The surrounding tunnel systems had been terraformed extensively. Thanks to slark and his people the durnokh. They are specialist on the subject.
They also create many new spaces to support fungal growth. The huge mushrooms tree, ironbark mold, and moss now flourished, not only stabilizing the ecosystem but also acting as a key foundation for livestock farming.
Their subterranean ranching efforts had taken root. After few month of exploration they finally the right speices to breed.
Across five growing livestock pits, species like fireboars, emberflies, and crystalline tusk-beasts were being raised in controlled space. Designed for high caloric value, rapid growth, and low mana interference, they were quickly becoming the main source of sustenance for their army.
Further to the east a area been designated a high-heat hazard zone. Deep geothermal veins from the planet's core passed through the region, making it too volatile for occupation.
However, that same heat was redirected via insulated magma pipes to feed into the forge systems, vastly increasing production efficiency and allowing them to experiment with heat resistant alloys.
They have tough on using the white lava as first, but it's filled with too much mana making it too volatile to use.
On the southern edge of the map, excavation continued steadily, reinforced walls erected by tireless Krell labor. But this new city wasn't for them. This was for the other species.
For the many displaced and dissatisfied species seeking a new banner to rally under. For those that had suffered under Nephirid rule and wanted a chance to fight back.
The unexplored biome offered the perfect refuge, but this mean the need better foundation.
They couldn't rely on simple shelters or clustered barracks anymore. They needed working infrastructure. Markets for trade. Systems for order and control. Guard posts. Supply chains. Governance.
A proper city. A new kingdom.
Ben's vision had grown beyond holding territory or protecting a small base. Now, he was laying the foundation for something greater, an empire of his own making.
But all ambition needed fuel. His eyes narrowed as his attention flicked to the dwindling markers of the white gemstone mine. The veins were thinning. Soon they'd run dry.
"We're running low," he muttered, frowning. "And we haven't found any new deposits yet."
For now, they had survived by dealing through Slark's underground network, leveraging hidden tunnels and black market routes to trade for essential supplies including magic gemstones. But Ben hated the dependency.
It wasn't efficient. And most importantly It wasn't free. Owning their own source had been one of their greatest advantages, and now it was nearly gone.
"I know what you're thinking. But we've been managing fine with the trade, haven't we?" Elvira said with a smile. "Thanks to Slark's channels, we've not only bought gemstones, we've acquired new materials, rare reagents, even high-tier weapon from the nephirid. We're stronger than before."
Elvira's hands pressed gently into Ben's shoulders, her voice low and soothing. "A self-sufficient kingdom is a dream, my beloved, not a reality. True kingdoms thrive through balance, mutual dependence. You can't rule everything alone. You can't control it all without trust."
Ben didn't respond right away. His eyes stayed fixed on the glowing map, watching the movements of Krell patrols and supply caravans. But in the back of his mind, darker thoughts stirred. He could build a kingdom without compromise. He could purge the variables.
If he chose to wipe out every other species and replace them with Krell… it would work. He knew it would.
Krell never disobeyed. Even the intelligent ones, One, Seven, Thirteen, the rest of the numbered elites, they showed initiative, creativity, and individual skill. But never insubordination. Never treachery.
They competed when ordered, stopped when told. They followed rules with absolute discipline. They had no greed. No hidden ambitions.
They existed for one reason: to serve their master.
Ben had tested that loyalty more than once. Pushed boundaries. Gave them contradictory commands. Even offered temptations, rewards, praise, punishment. None broke. None hesitated. They were ideal citizens. No need for law enforcement. No need for propaganda. No economic manipulation. No moral compromise.
It was tempting. Gods, it was so tempting.
But Elvira's voice cut through the spiral. Still calm. Still firm. "There's strength in chaos too. In the hearts that doubt you. In those who follow not because you command them, but because they choose to."
Her fingers stilled on his shoulders. "Don't build a kingdom of ghosts."
Ben closed his eyes for a moment. Let the tension bleed from his grip. Then, slowly, he nodded. "You're right a kingdom full of krell is no different than kingdom of ghost or more correct to call it zombie."
Elvira leaned closer, her breath warm against his ear. "I know what you were thinking, my beloved. You were calculating a replacement."
She stepped in front of him, placing her hands gently on his chest.
"And yes… I see the potential in the Krell. Anyone with eyes would. Perfect obedience. Perfect discipline. They never complain, never betray, never stop." Her voice softened. "But they also never laugh. Never question. Never dream."
Ben looked at her, but didn't speak. "I was like you, once," she continued. "In my second life, I tried to make a world run on rules alone. I cast away emotion. I silenced dissent.
I replaced the hearts of my people with spell and restriction, because I thought that would make them better." She looked down for a moment, then met his gaze again. "But it didn't make them stronger. It just made them empty."
She cupped his face with both hands.
"Krell are tools. But a kingdom needs people. It needs uncertainty. Arguments. Even betrayal. That's where loyalty gains meaning. That's where leadership becomes more than command."
Ben remained silent, eyes narrowing slightly, not in anger, but in thought.
"If we build a kingdom only we can live in… then we've already failed. Because when the Daemon comes, we can't win alone. But with countless voices who choose to stand with us."
Her hand slid down, fingers wrapping around his. "That's why you sided with Draeven. That's why you spared Slark. Even if you didn't say it… you knew."
Ben exhaled, voice quiet. "I hate when you're right."
She smiled. "Then stop making it so easy."