Elinor released a thoughtful hum as she smiled at Camellia’s bright expression below; the idea there was a fire-lightning breathing dragon the size of her city lurking in the north hadn’t even been in the realm of possibilities before this moment, and now, it took center stage.

Yet, she didn’t feel the fear she knew that news should have instilled. It was certainly surprising, but the information brought with it opportunity.

Her glowing irises moved to Tiffany, visible above the Gray Throne’s armrests with Violet’s silk attachment, providing a clearer view of the space below. The Witch was deep in thought on several topics.

Tiffany.

“Mmh—ah, did you have something else in mind?”

I suppose … I’m going to attempt to increase the level of my Minion Pool. How does the ranking of the skill work? How would I improve a skill to the second rank, making it Minion Pool 2? Its max rank, yet still Minion Pool 1. What are the conditions required for it to change?

“Ah, right, right … raising a skill’s Level and Proficiencies to their maximum unlocks the next stage, which also increases the overall grade of your proficiency in that skill. There are a few caveats and types of these advancements that fall into two categories—how do I explain it … you can use some skill’s previous ranks, some you cannot, while others are automatically assigned based on conditions.”

Complicated?

Camellia was listening intently to the discussion, and Elinor found her minor reactions to the Witch’s explanation entertaining enough to keep her linked to the conversation.

“Only for a moment,” Tiffany shrugged. “Any new process can be hard to adapt to at the start, and this game-like system has many intricate workings that can be difficult to adjust to at first.

“Let’s say … ah, Life Tap, we can start here! If you had Rank-Two Life Tap, you could use the previous rank if the higher grade wasn’t needed, yet with every increase to the overall status of a skill, the base will get stronger because of the increased Grade.

“Let’s say you have the next Grade of a skill unlocked … Life Tap is at Rank 2, and—for example’s-sake, we’ll go with Versed, Rank 4. That means that if you used Life Tap Rank 1, even though it’s a much lower skill with weaker overall power, it would gain more strength from the Versed Grade, rather than the Novice or Rookie Grades it came up with.

“Now, we’ll go even further! Life Tap Rank 4, meaning you’ve basically pumped over thirty to forty Skill Points into the skill, and now it’s Adept Grade … the strength of Life Tap Rank 1 will now have all of the advancements gained through that mastery. Oh, note that it does require a Skill Point into the next Rank to advance it … it’s basically making it level 11 but just taking away the second number … which is like, meh, okay.”

Okay … let’s use Minion Pool as the next example since it’s my next goal.

“Eh … well, therein lies the reason I used Life Tap as my first examination,” Tiffany replied while adjusting her ripped and torn clothes. “Minion Pool can be increased to higher Ranks, but you cannot use previous Ranks after advancing it, which you could with Life Tap.”

Elinor rested her head against the back of her hand, elbow leaning against the silky left armrest. That seems fairly straight forward; I couldn’t try to use a weaker version of a skill that is literally holding all my minions.

“Not exactly,” Tiffany chuckled softly.

Elinor’s left eye creased as she tracked Iris’ approach with the humans, drawing closer to the palace; she’d sent two Quen’Talrat to rush back the corpses. No? Then there is a way for me to use weaker versions of Minion Pool?

“It’s about strategy,” Tiffany mused. “You cannot use a lesser variant of a skill that is in active use, but … what if you suddenly saw a massive loss of minions or decided to dismiss a large amount?”

I wouldn’t be using any … I see; my current minion count would fall below a specific Rank.

“Now, the issue is that you wouldn’t receive the bonuses those increased ranks give, but it could reduce the price of certain conditions those high ranks might impose. It’s just something to consider.”

So, in short, if I want Minion Pool 2, then I need to get it to Level 10 with a max Proficiency Grade and Rank?

“Correct.”

Elinor fed her desire into the action, increasing the pool a level at a time, stopping on five.

Base Lich (Race) Abilities:

Minion Pool I: (Cooldown: N/A; Cost: N/A; Duration: N/A; Range: N/A) Passive Skill, Death-Type, Level Five, Rookie Grade, Rank Zero. Increases Elinor’s Minion Pool.

