Chapter 45 Nutrient Pill?

Imagine if the other Lords could join forces to rebel against Hawke's faction, but there was a traitor among them. That alone would be enough to shatter their fragile alliance like a thin sheet of paper. Not to mention, Hawke's faction consisted entirely of Rank E and E+ Lords. In a zone where most were only Rank F or E, those at Rank E+ ruled as the supreme overlords. Even if no spies existed among the resistance, they would still struggle to overthrow Hawke's group. Besides, Hawke's Rank D Hero seemed to be the strongest creature in this entire region—one no one could defeat. Noan shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside. Even if his monsters and heroes from the 'Singularity Point' hadn't arrived yet, his Rank D Skeleton Shielder alone was enough to challenge Hawke. On top of that, he had Zhisse (Rank F+) and Abyss Cube (Rank D). However, there was a saying he always remembered—"No matter how strong the tiger is, it can still be overwhelmed by a pack of wolves." Noan knew he couldn't afford arrogance or recklessness. He had to grow in silence. With that decision in mind, Noan turned back toward his territory. He had **no intention of venturing into the forest or exploring other areas for resources—**not yet. First, he would wait for all his monsters from the 'Singularity Point' to be summoned here. Only then would he begin to lay out his next plan. ... At this moment, Hawke and his subordinates didn't return to their territory. Instead, they headed toward a makeshift house near the river. As soon as Hawke stepped inside, he saw a large group of people already waiting for him. Nodding in satisfaction, he smirked. "Is everyone here?" Hawke asked with a chuckle. "The boss hasn't arrived yet!" someone responded. Upon hearing this, Hawke scanned the room, then casually sat down in an unclaimed spot. Seated on a wooden table, his face oozed arrogance as he sneered, "Should we wait for the boss or discuss the plan first?" Another person immediately said, "Waiting for the boss would be best. The next phase of the plan is quite crucial." "Agreed." Someone else added, "Lately, we've noticed a few Lords forming alliances, thinking they can overthrow us. We should at least hear the boss's instructions before taking action." "I feel the same." Another person scoffed, "Those weaklings are fools. Do they really believe that with their pathetic Rank F troops and low-level Heroes—those fragile chickens—they can defeat us?" "Hahaha... they're just blind to reality." A man laughed, his voice dripping with mockery. "Only when death stares them in the face will they finally understand fear." Hearing their conversation, Hawke's smirk widened. His eyes gleamed with contempt. "It seems we've overestimated these pathetic Lords. This time... our plan will be incredibly simple." "Not necessarily." A sudden voice echoed through the room, drawing everyone's attention. The people inside instinctively turned toward the entrance, where a young man stepped into the room. If Noan were here, he would instantly recognize him. Yes, the young man standing before them was Caleb—the same person Noan had just encountered. "Boss!" The moment Caleb entered, the others immediately greeted him with reverence. Caleb glanced around, then gave a small nod in response. The weight of Caleb's words crushed the room into submission. Many lowered their heads, their arrogance evaporating. They had never thought that far ahead. Or rather, if they had, they knew deep down—could they even defeat Hawke? Could they defeat Caleb? This world was not like the city. Here, the strong ruled. Their words became law. Caleb took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled. "You're all incredibly foolish." His voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of icy ridicule. "Has it never crossed your minds why the System divided us into different zones?" Hawke furrowed his brows and spoke up, "Boss, are you saying... the System wants us to fight against other zones?" A glint of interest flashed in Caleb's eyes as he looked at Hawke. "That's right. You're sharp." "I believe that a war between zones is inevitable in the future." "And when that time comes, it won't just be Rank F Lords fighting each other." "Higher-ranked Lords—Rank D, C... maybe even B or A—will all join the battlefield." "If we wipe out every Lord in this region, do you really think that just a few of us can stand against those other Lords?" Once again, the room plunged into silence. But this time, the arrogance in the air had vanished. Instead, a deep unease settled into their chests. Right now, they might be kings in this zone. But when faced with Rank D or higher Lords, they were nothing more than ants. Caleb continued, "For now, there's no need to kill the other Lords." "Turn them into obedient workers. Let them gather resources, collect food—we'll just take taxes from them." "Meanwhile, all of you should focus on training and leveling up." "You must get stronger." "Maintain daily roll calls. Make sure no one is acting suspiciously." "If any Lords reach Rank E or E+, recruit them into our group. Understood?" "Understood!" The group responded in unison, nodding firmly. Then, suddenly, Caleb reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pill—no larger than a soybean. Hawke and the others immediately recognized it. "Nutrient Pill?" Hawke frowned. "Boss, where did you get that? Don't tell me..." Caleb shook his head. His eyes darkened, an edge of cruelty flickering in his gaze. "Hawke, I need you to act in a little play with me."