Half a day passed outside,
But, inside the Game area a week had gone by.
It was the time given by The Game for Alex to digest the rewards.
By now his total harem had swelled by almost 10 thousand!
This was the reward Alex had recieved, all the women that belonged to his opponent.
Also, he had recieved the ability that belonged to Rain, which increased anything he designated by 10 times.
For example, if he touched a packet of biscuit and used the ability, 10 more of it would appear.
It also worked on his physical or mana attributes, but the effect was temporary.
It didn't work on living beings and could only be used once on a single object.
Overall, even though the Game was frought with uncertain dangers, it was more effective than killing Players outside.
Alex now leisurely sat in a bath surrounded by his harem, with Alina and Cecelia gently tending to him.
" It's time to go out, " He muttered, after finishing inside a woman's mouth, who happily drank his essence like it was a delicacy.
" Finally, we can go home now, " Alina cheered.
After bath, all women hurriedly gathered to help Alex get ready.
After dressing him up, Cecelia and Alina nodded satisfactorily while looking at Alex's charming and handsome appearance.
" Master, what should we do with those two men from before? " Cecelia soon asked.
Alex finally remembered Franklin and Rain, who he had casually thrown away because he was way too busy fucking their women.
" Bring them here, " Alex ordered.
Soon, few women quickly brought Franklin and Rain before him.
Alex felt amused seeing Franklin's cold detached expression, while Rain had a stiff flattering smile.
" Sir, I hope you enjoyed your time and are in good health, " Rain quickly flattered not caring that he was surrounded by the women who once belonged to him.
Those women as well looked at him, with disgusted expression. But, Rain didn't mind.
His fangs had long broken.
" What nonsense! You want my brother to be in bad health!? " Alina shouted, " Brother let me kill him! "
" Do as you wish, " Alex smirked.
He had already humiliated Rain throughly in the last week, to the level this Player had now become completely immune to any more of it.
" Wait! What?! No! Don't kill me! I can be your slave! I can do whatever you want! You promised-! "
Before Rain could complete his pleading, he was turned to ashes by Alina.
Now, Alex turned to Franklin...
" Just kill me as well, I won't beg you, " Franklin snorted.
" Kill? Not yet my friend. You have something that belongs to me, " Alex spoke.
" What? " Franklin was confused.
" In second round, how did you let Georgia use your ability against me? "
Franklin closed his mouth, as his face paled. He didn't need to ask how Alex knew such a thing, which he had told Georgia to keep secret.
" Was it an artifact? " Alex asked further.
" Where is she? " Franklin asked with complicated expression.
In a week, he had been stranded, he already accepted that it wasn't Georgia's fault.
Culprit behind everything was this devil before him.
He needed to find a way to save her!
" Georgia must have reached the Regional Headquarters of your organization by now. From here on, she will act as my spy there and use the whole organization as my foothold, " Alex replied as a matter of fact.
Franklin snorted, " Do you think it's easy? The Joker already has contingency plans for such situations. "
Alex smiled, " Joker? just another prey. Nothing more. But, personally what you should care about is yourself Franklin. Tell me about that artifact. "
" I'm not telling you anything even if you torture me to death. So better kill me, " Franklin calmly said.
He regretted telling Georgia about his artifact.
With their mutual affection, he had never expected for her to betray him.
But, alas...
Alex sighed and turned to Cecelia who was standing nearby, " I'll hand him over to you. Look for what he is hiding. Torture him till he spits out his secrets. "
" Yes Master, " Cecelia nodded obediently, as she sharply looked at Franklin.
As a grudgeful woman, she still remembered the injury Franklin had given her.
It was time to return it by million times.
After some time, the white area around them dissolved completely, marking the end of extra time Alex had gotten.
It was little before evening and he was back at the wrecked military barrack somewhere along the boundaries of Albigion.
Previously when he had come here, he only had Cecelia, Vienna and Alina with him.
But, now there were ten thousand women waiting for his orders.
Aurora had already been taken away to Melbourne by his Alsa.
" Cecelia, take newcomers back to Hiesta city, " Alex ordered before he flew towards Melbourne with Alina.
It was now time to meet up with his step parents.
* * * *
Meanwhile, Melbourne had gone into a massive upheaval in just half a day.
Once Alex had defeated his opponents, Alsa returned to Melbourne.
" I'll be taking over the City from here on as the new Acting Governor. Do you have any objections Mr Kennedy? " Alsa straightforwardly asked.
Her appearance was same as before clad in black bodysuit with a blue robe signalling her military position.