Intelligent: 30 (Previous 18) Unintelligent: 150 (Previous 80)

A flash of amusement lifted Elinor’s lips as she pondered on the advancement, relaying the new figures to the Royal Court. Isn’t it interesting? A Rookie Lich Empress has up to a hundred and eighty minions … although, I suppose my Royal Court shouldn’t be as advanced as it currently is.

“Twelve new positions?” Tiffany squealed.

“Ahem,” Edmon stepped in, quieting the Witch. “Moving forward … our current plans are for the following:

“One Treasurer.

“One Groundskeeper.

“A Royal Chronicler.

“One Publicist with good communication skills.

“A Cook, whichever rank we can find among the bodies given.

“And finally, four Maids.

“With one of the new twelve slots taken by a Jukal … that leaves eleven.

“One of those positions I’d recommend reserving for a Head of State.”

Elinor’s lips fell a bit as Tiffany’s mouth fell open, and before she could respond, Iris severed Camellia’s connection to the conversation since they were entering an area outside the scope of her station.

“A what … umm, Edmon, do you have your head on straight?”

Iris’ calm voice entered the discussion. “If I am not mistaken, Edmon, you described the Head of State as the highest-tier station among the Lower Court.”

“A Transcendent-Title!” Tiffany barked. “You know just how pressed we are on Elinor’s daily Death Toll. What makes a Head of State so important at this time for you to bring that up?”

Edmon responded in the same cool manner Elinor had become accustomed to. “I only suggested we reserve the position and a suitable corpse to fill it. In short, the human we select will be one of the most capable humans within history, and if he were allowed to grow, would have become a world leader.

“I am not sure there is a corpse of such value taken, and that is in our possession. All I’m recommending is to keep our eyes open. A Head of State would advance the religious part of the Empire by leaps and bounds compared to what we can accomplish.”

“Oh … well, why didn’t you lead with that,” Tiffany grumbled. “It’s true … we may be competent in many fields, but a Head of State would be able to direct the flow much easier among the social classes … plus, I’m pretty busy handling many other things.”

“Yes, yes, we all know you’re special and busy,” Edmon teased.

“Of course,” Tiffany sniffed, bypassing his remark. “... Leaving that aside, an Ambassador should be in order.”

Elinor’s vision lifted, following Violet as she continued to remove all the decaying decorations, stripping the walls of cloth and drapes.

To meet with Yesenia?

“Not this soon,” Tiffany remarked, regaining her composure. “If we sent an Ambassador with Nadraca, then they will gain experience while observing and participating in the affairs. I just think it would be prudent to develop an excellent talent as soon as possible since we know we will be meeting with Yesenia in time.”

Edmon and Iris both agreed with her forethought, making up Elinor’s mind.

That leaves ten left…

They discussed the possible choices and best options until Iris arrived; she’d directed the Quen’Talrat to set the dead Jukal on the opposite side of the hall as the humans finished their selection.

The group that Iris brought back was worse for wear, but most of them were in the younger generation of the town, appearing to fall between their teens and late twenties. Elinor assumed Krava had seen the use in taking the humans that were still in the prime of their youth.

All of the new group seemed to have found a modicum of protection in the giant spider queen that had brought them to the safety of this colossal fortress-city; however, upon seeing her sitting on the massive throne, more than one person had a lump drop down their throats.

Camellia’s tone was much more light-hearted and bright than one would expect when announcing who the group had an audience with when they’d just passed an immense entrance hall, littered with corpses and bones. Yet, the red-themed spider cheerily announced the name and rank of every present Royal Court member.

The girls and boys shifted nervously, eyes darting between the figures as they waited in stunned silence, and even those that had severe wounds made as little noise as possible while waiting for their fate to be sealed.

Iris ascended the wall, locked in a conversation with Tiffany, and upon eavesdropping, Elinor discovered they were going back and forth about Throne placement as she let the pressing atmosphere crush her new potential subjects.

“... You know, you’re not wrong,” Tiffany mused, glancing between the thrones. “A color-theme was what they were meant for, to begin with, and there is an orange … mmh, but it’s further away from Elinor…”

“It’s just an observation,” Iris smoothly replied. “You’ve mentioned the reason why thrones are of such importance, so, which should I use if placement and color are a factor?”

