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Ding!
[Your Citizen: [NPC: Elder Blazing Majin, Mother Scarlet] has become your third Vassal!]
[As your Third Vassal, they have received the Special Title: [Third Vassal of the Crimson Moon Empire's City: Elderbridge]!]
[All of your Third Vassal's Stats have increased by +6,000 as a Bonus!]
[Your Third Vassal's Inner Potential has Awakened into a new Trait: [Guardian of Children (Unique Grade)]!]
[Your Third Vassal's Inner Potential has Awakened into a new Racial Skill: [Infernal Spirit Aura Embodiment (A): Lv1]!]
[Additionally, as your Third Vassal possesses unique powers, their very existence benefits your Civilization even further.]
[Your Third Vassal has granted your Civilization with the Trait: [Children Protection: Lv1/10]!]
[You can now assign your Third Vassal as a Combat Unit as they meet all requirements.]
[Your Civilization Power has increased by +300!]
[You gained +150 Governor EXP!]
[You gained +150 Civilization EXP!]
"It looks like it worked as I thought… But this Trait seems… Well, I should've expected that from her."
Vlad carefully reviewed the notifications; his third vassal appeared to be another formidable addition to the civilization. The new Trait specifically protected children, and the Civilization Power she contributed—a remarkable 300—surpassed that of Chris or Ermelinda. This underscored the immense hidden power Mother Scarlet harbored, leaving Vlad slightly astonished. He pondered whether other latent talents might exist across the city, worthy of recruitment.
"T-This power…! I have… It feels like I have grown younger, almost at my peak once more?!"
Mother Scarlet sensed her potent aura coursing through her body. She noticed it had transformed, becoming more "solid" as she desired, and realized this was the effect of a new Skill.
"This is a new Skill, Your Majesty?" she asked.
"Yes, granting you the Title of a Vassal is not merely political," Vlad explained. "You will also acquire significant new strength; your stats will increase, and you will gain a new Skill. Furthermore, your connection to the civilization will endow the entire city with a new Trait—a special ability that can influence every individual within its bounds."
"Truly? I had no idea you wielded such incredible magic!" she exclaimed. "I have never heard of Civilization Magic, but its powers… Aren't they rather godlike? It's as if you were bestowing a divine blessing upon me!"
"You think so? I never considered it that way, honestly…" Vlad replied, rubbing his chin. "Well, whatever the case, let's examine what your Trait does."
Vlad promptly reviewed the new Trait's description.
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[Children Protection: Lv1/10]
A Civilization Trait granted by the third Vassal of the Elderbridge Civilization, Mother Scarlet, an Elder Blazing Majin gifted with a herculean physique and an unwavering love and care for children—the raison d'être of her life—whom she swore to protect above all else following a tragic past where she lost everything.
Due to her role as a Mother of the Scarlet Moon Goddess Church and Master of the Blood Heart Orphanage, her devotion to children has bestowed upon your civilization a highly unique Trait, manifesting as protection for all young ones.
As long as Mother Scarlet remains within the Civilization's Territory, all Citizens up to 18 years of age will receive passive Resistance to all Sicknesses, Curses, and Status Ailments. They will suffer less from starvation and malnutrition and will have a higher likelihood of growing healthier.
Effects:
The Resistance against Sicknesses, Curses, and Status Ailments increases by 70% for all Citizens younger than 18 years of age.
Suffering and Malnutrition from Starvation decreases by 50% for all Citizens younger than 18 years of age.
All Citizens younger than 18 years of age will grow healthier and stronger every day and have a 30% chance every birthday to awaken a special skill.
Chances of miscarriage are decreased by 50%, and chances of children being born with sicknesses, cancer, or other problems decrease by 40%.
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"Huh, this is wonderful! With this, the young population will grow up much healthier… In a place like this, that's critical."
Although the trait focused entirely on children, it was undeniably impressive! If Alitheus' Trait were combined with it, children would mature faster and grow consistently healthier, potentially developing enhanced stats and skills as they advanced rapidly. Eventually, Vlad envisioned a burgeoning population of robust adults, equipped to undertake diverse tasks and propel the civilization toward flourishing prosperity.
"What does it do, Your Majesty?"
"Uh, it's incredible," I said. "Thank you for your cooperation, Mother Scarlet. The battle is tomorrow; do you think you're ready? I was considering bringing you to the soldier barracks so you can prepare, even if only briefly—warming up and such."
"Oh, don't worry, Your Majesty. Although I might be a bit rusty, my battle instincts have never faded," Mother Scarlet assured him. "I regularly subdue thugs who threaten the children. It isn't uncommon for them to get kidnapped sometimes to be sold as slaves, so I chase down criminals, beat them, and bring the kids back."
"I-Is that so… I'm truly sorry that has happened. I've dismantled the largest criminal organizations by now; I hope that has helped," Vlad said.
"It has indeed helped. Although weak thugs and thieves still roam the streets as usual, their numbers have decreased significantly, and they're always fearful and cautious of their surroundings," Mother Scarlet smiled.
"Hmm, alright, I'll deploy more soldiers here to ensure the streets are safer," Vlad promised. "It is a commitment."
"You didn't have to, Your Majesty; you've done enough… but I truly appreciate it!" Mother Scarlet nodded. "Would you like to stay for dinner with the children?"
"Ah, no, unfortunately, I must leave already; I've lingered here far too long," Vlad replied. "However, I will send someone to fetch you tomorrow before the battle begins. The nuns here will also assist, correct? You'll be stationed at the walls, where your magic will prove most effective."
"Very well then, Your Majesty; we'll be prepared," Grayshade affirmed with a nod. "Until then, have a pleasant evening."
"Yes, Your Majesty, we'll train diligently to deliver our best performance tomorrow!" Bloodilia declared.
"I-I am nervous…" Oblivia whimpered.
"Don't be! That huge wall—did you see it?! His Majesty enhanced it with powerful magic; we'll be fine!" Landy said confidently.
"Looks like everyone's eager, hm?" Mother Scarlet giggled. "I suppose payment is quite the incentive too."
"Ah, yes, I suppose so," Vlad chuckled lightly. "I shall take my leave then. Alitheus, Ermelinda, we're returning to the manor now."
"Finally!" Alitheus darted to his side, sighing in relief. "I can't take those kids pulling my wings and tail and grabbing my horns and ears all the time! They're driving me insane!"
"Fufufu, but they're so lovely!" Mother Scarlet laughed. "They simply love you a lot, Sir Alitheus! Please be more patient with the children; they're the future, after all."
"I don't care!" Alitheus grumbled, flying out of the orphanage.
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