Time to Cool Off a Little

[Quest: The Rise of the Fourth Progenitor]

[Objective: To personally create a Night Empire, requiring a territory of at least 220,000 square kilometers and a population of at least 500,000.]

[Rewards: Will be determined based on the Night Empire's influence and individual contributions.]

Okay, this is it.

"I am preparing to establish a nation."

Ren didn't hide anything and roughly explained his plan.

After Ren expressed his thoughts, apart from Aiba Asagi, the others didn't seem particularly surprised.

Even Nangong Nayue, who had just returned from handling official business, wasn't particularly surprised when she learned of Ren's decision.

It's like... taking it for granted.

"Couldn't you at least give us some unexpected reaction?"

Ren shrugged.

"Everyone's so calm makes me feel like I'm not being valued."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Nayue immediately retorted, "Based on what you've done so far, the people around you are already used to it. As for the establishment of a nation, everyone had already tacitly agreed to it when you decided to attend the Feast of the Crimson; they were just not sure yet."

"After all, the result of the Feast of the Crimson was the revival of the Fourth True Ancestor, and because of the special status of the Vampire True Ancestor, there was also an unwritten rule that one could choose a territory to establish Night Empire."

"Now my only curiosity is whether you intend to become emperor, or whether the Fourth True Ancestor will become emperor."

Nangong Nayue leaned back lazily on the sofa and sighed.

Even so, she still seemed rather listless.

After all, she had just finished dealing with the follow-up official business of the remnants of the Black Death Emperor Faction. When she got home, she originally wanted to talk to Ren about the Serpent Envoy, but she did not expect to hear Ren's speech about establishing a country.

Although it's not surprising that things have come to this point, the various troubles that have followed have left her feeling very exhausted.

Especially when one has a physical body.

The mental and physical fatigue was exacerbated.

She's even starting to miss the magical doll she created.

Although I often feel mentally fatigued, at least my body doesn't feel tired.

Moreover, there are many physiological needs after returning to the physical body.

"Of course it's her."

Ren pointed at Aurora.

Although many people are obsessed with the emperor's title, in reality, almost 99% of them simply want to enjoy the power that comes with being an emperor.

In reality, to be a good emperor, one had to treat oneself like a beast of burden, getting up at four or five in the morning every day and reviewing memorials at night, with very little time for leisure.

Of course, incompetent rulers are a different story.

Ren was neither a tyrant nor did he want to be a despot. With his current abilities, being a carefree person couldn't be more comfortable.

The Original, who was sulking to himself, showed a look of surprise when he heard that Ren was going to let *****.

Why prevent her from absorbing and merging with other hosts, yet send her to establish the Night Empire?

Ren certainly couldn't say it was a system task; he just came up with a seemingly normal reason.

Although everyone knew this was probably a lie, no one tried to dissuade him from establishing the Night Empire.

The vampire sisters, in particular, were so excited they wanted to cry when they heard that Ren was going to establish an empire.

It's not easy; after so long, the owner has finally remembered to get down to business.

In this way, the Caruana family is not far from revival!

"However, even if the Fourth Progenitor is in your hands, establishing a Night Empire will not be easy. Just take the issue of territory for example. Although Itogami Island is Demon Sanctuary, it is still the territory of an island nation. If you act recklessly, it could very well be considered an act of aggression."

Aya Tokoyogi said with a light laugh.

"Can the matter of the True Ancestor of Vampires be called an invasion?"

Ren shrugged.

Originally, Aya Tokoyogi wanted to take this opportunity to promote his "Book of Dark Oaths" and modify Itogami Island in the real world by setting up a large-scale barrier, but Ren had no intention of doing so at all.

"In short, that's the gist of it, Asagi. You understand, hacking into the Itogami Island public network to announce this news to the world, and now it's up to them to react."

Ren made a decisive decision.

Of course, there's still a little bit missing to complete the main storyline.

After all, Itogami Island's total area is not as large as 200,000 square kilometers now.

Chapter 341 Needs a Cold Stem

We have 500,000 citizens, but the current surface area of Itogami Island is far less than what the main quest requires.

However, solving this problem is quite simple.

Itogami Island is not simply Demon Sanctuary.

It was originally built by the feng Genjin Senra, combining technology and magic; in essence, it was an altar to resurrect the wicked god Cain.

However, putting aside the altar, besides being the central point of the Strike the Blood storyline, Itogami Island also serves to store the treasures left behind by Cain in the past.

Nowadays, it is called "heritage".

To obtain this legacy, besides Itogami Island, what is needed is Aiba Asagi, who is recognized as the priestess of Cain, and another Sin God's Legacy, which serves as the key.

And this key is the dragon Glenda that appeared in the original work.

After Ren announced what he was going to do, everyone dispersed.

Aiba Asagi knew she wouldn't be able to go home tonight.

Fortunately, Nangong Nayue's house has many rooms, and there are still a few empty rooms left.

Although the girl was still processing Ren's talk about founding a nation, so much had happened that day that she fell asleep almost immediately after lying down on the bed.

Ren, on the other hand, still had plenty of energy.

He originally wanted to find the Chaos Bride to discuss the philosophy of life, but the room was empty.

When they asked Liana and the others, they also had no idea.

Could they have run away?

Ren thought to himself.

After all, he had been focusing all his firepower on her alone for some time, and even a True Ancestor might not be able to withstand it.

