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It was early in the morning as the major of Direscar was rushing down, only wearing half of his clothes to reach the plaza of his nearly ruined town.

The city guard, or rather what is left of them after the bandits first raid had spotted said group approaching the city fast. The major was worried for the reason as for WHY Mintus was coming back in town just one day after declaring his Ultimatum. The town didn't even have a chance to gather a fraction of the bandits demands.

Once he stood in the place, the bandits have also just arrived , looking serious and even in more numbers as usual... This is nowhere a good sight.

"My-mylord... It it is such an s-surprise. W-w-why are you back so soon?"

"Simple!" Told the fat bandit "We decided we have enough from you! Now we just take everything we can find, slaughter everybody and leave with the town burning!"

The majors eyes widened in terror "L-L-Lord Mintus! Please reconsider! Take what you want... But please let us live"

"Not happening" smirks the bandit, getting down his horse and reaches for his axe, moving towards the covering man "But to ease it up for you, I kill you first!"

The other bandits grinned evilly! They didn't have this type of fun for quite some time and now the can slaughter a town. And some are also planning to go after some other form of fun as well.

The major stumbles back in fear, tripped and fell on his butt, trying to crawl away but as the bandit leader was soon above him? Then major looked away in fear holding his arm in front of him.

Just as Mintus want to slam down his weapon to kill the major and thus marking the start of the raid, the ground began to shake and he looked in confusion "What is the meaning of this?"

His bandits were looking around in wonder as well, as a shaking ground was unknown for them as well... Due the lack of natural appearance, the bandits were never informed about earthquakes. If it were a natural earthquake.

Black spikes, meeting in a tip broke through the ground in a spiraling movement, piercing and sending unfortunate bandits flying, taking out a good portion of the group out in a conveniently way. The spikes moved apart, revealing a blue glowing platform that was now shining brightly and the bandits moved away, in fear of what could come through it.

Bandit leader Mintus was staring in shock as he saw the spectacle and his eyes widens more as he saw what came from this glowing platform. It was no other than the Overlord who stepped down the stairs of his Netherportal.

"Mintus!" Shouts the armored man "I gave you the fair chance to move and leave this town alone! Now I see you spit on my kindness! And for that only one option is left! Prepare to face your fate!"

"You won't stop me this time!" Spat Mintus "Yesterday you merely surprised us! Now we are in full fighting strength! See if you can overthrow us now!" Turning to his bandits he ordered "Kill him!"

And on that clue the bandits rushed forward to take on the Overlord. The dark overlord however had predicted this foolish move and waves his arm forward and from behind him the minions came rushing forward, all laughing and more than eager attacking the enemy. Also to the surprise of the bandits more minions came rushing from the alleys of the town, surrounding them.

The Overlord smirked under his helm. Before this big entrance they had used a smaller portal to enter the town and set up several smaller groups of minions. With the simple order to wait until either recalled, or ordered to attack the bandits. And this moment of surprise cost the bandits dealt as the minions had no trouble dispatching some of the bandits in the moments of confusion. The overlord had gambled on that the bandits didn't expect him to pull that move after showing in their camp that he had prepared this if they had resisted him way back. That and the larger number thanks to the sheep.

It turned out to be a pleasing surprise that they harvested from the taken sheep enough life-force to rise the numbers of the dark overlord to nearly 100. A considerable force against bandits. And soon every bandit, except for Mintus who was staring at the mess, engaged with minions.

The Overlord left his underlings having their fun on their own for a while before grabbing his weapon, a long sword, and moved into the battle field. And he began to fight each of his strikes either severely wounds one of the bandits or outright kills said opponent. A few broke from their combat against the minions and tried to engage the dark leader. But the dark overlord was experienced in such battles and with a few moves he disables his opponents. Not even one of them was able to match him. And as this got noticed by the bandits and that the minions began to reduce their numbers at speeding rate, the morale dropped and many began to break off to flee. However only few managed to escape the battle field as the minions have made a tight ring around them, engaging anybody they encounter.

