Daz immediately got to work investigating the clue he'd been given from Big Bo; Aren. The system, unsurprisingly to him, gave absolutely no answers. His only other real option was to pawn the issue off to Rose, yet again.

He felt a bit useless forcing his sister to fulfil almost all of his investigative needs, but that was her strength so he could accept such an outcome.

A few days passed with Daz focusing his energy on his training and doing his duty as New Earth's monarch when several things of note happened all at once.

He slowly opened his eyes and then grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat covering his almost nude body. He was training in a new courtyard of the keep which only he and those he gave permission were allowed to enter.

He'd started with a round of Endurance and Scooping Ember training then finished up with some internal energy exercises.

"Show me my internal energy please, system," Daz requested and the system naturally did as asked.

Daz's Internal Energy Amount 0.12/1.55 [+0.52]

He had yet to ask Madison nor Rose about their speeds of growth in regards to internal energy but personally, Daz was proud of how well he was doing.

In a little under two weeks he had gained more than an entire point of internal energy. He'd taken to a habit of measuring his growth by how long he could stay in the air using Gravital Body with his black bloodline - the Crowthorne bloodline.

Originally he could only sustain the esper ability for 4-seconds using the most inefficient operation method, now, however, he could maintain his hovering for a total of 11-seconds using the Crowthorne bloodline.

As for the Hamilio's golden bloodline, it was once only able to support usage of Gravital Body for 32-seconds, now it could go on for 98-seconds, making it actually rather useful in dire cases when it was needed.

Without using a bloodline, it could last for 35-seconds unlike the prior 14-seconds, which was a smaller improvement percentage-wise. Daz never intended to use it like that since he had 2 bloodlines to toy around with on opposing extreme ends but it was always good to have data that may help the children of Fort Home that lacked bloodlines like his sister.

It was just after reflecting on this that the first major thing of the day happened.

Congratulations! The host's subordinate [High Lord Benjamin Rock] has successfully gained control of the majority of [Arizona]'s citizens and has finished dealing with all raised disputes in the 24-hour period after gaining said control.

Daz showed a rare smile of pure joy. "That's a weight off my shoulders. One more state to go and then my semester goal is completed."

He had, naturally, already made a decision on which state would be his next target; Oregon.

While it may have made some sense to gain control over New Mexico and use that place as a foothold to expand towards El Dorado, Daz had ultimately decided against doing so.

El Dorado was hidden deep in the Amazon Rainforest and there was no real need for him to create an easy way to go there nor to establish supply chains. The city was self-sufficient, for a start.

Also, doing so could bring attention to his only source of Stars of Eternity, which, naturally, he didn't want to happen.

What made the most sense to him right now was dealing with his immediate surroundings. Arizona and Nevada were to the east of California and now both of them were under Daz's thumb.

South of the hub state of New Earth was the now-desolate Mexico and west was nothing but New Earthian-controlled ocean. It only made sense to expand northward when considering all of this.

"Only a single champion is ruling the remaining survivors of Oregon according to Rose's NCIA and Crosius' scouting units, so it really should be a cakewalk to add this place to my sphere of influence," Daz muttered before the second major event of the day occurred.

Congratulations! You have become the ruler of 500,000 citizens and thus have had your ruler status updated and you have been placed on a new ranking list, the [High King] ranking list. Please refer to the system for your specific rank and any applicable rewards.

The host [Daz], has changed from being a [King] to a [High King]. Benefits The host's maximum citizen count has increased from 500,000 to 1,000,000. The host may now found up to 3 lesser kingdoms within their owned territories. (Refer to the system for more details). The host may now appoint up to 3 kings who shall serve under the host and rule the lesser kingdoms founded by the host. Note: These kings cannot exceed the 100,000 citizen limit of a [King] and thus, cannot advance to being a [High King]. (Refer to the system for more specific restrictions on subordinate kings). The host may now construct or use an existing [County] and make it the host's [Capital County], which will grant the host's kingdom with several benefits. The Host may now invade rulers who share the same status as [High King] or possess a lower status without any restrictions.

Daz wasn't surprised to see these notifications. He had been ruling over 400,000 citizens for some time now. With the 10,000 from Taiwan, he felt it was only a matter of time before he gained another promotion.

Now with Rocky's work done in Arizona, he had finally passed that threshold.

'No stated additional requirements to become an emperor... So I just need to double my citizen count? Excellent,' Daz thought before saying, "System, show me my ranking list and the reward for where I've placed in the high king list, please."

Of course, the system obliged and displayed the requested system-screens.

Daz's Ranking List

List Rank Reward Tier Reached Lord 1 No.1 Point 2 Top 2 Kill 778 [+202] Top 1,000 Evolution 3 Top 3 Skill Creation 81 [+19] Top 100 City Owner 11 Top 100 Potential 3 Top 3 King 29 [-5] Top 100 Ember Insight 25 Top 100 [New!] High King 36 Top 100

Due to being in the top 100 for overall High Kings, the host has been granted a [Casus Belli Token].

