Jolan opened the global marketplace interface, listing three items and placing the remaining thirty-two units of wolf meat for trade in exchange for basic resources—wood, stone, and metal.
Before long, notifications began chiming in his ears. Most were successful trades for stone and wood, with only a few for metal.
He didn't mind. There was still time before the collection was complete. Afterward, he called over a nearby civilian who was stationed close to a bait pile, guarding a chunk of meat.
"Las, pass my order to everyone guarding the inner perimeter. If they spot a beast approaching, they are to notify me immediately."
"At once, my lord!"
Now that all the fighters were outside, Jolan remained the only armed combatant within the territory. He didn't mind—in fact, he preferred it this way. Ever since he discovered how the Ancient Purification Tomb worked, he knew he wasn't the kind of lord who hid behind his troops. He would fight on the frontlines himself. And in this chaotic world, he believed personal strength was the greatest asset a person could have.
---
Las continued past two of the bait points, relaying Jolan's orders. When he neared the third point, his eyes caught sight of a massive lion with three whip-like tails striding toward the territory—drawn straight to the bait pile at the wall's edge.
"Gil! A beast approaches! Be careful not to step beyond the barrier. I'll go alert the lord!"
"R-right! I'll wait here for his command!"
Gil's voice trembled. He was just a civilian—one swipe from that lion and his life would be over in an instant.
---
[ Beast Name: Three-Tailed Lion ]
[ Power Level: Green – Novice ]
[ Description: Born in the Frozen Plains, this beast possesses razor-sharp fangs and claws. Its three tails are its most fearsome weapons—each strike capable of ripping flesh from bone. ]
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Standing safely under the barrier's protection, Jolan watched the massive orange lion with grave focus. To him, every battle was life or death. He simulated the fight over and over in his mind. One mistake could cost him dearly.
"ROAR!"
The beast slammed its tails against the invisible wall, furious at the bait it could not reach.
Jolan saw his chance. If the lion realized it couldn't break through, it would leave. This was the best opportunity.
He inhaled sharply, then unleashed a bestial roar that shook the air—louder and more savage than the lion's own. The creature froze, dazed for a split second. Jolan shot forward, curved sword in hand, and drove it straight into the lion's ear canal.
The blade sank in cleanly, but out of the corner of his eye he caught a tail lashing toward him at blinding speed.
Without hesitation, he released his grip on the sword and threw himself into a clumsy roll, narrowly avoiding the strike. His talent-enhanced reflexes saved him; otherwise, he would have been gravely wounded—or worse.
"ROOAAAR!!"
The lion howled in agony, its tails flailing wildly. Half-mad, it slammed against the barrier, staggered back, then charged blindly in the opposite direction.
Jolan didn't rush. He followed at a careful distance. It was his first time leaving the safety of the barrier, and though he felt exhilarated, his vigilance sharpened.
The lion stumbled farther and farther, its brain scrambled by the lodged blade. After a few hundred steps, its body collapsed with a final, pitiful growl.
[ Notification: You have slain a Green-rank Novice Beast: Three-Tailed Lion. ]
"My strength hasn't advanced… but I can feel I'm closer to breaking through."
Jolan muttered as the reward energy coursed through him. His level hadn't risen yet, but with the Ancient Purification Tomb in his hands, he had little reason to worry about his growth.
"Come, help me drag the body inside!"
He called to two young men nearby. This time, he joined them in hauling the beast. The lion was larger than the bear they'd harvested before, and its blood stench was sure to draw other predators.
From above, the sight of Jolan and his two vassals dragging the lion by its three tails resembled ants tugging home prey many times their size.
---
When they reached the safety of the barrier, Jolan handed the carcass over to his people, then went ahead to the Ancient Purification Tomb. Dropping into the chair beside the monument, he let out a long breath.
The fight had only lasted two moves, but the mental strain was immense—greater than his first solo battle. For a moment, his life had truly been on the line.
"No matter. I survived. And for the future, I must grow even stronger!"
Clenching his fists, he made a silent vow. For the first time in both his lives, he felt a grand goal burning in his heart.
---
The scraping of stone broke his thoughts. The villagers had already dragged the lion's corpse to the tomb.
"Good work. Push it in, then return to your posts. Stay sharp."
His men obeyed, and the purification began.
[ Purification in Progress: Estimated Time – 50 minutes. ]
As expected, the process took longer for a higher-ranked beast. Jolan looked forward to upgrading his Lord's Hall—then the Tomb would improve as well.
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Meanwhile, notifications continued to flow:
[ World-Travelling Lord has traded 8 units of metal for 8 units of bear meat. ]
[ All listed trades complete: You have received 200 units of wood, 200 units of stone, and 12 units of metal. ]
"Perfect timing!" Jolan laughed. "Just when I needed the resources, they arrived."
[ Building: Lord's Hall ]
[ Territory Rank: White – Novice ]
[ Function: The lord's personal residence and core storage facility. ]
[ Upgrade Requirements: 200 wood, 200 stone, 10 metal, 5 Chaos Gems. ]
Without hesitation, Jolan confirmed the upgrade.
A familiar milky-white light engulfed the hall, spreading outward until it touched the barrier. The once-static wall of energy trembled, then began expanding rapidly.
Two minutes later…
[ Notification: Lord's Hall has been successfully upgraded. ]
[ Notification: Will of Chaos—Congratulations, Lord of the Frozen North. Your territory has advanced, marking your first step toward the struggle for dominion among all races. Keep striving forward! ]
[ Regional Talent Activated: The Purification Tomb's efficiency has improved. A second Tomb has been constructed. Please check the talent panel for details. ]
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End of Chapter 8