But, now her graceful figure had a feminine charm that made others feel her womanly presence even when her face was completely devoid of any emotions.
" What?! Really... I mean, it's good. V-Very good... I have no objections, " But, Governor Kennedy trembled in fear.
He had gotten no orders from above, and even if there were no changes in current Alsa, he couldn't help but remember the terror of Players.
' They lost... They lost.... ' he cried inwardly.
Alsa smiled, not caring about what Kennedy thought, " I'm the new Governor of the city, so as a former Governor. It's your duty to let me know about core secrets... "
" What secrets? " Kennedy hesitated, as his brain ran at full speed to find a way out.
" Are you hesitating to follow orders Mr Kennedy? May be they will help you think more clearly, " Alsa said coldly, as she looked at the door.
A extraordinarily heroic and beautiful woman, in similar blue robe walked in followed by three terrified looking people.
An old woman, a middle aged man and a sweet little girl.
Kennedy's face paled.
" Grandpa! " The little girl sniffed loudly, as she saw her always loving grandfather and tried to run to him.
Only for Vienna to hold her by her hair and mercilessly pull back.
" Arghhh! My hair! Grandpa save me! " The girl cried while holding Vienna's hands which were soft as persimmon but didn't budge at all.
" Stop! " Kennedy roared, but he found himself unable to move.
" Countess Alsa, I found them by the road. They're suspected to be infected. For public safety should I dispose them off? " Vienna asked as her other hand touched the girl's neck, who started crying loudly.
Kennedy's eyes turned red at blatant threat, but as he now looked at his wife, son and granddaughter who should have been safe in Aquarion under the watch of Stage 4 being... His mind couldn't stay straight.
Alsa smiled as well, " What do you say Mr Kennedy? "
Kennedy gritted his teeth as despair flashed in his eyes. After brief contemplation he took out a knife from his pocket and plunged it into his neck.
Alsa was already prepared for such actions and stopped him.
" It seems he has made a choice, " Vienna smiled and mercilessly pulled off the girl's arm from her shoulder.
Blood flew like fountain, a part of it falling on Kennedy's face, but Vienna and Alsa remained unstained.
The girl cried out in pain, and writhed under Vienna's hands before going unconscious.
" She still has 3 more limbs. I wonder if she can survive that long though, " Vienna spoke with sneer, sending chills through both Kennedy and Alsa's spines.
Alsa had never planned to actually take action against an innocent girl...
" No! Stop! I'll tell you! Everything!! Don't hurt my granddaughter!!!! "
" You should have been like this from the start, " Alsa said, before waving her hand to stop the girl from bleeding to death.
Kennedy then obediently talked about everything.
Alsa quickly sent the coordinates of Nuclear Weapons and handed over Kennedy to Hiesta city's Intelligence Department which will handle things from here on.
She quickly ordered an urgent meeting for all family heads by impersonating under Kennedy's name.
Surprisingly... No family head showed up.
" Cunning foxes... How did they know about everything? Did Kennedy sell us out? " Vienna asked with annoyance.
" Most likely no. These people are smart. They are just playing safe and we don't have time to pay attention to those useless people. With us blocking ways out, they definitely are hiding somewhere in the city, we'll look for them later. First, use the artifact! " Alsa spoke.
Vienna nodded, Alex had given the authority to Alsa. So, she needed to follow her orders.
She took out the futuristic looking equipment, which The Research Department had developed based on the original one Alex had made to create a protective invisible film around whole Hiesta city.
To the date, that invisible film had protected the City from harsh environment outside!
Alsa and Vienna nodded at each other and disappeared, appearing on the tallest building in the Melbourne.
There, they quickly attached the equipment and Alsa connected her mana to it.
Next moment a miracle happened!
Every person in Melbourne looked around in shock and disbelief.
They couldn't believe what had happened.
The scorching heat of the morning that reached beyond 60 degrees diminished.
" W-What is happening!? "
" Why is temperature decreasing?! "
" Is it evening already?! "
" My skin isn't burning anymore! "
" Oh no! These clothes are way too hot! "
People walked out of their shades and looked up at the scorching sun which still emitted intimidating heat.
Alsa took the moment, and flew high in the sky and used her mana to project herself as a huge image.
People couldn't help but all look at her now with awe.
" W-Who is that woman?? "
" Is she the one who did this?! "
" My Prayers were heard! She's the Godess who has descended to save us! "
" G-Godess! It must be Godess! "
" Yes! Only the God could have saved us! "
" We're not forsaken! "
Many in apocalypse believed that they were forsaken by Gods for their bad karma.
