The following days unfolded in the new rhythm of the ruined fortress. With the power of a Demon Lord and the support of the system, I quickly solidified my position.
Elara, with her light magic, became an incredibly useful tool. Under Lilith's strict supervision and my relentless prodding, she worked tirelessly. Cracks in the walls were sealed, shattered stones miraculously lifted and returned to their original places. Little by little, the fortress began to regain its former shape, though still desolate. Whenever Elara's mana ran dry, she was brought to my chambers. On those nights, I would "restore" her, both draining her energy to bolster my strength and relishing her trembling, her absolute submission beneath my touch. This not only replenished my mana but also brought a perverse pleasure, watching a pure light mage gradually corrupt under the darkness.
Lilith proved to be an effective subordinate. She not only oversaw Elara but also reorganized the Demon Servants, assigning them tasks of clearing debris, patrolling, and scavenging for resources around the fortress. She was intelligent, cunning, and always sought to please me. Occasionally, I caught her looking at Elara with overt jealousy, but Lilith always kept her emotions well in check. The allure of a Succubus was ever-present in her, and I knew, should I desire it, she would readily offer everything.
TING!
[Side Quest: Fortify the Fortress (40/100%) - Reward: 50 EXP, 20 Demon Essence completed 4 times. Total EXP: 200, Demon Essence: 80.]
[Azazel has leveled up! Level: 5]
[Base stats have increased.]
[New Skill: Bloodsight (Passive) unlocked!]
I smiled in satisfaction. My power was increasing rapidly. Bloodsight allowed me to perceive an enemy's weak points, an incredibly useful skill in combat.
I opened the Shop. With the accumulated Demon Essence (110 total), I could purchase a few more things. I needed more subordinates.
"Buy Demon Warriors (Level 1) x 5." Each cost 15 Demon Essence. Total: 75.
[Purchased Demon Warriors (Level 1) x 5! Demon Essence remaining: 35.]
[New Subordinates: Demon Warriors (5)]
Five new demons appeared in the great hall, taller and more muscular than the Demon Servants, wielding crude stone swords. They knelt, their eyes blank and subservient.
"Lilith," I called, and she instantly appeared. "Train these Demon Warriors. They will be my vanguard."
"Yes, My Master." Lilith bowed. Her gaze assessed the new Demon Warriors.
"One more thing," I said, looking directly at her. "The Kingdom of Elara. When is the most opportune time to attack?"
Lilith thought for a moment, then replied. "The Kingdom of Elara lies to the west, about three days' march if we move quickly. They have quite strong defenses, especially their light knights and elemental mages. However, they've grown complacent after their victory. There will be a grand festival in three days, celebrating their triumph. That would be our best opportunity. Their defenses will be at their weakest then."
"A festival, eh?" I smirked. "How amusing. I will turn their celebration into a massacre."
Lilith smiled, a captivating and wicked grin. "I believe that's an excellent idea, My Master."
"Prepare," I commanded. "Have the Demon Warriors train. Elara will continue repairing the fortress. Within the next three days, I want the fortress sturdy enough to serve as a strong base."
I returned to my private chamber. Elara, Lilith, the demon servants, and now the Demon Warriors. My army was slowly forming. My power had been consolidated. I reopened the Shop, glancing at the "Equipment" section.
"A new set of armor for myself..." I murmured. "I'll need something worthy of a Demon Lord."
A bold idea sparked in my mind. If the Kingdom of Elara was renowned for its light knights and mages, then I would use their very resources to forge my armor. It would be the ultimate insult.
"System," I thought. "Is there a way to craft equipment from special materials?"
[Yes, Master. The Crafting skill (Level 1) can be purchased. Alternatively, Master can seek out professional demon blacksmiths.]
Professional demon blacksmiths. That sounded interesting. But purchasing the crafting skill wasn't a bad idea either.
I decided I would wait until I had enough Demon Essence. For now, everything was ready for an assault. I wouldn't just conquer the Kingdom of Elara; I would transform it into my own hellish garden, where Azazel's lust and dominion would reign supreme.