Mintus grabbed his axe and looked at the whining Major but decided this worm wasn't with his attention now. Not while the overlord was tearing apart his forces. Raising the weapon he runs forward and swung it, sending minions flying, killing some at the strike. And the keeps on swinging the weapon around until it clashed with the overlords’ blade. The two stared for a while before breaking off and Mintus starts striking at the leader of the enemy forces. The Overlord on the other hand kept his distance, biding his time. Due the fat, this opponent had a natural defense but the figure of the bandit also told he isn't the fittest. And swinging such a big axe around cost stamina. After sidestepping an overhead strike, the axe struck the ground, sticking there for moment. And this moment cost Mintus the match! The Overlord discarded his weapon and punched the fat bandit into the faced with his gauntlet covered hand... Gauntlets with edges. While fat makes an wonderful layer of protection over the minority of the body, heads are still a major point to aim at. The head. The bandit leader staggered back and holds his face in pain while the overlord approaches again and punches him more. Mintus groaned in pain with each strike and as one of the strikes hit the fat by mistake, he got a breather and tried to move for his axe, only to find one of the minions had claimed it and beheaded one of his bandits... In fact one of his last bandits. The fight was mostly over now and only an few were fighting but were also overwhelmed by the minions, which are now raiding the bodies of the fallen bandits for gold, weapons and armor... Or hats. Also the life force released by this onslaught were gathered and brought towards their master.

Mintus only stared at this. Had he really lost that easily? Were his bandits really no match for the overlords forces despite them having conquered this town?

The heavy sounds of boots hitting ground moving towards him made him froze and slowly turned in fear, seeing the dark overlord glaring down at him "Now pay the prize for your insubordinate."

And he punches the bandit hard in the face, flooring him and knocking him out. The minions surround him, eager to kill this fat man for their master.

"Bring him into the tower and hang him above the abyss!" Told the overlord "And don't kill him until I am back!"

The minions act as ordered and pulled the fat bandit to the portal. The dark overlord gathered his troops and made a quick review of the results. He began the fight with 100 minions, during combat he lost nearly a fifth of them but thanks to the life force of the bandits these losses were covered up. Then he send most of his minions back home, took back his blade and put it away as he doubts that he needs it any longer.

Moving forward to the major he crouches down on the ground and told "Thank you! Thank you for saving our town and getting rid of the bandits! How can we repay you?"

"By accepting me as your new lord! The one you serve as I order" told the dark overlord "Accept and I will spread my protective wings over the town"

"Since the king abounded us we are more than willing to accept your rule in exchange of protection" told the major and the people who slowly had gathered after with messing the fight from their homes agreed. If such a strong warrior and his minions were willing to defend them, then being ruled by him wasn't that bad right?

The dark overlord nods "Then receive my first orders! From now on each month you pay me a tenth of your income. Your blacksmith will create armor and weapons whenever they don't have more urgent work to do, but for the start I want 500 sets as soon as possible. And your will deliver me a forest worth of wood for construction means. Also as soon as possible! In return I will leave 51 of my minions here! 50 for the defense of your town and one so the smith can take measures for their crafting. The netherportal will stay open so you can come and seek audience with me. And to ensure for your fast recovery I will give you a bag worth of gold to buy everything you need for a fresh start! Cue on these words, Gnarl who had listening in thanks to the connection from the magic gauntlet send through the minions carrying said bag of gold... A bag so large 15 minions were required to carry it in front of the towns people

"Thank you! Thank you for your kindness my lord! We make sure that we don't disappoint you"

You better not thought the dark overlord and while the people cheered for him, he asks "You stated that your king didn't care for you. Why?"

"Because we didn't pay enough tax" told the major "After the heroes defeated the last Overlord, they took so much as reward from the king that the kingdom were nearly ruined. So he had to raise the tax to unbelievable highs. We were already struggling due that and as we seek for help as the bandits came, the duchess who was supposed to protect us told that she was sorry but the king ordered any town which isn't able to keep up with the taxes are left for their fate in case of emergency."

The dark overlords’ eyes widened. The madness of his former friends already started back as the last overlord has fallen? Because this is the only explanation why they would even dare to ask for a reward at all. Not to mention one that nearly bankrupts a kingdom.

