Morgen has been contemplating since leaving the Church of Dawn. The progress of the Dawn Sect has indeed taken off to a good start.

With the arrival of Level alpha Holy Priest Nilo and Level beta Shadow High Priest Amy, the Dawn Church now possesses formidable strength.

The next step is to continue spreading the faith. Once the entire City of Dawn embraces the Dawn Sect, the power of faith will experience an explosive surge.

At that time, he will no longer need to expend faith power on meticulous planning.

For now, however, the Dawn Sect still has abundant potential to unlock.

Mighty deities often command millions of believers, with ancient deities like the Goddess of Life boasting hundreds of millions of followers.

It will take considerable time for the Dawn Sect to develop into a force that can rival these gods.

Fortunately, the geographical isolation of the City of Dawn ensures minimal interference and invasion in the future.

He has ample time.

Stepping back into the bustling City Hall, Morgen felt the weight of leadership settle upon his shoulders. Tasks piled up like mountain stones, each demanding attention and resources. He summoned Harrison, the farm steward, a flicker of frustration battling the stoicism in his eyes.

His philosophy was one of steady progress, each step meticulously planned on the long journey towards his ultimate goal. Yet, the weight of responsibility for the nascent City of Dawn pressed upon him. Every decision held the potential to propel them forward or send them tumbling back.

"Harrison," Morgen began, his voice firm but laced with a hint of weariness, "update me on the farm's progress."

Harrison, a man weathered by years spent coaxing life from the harsh land, bowed his head. "Lord Morgen," he began, "we planted spring wheat in March, as per your instructions. The harvest is expected between July and August, barring any unforeseen setbacks."

Morgen nodded, a crease appearing between his brows. Food security was paramount. Every endeavor this year had to revolve around it. The city's fragile existence depended on it.

"Excellent," he said, his voice regaining its strength. "Remember, Harrison, failure is not an option. This harvest will be our foundation."

"I understand, Lord Morgen," Harrison replied, his voice resolute. "We are working tirelessly to ensure its success."

Morgen dismissed Harrison, his gaze turning to the next challenge on his mental map – the mage tower. It was a cornerstone of his vision, a symbol of power and potential. In this magical realm, where magic ruled supreme, such a tower was vital for shaping the future.

"The tower's construction must be expedited," Morgen muttered to himself, his eyes flashing with ambition. "The sooner it stands, the sooner we can unlock the potential of our blood clans and talented humans. It is a priority second only to the harvest."

But even as he spoke, a nagging doubt gnawed at him. The Dawn Sect, his religious movement, awaited his attention. And then there was the farm itself, the lifeblood of their survival. Each project was vital, yet resources were limited.

He clenched his fist, a silent vow forming on his lips. Each step would be calculated, each decision weighed. He would not falter. The City of Dawn would rise, a monument to his ambition and unwavering will, even if it meant pushing his people to their limits.

"Chief," Harrison's calloused hand slammed onto the table, interrupting Morgen's contemplation. "The farm's irrigation system is fully functional, water flowing like lifeblood through the fields."

A flicker of relief crossed Morgen's face. Food security was crucial, the foundation upon which everything else rested. "And the livestock?"

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"We've acquired 2,000 pigs from the Dawn Plain and 4,000 bison," Harrison reported, his voice gruff. "But as per your orders, they've been distributed to the citizens. Thankfully, we managed to secure several hundred wild horses."

Morgen frowned. He understood the need to appease the populace, but losing those bison smarted. "How long until the farm reaches full capacity?"

"By October," Harrison estimated, "if the workers adapt to their roles quickly."

Morgen nodded, his gaze already shifting to the next challenge. "And the magic bats?"

"Viscount Dylan has begun their breeding program," Harrison replied, "but results won't be evident until October. Their growth cycle is swift, but activating their latent bloodline takes time."

Morgen's smile was predatory. With the farm on track and the bat population growing, the Dawn Plain's creatures would suffice for thousands. He'd instructed Dylan to double the magic bat population from its current meager 500 before winter. And with that, he had another, far more audacious goal.

