29 A Strangle Hold

It had been a month and a half since Draig and his group had returned to the farm and set up their base, a moderate sized castle had take the place at the back of the farm encircling the gate to the Forbidden Zone. During this time he had strengthened those who chosen to stick by him by refining out numerous Skill stones, a by product of this was the skill Blood Script leveling up from Novice to intermediate allowing a permanent archive for all skills along with no longer needing to devour the whole corpse.

After acquiring the level he tested it by drinking the blood of some Guilders who were still unaware of the training program's completion, these being the ones who had gone solo or just stragglers who were always moving around. Through this process he had gained everything they had to offer allowing him to thoroughly enhance his people's ability and repertoire.

This forced him to keep refining hoping to see what the next advancement would bring while assimilating some of the abilities himself in his down time. His Dark arts reaching a frightening degree along with other skills he found would complement his fighting preferences, it was safe to say that his group was forming a very solid foundation that would eventually become unshakeable.

"Lord Sylvie has brought you tribute" informed Sylvie as she walked into decently sized room carrying a bowl of blood.

Another thing that had become a natural occurrence was the tribute of blood, after he kept receiving what was known as Guild dues he had decided that this would be far more beneficial for everyone instead of spending their wealth they would just offer their blood allowing Draig to patiently get closer to his next advancement.

He had not forgotten about their initial purpose but they had been busy establishing themselves, now that they had formed their foundations it was time to start with their true purpose. Bringing the Guild Association to it's knees, the only problem they were currently facing was the continued visits of Zarra who kept checking on Draig and offering secret assistance but for a price to which he was refused.

"Tina" stated Draig alerting the female who had been standing to the side silently to cast her eyes to Draig

"Gather Goeki and Osmond, tell Grog to keep to keep the hunters running into the forbidden Zone around the clock and to start performing night raids on their inhabitants, also report to Zura and ask how the apprentice mages are coming along, inform Nixi to go out with the other summoner classesand strain for contracts. I will be here when you return" ordered Draig as he looked towards Sylvie still holding the bowl but at the corner of her mouth he could see a smudge of redness gaining his interest.

Waiting until Tina left Draig then asked about it.

"Sylvie" said Draig looking at the girl

"Yes Lord" answered Sylvie with a cute tone

"What is that smudge on your lips" asked Draig wiping it with his fingers for a closer inspection causing the girl to blush

"Sylvie was curious why Lord Draig enjoys blood so much" answered the girl looking down blushing

"What did you think" asked Draig with a smile, Sylvie was one of his small enjoyments in life. Her simplicity did a lot to ease his stress and bring a bit of light back to his life.

"Sylvie does not like it" stated Sylvie with a disgruntled face

Draig laughed lightly taking the bowl from and downing it completely as Goeki and Osmond entered the room.

"LORD" said the two in unison and taking a bow to show their allegiance

"At ease, we have much to discuss. It is time to enact our plans to form a hold on the other Guilds" stated Draig staring at two of his key players.

"What is it you wish to discuss Lord" stated Goeki, he had started carrying himself in a overly professional manner taking up a duty as the head of the soldiers after having defeated Grog in a private competition.

"Well you may be unaware but Osmond knows of a certain incident from a few months ago where I had to abandon this place temporarily due to the Guild association trying to get a hold of a treasure I had discovered. Due to this event I had wandered into the Forbidden Zone and had thus claimed the entire area as my domain, I don't particularly appreciate those Guilders trespassing in my territory if you understand my meaning" explained Draig staring at Goeki

"I will remove the guilders from the Forbidden Zone" stated Goeki crossing an arm over his chest

"No let me be more clear, if they want to enter the domain of Yours Truly then they have to pay a price. I want you to defeat them and take anything they hold worth value, resort to threatening their lives if necessary but any Guilder who is not with us will leave the Forbidden zone a pauper" clarified Draig

"Lord it will be done" stated Goeki though he sounded a little uncertain

"Listen this is for the betterment of our people, the resources they carry will help support those that we are training and as you know we have been blocked out of all markets owned by the Guild Association" explained Draig as an alluring light passed over his eyes

Goeki heard the words and realized that Draig was right, it was only compensation for an area that they were trespassing on.

"We will need to prepare for the next lottery soon but we have to make a name for ourselves so we will get a majority of the recruits" stated Draig turning his view towards Osmond who was smiling calmly

"I agree with your idea Lord but for that I think we should register with the Guild association so we can gain mission requests" stated Osmond who then realized the error of his suggestion when that frosty gaze was sent down towards his being.

"I have already found a way around it and it will be in collaboration with what Goeki is doing, if we keep preventing the Guilders who enter the Forbidden Zone from leaving with anything then we will end up with a surplus of resources that we will be able to sell in our own market near the entrance of the Farm. What I had intended for you to do is find a sufficient network and advertise this heavily as we become able to do this, emphasize that we have many things that cannot be obtained at other markets" stated Draig causing a look of realization to appear in Osmond's eyes

"Brilliant Lord, of course. It will be done immediately" said Osmond crossing an arm over his chest as he rushed off with Goeki in tow

'I will bleed these Guilders dry until they submit to me' thought Draig sitting in his chair and staring coldly out at the world