While this and the after effects of it are making his conquest plans easier, he seriously wondered asks what they were thinking… because before the fall of the last Overlord the kingdom only existed in form of a castle, an adjusted town and some lands. The rest were controlled by the fifth and were pressing on the them. Nodding to the information he turns around and heads for the portal.

Once back in the tower, Gnarl was waiting and told "Congratulations my Liege for taking the control of the city. But now you have to work towards taking control of more. Of the kingdom"

"No" told the Dark Overlord "First of all we have ensured we have a secured position. AND keep the good publicity. As long we have this, heroes won't try to take us that soon. AND for taking a kingdom and its control we need a bigger army. But from what I learned we might be able to gain control of the next cities without much huzzle. But for that I need a map. One up to date. More important: We need more Life Force! Lots and lots of life force. And going after wild life and random people nobody would miss isn't enough. I want to start a breeding program. Multiplying a species that creates lots of Life force."

"Here are several creatures fitting your demand my liege." Told Gnarl "But I don't know if the minions were the ones that should be tasked. Not to mention the time necessary to even reach any reasonable size"

"I am aware of this" told the Dark Overlord "But until it stands, we go wherever we can to gather as much life force as possible. And I want that the other hives are searched for. And any artifact that belongs into the tower. Also find the closest stone quarry. We are going to take it over to get the stones for repairing the tower. With that the repairs of the tower should be covered… and once we got a map we go and find the next trading post and purchase a couple of thing as far it is available. And where could we find one or two dragons?"

"While I welcome the plans My Liege, I don't understand why you ask for a dragon… especially as one of the past masters of us minions have destroyed all known dragons"

"So much for a terror unleashed to other town" muttered the Overlord "Good… then we have to look for something else that we can send at other towns to 'save' them later on and taking active control."

"May I make a suggestion my liege" told Gnarl "We could lure trolls close to some towns and then they began to rampage. Once a considerable damage is done, we can sweep in and destroy these trolls."

The dark Overlord chuckles "A good plan Gnarl! Add this on the list of things you have to find. After all without trolls the plan is rather useless"

Also he looked up and asks "Are the minions at least smart enough to construct a crane?"

"While able to handle a crane or a catapult, I fear constructing the first might be a problem. Even thought we managed to construct three catapults once for the fourth Overlord" explains Gnarl and the Dark Overlord groans "Great… well then I just head back to the town and order one. But first we finish the bandit business. Get this fat idiot ready to face his fate. And get a troop ready for getting the rest of the bandits’ belongings."

"Of course master" told Gnarl with a small bow and left the Dark Overlord alone for the time to carry out his orders.

Once informed that the former Bandit Leader Mintus were prepared, he moves down to the Netherworld half of his tower and moves as the fat bandit dangles just slightly away from the balcony, ready to fall into his doom.

Being already awake, the Dark Overlord could see him looking in fear and sweating, knowing what is waiting for him.

As he saw the dark Overlord approaching he called "M-My liege! M-My apologies! Y-You are not m-minding this little misunderstanding we had. No?"

"Misunderstanding?" asks the Overlord "I cannot recall that we misunderstood each other. I made CLEAR intentions; you spit on it and now pay the prize!"

"B-But My Liege" called the Bandit Leader "I-I-I t-t-t-thought… i-i-it would please you, if we o-o-offer great riches at a-a-a-a short time."

"And totally ignore my order to leave the city alone" told the Overlord "Even if I believe these words, I cannot have somebody around who so casually decides to ignore orders just to get me pleased. ESSPECIALLY if it follows to actions which go COMPLETELY against my interest"

"I-I will build a new bandit group. R-Rob the land cleans for you. We spread terror in your name. W-we will be your force to conquer the lands" told Mintus "I-I will bring you the kings head if you wish"

The Dark Overlord looked at Mintus and get as close as possible "Sweet words from you… one would accept this offer."

Mintus sighs in relief but the Dark Overlord continues "But you betrayed me for your selfish reasons. And these promises go against my plan of operations. Good bye!"