“Well … we aren’t really going along with the whole Quen’Talrat arrangement; that’d be silly. No, but … colors would be kind of nice. There’s a deep blue one for Edmon, which goes with his eyes.”

Iris paused beside the White Throne, remaining stationary. “Is eye color the primary consideration?”

“No, no,” Tiffany mumbled, noting Elinor looking at her. “... Oh, Elinor, umm … is there something you’d like to add?”

Glancing at the base of the Gray Throne, she hummed thoughtfully. We can move the thrones around, but a color-theme might be nice. You have orange fire and eyes, Tiffany; I think it would fit you well. Iris may have red eyes, but she’s also an assassin, so … black?

Both parties promptly agreed with her assessment, and upon prompt, Violet moved down to the Orange Throne to construct another silk seat for the Witch while Iris climbed upon the Black Throne.

The obsidian-like wood was mesmerizing to look upon once Violet fragmented the light of the black gem with her silk to cast an eerier tone to the gaudy Throne Room.

Iris managed to collect the human corpses she’d found in a protective silken weave, and with how slow the group moved through the jungle, had a single Quen’Talrat gradually carry the bundles back to the palace through their morning hike.

The living was going through the new bodies to identify the individuals they knew.

Now situated, Elinor coldly made a similar show as she did the previous human audience, telling them of her plan and the options they had. She left them with the same offer to resurrect their loved ones, providing the necessary caveats.

As expected, none of them put up much resistance, but none were religious believers yet, and she gave them the charge to discuss things with Gwen in regards to the hundreds upon hundreds of bodies that had been recovered.

Elinor watched them leave with a smile. There are a lot more human options than I first anticipated.

“Mmh, well, they did kill and kidnap an entire South American town,” Tiffany giggled. “This group was much more reserved than the last, considering they were supposed to be the rowdy ones, but I suppose that has to do with Iris,” she grinned at the Queen.

Iris was as still as a statue as she observed the retreating humans. “I suppose my presence did strike terror into their hearts. A few were quite vocal, but after observing all of the Ri’bot being incapacitated, they withdrew.”

Tiffany snickered. “I bet they did.”

Preparing herself for the storm that was about to follow, Elinor straightened in her seat, ordering her gorilla attendant to carry her below. … Well, it’s time to see what these Jukal are doing in my valley, and what this Avana really is.

Tiffany tensed with excitement, Edmon listened in, and even Iris seemed hungry for more details about the beast.

Stepping off her minion’s hand, she watched the ape Iris commanded to bring in the creatures for observation; many of the humans could be seen sneaking glances in at them through the wide-open doors, but the distance between the rooms was vast enough that they couldn’t make out much but a lone girl, standing in a grand room that was far larger than was reasonably possible.

She got her first look at the creatures as they were brought in, making her hum with interest; they may have resembled the Potoos in a few regards, but they were clearly something different.

The five-foot-tall beast was a mix between a bird and reptile that resembled a more terrifying, bestial form of a harpy. Its massive wings were bowed in a way that allowed the creature to prowl, displaying sharp black talons to rake its prey.

It’s bulging eyes were like onyx stones, barely reflecting any of the light around the space, and the dull gray scales mix that ruff of feathers that puffed around its neck gave it a horrifying appearance. The creature’s v-shaped beak curved down, leading to an appalling grin that split its wide-open mouth.

A dense plume of layered feathers trailed behind the creature, leaving much of its core and muscular legs with dull gray scales. Its six-inch-long talons showed how deadly the bird was in the wild.

Dried blue blood dyed the creature’s stomach from the three puncture holes Iris had made, apparently coming from three major organs she’d discovered while dispatching them and observing how different wounds affected their time of death.

Tens of thousands of these ranging from four to six feet tall … they would be a terror in the skies, and the amount of food they’d require … what kind of place is the north?

Tiffany’s lips tightened. “A good question. This was a targeted attack … war against the Quen’Talrat, which would make ten armies attacking them in succession. Really, that just proves just how powerful the Quen’Talrat were once united under strong leadership.”

