Chapter : 693

  [Description: Enhances the core functionality of the [Echo of Will] protocol. Allows the user to manifest and maintain two (2) separate Echo constructs simultaneously. Each Echo can be assigned a unique Task Protocol and will operate independently on its own energy cycle. This upgrade represents a 100% increase in passive resource generation potential.]

  One hundred percent increase. The words sang to the industrialist in his soul. It was the promise of doubling his factory’s output with a single capital investment. The tedious, soul-crushing hours he and Fang Fairy had spent grinding for those coins suddenly felt like the wisest investment he had ever made. He had endured the boredom, resisted the temptation to spend his FC on minor perks, and had saved diligently for this single, game-changing moment.

  He still had a healthy reserve of Farming Coins, a testament to his recent brutal hunts in the Savage Brushland. The purchase would not deplete his savings entirely, leaving him with a comfortable buffer for any future needs. There was no need for hesitation, no room for debate. This was the logical, optimal, and most strategically sound decision he could make.

  He focused his will on the purchase button, the mental command as firm and decisive as a signature on a ducal decree.

  “Execute purchase.”

  [Purchase confirmed,] the familiar, rustic chime of the Farming System echoed in his mind. [1000 FC has been deducted from your account. Upgrading [Automated Harvesting Protocol] to Mark II. Please stand by.]

  Unlike the agonizing, invasive process of his Void Power integration, this upgrade was a quiet, clean software patch. He felt a gentle pulse of energy from the System, a soft warmth that spread through his consciousness. The Farming System interface flickered for a moment, the icons rearranging themselves, before settling into a new, expanded configuration.

  Where there had been a single slot for his [Echo of Will], there were now two, sitting side-by-side like twin portraits. [ECHO_01] was currently listed as ‘Active - Slime Plains.’ [ECHO_02] was listed as ‘Dormant - Awaiting Protocol.’

  A slow, profoundly satisfied smile spread across Lloyd’s face. He had just doubled his workforce without hiring a single new employee. He had cloned himself, creating a second spectral slave to toil away in his private dimension, farming resources for his war effort while he slept, ate, or attended mind-numbingly dull court functions. It was the ultimate expression of efficiency.

  His mind immediately went to work, optimizing his new asset. The Slime Plains were a low-yield, low-risk environment. It was inefficient to have two Echos working the same, unprofitable territory. He needed to move his automated harvesting up the value chain.

  He accessed the command interface for ECHO_01. He could feel the distant, mental connection to his spectral twin, a faint, dispassionate hum of a task being perfectly executed. With a thought, he cancelled its current protocol. The Echo on the distant plains would now be standing idle, a blank slate awaiting new orders.

  His new plan was simple. The goblins of the Shadowfen Forest were a far more profitable, if slightly more complex, target. Their suppression yielded significantly more FC and occasionally dropped useful alchemical components. He would assign both of his Echos to this new task.

  He focused, calling up the memory of his own goblin-slaying campaigns. He didn’t just remember the fights; he remembered the strategy, the flow, the optimal path of destruction. He packaged this experience into a clean, concise mental blueprint, a new Task Protocol he designated ‘Goblin Suppression - Low Energy Perimeter Control.’ It was a strategy based on stealth, traps, and efficient, single-strike kills, designed to minimize energy expenditure and maximize yield.

  He imprinted this new protocol onto ECHO_01. Then, he did the same for the dormant ECHO_02. The System confirmed the successful imprinting. Two perfect, spectral copies of himself were now armed with the knowledge of his own hard-won combat experience.

  With a final mental command, he gave the order. “Activate ECHO_01 and ECHO_02. Execute protocol. Continuous operation.”

  He felt the twin hums of his Echos coming online, their vacant minds now filled with a single, deadly purpose. He could visualize them moving in perfect, silent sync through the gloomy twilight of the Shadowfen Forest, a pair of ghost-assassins beginning their endless, automated harvest. The flow of Farming Coins into his account would not just be steady now; it would be a river.

