Chapter 149: Kingdom Domain
Northwind Keep, Private Chamber of the Council Hall.
“How much longer until the criminal code is completed?”
“Master Kai Xiusu, forgive me for speaking plainly—this task is far too immense. Compiling a comprehensive Kingdom Codex is not something we could accomplish in mere months, no matter how hard we try.”
“Oh? Why so?”
“The Kingdom of Ashen’s structure is incredibly complex. We must account not only for local productivity levels and social hierarchies, but also the customs of each race, their magical practices—entirely new territory for us. Without extensive field research, we simply cannot proceed.”
“Let me give you an example: consuming one’s own kind’s corpse is, to humans, a grave desecration—unforgivable. But to ogres, it’s an ancient tradition. That means, with the current number of races in the kingdom, we’d need over twenty distinct legal versions—more will likely be added in the future.”
His voice carried the weight of exhaustion.
“But the kingdom’s order demands written law—urgently.”
“Of course. We’ll do everything in our power—”
“One month. In one month, you must deliver a simplified framework of the Kingdom Codex. The rest can be filled in later, gradually.”
“Master, I believe that timeline is still—”
“There will be no ‘but.’ I will provide you with every text ever collected by the Duchy of Lakanman over the past century, plus substantial funding.”
“But—”
“There is no ‘but.’ If you deliver results that satisfy me, wealth, status, power—anything you desire—will be yours. Do you understand?”
“Yes. Yes, Master.”
The player, known as “Cloud Light and Calm,” wore a face of profound contradiction—joy warring with sorrow.
“Ah…,” he sighed.
He was merely a common lawyer, overworked and sleep-deprived, already battling early hair loss at thirty. Following his doctor’s advice, he’d stepped away from his duties and dove into the virtual world of Ailezegai, seeking peace in a realm of swords and magic.
Unlike the legendary 4th-tier players, Cloud Light and Calm was a mere 1st-level Common Player—had never taken on a combat quest, had only killed one chicken. He was, in truth, representative of countless average players.
He’d originally wanted to become a Sorcerer just to earn a few Contribution Points. But fate had other plans—his unexpectedly high professionalism had caught the Council’s eye, and now he was tasked with drafting the kingdom’s legal code.
Yet, faced with the dazzling rewards on offer, he’d reluctantly returned to his old trade.
Cloud Light and Calm glanced around at the other players in the chamber—mostly law students, even a few trainee lawyers. He was, by far, the most experienced among them.
“Friends,” he said, voice weary but resolute, “the deadline is brutal. Our client? He’s already not human—no, he never was. He’s a dragon.”
“One month.”
“We’re going to have to work overtime.”
He looked down at the scattered drafts of the Kingdom Codex strewn across the floor, and suddenly, tears welled in his eyes. The middle-aged man vanished—replaced by the image of a balding young man, burdened and sorrowful.
“Not…,” he whispered.
“Why, even in another world… I’m still working?”
Kai Xiusu stepped out of the private chamber and returned to the main hall.
“Players must be kept under constant pressure. Otherwise, they’ll slack off—probably drag this out until Public Test.”
He understood the art of pushing deadlines.
In truth, he had no intention of completing a draft of the Kingdom of Ashen legal code in one month. Three months would be a miracle. But setting the deadline at one month forced them to sprint—because players always compromise. If you demand too much, they resist. But if you demand the impossible, they’ll settle for the next best thing.
Dictatorial Edicts might influence the native populace, but they couldn’t replace true law. The kingdom needed a real, enduring, cross-racial legal system—one that could stand the test of time.
Red Dragon lay coiled within the Council Chamber, his massive form making even the thousand-person hall feel cramped.
He glanced at his Character Sheet. The new Armor Classhievement had already appeared—a gleaming, golden crown materialized in his mind.
[You have established a nation. Advanced Armor Classhievement unlocked: King]
“Where the sun shines, there lies the empire!”
—Holy Emperor Faldran, Aragon I
Your Trait [Dictatorial Edict] has evolved into:
[Kingdom Domain]
Charisma +3
Rule Proficiency +10
Your kingdom is now under your absolute control. You may spend time to transform any region you lead into a Kingdom Domain. Within this domain, you can actively suppress all spell reactions, or amplify your own magical power.
(Note: Original [Dictatorial Edict] effect remains active.)
“Not bad at all. This is essentially a massive anti-magic field, while simultaneously boosting my own spellcasting.”
“And it comes with a massive Charisma boost.”
Kai Xiusu stared at his Character Sheet, marveling.
That familiar sensation returned—twisting his body and soul, delivering pure, unfiltered power.
Charisma increased by two points—two full 1.3x multipliers. His ability to influence others skyrocketed, reaching a level bordering on terrifying.
Though his Spellcaster Level was only 13, his base Charisma of 28—capable of distorting reality—meant his spells now rivaled those of some Legendary Sorcerers.
“This is what it feels like to be a Numerical Monster…”
“Not bad.”
The Red Dragon merely focused his will on a single point. No spell was cast. No Arcane Web. No Spellcraft Model. Just raw, unfiltered Willful Enforcement, and Natural Manifestation—the very essence of a Sorcerer’s “I think it should be this way” power.
“Let’s try the new ability.”
Kingdom Domain.
Kai Xiusu closed his eyes, channeling his will into the gilded golden crown in his mind.
The air around him shifted. An invisible force field unfolded, expanding slowly. Within it, all spell energy bent to his will—obeying like loyal subjects.
He was the absolute sovereign of this domain.
[Kingdom Domain]
The Red Dragon opened his eyes. Golden light burned within them.
He could feel the pulse of elemental energy in the air, now fully under his command. He could stir it into frenzy—or still it into silence. Every spark, every surge, every ripple of magic obeyed him—his followers, his servants.
“A truly formidable power.”
“If I faced that Shadow Dragon again within a Kingdom Domain… I wouldn’t be helpless.”
Suddenly, a faint chime echoed from Kai Xiusu’s Dimensional Sack. The Arcane Monastery Insignia glowed with arcane radiance.
“Looks like it’s time for the Second Arcane Monastery Assembly.”
The Red Dragon cast Polymorph. His form shimmered, his draconic aura dissolving. In an instant, a human noble stood in the chamber—Black Hair, Golden Eyes.
“Still, so much has happened between these two gatherings,” Kai Xiusu murmured, a faint smile playing on his lips.
(End of Chapter)
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