Iris explained a few abilities the creatures possessed while her minion brought each in, and a few showed just how brutal some of Iris’ initial attacks had been upon an unknown enemy; several of the birds were diced into sections as she identified their anatomy amid the battle, and she’d eaten one to analyze their biological traits.

“The Jukal aren’t particularly dangerous by Thélméthra standards,” she explained. “They are swift in the sky, but I suspect not among the most agile within their environment; they’re built for quick execution, dropping out of the sky at an accelerated rate to catch unsuspecting prey.”

“Thélméthra standards?” Tiffany repeated with a light laugh. “According to your lore, Iris, your species devours entire worlds, building on each conquest … I speculate not many creatures meet your measure.”

“It is a simple analysis of adaptability within their genetic blueprint,” Iris responded in a neutral tone. “There is a vocal organ that has some merit, allowing them to use sound as an attack or warning. These are not apex predators within their environment but act more as scavengers to more powerful foes.

“Their eyes are adapted in a way to warn them of danger, even when sleeping, and bodies formed to allow the creatures to move in tight spaces. I expect they use ice caverns as their place of nest, using their thick feathers and numbers as a means to keep warm while gathering some form of material to combat a frigid environment.

“If they do live in an icy area, then I’d conclude they’re extremely active, requiring much nourishment as they burn through their energy.”

“High calorie based, huh?” Tiffany commented.

Edmon released a low hum of interest. “What about temperament?”

“Highly sanguine with a slight mix of phlegmatic characteristics; they are not vengeful, but are very hierarchical-based within their social order. There is a curious aspect to their observation habits … it is rare in their species to spend so much time observing instead of acting. There are several built-in genetic markers that are passed on to help hunt and avoid specific prey and predators, but that does not connect to their current presence and behavior.

“There is nothing within their make-up to conclude why they’d hunt the Quen’Talrat in a mass suicide either, which is a bit perplexing,” Iris commented with a brooding tone. “If I were to be a Jukal, then I would avoid the Quen’Talrat at all cost.

“My assessment … something is controlling them, and I cannot detect its influence in their biology.”

Elinor walked around one of the more complete birds, hair bunching at her shoulders as her head tilted, observing the creature in detail. Interesting … so, could something be controlling the Avana?

“Ooo,” Tiffany scooted forward, smiling softly while calling for the nearest Quen’Talrat to carry her to ground-level. “Isn’t this becoming quite the mystery? The northern continent is piquing my intrigue! How intelligent are they?”

“Not very compared to humans, but enough to possibly communicate at a rudimentary level if trained.”

We’ll see soon enough.

They went silent as Elinor activated Herald of the Empress, sending her butterflies between the corpses to analyze their spirit’s strength.

Half of these I can’t bring back since their bones were damaged.

“My apologies, Empress.”

It’s to be expected … they’re weak. Almost every Jukal is of Poor or Common-Grade, not showing much ability to advance to something great … yet there is one of Uncommon.

Elinor stopped in front of a bird, cut clean in half, yet Iris had managed to curve around the bones, making her lips curve. Iris … you knew about my current bone limitation on reviving bodies?

“Edmon and Tiffany both made me aware of your capabilities and answered more of my inquiries after your exploration.”

Was this one of any importance? It appears as if you took an interest in keeping this one available functional.

“It did give some indications of being higher in their societal rank with the females surrounding it.”

You really are my jewel. Elinor giggled. Well … sadly, a Rare-Grade is required to have full sentience at their resurrection. Hmm … send for Quin and have him help our newest member remember his past.

Applying her power, Elinor rekindled its spark of life.

The Jukal sucked in a hissing breath as the flames engulfed its body, turning its scales and feathers to ash and leaving glistening bone.

Elinor lifted an eyebrow, not entirely expecting the outcome. I suppose I should make a note of this … skeletal birds do not make good starting minions. In fact, Iris, if you could have Quin meet up with … we’ll name him Rigrach, she giggled. Tell them to continue killing wildlife, leaving the Ri’bot alone until Rigrach can communicate.

“I will see it is done. However, Quin appears to be nearing that stage already, and would you like them to gather their prey for nourishment?”