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Immediately Daz found himself being a bit irritated by the fact that his Ember Insight ranking was wedged between his two different king ones. "System can you rearrange my ranking list for me?"

Confirmed. The ranking list of the host can be adjusted to a certain degree for 5,000 merit points.

That was for free more or less in the eyes of someone as filthy rich as Daz even despite his need to collect as much money as possible for the future. "Do it, please. Sort them to make more sense."

The system did as asked which earned a nod from Daz. With that out of the way, he raised his hand to his face to get a better look at his new token. "Now, what do you do?" he asked as he used The Crystal Digger's Master Identification and Secret Override on the coin-like object.

Casus Belli Token [A-rank (Higher Tier)] Description A powerful token which can allow the host to declare war under advantageous conditions without any restrictions. When used, the target of war cannot claim that any injustice was done to them in a situation where doing so is applicable under the system. This token can be countered by some other similar tokens.

Stats Durability: 2,000

Uses: 1

Randomly selected [Casus Belli Token] secret: This token was only put into production by the system after many powerful ruler-type players requested it repeatedly for many years.

Daz stroked his chin. "Interesting... Destructible and only 1 use but this could be very helpful against the Truthians despite its somewhat mediocre ranking depending on what advantageous conditions it can grant, exactly."

With the mystery of the token now revealed, Daz turned his attention back to his ranking list. "I'm falling on kills again... Skill creation is fine since my Shovel Arts' first Quintessential Shovel Art is only a few days away from fully forming which should boost my rank, I'd imagine. System, will I still gain ranks in the king ranking list?"

Denied. The host is no longer a [King], but a [High King].

"I guess the only way would be to get myself demoted though I see little value in that. I do wonder what was required to raise the ranking though. Perhaps more laws? More land?" Daz shook his head. It didn't matter now.

He went over his list of rewards for becoming a high king once more then nodded. "I suppose I should create some kings, huh? Time to make a few phone calls and host a meeting of sorts."

----------------------------------------

Pai-han looked around anxiously with his big husky dog, John by his side as he stepped into the waiting lobby of Fort Skip's keep. "It's so big..." he muttered.

A western man with only a single real eye and one that seemed to be a red gem of some sort approached him. "Hey, did Sek call you over too?"

"Uh, sorry. No English good. Sek?" Pai-han responded in confusion though he did try his best to understand the odd man's intent.

After all, he had a large amount of Intelligence and Wisdom so even if he wasn't fluent in English and was still rather young he could still pick up most of what the man was saying.

"Yeah, Sek. The Scarred Emerald King," the man answered. "I'm the Ruler of Overly Cryptic Knowledge of Yore, or Rocky for short. Nice to meet you."

"Uhh... hello, Rocky?" Pai-han wasn't sure if he could gain anything from conversing with this Rocky fellow but he was outgoing and friendly to a foreigner like him, which was nice if nothing else.

Just as Rocky was about to ask even more questions, the door to the throne room opened and a group of servants stood at attention on either side. "His Royal Majesty, High King Daz will see you both now."

"Oh." Rocky's face lit up. "I just got chills. This is like something out of a movie."

Pai-han agreed. He held John's leash tightly as he followed Rocky into the large and beautiful audience chamber of the high king.

Pai-han spied a small desk filled with paperwork tucked away in a corner of the room but more strikingly, seated beneath an ornamental crystal shovel, upon a throne made of a mixture of iron and tungsten was his ruler, the man who had taken over his homeland in less than two weeks, High King Daz.

Little did he know that the tungsten was new and had only appeared once Daz was promoted to a high king.

Pai-han also noticed a very old-looking man in medieval robes standing at Daz's side wisely. He assumed this man was an advisor of sorts. If not, then maybe a court jester? He wasn't very familiar with castles so he wasn't sure.

Pai-han felt himself swallow his building saliva when he saw the cold and expressionless eyes of Daz's staring down at him.

"Pai-han, Rocky, it's good to see you both," the high king said calmly. "I'm sure you're both curious as to why I've summoned you away from your prior tasks - Pai-han from helping rebuild Taiwan and Rocky from cementing your control over Arizona."

Pai-han stayed silent. To be honest he was still rather afraid of Daz. His God-rank skill was only marginally useful in direct combat and after witnessing the man before him seemingly take over all of Taiwan with next to no effort he felt a deep-rooted sense of respect and fear for the man no more than 5-years his senior.

Rocky, on the other hand, grinned from ear-to-ear. "Yup. Red was super confused but he predicted that going along with whatever you have planned today would increase my chances of survival by a solid 10%, so whatever it is, Sek, I'm in."

Pai-han gaped in shock when he saw a smile surface of Daz's face. 'What did this guy say to make that stone-faced king smile? I should really learn English or buy a translation skill or item. He's talking too quickly...'

"Good. I'm glad. In truth, I summoned you both as I have passed the threshold between kings and high kings. I am now the latter and can appoint three of the former. My intent is simple. I wish for you, Pai-han, to lead Taiwan as a king under my rule. Rocky, I need you to be the leader of not only Arizona but Nevada as well. Opinions?" Daz asked.

