As the elder beastman left to carry out Kent’s orders, Kent turned to the merchants and other influential figures still lingering in the hall, hoping to change his mind. “This city will remain for its original people. If you wish to do business here, you will follow my rules or leave.”
One of the bolder merchants stepped forward, holding an expensive artifact encrusted with jewels. “City Lord,” he said, his voice pleading, “surely you can see the benefits of allowing us to stay. We bring wealth, resources—”
Kent silenced him with a steely glare. “I have no need for your wealth. I would rather see my City remain a small but honorable place than become a nest of corruption.”
The merchant faltered, bowing and stepping back, realizing that Kent would not be swayed.
Kent’s attention then shifted to the assembled city guards, most of whom were beastmen under his command. He addressed them with a tone of authority. “From this day forward, you will enforce my law strictly. No outsiders will control the resources or exploit the people of this city. Your duty is to protect the native villagers and ensure no one abuses their power.”
The guards pounded their fists to their chests in a gesture of loyalty, their faces serious. They felt a renewed sense of pride in their role as protectors of their city.
As Kent dismissed the crowd, he remained in the hall, observing as the merchants and wealthier townsfolk reluctantly dispersed. Some whispered in frustration, while others grumbled under their breath. But all understood that the authority of the City Lord was not to be challenged.
–
Next Day Morning…
Kent rested in the city lord hall during night. Before going to sleep, he asked the elder beast men to choose five efficient members of his race as he needed them for a confidential task. By the time he woke, five young stunted beast men who were the height of Kent’s waist, stood before the city lord hall.
The elder had done as instructed, and five young stunted beast men awaited him in neat rows. Kent glanced at each one, noting their compact, muscular frames—no higher than his waist but with a fierce determination gleaming in their eyes.
Kent sat behind the city lord’s desk and took the city lord’s seal in hand. With precise strokes, he wrote the new commandments, imposing strict limits on anyone entering the city without a direct purpose.
This city would be the center for gathering his army in the future war of 9 realms. That’s why Kent decided to keep the city under full control with limited population.
Soon, the final ten rules were hammered out with the city lord’s seal. At the bottom, he wrote the city’s new name—
Forbidden Island of the Dragon Lord.
With his commands issued, he looked up to see the elder beast man had finished copying them onto official parchment.
“Announce these commands to the villagers and hang the board at the entrance of the teleportation gate. Make sure everyone knows that only those loyal to me, sworn on their dao heart, may stay within this city. We won’t risk outsiders gaining any ground here.”
The elder beast man nodded, visibly relieved. “Yes, Master! I’ll spread the word right away.” Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire
Kent dismissed him with a nod, watching as the elder left. He stood and walked towards his chambers. He changed into dull clothes, pulling a simple mask over his face and wrapping himself in dark clothes to conceal his identity.
After making necessary arrangements, Kent left for the royal capital city along with 5 stunted beast men.
—
Arriving in the royal capital, he quickly made his way to the nearest inn, securing a private room with fewer people.
“I’m entrusting this task to you. Remain here, lay low, and do not leave until I return,” he commanded.
The beast men nodded in unison. “Yes, Master,” they replied in unison.
Satisfied, Kent left the inn and slipped into the depths of the city’s underground. Veiled in his disguise, he navigated the network of dim alleys until he found the brothel-lined streets that housed some of the darkest, most secretive networks in the capital.
His ultimate destination was an illegal betting den disguised as an unremarkable inn.
The aroma of stale smoke and perfume filled the air as Kent entered, and he spotted the staff, his eyes scanning for the right contact. Noticing a woman with a certain specific features, he moved towards her and held out his hand, letting a pebble-sized Titan Crystal gleam in his palm.
“I need confidential information,” he said in a low, unyielding tone. “Wealth is not a problem.”
The woman’s eyes widened as she caught sight of the crystal, the greed in her gaze tempered by awe. She knew well the rarity and worth of Titan Crystal. She swallowed, her voice a whisper, “Of course, sir. Right this way.”
She led him down a winding staircase, her silence making it clear this was no place for idle chatter. The steps seemed to descend into the very earth itself, the air thickening with a stifling, tense anticipation.
At last, they stopped before a black door, guarded by no fewer than three men. The woman gestured for him to enter alone, then retreated up the stairs without a word.
Inside, Kent found himself in a small, dim room lined with shelves holding an assortment of rare items, manuscripts, and bottles. An old man with thin, wrinkled skin and sharp, almost predatory eyes sat at the far end.
He was known as Old Ma, a reclusive figure infamous for his dealings with the royal capital’s underground.
Old Ma’s gaze flickered to the Titan Crystal still in Kent’s hand, a smirk playing at his lips. “Do you have more of that?” he asked, leaning forward, greed dripping from his voice.
Kent clenched his fingers around the crystal. “Stop joking,” he said sharply, holding the old man’s gaze. “If you know what this is, you’d understand its rarity. Now, let’s get down to business.”
Old Ma’s smirk didn’t falter. He leaned back in his chair, watching Kent closely. “You must want something valuable for a crystal of that size. What is it?”
“Information about the royal prison,” Kent said plainly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I need details on the prisoners inside, their histories, the prison layout, secret routes, and its security measures.”
Old Ma’s eyes narrowed in curiosity. “That’s quite the list,” he murmured, tapping his bony fingers together. “Are you planning to break someone out or just looking to make a study of our fine royal institution?”
Kent’s patience wore thin. “I asked for information, not questions,” he snapped. “Are you able to provide it?”
The old man chuckled, his fingers tapping thoughtfully. “I can get you the details you need… for that piece of crystal.”
After a few more verbal exchanges between the two of them, Old Man sent a communication signal outside. Soon, a lady came with a thick book and several small maps and old tattered papers.
After compiling and copying things for a long time, a small tome of documents was passed into Kent’s hands.
Old Ma’s sharp eyes tried to see Kent’s face while passing documents. But his charms didn’t work on Kent as Kent got careful after incidents with princess Sony Stick.
With a nod, Kent left the dark room, pocketing the prison layout and details needed urgently.