Tiffany bounced on her toes as she touched down on the ground floor, eagerly moving to inspect their newest member. “Oh, oh, ingredients, too. Wait … we’ll have a cook, soon; it’s perfect! Think about savoring new dishes … I miss eating,” she groaned with a reminiscent tone. “What do you think, Elinor? Wouldn’t it be absolutely divine to test out our cook’s skills?”

“Not even trying to hide it,” Edmon chuckled.

“Eh, what are you talking about, Edmon? This is totally natural!”

Elinor smiled at the innocent grin her former mother wore. No need to diet anymore, right?

“Absolutely right!” She salivated.

The joy of tasting good food again wasn’t just held by the Witch, Iris and Edmon were collected on the surface, but even the Executioner had a curiosity about what dishes their new chief would create.

Iris sent Rigrach out to meet up with Quin as a Quen’Talrat removed the remaining Jukal; she’d concluded more skeletal versions at this time wasn’t the best use of her Death Energy, and if needed, there were hundreds of possible replacements outside.

Camellia, Iris, Tiffany, and Elinor exited the Throne Room, causing a stir among the humans as they casually traveled the lengthy hallway between the two areas. Gwen must have explained the situation adequately to the new group because the teens and adults had separated their own dead.

Two sections were marked out, and surprisingly, there were more bodies for her to select from in the willing category than not; although, that also included the unclaimed.

Every human and Yaltha’ma in the room bowed, facing the floor as she entered, and Elinor quickly gave the command that they could rise.

Gwen had a hopeful look in her eyes as she hurried over to her, and Elinor glanced at the nervous Ri’bot following beside her; some of the embers hiding below began to crackle as she saw the creature that had taken so much from her, but it wasn’t difficult to temper the emotions, returning her focus to the red-haired woman.

“Have I given the humans enough time, Gwen?”

“Plenty, Empress,” Gwen respectfully responded.

“Hmm,” Elinor swept the small crowds of tens of dozens of people. “Are there any reservations or concerns?”

“Umm,” Gwen smacked her lips, glancing back at a few individuals, fists clenched against their chests or folded, “well … there are some worries about how long it might take for people to get their turn, and eh … the jobs their loved ones might get is a bit of a discussion.”

“So, a lot of concerns,” Tiffany giggled.

“Yeah … kind of,” Gwen said, giving the Witch a forced smile. “A lot of personal questions.”

Iris’ leg shifted, moving her body so she could get a better picture of the crowd. “Too scared to ask by the manner they’re reacting.”

“Yes … some are still processing everything,” Gwen whispered, “but they all wish for their loved ones to return.”

Elinor smiled, folding her hands behind her back while turning to study several nervous faces. “Then allow me to bring you good news … there are new openings within my Empire.”

Soft whispers swept the pockets of people at the news.

“Tiffany, if you could explain exactly what jobs have now become available.”

“Ahem,” the Witch stepped forward, and the room quieted to listen. “I will start by reaffirming what has already been stated.

“As you know, there will be a Treasurer to begin recording our goods.

“A Groundskeeper, to aid in the management of the palace.

“There will be one person given the job of Royal Chronicler to keep a diary of the Empire’s actions for future study.

“A Publicist to act as a liaison between the people and the Royal Court,

“Cook to prepare the Empress’ meals, and as for Maids … there has been a slight change.”

Tiffany smiled, glancing at her captivated audience as the tension built; even the Clavex and humans above were staring down with wide-eyes, waiting for the reveal.

“The Empress will be selecting nine Maids and two Butlers. If there is a suitable candidate for a lead Maid or Butler position, then the honor might fall upon one of your family members.”

A hum of noise passed through each small party as people talked amongst themselves, and Elinor could hear a few fears at how few men would be selected.

Tiffany allowed the whispers for several seconds before speaking up again, silencing the massive crowd as they turned back to get every detail.

“I’m pleased to announce, positions have opened in the following:

“A capable Artist to provide entertainment, which would include any of the artistic paths.

“There will be an Ambassador chosen to represent our Empire, and this job would be much more demanding than the previous as it would require distant travel.”

More than a few men, women, and children looked fearful upon that revelation, but the Witch powered on.

