29 – New General

The city of Marystar went into a frenzy after that incident. One area has been destroyed overnight, and there is a symbol that I'm sure will forever be engraved in their brains.

The symbol is in the form of a circle with wings, plastered large on the streets of that area. Of course, I did not outright imitate the symbol of a belief. I added a little difference.

I scribbled a big 'V' logo over the circle and wrote my name under it. So, people will know who did all that.

That symbol, and the spread of my name by the people I saved, managed to increase my flow of darkness points significantly. It turned out that the residents of Marystar City really hated that area.

They were grateful that the place had been destroyed.

This may be coupled with the city's religious leader, who is not as charismatic as Jude. So, he cannot counter my influence in that city.

Those were beyond my expectations because everything happened in just a few days.

I could have moved on and carried out an operation in another city, but Jude still bothered me.

What would it be like if my subordinates met someone like Jude elsewhere? Yes, Jude's subjugation was an experiment for a solution if my comrades encountered a similar type of person.

I just returned to base with only Xenora, Phisovia, and Szur.

I gave Ritor and Garthur a mission to carry out quests that adventurers weren't interested in. Marystar City may not be the central hub for adventurers, but that doesn't mean there isn't an adventurers guild headquarter.

Meanwhile, I ordered Charlia to return to Karl. If Charlia is gone too long, the mayor might be reluctant to maintain my worshippers in his city.

"Aah, it feels good to be back here." I sat on a rock that felt like it had become my throne. There was no fatigue in my body, but it felt strange not to behave tiredly after battles and long journeys. "I hope you are not tired, Szur. After this, I will do a task for you."

While giving me respect, the little creature answered. "Whatever the task, I am ready, my lord."

"Excuse us, my lord." Phisovia also bowed down. "Allow me and Xenora to rest more. For us, battles and long journeys are more tiring than making love."

"It's okay." I chuckled and opened my game UI. "You two get some rest…. And Xenora, keep your clothes on. Szur is still here."

Xenora, who was about to take off her succubus clothes, snorted. She then knelt next to me, pressing her cheek against my thigh. I put the leash around her neck and stroked her hair.

Little things like this make me feel more at home in this fantasy world.

Szur just glanced at what I was doing, not daring to ask.

I opened the army creation section while continuing to stroke Xenora's hair. This time it didn't take me long to choose a race for my fourth general: Shapeshifter.

There's not much that I can customize from this race. Before me, there was a human-like figure, but without eyes, nose, mouth, hair, and even genitals. I can only change its height and color. There is no choice of gender, and this figure is shaped like a man.

So, I pressed [Confirm] on the light blue figure.

"If I may ask, what exactly are you creating, sir?" Szur couldn't contain his curiosity anymore.

I grinned. "You'll find out later."

[Name: Ayre]

[Race: Shapeshifter]

[Rank: General]

"I'm at your disposal, my lord." The figure knelt and bowed down, just like his seniors.

"So, Ayre." I stood from the rock. "What can you do?"

The figure's appearance changed to that of Xenora's, causing Szur and the black-haired succubus to lower their chins. The figure was completely indistinguishable from that woman.

Ayre displayed a broad smile, speaking in Xenora's voice. "I can imitate anyone, Your Majesty. Even from other people's memories, though."

I already know that. I also know the shortcomings of this race.

"Just read my mind then. Imitate the person I'm imagining." I gave an order.

Ayre stood up, then approached me. "Excuse me, sir."

The shapeshifter closed her eyes, and her figure changed again. This time she turned into a young woman with medium-length blonde hair, big blue eyes, and slightly thick lips.

Damn, she really looks like my favorite movie actress.

Seeing Szur widen his eyes, I cleared my throat. "At least give your body some clothes, Ayre… Ah, read my mind again."

Because I like to fantasize about this actress, I imagine her naked, and Ayre imitates it to the maximum.

That shapeshifter brought out the clothes on her body. I imagined a random dress from a resident of Marystar city, and she imitated it with ease.

"So, what can I do, my lord?" She smiled widely again.

"Drop the act." I watched her face from the side. She really imitated the actress' appearance well. "This woman and Xenora never smile like that."

Ayre's lips instantly turned straight, and her eyes looked blank.

Yes, Xenora only smiled faintly, and this actress had a different smile. I can't explain it well, but I felt awkward when Ayre smiled using this appearance.

That's shapeshifters' biggest weakness: they can only imitate their appearance. They can't emulate the behavior and expressions of the people they imitate well. So, many say that this race is useless. They can't even carry out infiltration missions, let alone imitate prominent public figures such as religious leaders or mayors.

It's not that they can't do it at all, but they must first observe the target they are imitating. However, it is still risky. The slightest difference is enough to make people suspicious.

So, people on internet forums say that shapeshifters' only advantage is their army's low price. However, they cannot fight instantly and must be trained first.

However, I've thought about this.

"Give Ayre the image of that kid who was bullied by Jude, Szur," I command the little creature. "And after that, explain all about that kid in detail. From his behavior, his expression, anything."

Maybe this wouldn't allow Ayre to perfectly emulate the kid, but it was better to gamble with this than to do nothing.

"Szur has something better, my lord." Szur approached me while letting out his signature shrill chuckle. "Szur can transfer all of Jude's memories of that child to Ayre. She just needed to lie down and sleep, then Szur would sit on her chest. I assure you, everything I give will be accurate to Jude's memory."

"Excellent."

Again, this is beyond my expectations in a good way.