Xiao Hui stammered, unsure how to respond. Even Xiao Mu and Drake seemed to hold their breath, unsure of the proper protocol.


    Sophie, however, remained unfazed. As Alex''s first follower, she had been privy to Alex''s casual approach to titles and formalities. Alex had made it clear that she preferred to be addressed by her name, fostering a sense of camaraderie and equality among them.


    Alex herself wasn''t particrly concerned with titles. She valued their friendship and trust above all else.


    Besides, these four were bound to her by the system''s unbreakable Submission Contract.


    Even if one of them were to betray her, the system would detect their treacherous intent and eliminate them before they could act.


    The Submission Contract wasn''t just about surrendering one''s life; it was an absolute submission of both body and soul.


    Alex had no reason to doubt their loyalty. She treated them fairly, recognizing their shared struggle as Lords, thrust into this unfamiliar world.


    As the current top-ranked Lord, she offered them protection and guidance. Why would they betray her?


    "Don''t worry about titles. Call me whatever you like. Unless you want to be undead," Alex said, her gaze sweeping over the four.


    Xiao Hui shuddered. "No thanks. I''d rather not be a walking skeleton."


    "That settles it then. Come on, let''s go inside. It''s been a while since we''ve all been together. We have things to discuss."


    Alex led the way into the pce, the four exchanging amused nces before following her.


    Ruby, however, remained rooted to the spot, her mind reeling. Ever since Alex had established the Undead Empire, she had been in a state of perpetual shock.


    Her submission to Alex had granted her ess to the "god," the system. It was a revtion that shattered her understanding of the world.


    The city''s expansion, seemingly defying thews of nature, the system notifications, the intricate details of Barracks, cities, Empires, skills, levels... it was all overwhelming.


    "So this is what it means to be a Lord," she murmured, finally snapping out of her daze.


    She nced around, realizing that the others had already gone inside. She hurried after them.


    They gathered in the main hall, their gazes fixed on Alex.


    "First things first, let''s discuss the division of the Empire''s territory," Alex announced, her voice clear and authoritative.


    She outlined her n, and the others readily agreed. The Undead Empire''s territory was vast and scattered, requiring a clear and organized structure.


    "It''s better thaning up with random names and trying to remember which one is which," Drake remarked, earning a chuckle from the others.


    Alex, after a moment of contemtion, began assigning tasks. She retrieved a Vassal Kingdom''s Tear and handed it to Ruby.


    "Ruby, take this back to the far north and establish the Arctic Tigerfolk Kingdom."


    She noticed Ruby''s confused expression and patiently exined the details, easing her concerns.


    "Alright," Ruby said, carefully storing the Kingdom''s Tear.


    The reason she hadn''t given the others a Kingdom''s Tear was simple. Only Ruby had reached King level, a prerequisite for establishing a kingdom. The others were still a ways off.


    "Sophie, your task is the easiest, but also the most demanding. You''re in charge of logistics for the Undead Imperial Capital. That includes weapon and item development, overseeing the construction of specialized undead structures, and managing the resources in the Warehouse. Anyone who reaches King level and wants to establish a kingdom will have to go through you.


    And you''ll still be responsible for overseeing the dwarf city."


    "Got it, Big Shot. I''m on it," Sophie replied, nodding confidently.


    Alex turned to Xiao Mu.


    "Xiao Mu, you''re not the same as you were before. Your talent and your troops are too valuable to waste. The orcs in Gemini City have been conquered. I''m putting you in charge of the entire city. Lead your Light Titans and expand our territory."


    "Sounds good," Xiao Mu replied, eager to put his newfound power to the test.


    "Xiao Hui, you''ll be taking over Xiao Mu''s previous role. You''ll be stationed at the Undead Imperial Capital, keeping an eye on things and reporting any unusual activity. You''ll also be our mobile unit, assisting wherever needed."


    "Yes, Miss Alex!" Xiao Hui eximed, thrilled at the prospect of bing the acting city lord.


    "Andstly, Drake. The Mossvale continent is different from Eldoria and Arsen. It''s the dragon''s domain, and of powerful creatures. You, with your dragon bloodline, are the best suited for this task. Be careful out there. The Dragon Territory is yours tomand."


    Alex had no doubts about their abilities. Drake had proven himself to be a capable leader.


    "Alright," Drake said, nodding in agreement.


    "Now that we''ve established an Empire, we need to implement some structure. Things can''t be as casual as they were before. You, as city lords, will convene at the Undead Imperial Capital every seven days to report on your progress. Xiao Hui will then ry that information to me.


    The undead''s primary objective is to conquer powerful races. If you encounter a force beyond your capabilities, don''t hesitate to request assistance from the undead. Don''t waste time or resources trying to handle it on your own.


    I''ll have Death Spirit clones stationed in each city. Report any emergencies to them immediately."


    Alex''s voice was firm, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    "Yes, leader (Miss Alex)!" they replied in unison.


    Rules and structure were necessary, especially now that they were an Empire. But despite the hierarchy, their friendship remained strong.


    "Death Spirit, you''re in charge of overall coordination. If a city lord requests assistance, assess the situation first. Only provide support if it''s feasible. If not, advise them to avoid confrontation. And report any unusual circumstances to Xiao Hui immediately so she can contact me."


    The Death Spirit, capable of instantaneousmunication between undead, was crucial for maintaining order and responding to emergencies.


    It didn''t respond verbally,cking a suitable undead to possess, but Alex could sense its acknowledgment.


    "That''s all for now. It''s still early. Feel free to rx and chat."


    Alex''s demeanor softened, and the others visibly rxed.


    "Drake, remember, we''re a team now. You''re wee to visit the Undead Imperial Capital anytime. Let''s not be strangers."


    Drake''s heart warmed at her words. He nced at the others, who were all smiling at him.


    "Yeah, Mr. Aloof," Xiao Hui teased, earning a chuckle from the group.


    This was different from his time with the Justice Alliance. They genuinely treated him as one of their own.


    "Thanks to all of you," Drake said, a genuine smile spreading across his face.