  The feeling of triumph was immense. He had transformed his own labor into a self-sustaining, passive system. He had weaponized his own expertise and outsourced it to himself. But as he basked in the glow of his own cleverness, a new notification chimed in the interface, a small, pulsing icon he hadn't seen before.

  Chapter : 694

  [System Upgrade Reward,] the text read. [For successfully upgrading your Farming System to Mark II, a new Tier-4 Farming Zone has been unlocked.]

  Lloyd’s eyes widened. A Tier-4 zone. The Savage Brushland had been a brutal Tier-3. The next level of challenge, and reward, would be exponentially greater.

  With a surge of curiosity, he opened the notification.

  [New Zone Unlocked: The Ashen Peaks - Savage Wolf Pack Territory.]

  The name itself sent a predatory shiver down his spine. Wolves. Not lone creatures, but packs. Intelligent, coordinated predators. The icon for the new zone was a snarling wolf’s head, its eyes burning with a feral, red light. The description was brief and chilling.

  [A mountainous region of volcanic ash and petrified forests. Home to large, highly intelligent packs of Shadow-Wrought Wolves. These creatures are fast, resilient, and hunt with a sophisticated pack mentality. Warning: This is a high-risk, high-reward environment. User discretion is strongly advised.]

  Lloyd’s smile returned, wider and more dangerous than before. The grind was about to get interesting again.

  The description of the Savage Wolf Pack territory was a siren’s call to the warrior in Lloyd’s soul. The slimes had been a tedious chore. The goblins, while tactically more interesting, were ultimately cowardly and brutish. But wolves… wolves were different. They were intelligent, they were strategic, and they hunted with a pack synergy that mirrored a well-trained military unit. To face them would not just be a grind; it would be a true test of his own command-and-control abilities.

  He felt the pull, the instinctive urge to portal into the Soul Farm immediately, to test his mettle against this new, more worthy foe. The thought of unleashing Iffrit and Fang Fairy upon a tide of shadowy predators, of coordinating his two divine spirits against a thinking, adapting enemy, was an exhilarating prospect. The potential rewards, both in Farming Coins and in valuable combat experience, would be immense.

  But then, the pragmatist reasserted control. The eighty-year-old general in his mind poured a bucket of cold, logical water on the nineteen-year-old’s fiery enthusiasm. He was still recovering from the painful integration of his new Void Power. His energy reserves were stable but not at their peak. And more importantly, he had a real-world, time-sensitive mission that took precedence over any virtual hunt. His trip to Zakaria, his fated encounter, his quest for the Lilith Stones—that was the primary objective. The Soul Farm was a tool to prepare for that mission, not a distraction from it.

  He reluctantly shelved the idea of exploring the Ashen Peaks for now. It would be his reward, his next project, after he returned from his journey. With his passive income now doubled and his new analytical powers online, his preparation phase was nearly complete. All that remained were the real-world logistics.

  He closed the System interface, the bustling activity of his mind returning to the quiet solitude of his study. He stood up, stretching his limbs, feeling the faint, lingering ache from the power integration. He had spent a fortune of his hard-earned coins, but he was now a different creature than he had been just an hour ago. He was stronger, more versatile, and, thanks to his new Echos, exponentially more efficient. He felt ready.

  His first step was to formalize his travel plans. He needed the official blessing of the head of his house. He left the manufactory, his stride now filled with a new, quiet confidence, and made his way to his father’s main study in the ducal estate.

  He found Arch Duke Roy Ferrum exactly where he expected him to be: seated behind his massive, imposing desk, a mountain of reports and ledgers before him, his expression a familiar mask of stern concentration. The air in the room was always the same—cool, still, and heavy with the weight of responsibility.

  “Father,” Lloyd said, offering a respectful bow.

  Roy looked up, his dark eyes sharp and assessing. He missed nothing. He would have already noticed the subtle shift in Lloyd’s demeanor, the new layer of contained power that now clung to him. “Lloyd. You have been… occupied. The reports from the manufactory indicate a new level of productivity. And yet, the gossip from the court says you have been reclusive. An unusual combination.”