“Finally, a Curator to support the Treasurer with the mass of items that must be sorted.”

Every human held their breath as she finished, probably hoping for just a little more, but none came, and Elinor stepped forward to enact the proclamation, giving a few last words.

“Be sure that if I pass your loved one by, it does not mean I will not require their services in the future.”

Emerald flames flowed up her arms as she activated Herald of the Empress, searching for her targets, and she quickly identified the best candidates for each job; every human she chose was Rare or Heroic-Grade, making them instantly capable of fulfilling their duties.

However, upon conducting her study, she found that there was more talent present than she first considered; while humans were feeble as combat classes, their intelligence allowed the majority to push past the weaker Grades to the point she found her Head of State.

Elinor stared down at a well built handsome man in his early thirties; she recalled seeing him on the humanitarian aid bus.

His hair was perfectly trimmed to his slicked-back style, leaving his forehead open; his shinny night-black hair and strong, chiseled face were what initially drew her eye, and she even remembered her mother giving the man an appraising stare as he removed his shirt on the ride, showing his well-toned muscular body, framed by his tank-top.

He was practically bubbling with masculinity, yet had a controlled class that his glasses highlighted, showing a contrast that initially intrigued her to spend more time admiring the show.

It had offered a momentary distraction from the blazing heat as she remembered, but now, his white T-Shirt was ripped and bloodied. There were signs that he’d put up a fight with green blood straining his pants and hands, which was even more eye-catching than his young, mysterious suave-like appeal.

“Hmm?” Tiffany stared down at him as she continued to study the dead man. “Something interesting about him? Oh, is he the Head Butler? Please, say he’s the Head Butler; oh, I’d die of a sugar overdose,” she squealed.

Edmon’s low voice butted in, watching through Elinor’s eyes as she shared her vision with him. “You can’t be serious, Tiff … this is the kind of Butler you see as, and I quote, eye-candy … he’s not even that good-looking.”

Elinor restrained a smirk, feeling Edmon’s jealousy rise, and Elinor had to agree with the Witch as her smile grew impish.

“Mmh? Not handsome, Edmon … you’re usually more subtle about these things. As I recall … oh, I can taste the green waves coming off you!”

“Green waves?” Iris questioned, but Edmon’s voice easily overpowered her soft inquiry.

“Green waves … you think I’m jealous of that … a corpse that will be what, a Butler?”

“Honey … Honey,” Tiffany giggled, holding her stomach with mirth as she pressed her knuckles against her nose, “if you wanted to insult him, then you can’t go after his looks! It just seems … well, silly—look at that face, body … oof, that hair … yes, I remember how he looked on that steaming hot bus,” she hummed with pleasure.

“Ahem,” Elinor interjected. “Actually … this man’s Grade…”

“Is Poor, isn’t it?” Edmon chuckled, causing Iris’ body to tilt with confusion, more than a little lost in the conversation’s sudden tone shift. “I figured…”

“Is Transcendent … meet our Head of State candidate.”

Elinor’s mind blanked from shock as Edmon left the conversation, withdrawing from the Nexus connection she’d established.

He just … wow…

“Oh, dear…” Tiffany gasped, fits turning into soft squeaks that she couldn’t control her laughter. “That … that’s so much like him! I just—I didn’t think it was this bad…”

Several humans nearby gave each other concerned looks as they watched things play out, inching away.

Elinor directed one of the nearby skeletal apes to scoop up the man’s corpse, bringing him into the Throne Room. That was … unexpected—it’s nice knowing no one claimed him, though … he’s all mine.

She quickly found suitable candidates and separated them from the group; once finished, the remaining families and friends, hoping for their loved one’s return, looked crushed.

“I’ll repeat myself, there will be more opportunities in the future,” Elinor stated, keeping herself composed but still reeling from Edmon’s sharp departure when she’d revealed the next likely addition to a Court position, and one that would be working under them and speaking to Tiffany regularly.

With that, she rekindled her new servants’ spark of life, dark green flames bathing their bodies, and Iris transformed into her human form, moving between each to provide adequate underwear for those that needed it.

Tiffany smiled at the new additions. “Welcome to the Empire, Dearies!”