Dawn painted the half-built settlement in soft gold. Wooden frames stood like skeletal giants, roads carved through earth with magical precision. Streams diverted by spirit-guided channels glittered like silver veins.
Yuto stood at the edge of the future city, arms folded, cloak fluttering. He breathed out, and tiny spirit motes drifted from him peaceful, sacred.
Behind him, Mimi slept face-down on a pile of lumber, snoring.
Zarek hammered stakes like he was punching the ground into obedience.
Elira sat under a tree, polishing her staff, eyes drifting toward Yuto every few seconds when she thought he wasn't looking.
She failed every time.
Yuto smirked. Cute.
[Advisor: Emotional instability detected in nearby elf. Recommend teasing. It builds loyalty. And romance flags.]
Not now.
[: Coward.]
---
By midday, travelers moved along the road merchants, adventurers, curious nobles' scouts. They whispered in awe:
"Is that the spirit-blessed land near Eridale?"
"They say a glowing boy commands nature itself…"
"He purified corruption… alone."
"He builds a city without royal permission just because he was given a land. Dangerous."
One armored knight paused, staring.
"Mark my words,.. this site will either birth a legend… or a calamity."
He rode off.
---
Inside Eridale's royal capital, three hours south, chaos brewed.
In the marbled throne hall, nobles bickered like agitated geese.
"A new power rising beyond our control!"
"That land was unclaimed..., you gave it to him"
"A SPIRIT–aligned being building a city? Dangerous!"
"He defeated the earlier corruption we should recruit him!"
The King sat silent, silver eyes sharp beneath a crown forged of moonstone. Regal coat draped like starlight. He lifted his hand.
Silence snapped through the hall.
"A boy who purifies corruption…"
"…and builds sanctuary where death once spread."
His eyes narrowed.
"I shall judge him myself."
Gasps erupted.
"Your Majesty...!"
"The Spirit Order.."
"What if he rebels?!"
"What if he surpasses us?"
The king stood.
" I gave him the land out of joy, but Then we meet power with grace… or with steel."
---
Yuto gathered his people.
"Mimi ... we need basic housing completed today."
She saluted, tail wagging. "AYE, SPIRIT-BOSS!"
"Zarek , outer defenses."
The warrior cracked his knuckles. "Walls… or corpses of threats. Both work."
Oh Elira was now more interested In mage magic, ever since Mimi and Serphina.
"Elira , Serphina... magic irrigation?"
Elira smiled softly. "Already prepared. I… want to help your dream flourish."
Yuto blinked, heart skipping, then pretended not to notice Mimi wiggling eyebrows behind him.
[Advisor: You absolute chicken. CONFESS.]
Later.
[Advisor: Weak. Romantic cowardice penalizes EXP gain.]
"That's not real."
[ Advisor: But you hesitated, so it spiritually counts.]
Yuto rolled his eyes.
---
Then they arrived...
Dust cloud. Hooves.
A squad of armored cavalry halted at the village entrance, banner bearing the Crown of Eridale fluttering in the wind.
Leading them ,
A knight in blue-silver plated armor, face stoic, presence sharp as a winter blade.
He dismounted, walking straight toward Yuto.
"You are the Spirit-Touched Founder."
"Founder?" Yuto murmured. "Sounds dramatic. I like it."
The knight's expression twitched ..., was that… respect? Confusion? Fear? All three?
"I am Sir Calvane, envoy of His Majesty. The king wishes words with you."
Mimi whispered, "Uh oh. Dad found out we were building a fort in his backyard."
Elira elbowed her.
Zarek tensed. "If they pick a fight..."
Yuto raised a hand.
"No hostility. We expected attention."
The knight surveyed the settlement, the magical channels, purified air, half-completed houses glowing faintly with spirit blessing.
"This land breathes unlike mortal soil… What manner of existence are you?"
Yuto smiled faintly.
"Someone who refuses to let corruption spread."
The knight studied him a moment, then bowed ...stiff, reluctant, but genuine.
"I pray you are ally, not storm."
--
Calvane handed a sealed scroll bearing the King's crest.
> To the Sprit-born Founder
You rise swiftly. Such ascension demands witness.
"By tradition and honor, I request a duel, blade to spirit . to measure truth of power and intent."
"At dawn, seven days hence."
King Albrecht of Eridale.
-----
Yuto exhaled slowly.
"A royal duel, huh?"
[ Advisor: Translation = The king is paranoid you're building God-City 2.0. Time for dominance display.]
Elira's voice trembled slightly. "If you lose…"
Yuto reached and gently tapped her forehead with a finger.
"I don't plan to."
Her cheeks reddened. "O-Of course not… I never doubted."
Mimi fanned Elira dramatically. "Princess is melting~"
Elira choked. "S–Stop!"
Serphina just scoffed.
Zarek smirked. "We'll train. You'll win. Then they'll kneel."
[Advisor: Confidence: 93%. Romantic progress: negative 12%.]
Shut up.
---
Yuto knelt beneath the moon, aura flowing like liquid silver. His body flickered human form fading, spirit silhouette shimmering in and out.
Spirit Core Training: Stability Phase
Evolution: → 28%
Whispers of ancient power hummed around him, vast, quiet, eternal.
[Advisor: The king will not be easy. Sword Saint bloodline. Spatial footwork. Don't die stylishly, die boring if needed.]
"I'm not dying. I am more stronger now aren't I ?"
[Advisor: Good. Your romance subplot is only 12% baked.]
Yuto chuckled.
Then , a breeze shifted.
He froze.
A presence watched him from the trees ancient, curious, playful… dangerous.
A voice like lilting wind:
"Little spirit seed… growing bold."
Yuto turned but the presence vanished.
[ Advisor: Great. Mystery ancient entity. Because we didn't have enough problems.]
---