  “I have been focused on research and development, Father,” Lloyd replied smoothly, using the carefully prepared script he had devised. “The AURA brand and Project Brine are stable, but innovation requires constant effort. To that end, I have identified a potential new source for rare alchemical components that could revolutionize our production of essential oils, and perhaps even lead to new product lines.”

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  He paused, letting his father process the commercial angle. Roy was a warrior, but he was also a pragmatist who understood the power of a full treasury.

  Chapter : 695

  “These components,” Lloyd continued, “are primarily sourced from a single, neutral territory. I believe a diplomatic and commercial visit is in order. I wish to request your official blessing, and ducal sponsorship, for a journey to the Kingdom of Zakaria.”

  Roy leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepling before him. His eyes never left Lloyd’s face. He was not listening to the words; he was analyzing the intent behind them. He knew, with absolute certainty, that this was not about essential oils. But he also knew that his son was no longer a foolish boy who acted on whims. His recent successes—commercial, political, and martial—had proven that. Lloyd moved with purpose now, his actions part of a larger, unseen strategy.

  “Zakaria,” Roy said, the name a flat, neutral statement. “A kingdom of merchants and contracts. A viper’s nest of shifting allegiances and quiet betrayals, all hidden behind a veneer of polite neutrality. It is not a place for the naive.”

  “I am aware of its reputation, Father,” Lloyd said calmly. “Which is why I would be traveling as a representative of our house, to establish formal trade relations. It would be a valuable opportunity to gauge the political climate and build new alliances.”

  For a long moment, Roy was silent. The gears of his own strategic mind were turning, weighing the risks and rewards. A direct connection to the heart of the continent’s commerce was a valuable prize. It would give them access to new markets, new resources, and, most importantly, new streams of intelligence. The potential benefits were significant. The risks, however, were equally so.

  Finally, the Arch Duke gave a single, sharp nod. “The strategic value is undeniable. You have my blessing to undertake this journey. You will travel with the full authority of a Ducal Emissary. We will provide you with the necessary funds and credentials.”

  Lloyd felt a surge of relief. The first hurdle was cleared. “Thank you, Father.”

  “However,” Roy added, his voice hardening, his gaze becoming as sharp as a blade, “I have one non-negotiable condition.”

  Lloyd waited, knowing what was coming.

  “You will not travel alone. The recent attempts on your life, both here and at the Academy, have proven that our enemies are growing bolder. You are the heir to this Duchy. Your life is not your own to gamble with. You will be accompanied by a full security detail. And Ken Park will not leave your side for a single moment. That is not a request, Lloyd. It is a command.”

  Lloyd met his father’s unyielding gaze. There was no room for argument. And in truth, he felt no desire to argue. The thought of having Ken’s silent, deadly competence at his back in the uncertain territory of Zakaria was not a burden; it was a profound comfort. And the idea of having Ken present when he met his "certain fate" was the best insurance policy he could ask for.

  “Of course, Father,” Lloyd replied, offering a respectful bow of acquiescence. “I would have it no other way.”

  The deal was struck. The blessing was given. The shadow was assigned. The journey to Zakaria was now officially underway.

  The conversation with his father had been a clean, efficient piece of political theatre, and Lloyd had played his part to perfection. He left the Arch Duke’s study with a sense of grim satisfaction. He had his official sanction, his funding, and his shadow. The path to Zakaria was now clear of all internal obstacles. His focus, however, immediately shifted to the next critical step: ensuring the stability of the empire he was leaving behind.

  His ventures—AURA, Radiance, and the colossal undertaking of Project Brine—were no longer small, boutique operations. They were becoming pillars of the Ferrum economy, complex machines with hundreds of moving parts. To leave them rudderless, even for a few weeks, would be an act of gross negligence. He needed a regent, a second-in-command with the authority, the intelligence, and the unwavering loyalty to manage his affairs in his absence.

  There was only one candidate.

