Billy sat by a small fire inside his hut, reflecting on everything he’d accomplished in his first day. Around him, the Chaos Forge hummed softly, a metallic beast lying in wait to spawn his army. With his Chaos Initiates patrolling the perimeter, he felt a small but significant sense of security.
As he opened the system interface, he noticed two new notifications.
---
**Notification 1: Access Granted to the Lords' Network Chat**
---
This was the chat channel where lords could communicate across worlds. Here, they shared information, boasted, and occasionally brokered alliances or rivalries.
Billy clicked into the channel, and a flurry of messages appeared:
> **Marcus Valen:** *To all new lords, know this: I’m already moving up in power. Those who fall behind won’t be able to catch up later!*
>
> **Lyria Stormcaller:** *Marcus, spare us the arrogance. If you think you’re the only one with power, you're mistaken.*
>
> **Theron Blackwood:** *I’ve already defeated my first monster horde. This world may be more dangerous than we thought.*
>
> **System Notification:** *Welcome, Lord Knight (Billy), to the Lords’ Network.*
Billy’s appearance in the chat sparked curiosity.
> **Marcus Valen:** *Ah, the orphan himself joins the Lords’ ranks. How’s your humble start, Billy? Keeping up?*
Billy smirked, rolling his eyes at Marcus’s taunt. He simply typed:
> **Lord Knight (Billy):** *I wouldn’t worry about me, Marcus. Just keep your own territory safe.*
Billy didn’t linger in the chat long; he knew time was precious, and for now, the talk was mostly just posturing. He closed the window and checked the next notification.
---
**Notification 2: Marketplace Unlocked**
---
The *Marketplace* was a trade system where lords could buy and sell items, resources, and monster drops. Scrolling through the interface, Billy saw that many of the available items came from low-level monsters. He noted some intriguing resources: hides from low-tier beasts, metals that enhanced weapon strength, and strange herbs with healing properties.
He could already see the potential. With his *unique drop ability,* he’d be able to gather rare materials and potentially sell them here for extra resources. It was a way to both strengthen his forces and destabilize any future enemies.
With a few clicks, he sold some basic resources he’d looted from the area, gaining his first few coins. He couldn’t afford anything extravagant, but it was a start.
---
The next morning, Billy summoned his Chaos Initiates. As he issued new orders, he felt a surge of energy resonate from within his core. A notification appeared:
---
**Skill Unlocked: Chaos Spark**
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
- **Description:** Chaos Cyborg lords can release a spark of chaotic energy that temporarily boosts the power of allies nearby.
---
Billy focused, and a faint, purple aura enveloped him. He could sense his Initiates growing stronger, their metal skin pulsing with energy. It was the beginning of his racial abilities, the unique powers that would develop as he rose through the ranks.
Using *Chaos Spark* on his Initiates, he noticed their movements becoming more fluid, their reactions quicker. It was a small boost, but in battle, it could make the difference between victory and defeat. He grinned, eager to unlock more of these abilities.
After a few hours of training, Billy set off with his Initiates to scout the surrounding forest. The *Novice Protection Period* was still active, but he knew he had to make the most of it.
As they moved through the dense forest, they came upon a clearing where a strange creature prowled: a *Dire Wolf*. Unlike regular wolves, this one had an aura of menace and intelligence, its fur a dark silver, and its claws razor-sharp.
“Attack formation,” Billy commanded, and his Initiates spread out, surrounding the Dire Wolf. He activated *Chaos Spark*, feeling the familiar pulse of energy flow through his team.
The battle was swift but intense. The wolf lunged at one of the Initiates, who sidestepped with enhanced reflexes, slashing at the creature with his chaos-infused blade. Billy watched, analyzing the Dire Wolf’s movements, and when he saw an opening, he lunged forward himself.
The wolf fell with a final, guttural snarl. As its body hit the ground, a new notification appeared.
---
**Unique Drop Acquired: Dire Wolf Core**
---
The core was a small, glowing orb of energy, containing the essence of the Dire Wolf. Examining it, Billy found he could absorb it to gain a minor increase in agility or sell it on the marketplace.
He decided to absorb the core, feeling a rush as his own agility subtly improved. He also received *Dire Instincts,* a passive skill that enhanced his reaction speed. With each battle, he was becoming sharper, faster.
---
Returning to his base, Billy opened the Lords' Chat, where lords were already discussing their findings.
> **Lyria Stormcaller:** *Has anyone else fought the Dire Wolves yet? Got a nice drop from it.*
>
> **Marcus Valen:** *Just leveled up my recruitment building. My soldiers are no longer basic units—already ahead of most of you.*
>
> **Lord Knight (Billy):** *Got a Dire Core myself. Seems useful.*
As he posted, he noticed a private message from Lyria Stormcaller.
> **Lyria Stormcaller:** *Hey, Billy. Ignore Marcus; he’s just out to make others feel small. How are you finding the new world?*
> **Lord Knight (Billy):** *Not bad. Building up my army and figuring out the lay of the land.*
> **Lyria Stormcaller:** *Same here. We should keep in touch—maybe even trade tips. The worlds get tougher, and alliances can be useful.*
Billy considered it. An alliance wasn’t something he’d usually pursue, but with the unknown dangers ahead, it could be a practical decision.
> **Lord Knight (Billy):** *I’m open to it. Let’s keep an eye out for opportunities to help each other.*
Billy closed the chat, feeling a small sense of satisfaction. His progress was steady, his power growing.
---
That night, he was interrupted by a system message:
---
**New Unlock: Hero Units Available**
---
Hero units were special warriors with unique skills and combat power—essential assets for any kingdom. As a Chaos Cyborg lord, Billy could recruit hero units with advanced chaos-based abilities, more powerful than the regular Initiates.
Returning to the Chaos Forge, he examined the options, and one hero in particular caught his eye:
- **Name:** Tyrak the Chaos Blade
- **Abilities:** Enhanced combat skills, mastery over chaos manipulation, and a skill called *Blade Storm*—an ability to unleash a storm of energy blades on enemies.
- **Cost:** Expensive, but worth every coin.
Billy spent nearly all his resources to summon Tyrak. The Forge erupted in a burst of chaotic energy, and out stepped a towering figure clad in sleek, black metal with blades protruding from his arms. Tyrak’s eyes glowed with a fierce intelligence as he kneeled before Billy.
“Lord Knight,” Tyrak’s voice was deep, his tone one of absolute loyalty. “I am yours to command.”
Billy couldn’t help but grin. Tyrak was the first of many hero units he would recruit, a cornerstone of the army he envisioned. With Tyrak by his side, he felt unstoppable.
“Welcome, Tyrak,” Billy said, the fire of ambition flaring in his eyes. “We have a lot to accomplish. Let’s get to work.”
As the sun rose on his second day as a lord, Billy felt ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. His army was growing, his territory secure, and he was beginning to carve out his place in the Lords’ world.
End of Chapter 4