{MS: Requirement to create one soldier.}
{MS: Name of Kingdom: Celestia.}
{MS: Metals: 1,000, (5,000 in storage).}
{MS: MS coins: 1,000, (Zero MS Coins).}
{MS: Cotton: 1,000, (Zero in storage).}
{MS: Soul core: 1/67001.}
{MS: requirements, not achieved.}
"Ok... You just told me I can't create one soldier without these things, and what about the MS coins? You never mentioned it."
{MS: MS coins function identically to BS coins, acquired through eliminating adversaries or fulfilling System-designated quests.}
Kyle absorbed the information, a slow nod indicating his comprehension. He rose to his feet, a spark of curiosity igniting in his eyes. "I've stumbled upon something... Kingdom name?"
DING!!
His attention was drawn to the twin screens, both displaying a prominent question mark.
{BS: Quest Triggered X2.}
{MS: Quest Triggered X2.}
"Uh?"
{BS: Designate your kingdom's name.}
{BS: Venture to your Castle.}
{MS: Designate your kingdom's name.}
{MS: Fabricate a soldier.}
"Hmm... What about Celestia? Yes, henceforth, my Kingdom shall be known as Celestia."
{Processing....}
{Completed.}
DING!
{BS: Host has successfully completed the quest: Designate your Kingdom's name.}
{BS: Host is rewarded with 2,000 BS coins.}
{MS: Host has successfully completed the quest: Designate your Kingdom's name.}
{MS: Host is rewarded with 2,000 MS coins and a low-grade sword.}
"A weapon!"
Kyle tapped the sword icon on the MS screen, and a long, weathered sword materialized in his hand. He ran his fingers along the blade, a sigh escaping his lips. "A tad rusty, but infinitely better than nothing," he muttered.
"Alright... Both of you, present my complete resources, starting with BS."
DING!
{BS: Here are the Host's complete resources.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: Metals: 5,000.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: Potions: 0.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: Gold: 1,000. Coal: 0. Jewels: 0.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: Rice crops: 5,000.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: Stones: 5,000.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: Woods: 5,000.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: Cotton: 0.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: BS coins: 3,000.}
"Hmm..." Kyle's thoughts swirled, his gaze fixed on the resource list.
{MS: Here are the Host's complete resources.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: None: 0.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: Low-grade sword: 1.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: Soul Core: 67,001.}
{Building Not built: Resources hold: MS coins: 2,000.}
{Military Barrack: Troops hold: None: 0.}
"This is the epitome of a destitute kingdom... Display my Kingdom's and the other kingdoms' power levels."
{BS: Celestia Kingdom's current power: 100.}
{BS: Human race: Neville Empire's current power: 1,567,900.}
{BS: Elves race: Skyborne Kingdom's current power: 1,027,992.}
{BS: Demon race: Gavania Kingdom's current power: 893,567.}
"I knew Neville was powerful, but this is beyond comprehension! How can I diminish their power?"
{MS: By eliminating their forces or seizing their territories... The larger and more prosperous the territory, the greater the power reduction for the kingdom or empire.}
"I must employ strategic thinking. A direct assault would be suicidal with my current strength... This necessitates clandestine growth, striking only when I possess sufficient power."
He turned to the MS screen. "So, I have everything, but I'm still deficient in cotton." His gaze shifted to the dried clothes suspended on a rope, specifically his overcoat.
Kyle approached it, placing his hand on the fabric. "For years, I've battled alongside you... But..." He exhaled.
{DING!}
{BS: Does the Host wish to convert this material into resources?}
"You can do that?"
{BS: Materials with similar properties to existing resources can be converted.}
"Hmm... Proceed."
The black overcoat shimmered momentarily and vanished, followed by the BS's voice.
{BS: Congratulations, Host has acquired 500 Cotton.}
"Still inadequate for a single soldier," he murmured.
"It seems I'll need to acquire more clothing." He turned to a chair. "What if?"
He placed his hand on the chair, and the BS's voice echoed.
{DING!}
{BS: Does the Host wish to convert this material into resources?}
"Yes."
The chair glowed and disappeared.
{BS: Congratulations, Host has acquired 100 Wood.}
"Only 100?"
{BS: Affirmative.}
"I suspect I'll need to resort to acquiring clothing through unconventional means... And does converting materials consume any points?"
{Negative.}
{MS: The Host can convert millions of resources daily, provided the materials are available.}
Kyle nodded, his attention drawn to the approaching footsteps outside the door.
CLICK!
The door swung open, revealing the woman, who froze upon seeing him.
"You... You're awake?" she stammered, her eyes scanning the room.
"You?"
Kyle was momentarily speechless... He couldn't reconcile the notion of a demon saving him.
Were it a monster, he would have accepted it... But the idea of a demon extending aid, even tending to his wounds, was inconceivable.
"Wait." He raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you the woman from the alleyway?"
She sighed, removing the hood concealing her head. Her long, verdant hair cascaded down her back, and her bright green eyes met his.
"Yes, Lord Kyle... And thank you for saving me. I've been eager to express my gratitude personally."
Kyle was taken aback. 'Shouldn't I be the one expressing gratitude?' he thought.
The woman looked up at him. "You saved me twice. And I saved you once, so my debt remains outstanding..."
"Forget it, thank you for your assistance... Um, what's your name?"
"Gabriela," she replied.
"Alright, Gabriela? Where are we?" Kyle asked, turning towards the window. He knew they were in a forest, but the precise location eluded him.
"The forest situated between Gavania and Skyborne."
"Uh? Are you unaware that this forest is teeming with monsters?"
"I am, and it's also the least anticipated location for a search. No one would risk venturing into such a perilous place," she whispered, her gaze fixed on the floor.
'She has a point...' He nodded slowly.
"What do you intend to do now, Lord Kyle?"
"Just Kyle, and what do you mean?"
"Your powers..." She paused, searching for tactful phrasing. "You've lost your powers," she finished in a low voice.
'Huh?'
Kyle looked at his hand, a sense of confusion washing over him. 'I'm a Rank 4 All-attributes Hunter... Wait, perhaps she can't detect my life force because it's absent! How is that even possible?!'