Page 80 of The Dark Lord Awakens
That explained why the high-ranking demons showed more dramatic changes. As naturally powerful beings, they had more “potential” for the void products to enhance.
“Is it dangerous?” I asked, the responsible adult in me briefly making an appearance.
“Quite the contrary, my lord!” Magister Wiggles practically vibrated with enthusiasm. “All observed changes have been beneficial—increased strength, enhanced magical capacity, accelerated healing, improved cognitive function! I have documented a seventeen percent increase in my own arcane calculations!”
“Keep studying it,” I instructed. “I want regular reports on these changes, especially any long-term effects.”
The meeting continued with updates from other department heads. Mistress Pokey reported progress on agricultural experiments, her bark-like skin now showing a subtle luminescence that hadn’t been there a month ago. Duke Splashypants presented the initial yields from the Murk Marshes, his webbed hands gesturing proudly as he described the variety of edible plants and creatures now being harvested. Lord Taxman detailed the treasury status, his spectacles glintingas he adjusted them with hands that seemed more precisely articulated than before.
19
Lucien/Beau
After the initial reports on camp conditions and the forest threat, Lord Taxman cleared his throat, his spectacles gleaming with unusual enthusiasm.
“My lord, if I may present the commercial reports?” He produced a ledger bound in what appeared to be shimmering shadow leather. “The treasury situation has been… transformed.”
He opened the ledger with a flourish that seemed almost theatrical for the normally stiff demon. “For the first time in Iferona’s recorded history, we are generating external revenue! The void commerce system has produced more income in one month than five years of internal taxation!”
The small, meticulous demon was practically vibrating with excitement, his voice rising an octave. “We have customers in thirty-seven realms! Repeat orders have increased by one hundred forty-two percent! Our customer satisfaction rating exceeds ninety-six percent!”
“I’m glad it’s working out,” I said, amused by his uncharacteristic animation.
“Working out? My lord, it is REVOLUTIONARY!” Lord Taxman clutched the ledger to his chest like a beloved child.“For centuries, we’ve struggled to extract minimal taxes from an impoverished population. Now we’re selling basic items from our realm for premium prices to wealthy external customers!”
He turned to the other department heads. “Your commercial reports, please. Lady Shadowfax, your Shadow Essence operation first.”
Lady Shadowfax inclined her head slightly. “The extraction teams have doubled output using the void equipment. The new containment vessels prevent degradation during storage, allowing us to fulfill larger orders. I request permission to acquire additional extraction equipment and expand operations into the northern caverns.”
“Granted.” I nodded. “Supremo can process that order today.”
Duke Splashypants surged forward eagerly, webbed hands gesturing dramatically. “My lord! The Void Mushroom cultivation has exceeded all expectations! We have developed three new variants with enhanced properties! The ‘Midnight Velvet’ strain has proven particularly popular among customers seeking… intimate enhancements.”
He leaned forward conspiratorially. “I have prepared a proposal for expanding our cultivation chambers using void hydroponics technology. With your approval, we could triple production within two weeks!”
“Approved, but remember our agreement about naming conventions,” I said firmly. “No mushrooms named after me, especially the ones with… intimate applications.”
“Of course, my lord,” Duke Splashypants agreed, looking only slightly disappointed.
Mistress Pokey’s bark-like skin seemed to glow with subtle bioluminescence as she reported next. “The Nightshade Pollen harvest has been exceptional. Using the void cultivation techniques, we’ve increased potency by thirty-seven percentwhile reducing growth time. The ‘Twilight Lover’s Package’ combining our pollen with Duke Splashypants’ mushrooms has proven quite lucrative.”
She produced a small vial containing what looked like iridescent dust. “We’ve developed a new product—Luminous Pollen Extract—with applications in luxury cosmetics. Initial market testing suggests potential pricing at five hundred OpenTokens per vial.”
“That’s… impressive,” I admitted, watching the pollen shimmer as it caught the light.
“I request permission to acquire additional greenhouse equipment and specialized harvesting tools,” she continued. “The void catalog offers automated pollination systems that would increase yield by approximately sixty percent.”
“Make a list of what you need,” I told her. “We’ll place the order this afternoon.”
General Smashington cleared his throat—a sound like boulders tumbling down a mountainside. “The Demon-Forged Metals operation has… encountered certain challenges.”
“By which he means he broke three fulfillment terminals before delegating the entire operation to Craftsman372,” Lord Taxman interjected dryly.
The massive general shifted uncomfortably. “My hands are not designed for delicate packaging.”
“That’s fine,” I assured him. “Play to your strengths. How’s Craftsman372 handling things?”
“Surprisingly well,” General Smashington admitted. “Though his product descriptions require constant editing. His initial listings described our ceremonial daggers as ‘perfect for disemboweling enemies and displaying their entrails as warnings to others.’”
