I clenched my fangs, feeling rather annoyed with the careless use of their own people. Whether they had a direct hand with it, or even some kind of nonsense criminal syndicate were involved. It’s easy to see that they were guilty enough to be involved with this.

  There were many questions running through my head. Why did they do this? When did they start? Just what is it did they hope to accomplish?

  “…. Mr. Vlad?” A young voice called out to me, snapping me back to reality.

  V was clinging to my side with a look of worry on their face. That managed to calm as I gently patted their head.

  “I’m ok V, thank you.”

  Right, best to focus on the task on hand. Zeph and the others should be getting to their destination soon. I needed all of us to be ready when they do.

  As I waited for his message, my dark butler had decided to take this opportunity to start some small talk with me.

  “Master, if I may ask. Is there any reason you didn’t ask for my assistance?” He questioned, giving me the impression of what I could assume to be pleading with his glowing eyes.

  “Don’t worry Paimoth, I rather have you here near me for my grand entrance. After all, nothing makes a strong impression like having a Daemon butler next to me. ~”

  Paimoth’s eyes squinted upwards, indicating his delight. “Yes, you are right Master Vladimir.”

  “After this though, I’d like you to teach me more on using spells.”

  I found it fascinating how spells don’t seem to apply to [Game Screen]. With all of the different enhancements I made through his magic, I just couldn’t help but wonder what other kinds of spells I could produce for myself.

  {“We’re in position, ready when you are”}

  Seeing the message I mobilized my troops. “Alright, it’s go time everyone! Time for my next Conquest!!”

  Everyone roared in enthusiasm as we all got into position, all of my minions followed from behind while me and my faithful henchman appeared out front. Unfortunately, there was a small argument at the last minute.

  “I’ll be taking the honor of giving the boss his seat.”

  “I have to disagree; Master Vladimir would be much more comfortable in the seat I have provided for him.”

  “As if a misty chair would compare to my soft fur!”

  “I believe you would be mistaken on that Mordred.”

  …. seriously? They’re arguing about my seat preference right now? I mean, I do agree that Mordred’s fur was surprisingly soft. You would think a battle crazed monster like him would be rough, but I guess he’s been taking care of it recently. Then again Paimoth’s throne can be very flexible and can definitely look badass with the whole shadow themes. But also the idea of being able to sit on the shoulder of a Minota-

  Wait! This is not the time for this right now!

  I cleared my throat, grabbing both of their attention. “That’s enough you two. I’ll walk just fine. I’ll call upon on you if need be.”

  They agreed and stopped their argument. Finally, we walked out of the trees and got closer to the new kingdom. What was it called again… oh right I believe Zeph said it was the Ebonatum Kingdom.

  Lucky for us, there were at least a few guards stationed at the entrance, and it didn’t take long for them to notice us. I saw them panic and I could barely hear one of them yell for backup. The most likely response, I’m sure.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Good, this should get their attention. But just to be sure…

  “Paimoth, why not give a show for all of them to see.”

  My Daemon’s eyes lit up as he lightly bowed. “But of course Master Vladimir. ~”

  He raised his hand as Mana starts to gather around it before releasing it out to the air as a blast of fire spews out like fireworks. It lights up the sky, making it hard for anyone around to ignore.

  Many of my minions were in awe over his expert display though I could see that Mordred was pouting. Clearly, he wanted to show off as well. Guess it wouldn’t hurt to let my Minotaur have a little fun.

  “Ok Mordred, you can send a whirlwind around the kingdom. Just make sure it doesn’t hit anyone.”

  Mordred couldn’t grab his [Tomahawk] any faster “You got it boss!!”

  He tossed it to the side, activating his [Storm Cleaver] as a hurricane started to build up and circle around the kingdom. Strong gusts of wind threaten to slice off the walls of their border as Mordred catches the [Tomahawk] back in his hands. The guards stationed freaked out and yelled out in desperation. Enough so that I could pick up on some of the things they said.

  “Monster swarm incoming!!”

  How sweet, they think us a mere swarm huh? Well, I best prove them wrong, shouldn’t I? ~

  I directed us to march forward as the soldiers started to gather at the gates. I can see several of them fearful of their lives. Once we were in clear view for them walked forth and spoke up. “Come now, this is no mere swarm I assure you.”

  I raised my claw, palms opened, and fingers spread out as I continued. “Greetings all, I am the new ruler of the Mivtic Kingdom as well as the town of Greyston.”

  I spread out both my claws high up in the air as my army steps to the side and bowed before me. “I am the kobold Vladimir. But you may call me your future ruler! Veehahahahaha!! ~”

  There was a mix of familiar emotions spread across their faces. Confusion. Fear. Anger. All viable with the sight before them. A typical reaction to the sight before them, which is why I was rather taken back when one of the guards spoke up.

  “I-I heard about this! There was a report of the Mivtic kingdom being overtaken by monsters! And they were led by a red Kobold. I thought it was false information. But it’s true!”

  The guard points right down at me. “They called him the [Tiny Tyrant]!!”

  I suddenly lost my footing, nearly tumbling to the ground in confusion. Damn you, stupid title!! How dare you give me such a degrading moniker!!

  As if to further humiliate me my minions started to chant in unison! “[Tiny Tyrant]!! [Tiny Tyrant]!!”

  Seriously! Why is it this is the one thing you all agree on!! Urgghghh…. This just killed my mood for this conquest a little….”

  I got myself back at the task at hand as I cleared my throat. “Anyways as I was saying… I’m here now because I desire to take this kingdom as my own. Do we have any objections from anyone? ~”

  I was initially shocked when they immediately yelled out their opinions, I expected some opposition but not this. Something’s up… Before I could think further on the guards’ reactions, more of them started to show up.

  “Alright everyone, ready up.” I gave the orders to my army, who in turn readied their weapons. I could sense their excitement. Some of them were more intense than others.

  Of course, the one with the most intense joy was my faithful henchman Mordred. “Let’s do this!!!” And of course, he is the first to want to go into the attack. Already he brandished his axe and came to the forefront.

  I expected at least a reaction from him but instead they started to take something out of their pockets…

  No…

  “Just as instructed men! Take these [Stout Black Root] and we should be strong enough to face even a minotaur!” A young guardsman announced, riling up the rest. They each brought their own [Stout Black Root] to their mouths, and I panicked.

  “Stop! You can’t take those!!” I pleaded to them all

  That only seemed to make them more committed. “Hah! Look at their leader squirm. He’s afraid!!”

  I tried to motion my soldiers to stop them, but it was too late. They had already swallowed the black roots into their stomachs. There was a bitter look in their faces as the taste passed their tongues. They looked like they wanted to throw up.

  But then I sense powered starting to emanate from them. Their muscles tense and even expanded slightly. Their expressions changed to one of madness as if some evil spirit had taken over their bodies. They hunched back as they looked at us, no sense of fear or worry crossed their faces as they brandished their weapons like a wild animal.

  We all tensed up; I felt disgusted over the sight before me. At this moment they seemed less like humans and more like rabid beasts hungry for their next prey! I couldn’t help but to glance at Jordan after that thought but out of all of us, he seemed the most repulsed. I guess this kind of thing hits way too close to home for him.

  But this is bad. I figured those [Stout Black Root] would have some kind of adverse effects for the boost in [Strength] and [Health] but this was much worse than I had anticipated! I’ll have to ponder later on why my [Game Screen] didn’t inform me of these drawbacks.

  For now, we have no choice but to fight!