Mintus eyes widened and wanted to beg more but the Overlord already cut the rope holding the Bandit leader and with a cry he falls into the deeps of the Netherworld. The dark Overlord listened and watched the fall of the Bandit Leader until he couldn't hear or see him anymore.

Turning around he called "Gnarl! Is the troop ready?"

"Yes my liege" told Gnarl "The Minions are ready to follow you wherever you wish to go"

"First we go to Direscar and get one or two cranes" told the Overlord "Afterwards we head for the Bandit camp and get the remaining treasures"

"Of course master!" told Gnarl "The gate is already set to the town."

With a nod the Overlord steps to the portal.

The Major of Direscar happened in the town plaza, talking with the people to decide what is the best course to get their economy running again with the gold provided by the Overlord as the Netherportal glows brightly, revealing the Overlord had returned.

Rushing over to him he called "My liege. You are back so soon… how can we be at your service?"

"I need a crane" told the Overlord "Better two to start some construction work back at my place"

"Of course milord" told the major "We happen to have two in the town. Some work and they are ready for you to take."

The overlord nods and waves his hand and one of the minions appears with a bag of gold, handing it to the major "Repair them and tell the minions to bring them back here."

"Of course my liege. We will hurry to satisfy you. The blacksmiths are already working on your minions equipment. And the wood is also gathered. In two days we think we are able to deliver the first of them. And in a month the first armors can be delivered to you."

"Why not sooner?" asks the Overlord and the Major told "Because we want to outfit those which are already in town first, with your permission"

"As long the quality is good, I won't raise my hand in protest to this course of action" told the Overlord, accepting the fact that the 'city guards' will be outfitted first. At least the holes of the tower will have a rough patch up soon. And the larger rubble will be removed as well, giving more room for… whatever he will get. Until he has stable income, ways to purchase everything he needs he won't make further plans for now.

"If you have nothing that needs my attention now, I am leaving. Being a busy Lord I need to check on some more important matters right now so my protective wings can spread even further."

"Of course my lord" told the Mayor and went back to handle the things. Thought the Dark Overlord thought to himself he has to make sure that somebody… more fitting is ruling the town in his steed. He could easily see that the mayor was still shaking a lot and while being able to talk straight the fear was still hearable in the voice… the bandits didn't leave this man in a very good state and the Overlord was sure that at the very moment something threatens the town and the fifty minions in town weren't enough, he would surrender and hand over the town instead of calling for help by the overlord. But this matter would be handled until he knows that he can pull it without risking the relationship with the town. Or perhaps fate would be so kind and take care of the matter for him.

Turning around he walks towards the portal and teleported to the nethergate in the bandit camp. Once there he summoned his minions and looks around for any living soul. After all he expected that Mintus were smart enough to leave a few bandits behind to protect their base of operations until they would set of. Nobody would simply take everything with them if they plan to raid a town. For such a job you want to have less unnecessary weight as possible.

As he walked over the town, he found indeed some leftover bandits. And they noticed him. Looking at each other the two sides seems to try to figure out what next. The Overlord was almost starting to think if he should try to talk or simply attack but the bandits were so nice to take the decision for him: They rushes at him to attack. But this charge was stopped short as the minions rushed as well and jumped at the bandits. The overlord grinned as the roughly 15 bandits were overwhelmed by his 30 minions.

After a short moment the bandits were killed and the bodies raided. Then he heads straight at the spot where the bandits stored their ill gotten goods. And the Overlord grinned as he saw that nothing was missing from the night before. So he sends his minions in to sweep everything which is worth. Afterwards they went to the sheep and send them back as well… the overlord wanted some meals from them so he decided to get the life force when their time was up.

Looking over the village he pondered why nobody was living here anymore and starts exploring the place more. From the look within the houses he could tell they are empty quite some time before the bandits have arrived. He wondered what happened here. Other bandits? Monster? A previous Overlord? He might never learn the answer. However… something tells him he should keep this empty village in mind for something.

Turning around the dark Overlord left the village for now, making his way back to the tower to work towards his goals.