"WHAT DO YOU REQUIRE?" Misuki's voice echoed in the opulent chamber, addressing Zizu directly. General Ikaru stood silently behind Zizu, a silent sentinel in the lavish room. Zizu paused, taking in the grandeur of Misuki's surroundings. The rumors of Black Gold's wealth had not prepared him for the reality before him. The room, adorned in pure gold from the table to the chairs, even the door itself, spoke volumes of Misuki's extravagance. It was clear that Misuki reveled in displaying his immense riches, leaving no doubt as to his power and opulence.

"Your highness," Zizu's voice reverberated in the chamber, each word heavy with the weight of his request. "What I require is something as abundant as your wealth, judging by what I see. I need gold. I need it to flow like rivers; I need the innocent’s blood along the borders of Black Gold. I need candles, countless candles, and the funds to enlist the aid of powerful wizards. This endeavor is monumental. We must summon Satan himself, offering him the currency of blood and gold as tribute. Only then will he bless our endeavor, granting his dark approval and ensnaring every soul within this nation's confines. However, there is a caveat. We cannot directly alter the essence of most individuals. We must first corrupt a select few of your men, who will then serve as vessels to disseminate the contagion, particularly among the samurais. Once the infection takes hold, it will spread like wildfire."

Misuki's vision was clear, outlined in the gilded chamber where he held court. He had shared his grand design with Zizu previously in the meeting, but now it stood before them, tangible in its ambition. His dream was to revolutionize the concept of currency with 'Black Gold'—a currency with the symbol '#BG'—intended to function as more than mere tender. It would be a life force, a barometer of vitality. Every expenditure of energy, every wound sustained, would deplete one's life bar, requiring a recharge through the acquisition of more #BG. In this dystopian vision, individuals would become dependent on him for their very survival, forced to beg and grovel for a replenishment of their life force. With absolute control over #BG, Misuki would hold dominion over every facet of life itself.

To Zizu, a seasoned traveler of the world's shadows, Misuki's ambition was awe-inspiring. The sheer audacity of his plan marked him as the ultimate authority, a tyrant with an unquenchable thirst for power. This novel concept of a life bar, reminiscent of a video game mechanic, was a paradigm shift. If realized, it would render the samurai army's attempts to overthrow Misuki futile. When wounded, their life bars would dwindle, forcing them to seek out Misuki's guards as a source of energy, draining their life force to replenish their own #BG reserves. Meanwhile, Misuki's men could recharge endlessly, connected to a mysterious charger, an innovation that would solidify his stranglehold on power. A charger, they realized, was the key to their continued dominance.

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"It's imperative to recognize, Your Highness, that this endeavor is incredibly ambitious. Magic alone won't suffice; we need technology, engineers. Have you considered the necessity of a charger?" Zizu's words were measured, his tone earnest as he addressed Misuki.

"Go on," Misuki prompted, intrigued by Zizu's proposal.

"A charger, Your Highness. We require a device capable of transforming oil into a virtual currency—our #BG currency, to be precise. Under the spell, anyone wounded will be compelled to seek out a #BG carrier to replenish their energies. Whether it's one of your guards, a creature spawned by #BG power, or even wildlife, they'll become vital resources. Meanwhile, your chosen few, including your army, will have the privilege of simply connecting to a charging device, a charger, to replenish their energies effortlessly. With infinite energy at your disposal, your forces will be unstoppable against a samurai army struggling to maintain their life bars," Zizu elaborated, his gaze steady.

"Very astute," Misuki acknowledged, casting a glance at General Ikaru, who returned the nod with approval.

"How long will it take?" Misuki inquired.

"With ample resources at our disposal, Your Highness, this can be achieved within a month's time. I have contacts among skilled engineers from the North Republic, specialists in developing software for the affluent—videogames, robotics, and the like. Our objective is to convert raw oil into a digital currency, a cryptocurrency. That's precisely what #BG will be—a currency of the digital realm," Zizu concluded, laying out the blueprint for their ambitious project.

"So it'll all be digital? And it'll function seamlessly? If someone's #BG balance hits zero, they'll perish, correct?" Misuki sought confirmation.

"Indeed, Your Highness," Zizu affirmed.

"That's precisely what I desire. Make it happen."