At this point in time, misery was peak but at the same time people's hopes were also unbound.
And now finally someone had come up to answer their Prayers and Hopes.
Even before Alsa had spoken a word, many and many more zealous people started shouting, as they devoutly bowed before her etheral image.
Soon the wave started spreading, as millions of people looked up at Alsa in awe.
Alsa herself was stunned by this, as she felt the Causality Dice in her pocket trembling.
Her fortune at this moment was rapidly increasing and she felt as if the mana around her was much more welcoming and easier to breath into.
This was the effect of Fortune!
Alsa was sent into reverie with that comfortable feeling, but then snapped out as she looked down at millions of people prostrating before her.
' This feeling is really awesome. No wonder her ladyship loves to pretend, ' Alsa's lips curved a little while remembering, the always pretending Cynthia.
With a divine smile tugging on her lips, she waved her hand like a Deity.
An invisible force helped all those civilians stand up.
She then spoke in her etheral voice.
[People of Melbourne... To those who have stood tall against apocalypse, To those who feel like giving up, To those who think they are alone... You might have faced countless losses, countless you may have left behind... You might feel tired of trying or living on. But, you're still here, standing, collapsing, grieving. So, If you have lost the hope, I'll tell you... After each night of darkness comes a sunrise : Your current situation is not your final destination. This is not where everything will end. But, as humans we will rise again. And I, Alsa Ashford, the Governor of Melbourne I'll be your sunrise. ]
Speaking those lines, Alsa's figure disappeared from everyone's eyes.
In her wake remained behind, the gentle warmth of sun and the zealous crowd which completely prostrated before her.
" Your grace is really unparalleled, Countess Alsa, " Vienna praised to no one.
" My prestige will be useful in dealing with things later. Besides that, you also need a formal position to act. I'll assign you as the Acting Commander of Stationed Military, " Alsa said with a smile, as she appeared besides Vienna.
" Then, I'll thank you in advance, " Vienna said mischievously, as she embraced Alsa and kissed her lips.
" W-aht!? " Alsa was still stunned before Vienna had ended the brief contact of their rosy lips.
" Fufu, Countess Alsa, This is a normal etiquette amongst us. Since, you are also Master's woman, you'll need to learn them. Why don't we share bed tonight? I'll teach you everything..." Vienna said seductively while lowering her hands on Alsa.
" ? What the hell. What etiquette? Who came up with it!? " Alsa blushed, as she pushed Vienna away.
" Of course, Master Alex, " Vienna replied as a matter of fact.
" No wonder.... " Alsa muttered, before she hurriedly parted from Vienna, afraid or loosing her chastity.
' Alex that bastard... ' but, again she couldn't help but grit her teeth, remembering that annoying smirk on his face which would stir her heart every time.
Next step was to negotiate with real power holders in city now.
They were obviously 11 Major Families, now under control of Alex's brainwashed women.
So revising previous plan made by Governor Kennedy, Alsa created the Council of Melbourne.
Taking her own position as the Head of the Council, she sent invitations to all Major Family heads.
These women were already brainwashed, and when they received Alsa's message through Vienna, they were overjoyed.
They promptly accepted invitations, and reached Governor's mansion with their charming figures clad in scanty attires clearly meant to seduce someone.
But, when they sat on round table and only saw cold faced Alsa there, their enthusiasm dwindled.
Trisha Walton stood up, " Where's Master? "
She asked the collective question, it was clear that through some back story these women had already nominated Trisha as their leader.
" Your Master is busy, but he will be here later. So, before that we have to make the city presentable. For that he has given me the responsibility, " Alsa replied.
Trisha nodded, " Then, I'll lead as the representative of 11 families. Speak what do you want us to do. "
Alsa once again came to understand how much effective Players were.
11 Families which previously fought like hungry wolves trying to tear at each other's fleshes now stood together with attitude of moving and retreating together.
In next negotiation talks, there were no deceptions, no fights.
Trisha acted while keeping bigger picture in mind, Alsa similarly responded completely affected by the honesty of these women.
And in just half an hour, everyone dispersed to do their own tasks.
Alsa held military power, whilst these 11 family heads all held immesaurable amount of resources.
She quickly reached out to Vienna so that she can move to support major families to suppress other families or organizations which held resources.
And she sure was surprised by Vienna's straightforward actions.
During negotiation period, Vienna purged the military.
Those corrupt or criminal officials were publicly executed under her control.