Nagisa Akatsuki and Yase Kanon were too young, and although the other hosts wouldn't refuse him, they all lived in dormitories, so he couldn't just go in directly.

While the artificial lifeforms Astarte and Schwanita are also quite good, they are not yet emotionally rich and are more like dolls.

How many days has it been since Lavinia left? I miss her!

But just then...

A ripple, like waves, suddenly spread across the space inside Ren' room.

You seem troubled; have you encountered some kind of trouble?

Aya Tokoyogi appeared at Ren's window, the curtains fluttering behind her.

I don't have any worries; I'm just a poor soul left alone in my empty room because my concubine, the Chaos Bride, has disappeared.

Ren didn't explain, but lowered his voice and said, "No, I was just thinking about my friends."

Aya Tokoyogi was unaware of Ren's past experiences.

Moreover, she is still a criminal and cannot go out freely, let alone leave Itogami Island. She can only learn about Ren's information from people like Nagisa Akatsuki.

Seeing Ren like this now, I assumed he was feeling down because he missed his former comrades.

Aya Tokoyogi stepped forward and said softly, "Yes, I understand how you feel. Just like Nangong Nayue and I, we had to part ways because of certain things."

"But actually, I don't hate her; it's just that this world is too unfair."

After speaking, Ren looked up, a puzzled expression on his face. "I get along very well with my friend, it's just that I'm a little hesitant now."

Ren's "What are you talking about?" expression left Aya Tokoyogi speechless.

She thought you were like her because you always had that long face!

So you're just homesick!

"Aren't you planning to establish a Night Empire on Itogami Island? You can bring your friends over then. With your status and position, you can easily reunite with them."

As expected of a witch, Aya Tokoyogi smiled slightly without any pretense of emotion.

"That's not necessary, they're doing very well over there."

"That's what Ren said."

Aya Tokoyogi's face stiffened.

Can't we just talk like this?!

Ren didn't continue to increase the intensity on Aya Tokoyogi, because if he kept pretending, he wouldn't be able to hold back anymore. So he asked instead, "Aya Tokoyogi, what brings you to my room alone so late at night?"

Just call me A-Ye.

Aya Tokoyogi took a few steps closer, her voice soft and soothing.

"You should know that I am a witch. Back then, I was forced to go astray in order to change my and Nazuki's fate. I've actually come to terms with it recently. What I did back then was indeed wrong, but it's also true that witches are discriminated against and exploited."

"Can you imagine the kind of unfair treatment I've experienced in the past?"

Perhaps due to the angle and distance, coupled with Ren's excellent night vision, he was able to clearly see the white expanse inside Aya Tokoyogi's kimono pajamas.

However, due to the difference between men and women, Ren was too embarrassed to observe closely, only noticing that the thin kimono did not reveal any underwear underneath, and that the two mounds of Mount Fuji were vaguely protruding.

Ren remained silent for about two minutes before slowly nodding and saying, "Hmm, she is indeed very fair-skinned... Uh, I just thought about it carefully. After all, witches can't be considered human, so it's normal for them to be discriminated against."

However, when Aya Tokoyogi saw Ren's appearance, the corner of her mouth twitched slightly.

She figured it out.

Ren wasn't even considering her problem; he was clearly staring at her intently for several minutes.

I must say, you were indeed very observant just now.

If it weren't for the slight discomfort caused by being stared at, which made her wrap her kimono tighter around herself, Ren probably wouldn't have spoken up so soon.

Aya Tokoyogi didn't completely take what Ren said seriously.

But she didn't press the matter further. Instead, she said, "Although she kept saying she was used to the life of a doll, anyone could see that she looked much better lately. She kept trying to stop me when I said I wanted to change my fate, but now she's become the first to try it."

"Mr. Ren, can you tell me how to completely break free from the demon's contract?"

At first, Aya Tokoyogi was somewhat resistant to the life of being restricted by others.

However, ever since Ren altered the demon contract on Nangong Nayue in front of her, Aya Tokoyogi has been deeply envious.

Although she is no longer limited to using a magical doll to navigate the world like Nangong Nayue was in the past, the price she has paid is still considerable.

Although it's still within my tolerance range, with Nangong Nayue as a comparison, I feel uncomfortable every day as long as the cost of the contract remains.

However, because Ren hadn't contacted her for the past few days and didn't even seem to want to talk to her, Aya Tokoyogi, unable to bear it any longer, personally went to talk to Ren.

Upon hearing Aya Tokoyogi's words, Ren understood.

The true intentions were revealed when the map was unrolled.

"It's very simple. Come closer, and I'll explain it to you slowly."

Although she still had doubts, given the precedent of Nangong Nayue, Aya Tokoyogi had no reason to doubt him and slowly walked up to Ren.

However, Ren did not offer direct assistance. Instead, he had Aya Tokoyogi talk about her past.

After hesitating for a few seconds, Aya Tokoyogi began to talk about his past, since there was nothing to hide.

However, when talking about being enemies with Nangong Nayue, Aya Tokoyogi's eyes turned a little red.

She didn't actually care about being used and scorned by the world, nor was she afraid of being called a terrorist. But back then, when Nangong Nayue went against her for the sake of Itogami Island and for those who used her, she was heartbroken.

Ren expressed his understanding, then gently patted her back to comfort her.

As they chatted, Aya Tokoyogi, who was getting a little agitated, suddenly felt a pair of large hands slip into her kimono without her noticing.