The True Power Of A Lord's Authority

[As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, the village stirred with an air of quiet determination.]

[Under Limloo's diligent guidance, the slimes had achieved remarkable progress. Each one had been trained to cast a single, basic elemental spell—a small yet significant step toward bolstering the village's defenses.]

[You stood at the edge of the fortified perimeter, the faint glow of the slimes dotting the area like a living wall of light. Their collective resolve was evident, their gelatinous forms rippling with newfound purpose.]

[Limloo hovered beside you, his core glowing brightly as he relayed his report telepathically. "My Lord, the slimes have adapted well to the training. Though their spells are rudimentary, the addition of elemental magic to our defense will surely catch the goblins off guard."]

[You nodded, a smirk tugging at your lips. "Good. It's a step in the right direction. But we still have a lot to do if we're going to outmaneuver the goblins."]

[As you observed the preparations, your thoughts wandered to the deeper mechanics of your role as a lord.]

[Finally, breaking the silence, you turned to Limloo. "The Voice of the Supreme Plane mentioned that a lord's power is tied to their subjects. Does that mean your strength... becomes mine?"]

[Limloo's core pulsed brightly, his tone filled with reverence. "Indeed, my Lord. A fundamental principle of the Supreme Plane is that a lord's mana and aura are directly proportional to the combined reserves of their subjects. As I grow stronger, so too will you."]

[Your eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "But I haven't felt any noticeable change yet. Is there something I need to unlock?"]

[Limloo nodded, his tone calm and patient. "The Lord's Authority is sealed by default, my Lord. It is your inherent power, but it remains dormant until you willfully unseal it."]

[The implications hit you like a tidal wave. If you could tap into Limloo's strength—and eventually the strength of other powerful subjects—your personal power could grow exponentially. But there was a critical caveat.]

["What happens if one of my subjects dies?" you asked cautiously.]

[Limloo's core dimmed briefly, reflecting the gravity of your question. "Should a subject perish, their power will no longer contribute to your own. The loss of even one weakens you proportionally."]

[Your expression hardened as you leaned back, processing the information. "So, my strength grows as my subjects grow. But if I lose them…"]

["…You will lose the power they provide," Limloo finished solemnly. "This is the delicate balance of a lord's authority. Power and protection are intertwined, my Lord. The stronger your subjects, the stronger you become—but their safety is paramount to maintaining that strength."]

[You tapped your finger against the armrest of your throne. "A double-edged sword... but one I can work with."]

[Limloo pulsed in agreement. "Shall we test your authority, my Lord?"]

[You hesitated briefly before nodding. "Let's see what this power feels like."]

[Closing your eyes, you focused inward, willing the authority to unseal.]

[A faint glow surrounded your body as a surge of energy coursed through you.]

[For a brief moment, you felt an overwhelming connection to the slimes in your village, their combined mana resonating within you like a symphony.]

[Your heterochromatic eyes snapped open, and a gust of wind swept through the hall as you instinctively channeled the power. The sheer volume of energy left you momentarily breathless, but the exhilaration was undeniable.]

["This is… incredible," you muttered, clenching your fists. "It's like I'm tapping into a limitless reservoir."]

[Limloo hovered closer, his core glowing brightly. "This is your rightful power as a lord, my Lord. And this is only the beginning. As our village grows and more powerful subjects join our ranks, so too will your strength."]

[Your smirk returned, determination flashing in your eyes. "Then we'll make sure this village grows quickly—and wisely. The stronger my subjects become, the less likely I am to lose them."]

["Indeed, my Lord," Limloo replied. "Shall I proceed with teaching the slimes basic elemental magic? Even mastering a single spell significantly amplifies their contribution to your authority."]

[You nodded, confidence surging within you. "Do it. Every bit of strength counts, and if they can support you on the battlefield, even better."]

[By the time dawn fully broke, the slimes had already transformed under Limloo's guidance. While their basic spells were rudimentary, they represented a monumental leap forward for the once-helpless creatures.]

[Limloo hovered beside you as you surveyed the fortified perimeter one last time. "My Lord," he said telepathically, his core glowing brightly with resolve, "we are prepared. The goblins will not prevail."]

[You smirked, gripping the armrest of your throne as you turned to Limloo. "Let's make sure of that. No room for mistakes. The Slime Village will rise."]

[The afternoon unfolded with focused resolve. The slimes continued their usual scavenging under Limloo's careful direction, venturing into the forest in small groups to gather resources.]

[Seated on your wooden throne within the Dilapidated Lord's Hall, you leaned back, monitoring the slimes' progress through the mental link provided by your Lord's Authority.]

[Through the eyes of your subjects, you observed the forest in vivid detail.]

[The slimes worked tirelessly, retrieving small game, edible berries, and even a few usable stones. As always, Limloo personally inspected the gathered items to ensure their safety and value before allowing them into the village stores.]

[When the slimes returned, you selected what was edible and prepared your meal.]

[The meal was simple—a hare roasted over the fire with a side of berries—but it was enough to sustain you. "At least it's better than starving," you muttered, chewing thoughtfully.]

[The lack of farms or sustainable resources in your territory was a glaring weakness, but one you could only address after dealing with the looming goblin threat.]

[The sun hung low in the afternoon sky when a sense of unease crept into your mind.]

[Sitting upright on your throne, you focused your mental link on one of the slimes scavenging near the edge of the forest.]

[Through the slime's perspective, you saw a goblin emerge from behind a cluster of trees.]

[The goblin's yellowed eyes locked onto the slime, and with a guttural cry, it lunged forward with a crude spear.]