Reign of Exiled

Chapter 112: Rebuilding the Verdant Throne

The lingering scent of ozone and burning corruption slowly faded, replaced by the sweet, revitalizing aroma of a forest reclaiming its purity. Elder Morwen's defeat left a profound stillness in the Elder's Glade, a sacred space now free from his insidious influence. The ancient trees, relieved of the siphoning drain, seemed to sigh, their leaves rustling with renewed vigor.

Valeria stood amidst the restored tranquility, her Verdant Windborne Queen essence flowing outwards, a visible wave of emerald light that washed over the glade. The stunned Sylvan Elder who had knelt before her, along with others from the council who had cautiously emerged from their hiding places, watched in awe as the corrupted fungal growths receded from the trees and the dulled glow of their own glowing tattoos brightened once more. Her actions weren't just symbolic; they were actively healing the very fabric of their realm.

"The immediate task is clear," Kael stated, his voice resonating with authority, drawing the attention of the recovering Sylvan Elders. He scanned the glade with Vision Beyond the Veil, ensuring no lingering pockets of Morwen's influence remained. "The false council must be dismantled, and the true balance of the Sylvan Courts restored."

The Sylvan Elder who had first spoken to them, now fully recovered from his shock, bowed deeply. "My Queen, our apologies are insufficient. Our blindness allowed his corruption to fester. We will aid in whatever way we can to rectify our error."

Valeria nodded. "Begin by gathering the most trusted and uncorrupted members of the council. We need to assess the full extent of Morwen's insidious work and identify any remaining loyalists or hidden corruptions."

As Valeria began to quietly confer with the repentant Sylvan Elder, discussing the immediate steps for governance, Kael turned to his wives. "Aelisa, your diversion was a resounding success. The chaos you created bought us invaluable time."

Aelisa grinned, her Lilin eyes sparkling. "It was rather enjoyable. I believe I left them with the impression that Lilin diplomacy involves a significant amount of property damage. They'll be talking about it for centuries."

Harem Link (Thalaria to All): "Her 'diplomacy' always makes an impression."

Harem Link (Nysera to All): "Highly effective for infiltration, though perhaps less so for future inter-realm relations."

Selene approached Kael, her hand gently touching his arm. "Your tactics, my Sovereign, were precise. And Valeria's power... it's breathtaking to witness her reclaim her home."

"Indeed," Evelyne agreed, her gaze warm. "The Verdant Sovereign's Heart trait is already making a difference. I can feel the subtle regeneration flowing through us. A significant boost to our endurance for future endeavors."

Kael felt the gentle, constant hum of the new trait, a verdant energy that subtly knitted together minor fatigues and soothed the lingering strains of battle. It was a tangible testament to Valeria's ascended power and the depth of their bond.

He looked at each of his wives, a profound sense of satisfaction settling within him. They had faced a formidable, unexpected challenge, united their strengths, and emerged victorious. The victory here was more than just a quest completion; it was a profound act of healing for an entire realm, orchestrated through their combined might. And Lilith had been watching every step.

He could still feel her distant presence, the ancient, powerful being observing them. Her previous challenge to him — "Show me how a 'Sovereign of Sin' truly treads the cosmic path" — echoed in his mind. He had certainly put on a show in the Desolate Maw and now in the Sylvan Courts. Her increased interest wasn't just a fleeting thought; it was a palpable shift in the cosmic currents around him, a new layer of engagement from the Queen of Lilin. He anticipated their next encounter with a mixture of excitement and strategic calculation.

"For now," Kael said, addressing his Union, "we will help Valeria solidify her position. This realm needs careful stewardship after Morwen's abuse. We'll ensure the true council is reinstated and the corruption fully purged, not just from the glade, but from the entire Sylvan Courts."

The immediate future lay in ensuring the complete restoration of the Sylvan Courts. This would involve rooting out any remaining pockets of Morwen's influence, re-establishing trust among the Sylvan people, and perhaps even strengthening the realm's natural defenses under Valeria's guidance. It was a diplomatic and restorative phase, crucial for securing Valeria's reclaimed throne, and a valuable opportunity for Kael to further solidify his growing influence among allied realms.

STATUS WINDOW: KAEL VIREN

System Level: 49

EXP: 10,522,850,000 / 80,000,000,000

Realm: Worldpiercer Realm — Tier 2/9

HP: 105,000 / 105,000

Mana: 118,000 / 118,000

Stats (with buffs applied):

Strength: 980 × 2.8 × 2 = 5,488

Endurance: 950 × 2.8 = 2,660

Willpower: 970 × 2.8 = 2,716

Charm: 1080 × 2.8 = 3,024

Intellect: 870 × 2.8 = 2,436

Dexterity: 980 × 2.8 × 2 = 5,488

Sin Points: 40,480,000 / 100,000,000,000

Sin Tier: Warlord Rank

SKILL WINDOW

Active Sin Skills:

• Sovereign Flame Crush [+Max]

• Wrathflare Lance [+Max]

• Flamebind Chains [+Max]

• Infernal Domain [+Max]

Passive Traits:

• Crown of Dominion → Throne of Ascendancy [+Mythic]

• Sovereign Union [+Enhanced]

• Nullfire Core [+Enhanced]

• Phoenix Mantle [+Enhanced]

• Worldpiercer's Will [+New]

• Vision Beyond the Veil [+New]

• Verdant Sovereign's Heart [+NEW — Mythic Trait] (Passive regeneration aura for all party members within 500 meters)

• Shared Bloom [+NEW — Passive Trait] (Increases Charm and Intellect of bonded partners by 8%)

Bloodline / Physique Traits:

• Carnal Sovereign Core [+Enhanced]

• Sin Catalyst Matrix [+Enhanced]

[Skill Upgrade Available — Spend Sin Points to enhance or evolve active/passive/bloodline skills]

[Bonded Partner Skills Eligible for Sin Point Upgrade]

Bonded Wives (Mythic Bloodlines/Physiques Active):

Selene — Skyshatter 9/9 → Worldpiercer 2/9 (Mythic Eclipse Matron)

Evelyne — Skyshatter 9/9 → Worldpiercer 2/9 (Starlit Ember Empress)

Thalaria — Skyshatter 8/9 → Worldpiercer 2/9 (Stormheart Valkyrie — Advanced 11 tiers)

Nysera — Skyshatter 9/9 → Worldpiercer 2/9 (Scarlet Hexmistress)

Valeria — Skyshatter 8/9 → Worldpiercer 2/9 (Verdant Windborne Queen)

Aelisa — Heaven's Echo (Peak Rank) (Lilin Duskkissed Queen)

Pet Panel:

Emberfang — Infernal Flamebeast Cub (Tier 5)

Vira — Sky Serpent Hatchling (Tier 2)

Cultivation Realms:

Initiate → Essence Drawn → Veinwoven → Soulroot → Starforged → Sunbound → Moonglade → Skyshatter → Worldpiercer ← Current (2/9) → Heaven's Echo → Celestiaflame → Worldbreaker → Eternal Crown → Primordial Ascendant

Next: Heaven's Echo (Unlocks at Worldpiercer Tier 9/9)

With Valeria beginning the process of restoring her rightful rule and the Sylvan Courts still recovering, what challenges and opportunities will Kael and his Union face during this period of rebuilding?