Re-Overlord: I Can Acquire Anything!
Chapter 169: The Echoes Of War.

Chapter 169: The Echoes Of War.

By the time dawn painted Guava City in golden hues, Igaris had long since dressed and left the bed.

Shirley lay resting under the covers, her expression peaceful, a faint smile still lingering on her lips. She had surrendered every inch of her being to him, not just in body, but in soul. From this day forward, there would be no question of her allegiance.

Outside, the estate was already buzzing.

News of the Vance household’s official return had spread across the region. In the streets, workers bowed as soldiers raised new banners.

The symbol of the Overlord—an empty obsidian throne chained by stars—fluttered from the tallest towers of Guava.

Igaris stood atop the balcony facing the city square, adorned in a dark cloak lined with golden patterns. His golden eyes watched the soldiers below as they drilled in perfect synchronization.

Just then, Evernight appeared beside him.

"News is, the armies of the Skadi Empire have begun their march from Celadria. Within a few days, Guava will be the first to fall under siege."

Igaris nodded, his expression unreadable. "Let them come. Guava isn’t the same city it once was."

Evernight continued in a low voice, "Even so, it would be wise to strengthen the defenses. Many former nobles still harbor resentment. And if any are in league with Skadi, we could face betrayal from within."

"I know," Igaris replied calmly. "That is why I will uproot them before they even realize they’ve been exposed."

He closed his eyes for a moment.

A ripple of invisible energy spread through the city. His Acquisition Energy slithered like hidden threads into those he had marked during the surrender ceremony. Dozens of nobles, merchants, even dukes—unaware that their souls were partially bound to him—felt a sudden chill.

"If even one of them dares to betray me," Igaris muttered, "I will collapse their minds from within. Not even ashes will remain."

Evernight offered a smile. "As cruel as always. But effective."

Igaris turned to her, adding, "But we still have to gather more numbers. Against the Skadi Empire, hundreds of thousands won’t be enough."

"And where will you get them this time?" Evernight asked.

"From Ashvale. Time to meet our old friends there. And maybe settle some old debts," he added with a devilish smirk.

Evernight’s expression changed instantly. Her lips curled into a smile.

At that moment, there was a strange synergy between them—as if they were two sides of the same coin.

---

Later that day, in the strategic war chamber of the estate, Igaris met with the Overlord’s empire’s new council. Shirley was present too, seated beside him now—not just as his cousin, but as his chosen partner. Her presence silenced many who might have once looked down on her status.

Evernight squinted at Shirley, sensing something different about her aura. But being an ancient virgin, she had no clue.

Malthius, Mountain King, Serynthia and Shadow Reaper glanced at one another in puzzlement, unsure of the meeting’s purpose.

Lord Elmon, the only member from the former council, was present—practically shivering under the weight of their auras.

Igaris finally opened his mouth to speak.

"We need to conquer the rest of the cities before the enemy arrives. I’ve chosen all of you to lead the armies, while Evernight and I are heading out to recruit additional forces for the empire. In the meantime, you can continue recruiting for the army through a strict background check. Shirley, I’m leaving that in your capable hands."

Shirley blinked, then nodded, feeling the urgency in his words. Though she would have liked to go with them, she was still content with the previous night and didn’t complain.

"But my Lord, there are over a hundred cities. Can we do it alone?" Lord Elmon asked, though internally he was excited for the opportunity to prove himself.

Elmon was a man in his late twenties, unmarried, and known for his honest personality. During the rule of the Four Houses, he simply did his duty with respect. He had never acted against House Vance, which was why Igaris had chosen him as a representative of Guava City’s nobles.

"Of course you can," Igaris replied. "With our army and my father’s guidance, I trust all of you to get the job done and expand our control. If you all can’t even manage this much, then why should I keep you around?"

Elmon immediately lowered his head. "I understand, my Lord. I won’t let you down." 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

The others followed suit, giving silent bows—each with mixed emotions. Some were eager, others uncertain, but none dared to question Igaris further.

Malthius cracked his bony knuckles. "Heh. About time we got to burn some cities."

Shadow Reaper Mecha, leaned casually against the wall, and said in his Mechanical voice, "Just give me the names, Lord. Me and my Units will erase them before sunset."

Igaris nodded. "No senseless slaughter. We’re not conquerors without reason. Offer them a chance to surrender. If they refuse, then do as you will." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Shirley stood up and added,"I’ll begin preparing recruitment camps in the outer districts. Anyone seeking to join must pass through soul screening. If there’s even a trace of corruption or loyalty to Skadi, they’ll be eliminated on the spot." Her voice was calm but commanding.

"Ha ha... Spoken like a lady of the house," Mountain whistled in his gravelly voice.

"Ohh, I think it should be Empress instead. I heard some noises last night," Serynthia added mischievously, standing tall in his Semi-Dragon form, his wings slightly fluttering behind him.

Evernight raised a brow. "What kind of noise?"

"Lady Evernight doesn’t know?" Serynthia’s voice dropped to a teasing whisper. "Something happens when two opposite genders mate..."

Evernight’s eyes widened in realization.

Igaris shot Serynthia a cold glare, but the smirk on the dragonkin’s face didn’t fade. He decided to teach her a lesson a later time.

Unable to endure Evernight’s intense and inquisitive gaze, Igaris turned without a word and left the room, his dark cloak trailing behind him.

The two women were left alone, standing opposite each other.

Shirley’s confident smile spoke of quiet triumph.

While Evernight, for the first time in centuries, felt something stir, something unfamiliar. A strange hollowness, as though she had missed a moment she could never reclaim. All because of her doubt and hesitation.