Building My SSS-Rank Universal Empire: From Trash to Cosmic Overlord-Chapter 231: Now mine

"I’ve been meaning to do that since the time he began nagging me," Pomora said as she flew down from above on a platform of water. Then, she used her whip of water to cut down all the guards with them without fanfare.

The tower laughed. "You beat me to it."

From the other ship that was just beside them, Takoda jumped over. "Finally, we are done with all this. Can we go back to the borderland now? I want to organize my people."

The past weeks weren’t only for them pretending. They were also working, and the most important task was trying to turn monster hunters into human hunters.

Both are the same and completely different at the same time. Contrary to what they thought, after following Vale’s order on those who wanted to leave or stay, a lot of people chose to stay.

Better to stick with the group they knew than to leave and start over again. The Flagbearers rewarded everyone by giving them twenty percent of all the loot they gained from each ruin.

Not only had that given them motivation, but it also significantly reduced the remaining number of ruins.

Vale came out of his tower. He was wearing his usual black material cloth that did not burn easily, but his cloak was another thing entirely. It was made of a deep purple fabric, and imprinted on it was the coiled snake and helmet.

They understood without him saying anything.

"Thank you, all of you," he said, his voice low but clear. "This is only possible because of you, but this is only the beginning. Thrain is a bloodthirsty bastard, and unfortunately for us, he is not a stupid one.

"But I have my eyes on things far bigger than the Hinterlands. This is but a small piece of the whole."

Even though it was only Tiber and Slya who understood him, the Flagbearers still inclined their heads. Vale clapped his hands. "Alright then, time to do some cleaning!"

They killed all the Knights on both ships. Some of them did not even know what was happening and died in their sleep. Those were better deaths than the ones who tried to fight back.

The Flagbearers, and now Vale, did not know how to hold back against very weak opponents, and so most of them ended up in unusual angles or as ashes. But then again, death was still death.

By the time they were done and the bodies were piled high for Vale to burn, the sun was up.

They sat down to discuss what had happened and what was going to happen. Pomora brewed them tea and pushed some sweet cakes toward them.

Vale began. "Well, for all intents and purposes, the western army is now mine."

There was a hint of pride in Vale’s voice, but he dismissed it as he continued. "Unfortunately, I have not talked with Chief Rikon yet. That bastard already has his army out and demonstrating. I want all of the south to be mine before Thrain can think of doing anything, and that means getting the chief on my side—or taking it by force."

"And what about all the villages that will be caught in it?" Pomora asked.

"As we advance, we will be taking over the resources of every village we meet. I will combine and turn them into outposts under my army. They will be protected, but we cannot allow them to get in the way," Vale replied frankly.

It was something he had given some thought to. There was no way he wanted civilians and ordinary people caught up in it. And they would not be, if they followed his instructions. He was trying to take over the Clan, not destroy it.

All in all, he would still have to make the Clan stronger.

Takoda nodded at that. "It’s a good plan. I will be making the same plan. I will separate my warriors from the ordinary Tribe. Since I won’t be here to defend them, we will abandon the borderland for now."

Sometimes Vale forgot that the Forsaken Tribes were not just like the other Flagbearers, who were merely a fighting force. They were a Tribe. He nodded and made a mental note—he would have to put extra security in the outpost the Forsaken Tribes decided on.

"Rikon is not going to make this easy for you, especially with what you said about him preparing already. He seems ready to fight the Clan, but I am really surprised he would turn his sword on Thrain like that... it is suspicious," Tiber pointed out.

Vale sighed. "I haven’t figured out what his deal is. He can’t be that stupid—he would not have stayed a chief that long if he was. The only thing I can think of is that one of the two chiefs supporting Thrain is only giving him lip service. Or that Chief Voss is not truly neutral."

"What about what lies deeper south? I know there is a chasm after the borderland," Slya asked.

Vale frowned. "It curves all the way around. It is pretty much why there is no need for an army base here in the first place. It is a natural defense. We really do not have to do much to keep it safe.

"Although some nomadic barbarians tried before, they soon found out it was useless. The chasm is too large, and its depth is unknown.

"Our side is also slightly elevated."

"What about with magic? Flying ships can cross it," Slya pointed out.

"That is why I said we do not have to do much to keep it safe. Hundreds of years ago, when the nomadic warriors first came, they used flying monsters, and they caused a lot of trouble—but they were defeated.

"So, the Clan Leader at the time spent a lot of money and resources to build some enchanted tools into the wall of the chasm on our side. A powerful tool with a long range that makes the gravity heavier, pulling down anything that gets too close into the depths."

Vale grinned. "Of course, you can build ships that might resist it, but it would cost too much, and by the time you try to navigate safely to our side, we would have destroyed any enemies."

Slya frowned. "Who is in control of the enchanted tool?"