This caused countless positions to go vacant, as Vienna mercilessly executed men at even minor mistakes or crimes while women were promoted rapidly.
Alsa wasn't a staunch supporter of peace, she praised Vienna for her swift actions since she was planning to do something similar and then have Alex brainwash those high ranked women in position.
Vienna's actions alleviated a lot of work for her.
Unsurprisingly, Vienna took her reward by leaving Alsa breathless after tasting every inch of her mouth.
Feeling the taboo pleasure, Alsa was conflicted.
She apologized to her Ladyship Cynthia for feeling good from a woman other than her.
But, still work came first so she distanced Vienna under the name of work.
Most important thing to do now, was to provide the first meal to every citizen in Melbourne.
She didn't plan to feed them till they were satisfied, but they at least needed to be given the taste so that they would be more easily manipulated later on.
For this, Resources Department had already moved, transferring a massive amount of 'Black Bread' from Hiesta city.
" The amount should be enough for next three meals in city of this population, " Drittney said, as she gracefully sat before Alsa dressed in translucent green flowing robe which pooled beneath her feet while multiple trinkets amplified her seductive charm, making her appear like celestial Godess.
Behind her she was flanked by two beautiful women at Stage 3 peak each standing straight with their naked bodies on full display, yet not appearing vulgar at all.
Alsa couldn't help but feel inferior under Drittney's charm and aura.
At this moment she was gradually understanding how difficult it was going to be to stand out amongst so many charming and capable women.
' And he is going to get more and more of them... '
" Countess Alsa, " Drittney's melodic and persuading voice jolted Alsa awake.
" Thank you for your hard work Countess. This is more than enough for 3 meals. The people here won't mind even if I fed them with this for 15 days... " Alsa said, looking at countless containers that had flown in from Hiesta city.
" Don't mention such things between us sisters. Also, If it's for him, I can do anything, " Drittney gently said, as an affectionate smile graced her lips.
Alsa didn't need to ask, who she was thinking about.
' Argh... I'm thinking about him again. Is it because of that mark he left in me? '
" By the way, is this bread mass producable? " Alsa asked trying to throw away those thoughts.
Drittney smiled, " Certainly. This bread is completely organic and safe while easily mass producable. Only downside is its taste. Which we are trying to improve. "
Alsa nodded, and both women chatted amicably for some time.
Before Drittney greeted her just like Vienna, making Alsa blush again.
But, surprisingly she found out that she wasn't that averse to such interactions now...
" Do reach out to me, if you decide to join my Department. I promise to provide you with best conditions... " After saying that, Drittney disappeared gracefully with her maids, leaving only her fragrance behind.
Alsa blinked, finally understanding that all these women were trying to befriend her and bring her in their departments.
After seeing Drittney away, Alsa next met up with Stage 2 peak representative of Service Department.
Unsurprisingly, only this woman was one of Alex's, while others with her sent by Service Department were all normal female citizens of Hiesta city from Tier 3 Residency.
Most of them at Stage 1 peak, with a part at Stage 2 peak.
Alsa could guess. Right now, Alex only needed 5 women at Stage 1 peak, to get Stage 2 promotion token so it wasn't surprising that many non brainwashed women from 3 tier residency had also Staged up.
In future, Alex might be able to directly conjure such token without any restrictions... At such time, every one he favored will be able to Stage up effortlessly by only killing zombies.
Alsa sighed, thinking she really was foolish, to think about fighting such nonsensical power despairity.
The representative woman felt Alsa's eyes and replied, " We're also short on people. Since, most of our sisters are out there to level up. But, even if these women are not one of us, they're professionally trained and all are at least Stage 1 peak.... "
As she spoke, the representative also slowly remembered that Alsa also wasn't one of them, but still was favored by Alex.
" I mean... " She tried to repeat, to not let Alsa misunderstand.
" It's fine. Set up the stalls, you can also recruit female citizens from crowd to do work. If anyone wastes food or tries to steal, execute them at the spot, " Alsa ordered.
The representative nodded, as she went off to do her job.
Alsa also surveyed the situation and was pleasantly surprised at the whole system, that perfectly worked.
Resources Department Provided, Service Department made others work, Intelligence department registered people and Finance Department kept tabs while Vienna's subordinates provided protection.
There were obviously some troublemakers...
But, even before she needed to move, Vienna would take actions to remove the problems at roots not caring about how many died.
Alsa sighed thinking, such radical actions, she might really not be able to take personally.
She now finally understood, why Alex had sent Vienna with her.