The release of the egg was a calculated maneuver. It was a stimulus package designed to force the hoarding clans to spend their stagnant wealth.
This was the beginning of a trend. Lilith was intentionally bolstering the internal strength of the Horde through these "welfare" schemes.
The cycle was elegant: Exchange resources for a Broodmother. Raise the Broodmother to breed a swarm. Use the swarm to fight for the Horde. Convert military victories into Merit Points.
And with Merit Points, the treasury's artifacts—and the ultimate dream of landed titles—were no longer just fantasies. They were attainable realities.
"Lucky bastard," Tristan murmured, nodding in agreement with Nico. "Whoever wins that egg... their family has a dynasty secured."
Since the egg was being sold internally, the price would be capped. It was a gift, but only for those with the capital to unwrap it.