"This is something for Red to decide. I'm with you all the way, Sek, but you know he's smarter than me," Rocky answered to which Daz nodded.

Rocky then rubbed his jewel-like eye and, shockingly, Pai-han felt the man's entire aura shift. No longer was he a jovial existence but one of extreme... calculation. That was the best way that Pai-han could describe the feeling the man now gave off.

Bowing slightly, Red spoke, "It's good to see you, Your Majesty."

'He even sounds different,' Pai-han thought while his dog, John, just watched silently.

"You too, Red. It is a shame that we've both been busy with our separate responsibilities," Daz lamented. "I do value Ben's friendship dearly, as much as my relationship with Mu, in fact. He was my first real friend and ally after the system came. I'm happy you managed to gain control of Arizona with minimal complications. I trust Adam is doing well?"

'Ben? Who's Ben?... Oh! That must be Rocky's real name,' Pai-han answered his own question. 'Adam's a name too. I wonder who that is? Daz looks... reminiscent upon mentioning that person.'

Red nodded. "Quite. He's taken to the idea of these newly-discovered 'Embers' of yours quite well. I trust you plan to have demonstrations held kingdom-wide, correct? My calculations suggest there's an 82.35% chance of you doing so."

Daz nodded. "Yes. That is the plan, trusting that enough people earn an Ember. Mu is limited due to his own duties as a high lord. We can't speak much on this. Pai-han isn't informed on the subject."

"System restrictions are rather... inconvenient," Red noted. "On the topic of kingship, I accept on Ben's behalf. I trust we have the freedom to make sub-laws of New Earth and judge our own criminals? As well as other things in that same vein."

"To an extent. I'll have Lyle draw up a list of rules and regulations like how criminals of a certain calibre must be judged personally by me, but yes, you'll have a lot of autonomy. I do expect you will keep it known that I am the primary ruler though," Daz said calmly as he supported his chin with a loose hand.

Red nodded. "Of course. That is needed, after all. One cannot expect to rule an entire planet single-handedly without giving a fair amount of liberties to their sub-rulers."

"I'm glad you understand, now, Pai-han. What of you? Are you willing to serve under me as the king of Taiwan?" Daz asked.

"... I'm not strong and to be honest, Your Majesty, I'm, uh, well, still a child," Pai-han said a bit awkwardly.

"Indeed," Daz agreed, surprising the boy.

Majestic waves rolled off of the man as he slowly lifted his body and walked down his throne's steps, approaching Pai-han. Placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, Daz said, "However, you are wise. I see it in you. I have no need to pry into your status to tell that you are the most fitting to rule Taiwan out of all of my citizens living over there."

"... What about Hsiao-han? Aren't you, uh, friends with her?" Pai-han asked.

"She has other responsibilities. She is no leader nor does she wish to be one. You have great potential to reshape Taiwan into a prosperous place of growth and happiness," Daz claimed powerfully. "You worry about being challenged in this world ruled by strength, no?"

Pai-han averted his eyes. "... To some extent."

Daz grinned. "Your dog is no mere pet. He will protect you from those that would question you as you find your feet and become the ruler Taiwan needs. Is that not correct, John?"

The husky narrowed its eyes in a show of intelligence. It barked disdainfully once then bobbed its head up and down in acknowledgement.

"See? You once were a part of a group that wished to assassinate me. Take ahold of the courage you had then and direct it towards the future," Daz said in an almost angelic tone to Pai-han ears.

'Why do I feel so... inspired?' Pai-han wondered as he slowly raised his head and looked back into Daz's cold, dead and grey eyes. "I will try, Your Majesty."

"Good." Daz smiled then returned to his throne. Once on it again, he said, "I must look at both of your loyalty levels and affinities. I have already foreseen this conversation almost in its entirety and thus I trust you both, but formalities are formalities."

At his side, Crosius nodded in a proud manner.

Pai-han felt a forceful invasion into some of his status details and he was shocked to not have been given an alert by the system of this attempt. He only knew it had happened with his own means. Were he in a crowded area he'd never have been able to tell who or why such a thing had happened to him.

Daz seemed happy with the results of his inspection and he then said, "Pai-han, go. Relax. I will have someone come and tell you what should be expected of you as a monarch under my rule later but you are still young. Enjoy the sights and activities that Fort Home offers her people and her visitors."

Pai-han nodded slowly. "Yes, Your Majesty."

As he left, he heard Daz begin to conversate with the apparent second personality of Rocky, Red, and at that moment a thought came to his head. 'He foresaw that conversation? Is that how he knew all of our names when we first met? He has a prophetic ability of some kind? That's very powerful! Isn't he only the champion of a lesser god like me? What a scary man... Still, I can't think of a better way to improve Taiwan's current condition than having me lead it... He really saw through me and John well.'

And with that thought in the back of his mind, he left Fort Skip's keep.