dragon sprawled in the council hall, his massive body making the space, designed to accommodate thousands, feel cramped.

He glanced at his interface, where a new achievement gleamed—a gilded crown appeared in his mind.

[You have established a nation, earning the advanced achievement 【King】.]

"Where the sun shines, there lies the empire’s land! —Holy Fadlan Emperor Aragorn I"

Your trait 【Dictatorial Rules】 has advanced to: 【Kingdom’s Domain】.

Charisma +3

Governance proficiency +10

Your kingdom is under your control. You can spend time to convert an area within your dominion into a 【Kingdom’s Domain】. Within this domain, you can actively suppress all spell effects or enhance your own spellcasting.

(Note: The original effects of Dictatorial Rules remain.)

"An advanced trait indeed. It’s like a massive anti-magic field that also amplifies my magical strength."

"And it even grants a substantial charisma boost."

Cassius marveled at his interface.

A familiar sensation engulfed him, twisting his body and soul, granting pure enhancement.

His Charisma increased by two points, enhanced twice by a 1.3x multiplier. This leap in external influence rendered him almost terrifyingly persuasive.

Though his caster level was a modest 13, his base Charisma of 28, capable of bending reality, elevated his spell strength to rival some legendary sorcerers.

"So this is what it feels like to be a stat monster..."

"Not bad at all."

With just a focus of his will, without even casting a spell, the elements around him grew restless, with small flames dancing in the air.

No spell models, no parameters from the Weave—just the execution of will and the manifestation of innate power. This was the sorcerer’s "Because I Think So" power.

"Let’s test this new ability."

"Kingdom’s Domain."

Cassius slowly closed his eyes, focusing his will on the gilded crown in his mind.

The surrounding space underwent a mysterious transformation. An invisible field expanded outward, and all magical energy within the field bowed to the Red Dragon.

He was, without question, the absolute sovereign of this domain.

【Kingdom’s Domain】

The Red Dragon opened his eyes, golden energy swirling within them.

He could feel the elemental currents around him and manipulate them—to intensify or silence them. Within this domain, all magical energy was like his subjects, his retainers.

"A powerful ability."

"If I faced that Shadow Dragon within this domain again, I wouldn’t be so helpless."

Suddenly, a sound emerged from his dimensional bag. The "Arcane Hermitage Medallion" gleamed with arcane light.

"It seems the second Arcane Hermitage is convening."

The Red Dragon cast Polymorph, his massive body shimmering with subtle light. The towering draconic form vanished, replaced by a black-haired, golden-eyed human noble in the council hall.

"A lot has happened between these two meetings."

A faint smile appeared on Cassius’s face.

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