"This winter," he announced, his voice hardening, "we capture 20,000. Such a feat demands a formidable bat force. Ensure Dylan receives whatever he needs. By the Winter Moon, I expect to see at least 1,000 magic bats patrolling the skies above the City of Dawn."

"As you command," Harrison bowed, his eyes betraying a flicker of concern. The sheer number Morgen spoke of seemed impossible, even with the enhanced bats. But questioning the lord was not his place.

"Furthermore, other projects should not be neglected, particularly agriculture. We must maximize our food production.

We will welcome a substantial influx of new residents after the winter month. Begin preparations for this development. This year's workload will only increase."

Morgen's tone was serious, driven by a sense of urgency. Tangible power often presents clear strategies for counteraction. However, it's the unseen forces lurking in the shadows that pose the greatest challenge to defend against.

The sudden early invasion of the orcs last year had left him with a lingering unease. He sensed an ambiance different from the previous year.

Consequently, he dared not pause and instead dedicated himself to strengthening the City of Dawn.

Irrespective of future uncertainties, self-reliance remains the most effective response.

Moreover, Morgen sensed a chilling and malevolent presence lurking in the darkness. Although he no longer apprehensively anticipates their arrival like before, he will never underestimate their capacity for chaos.

The impact of a butterfly's wings is often unpredictable.

Fortunately, the City of Dawn is on a steady path and requires only adherence to his plans.

Soon, he will possess the strength to confront any challenge.

"Harrison, I must return to Green City. I entrust the city's affairs to you."

"Yes, my Lord Ancestor."

Harrison bowed slightly, fully respecting Morgen's decision.

Morgen's presence at the Scarlet Mage Tower guarantees the rapid development of the City of Dawn, and neither location can afford to suffer setbacks.

Morgen has been absent for an extended period, and despite Spark and Vina's supervision, prolonged absences are inadvisable.

After addressing minor matters, Morgen returned to Green City. When he reached the Scarlet Mage Tower, it was already the following morning.

Gazing at the sprawling manor resembling a mini-city before him, a hint of fulfillment flickered in Morgen's eyes.

Thanks to the production of magic scrolls, the Scarlet Mage Tower has transformed into a veritable local powerhouse.

Mage apprentices hired to increase magic scroll production have expanded to an impressive 500. To protect the manufacturing secrets, the surrounding area has been cordoned off.

The Scarlet Mage Tower has essentially become an independent kingdom, with Morgen reigning as its sovereign.

The massive courtyard wall surrounding the tower stands five stories tall, wide enough for people to walk along its summit.

Coated with crimson alchemical materials, the courtyard walls emanate powerful magical fluctuations. Together with the dense network of alchemical traps and magic arrays, even an invading army would struggle to breach these formidable defenses.

The small plaza in front of the Scarlet Mage Tower has also become an exclusive domain.

Morgen stood outside the towering walls, surveying the impressive scene before him, a sense of accomplishment swelling within him.

Over half a year ago, it was merely an ordinary mage tower with 22 mage apprentices and a meager monthly income of a few dozen Kimpkes.

Inconspicuous within Green City.

But now, the Scarlet Mage Tower has ascended to a position that commands attention.

Not only due to the presence of the esteemed Grand Mage Spark but also because of the intrinsic strength it has exhibited.

With its magic scroll monopoly, the Scarlet Mage Tower has forged a sprawling network of business alliances under Bella's leadership during this period.

Numerous issues can now be resolved effortlessly, without the need for the Scarlet Mage Tower to directly intervene. Compared to the humble mage tower that once struggled to procure grain through door-to-door negotiations, its influence has grown exponentially.

Just as Morgen was about to step through the gates, a sudden change occurred.

Cold, bloodthirsty, cruel, and destructive.

An ineffable aura of tyranny and chilling coldness sent shivers down his spine.

Even as the ancestor of the blood clan, he was confronted with the scent of death in that very moment.

Every fiber of his being issued a frantic warning!

Danger!!