I started with my inventory. I found a level 7 boar and used my ability on it. I scraped it and left only the meat in my inventory.
I checked my troops to find they had reached level 14. I guess leveling up really slowed down. I checked the log. They hadn't killed anything in a while.
I checked the map and made a guess. They probably got all of the most obvious beasts in the immediate area. Later when I summon more I'll have them all go out further.
I recalled them.
I set to sorting my inventory and the warehouse. I need to select the items I want to sell and for what.
I don't need beast cores. I have plenty of those. Actually I don't know what these are used for but they were a very popular trading tool.
Well besides upgrading the castle.
A thought occurred to me. I opened to the build and upgrade mode and looked for the summoning circle. I found it and immediately clicked to see what I needed to upgrade it.
(100 monster cores required for upgrade)
I immediately clicked upgrade.
(10 minutes)
That's a very fair amount of time. No wonder it's a popular trading tool. I wouldn't be able to upgrade without my talent.
I checked to see I have 9 hours before the store opens.
My demons returned knocking on the door.
"Demon Lord you called for us."
I closed my system out. "Enter."
Both entered. Blood was still on their bodies from the hunting. I ignored it since there aren't currently any ways to bathe.
They both can to my feet and kneeled.
I nodded in approval. "You have both done well. You have killed most if not all the beasts in the area. It has been very helpful."
They both grinned. Seemingly very proud of themselves. Tall one, "I am glad the tribute was to your liking."
"Later I will summon more demons and you will lead them further to scout and also raise their levels. Remember war is approaching."
They both nodded seriously listening to me.
"There are better things in the temporary warehouse. Use whatever you think is best. No holding back. There are even a couple wands now."
They both happily stood up. Short one,"Thank you very much Demon Lord. With a staff I can cast more complicated magic."
I nodded. "Now light the fire again and report to me on your scouting mission."
The short one stacked and lit the fire while the tall one spoke.
"This is a barren wasteland. Despite that there are a lot of those beasts. We haven't found any den. No watering holes and we have no idea what they eat. At this time of year they should be in hibernation."
"The mountains are deadly for those that can't fly. Though we spotted a very strong looking bird creature. So flying over the mountains may also be a problem. This is the perfect place for one to become strong."
More like this is the best place for assured death. Nothing in his report was exactly good news. Though it has not even been a day.
I stood and approached the new fire sitting with my back to it. "So you believe it will be difficult for others to enter this area?"
They both nodded. The short one speaking now. "The nights are long. Since the beasts get three times as strong at night it would make troops that don't get stronger or are even weak at night have a very limited time to move around freely. There is very little merit for them. But it's the perfect place for us demons."
He isn't wrong. I'm actually facing one very lucky situation. I have the perfect talent and troops to deal with this situation.
(Upgrade complete on Summoning Circle. You are now able to summon three troops starting at level 2.)
Holy shit upgrading is amazing. I clicked around to see if I could upgrade it again.
(1000 Beast cores, 10 iron required for upgrade.)
I decided to wait and multiply my iron before using it to upgrade. I don't wanna be caught without it.
I closed out the screen. "I agree that this is a good starting point for us. Though we can't yet say we're the only ones out here. If you find someone else's troops or castle just observe for now. I'd rather not start anything. But do defend yourself if necessary. I don't tolerate you allowing ourselves to be killed needlessly. Even if you can be revived."
Demons or not I won't be a tyrant. I don't even know if their loyalty is locked at 100 or if that's a temporary thing. Plus it's easier to work with someone than for someone.
I do think we're the only ones in such a deadly place. This is not going to be an easy fight for anyone. Though I have to brace myself for killing humans. It will be on me because I will make the order. I will take soul contracts if I can. But inevitably not everyone will go for that.
I even more so have to prepare to die or give up a soul contract. I don't want to do either of those things. But I can't deny I want to live. No one simply wants to die. In this world I believe I could live quite comfortably.
Though if I give a soul contract to the wrong person, it could be worse than death.
The hour was up and I multiplied the iron and pushed to upgrade the summoning circle.
(1 hour.)
I'll do everything I can to avoid that.