Building the Strongest Undead Empire from Scratch

Alex engaged in a deep conversation with the bishops, absorbing a wealth of information, both familiar and unknown. It provided her with a much clearer understanding of this world.

She now had a firm grasp on the power dynamics of the seven continents. The relationships between these powerful races were becoming increasingly intricate.

Taking out a pen and paper, Alex summarized the distribution of power across the continents, ranking them from strongest to weakest based on her current knowledge. The actual pecking order, of course, remained to be seen.

First on the list was the enigmatic Arcadia, undoubtedly the most powerful with a god at its helm. Its primary race was human, but it also housed branches of the Holy Court, angels, dragons, and other formidable races.

Second was Nytheria, the seat of the Angel race. Their clans spanned all seven continents, their strength undeniable. However, judging by their current actions, they were still a notch below humanity.

Third place was a tie between Valoria and Mossvale. Alex couldn't definitively say whether demons or dragons were stronger, her knowledge of both being limited.

Valoria was also home to fallen angels and demon servants, while Mossvale boasted countless sub-dragon species.

Alex tentatively placed Tyrangar fourth. This continent was the domain of titans, another top-tier race with a Sovereign level cap. However, their numbers were few, and they had always maintained a low profile.

Fifth was Eldoria. With the fall of the once undead empire, it had become the second weakest of the major continents. Otherwise, the might of the undead would have easily secured its place at the top.

Last, and certainly not least, was Arsen, the undisputed weakest link.

Beyond the seven continents, however, lay another force to be reckoned with: the Sea Race of the Endless Sea.

While the true size of the Endless Sea remained a mystery, if Earth's geography was anything to go by, it was safe to assume that it dwarfed the seven continents combined.

The Sea Race, dwelling in the deepest trenches, harbored the greatest ambitions. They yearned to conquer the land and unite the seven continents of Astralon under their rule.

This wasn't about dominating an era. It was about eradicating all other life forms, leaving only the ocean and the Sea Race.

Their previous attempt had been met with fierce resistance from the land races, leading to the downfall of the Sea God Era. Otherwise, their reign would have continued for at least another era.

The five bishops agreed with Alex's assessment. Without the undead, Eldoria had indeed become the second weakest of the major continents.

This power vacuum had allowed smaller races to thrive, resulting in the current chaotic landscape.

Alex pulled out a map and located Cliffside Mountain. She decided to pay it a visit after leaving Tomb City before returning to her undead empire.

Tomb City was, after all, a human city. Building an undead fortress here was out of the question.

The Liberty Church possessed a decent understanding of the continents' history, but their knowledge of the truly powerful races was limited.

For instance, they had no idea what the Angel race was planning with their alliance with the Holy Court and the titans. It was likely that even the current human leaders were in the dark.

Alex spent the rest of the day poring over the documents and files, questioning the five bishops whenever she came across something unclear.

Finally, she finished reviewing all the information. Stretching languidly, she rose to her feet and addressed the five men.

"You've all done well. I won't force you into a Submission Contract. A simple Master-Servant Contract will suffice."

The difference between the two was significant. The latter allowed the servants to regain their freedom upon the master's death.

The Submission Contract, however, was absolute. If Alex perished on another continent, these five, even hiding within the dream world, would die alongside her.

The bishops were visibly relieved. They had experienced a similar situation centuries ago, signing a similar contract. In the end, they had outlived their master and regained their freedom.

"Thank you, you are a merciful leader."

The bishops expressed their gratitude. The Master-Servant Contract posed no threat to their lives.

The bishops readily signed the contract. This wasn't their first rodeo, and they showed no resistance.

They accompanied Alex out of the hidden chamber. Outside, night had fallen. As Alex contemplated her next move, the five men spoke up.

"Leader, we usually send out intelligence reports at dawn. Why don't you stay the night and depart tomorrow?"

Having pledged their allegiance to Alex, they were quick to adapt to their new roles.

Alex nodded. She was curious to witness Selene's dream manipulation abilities firsthand.

It was fascinating that Selene, with only King level strength, could reach across the Endless Sea and pull Freelancers from other continents into her dreams.

The bishops wasted no time arranging accommodation for Alex.

While the other bishops were busy, Alex turned to the eldest, the Archbishop, and asked, "What's your name?"

"Leader, to better blend in with humans after joining the Liberty Church, we discarded our original names and adopted codenames. A thousand years have passed, and I'm ashamed to admit that I can't quite recall my real name."

"Then what's your codename?" To Alex, names and codenames served the same purpose.

"M, leader," the Archbishop replied respectfully.

Alex raised an eyebrow. What a strange codename.

"Very well. You're dismissed." She waved them away, then paused. "Oh, there's a man named Samson in Glory City. Give him a promotion if you can, but don't mention my name."

"As you wish, leader."

Seeing that Alex had no further instructions, the five bishops took their leave. Alex turned and headed towards Selene's room, her curiosity piqued.

If Selene could drag people into her dreams regardless of distance and kill them silently, wouldn't that be incredibly overpowered?

"Selene, I'm quite curious about your dream manipulation abilities. Would you mind telling me more?" Alex asked, taking a seat beside Selene, who was adorned in a flowing white gown.

"Of course." Selene readily agreed. It wasn't as if it were a secret.

However, Alex's hopes were quickly dashed. The dream manipulation ability came with several limitations.

Firstly, it required a trigger: a specific incantation from the Dream Race, activated by magical energy. This marked the target, allowing Selene to pull them into the dream world.

While the ability had no range limit, the incantation could be transmitted through the system, explaining how the Liberty Church had expanded its influence to other continents despite lacking intercontinental travel.

"That's incredible," Alex remarked.

"Just a substitute for your system," Selene said wistfully. To her, the system's chat feature was the most overpowered ability.

Alex didn't contradict her. Selene had no concept of cell phones, the internet, or other instant communication tools.

To Freelancers, the system's features were nothing more than a glorified chatroom.

Using it openly, however, was too risky. No one dared to take that chance.

"You know, I think the Dream Race is even more suited to being assassins than the Shadow race." Alex wasn't joking. This ability was far more insidious than anything the Shadow race possessed.

Within a certain range, Selene could forcefully drag people into her dreams. Weaker beings would be rendered unconscious, while stronger ones would be trapped in a battle within the dream world.

All it would take was one well-placed strike to eliminate their slumbering bodies in the real world.

"We are not assassins! Dream Weavers are a peaceful race. We rarely involve ourselves in the conflicts of others," Selene retorted, emphasizing her race's pacifistic nature.

Unfortunately, such idealism had nearly driven them to extinction. Alex refrained from voicing this thought, not wanting to dampen Selene's spirits.

"Actually, I'm a pacifist myself."

"I don't believe you," Selene replied flatly.

Alex: ???