Ben was pacing inside his private study with a worried look on his face.

He just got a report from Lilith saying that the southern expedition wasn't going very well. They had suffered casualties and only cleared two small towns out, no survivors had been found.

What made Ben worried was that Colton was heavily injured by 3 tank-like zombies. Though he was able to kill them, the injuries he suffered would take at least 5 days to heal with Lilith’s help. Though he would be alright it made the army's moral low. A powerful general was almost killed, what chance would they have to survive?

Ben was upset with this attitude. These people fought and clawed their way through the beginning of the system and are still this weak willed?

Ben only spoke two words to Lilith, “Push on.”

Though they didn't need to clear out the towns to the south, Ben knew they had to do it sooner or later. He would rather do it sooner so he had soldiers who experienced battle. Shenelle and her mages left this morning, making Ben feel a little better. Though mages were physically weak their firepower was undeniable and could crush their enemies at long distances.

The dwarves continued to mine the Blue Meteor Iron from the cave. Hal’s initial estimations were off, they mine held more than he originally thought. Some humans who were in need of money volunteered to mine the ores with the dwarves. Ben smiled at this, if these humans could work well with the dwarves it would make it easier for the city to except them.

Takon was still in his slumber, slowing fusing with the flame. Ava had continued to inform Ben about everything she knew, from how to train to different races in the universe.

…

Duke stood in front of a pack of huge dogs. What made these dogs special was they had two snarling heads.

Orthros Lvl 55

This pack of two headed dogs had been reported to Ben by Eve. They had some territory dispute which ended with a couple of Red Forest Wolves killed. Eve, unable to deal with them herself, asked Ben for assistance. He agreed immediately, using this for a training opportunity for Duke.

Ava had informed him that for his soul beasts to evolve was to fight. Fight a deadly bloody battle and to push themselves beyond their limits. So this is what Ben did.

Duke was surrounded by these Orthros, they numbered to be over a hundred. Not intimidated by their numbers, Duke let out a vicious growl and attacked the closest one. Duke was larger than the Orthros and bit down on its spine and gave it a quick shake.

*Snap!*

Its back instantly broke. Throwing it to the side, Duke continued his frenzied attack. The Orthros were shocked at first but soon snarled and attacked. Duke was able to kill a few and sent a couple flying with a swipe of his claws.

Though Duke was holding his own, the sheer numbers of the Orthros started to wear him down. Cuts started to form all of his body and blood soon covered his fur. Finally an Orthros bit his leg, causing Duke to drop to the ground.

Seeing the opportunity the Orthros jumped on Duke, biting and clawing anything they could touch.

Ava, who was watching through Ben’s eyes wanted to say something but seeing Ben watching calmy kept her mouth shut.

‘Come one Duke.’ Ben cheered silently.

*Aaawwwwwwwoooooo!*

A loud howl filled the air. A dark red aura seemed to leak out from under the Orthros. Another howl rang out and with it, the Orthros went flying!

Duke was surrounded by thick red aura that gave a bloodthirsty feeling. He was breathing heavy, with blood dripping off his body and his eyes red. Before the Orthros had a chance to get up, Ben had already slashed its throat with his claws and quickly moved on to the next one.

The slaughter was over quickly as the last Orthros was killed and the red aura receded back into Duke.

He stood there, staring at Ben.

Ben gave a broad smile and said, “Good boy.”

A wolfish grin appeared on Duke’s face before his eyes rolled back and he fell to the ground.

Ben walked up to him and touched his head, sending him back into his soul realm to heal. “Have a long rest buddy, you deserved it.” Ben said softly.

Ben gathered to bodies of all the Orthros to sell at the market and headed back.

Ben stopped at Emma’s store to see if his and his family’s armour was finished. He was a couple days early from what she had told him but he was leaving tomorrow and he needed armour for this journey.

Entering the beautiful shop, the girl behind the counter immediately recognized him and went to the back to get Emma.

A few moments later the girl re-appeared with Emma closely following her. She still was wearing skinny jeans that showed off her incredible figure. Her hair was pulled up in a messy bun with sewing needle sticking out in some places. Though he beauty couldn't compare to Cloey’s, she still was stunning.

“City Lord.” Emma politely nodded.

“Call me Ben Miss Emma. I just stopped by to see if my armour is finished. I know you told me a week but I leave tomorrow and I might need some armour.” Ben explained to her. He didn't want to put any pressure on her to finish the armour.

“Yours is done but the other 5 aren’t.” Emma frowned, “If you give me till tomorrow they should all be finished.”

Ben waved his hand and said, “Don't worry about it. I will just take mine for now.”

“Jill go get the City Lord’s armour.” Emma commanded the girl who fetched her.

Like a fire was lit under her ass, she took off quickly to the back.

Emma eyed Ben in great detail. ‘Tall, handsome and those eyes could turn any girl to a puddle. On top of that he is extremely strong and commands an entire city.’ Emma’s eyes began to shine with vigor as she stared at Ben.

Ben became a little uncomfortable with her stare and gave a light cough before he examined some armour on display. Emma launched into saleswoman mode and started to say the bonuses and effects each piece of armour had. She used this as an opportunity to get close to Ben and get him to try on armour.

Ben pretended to act oblivious to her attempts, nodded his head as she explained that armour gave stat bonuses to the person wearing it and if the material was good enough, had hidden effects.

Soon Jill came out from the back carrying some black leather armour. Seeing it Ben was mesmerized. The armour was pitch black and had tiny blue lightning designs covering it. Ben only ordered a breast plate and braces so he quickly and easily put it on. The breastplate fit very snug but didn't restrict his movements at all. The bracers went from his wrist to his elbows.

Emma left and came back with a light black sleeveless shirt, “This is the under armour I made to wear under your armour. It will provide slight protection and has breathing capabilities to prevent you from sweating.”

Ben quickly took off his new armour and removed his t shirt he was wearing, showing his bare muscular chest.

Jill looked away, red plastered all over her face but still snuck glances at Ben’s body. Emma greedily stared at his body with lustful eyes. Ben’s body was defined with beautiful sculpted muscles that made her almost drool.

The shop door opened and 2 girls walked into the store. Emma was about to say they were closed, mad at the interruption but stopped when she heard Ben curse.

“Shit.” he said as he quickly tried to put on his armour.

He recognized the two people that walked into the store.

“Hi Cloey! Hey mom! What are you doing here?”