  He sent a summons, and within the hour, the core members of his leadership team were assembled once more in the now-infamous manufactory study. The atmosphere was different this time. The raw, open wound of Pia’s death had begun to scar over, replaced by a quiet, shared resolve. The grief was still there, a solemn ghost in the corner of the room, but it was no longer the all-consuming presence it had been. It was now a motivator, a reminder of the stakes.

  Chapter : 696

  Mei Jing, Tisha, Jasmin, and Lyra took their seats around the council table. Lloyd noted their expressions. Mei Jing’s was sharp and analytical as ever, but with a new, harder edge. Tisha’s smile was still present, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes, which now held a wary, watchful intelligence. Jasmin’s quiet demeanor was unchanged, but there was a new steel in her spine. Lyra, the stoic logistician, seemed to be the least affected on the surface, but Lloyd could see the way her hands methodically organized the reports before her, a search for order in a world that had proven to be chaotic and dangerous. They had all been changed by the recent events. They had been forged.

  Lloyd stood before them, not as a general this time, but as their lord and leader, his tone serious but not cold.

  “I have called you here to inform you of my imminent departure,” he began, without preamble. “On the authority of the Arch Duke, I will be undertaking a diplomatic and commercial mission to the Kingdom of Zakaria. I expect to be gone for several weeks, perhaps longer.”

  A flicker of surprise and concern passed between them. His sudden absence, especially after the recent crisis, was unexpected.

  “My journey is of critical importance to the long-term strategic interests of our house,” he continued, offering them a partial truth. “I will be sourcing new materials and establishing trade routes that will be vital for the next phase of our expansion. However, my absence creates a power vacuum. Our operations are too large, too complex, to be left without a single, decisive authority at their head. Therefore, I am making a formal appointment.”

  He let his gaze sweep across the table, but it came to rest, as he had always known it would, on Mei Jing.

  “Mei Jing,” he said, his voice clear and formal. “For the duration of my absence, I am placing you in command. You will have full operational authority over all of my ventures. The AURA brand, the Radiance project, and the initial development of Project Brine. You will be my acting regent. Your word will be my word. You will have the full backing of my authority and, by extension, the authority of the Arch Duke himself.”

  The air in the room went still. It was a staggering delegation of power. He was not just giving her a temporary promotion; he was handing her the keys to his entire commercial empire. He was placing a level of trust in her that was almost unheard of, especially after the recent betrayal.

  Mei Jing’s composure, for the first time since Lloyd had met her, completely shattered. Her mouth fell open slightly, her sharp, intelligent eyes wide with a mixture of shock, disbelief, and a dawning, overwhelming sense of honor. She had spent her life fighting for a seat at the table, a woman of sharp intellect in a world that often valued bloodlines over brains. She had proven her worth, had earned his respect, but this… this was something else entirely. This was a statement of absolute, unconditional faith in her abilities.

  Tisha and the others looked at Mei Jing, not with envy, but with a clear, shared sense of approval. They all recognized her brilliance, her tireless work ethic, her unwavering dedication. If anyone was to lead them in their lord’s absence, it could only be her. The decision was not just logical; it was right.

  “My… my lord,” Mei Jing stammered, recovering her voice, though it was a little shaky. “I… I am honored. I will not fail you.”

  “I know you won’t,” Lloyd said simply, the two words carrying the weight of his absolute conviction. “You have the sharpest commercial mind in this duchy. Our empire is safe in your hands.”

  He then turned to the others. “You will give Mei Jing the same loyalty and support you have given me. We are a team. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. After what happened to Pia, we have no room for weakness. We must trust one another, protect one another.”

  A somber mood fell over the room at the mention of Pia’s name. The ghost had returned. It was Mei Jing who addressed it. She took a deep breath, her composure returning, her expression now one of fierce, protective resolve.

  “My lord, on that matter,” she said, her voice firm. “Pia’s death… it revealed a vulnerability in our structure. We have grown quickly, and we are all stretched thin. We relied on Pia for many things, and her… departure… has left a void. A dangerous one. We need more people. But we cannot risk bringing in another unknown element. Not now.”

  Lloyd nodded gravely. “I agree. But what is your solution?”