Nerulia Haven stirred awake beneath the gentle glow of morning spirit-lanterns.
Birds sang from branches of spirit-grown trees that shimmered faintly with mana. Children chased tiny motes of playful light. Merchants erected new stalls on polished stone, their voices soft, grateful hopeful.
The city was alive, and each sunrise stretched its future a little farther.
Yuto walked along the main road, cloak fluttering in the morning breeze. He wasn't marching like a hero or floating like a divine spirit. He moved simply, quietly like a man making sure the world he was building didn't collapse while he blinked.
A few citizens bowed as he passed.
Some saluted awkwardly.
One little girl shoved a small flower crown into his hands and ran away giggling.
[Ah yes, the mighty sovereign of spirits… gifted ceremonial foliage by a toddler.]
"Advisor?"
[ "Wear it."]
"…No."
[Coward.]
Yuto tucked the tiny flower crown into his inner pocket instead, hiding an involuntary smile.
---
Suddenly
A horn echoed outside the city walls long, deep, and trembling with emotion.
Shouts rose. People rushed toward the gates.
Yuto's heart jolted.
The horn of returning Nerulians, refugees from the original spirit forest, long displaced, scattered and hunted.
He rushed forward, steps blurring into wind. The guards saluted and parted as he passed.
Beyond the walls…
Dozens of figures approached.
Ragged clothes. Worn boots. Hollow eyes but shining with hope.
Spirit-beasts padded beside them, tails low but wagging weakly. Elders leaned on carved staves, children clung to their robes.
And at their center it was Bran , silver hair tangled from travel, but posture dignified. He lifted his hand.
"We… have returned," he breathed.
His voice trembled, not from weakness, but from disbelief.
Yuto stepped forward, aura soft, welcoming, warm.
"You're home."
He dropped to one knee then suddenly others followed, dozens kneeling, fists pressed to hearts, tears streaking faces.
"We never thought… I would see a spirit like you get this strong, enough to build a whole city."
Emotion tightened Yuto's chest. He moved immediately, grabbing the his arm and pulling him up.
"No bowing. Not to me. Not here."
Bran stared, stunned. He looked down.
" The curroption was too strong to be cleared, River fen was totally destroyed. All I can ask now is to allow them stay here, even if it's for the mean time "
Yuto smiled, tired, gentle, earnest.
"This city belongs to all of us. After all it was named after you guys
A choked sound. Tears.
" Protector!!"
For a moment, there was only the quiet relief of souls finding ground again.
[Sentimental. Awkwardly sincere. Uncomfortable level of wholesome. I approve.]
"Advisor shut up before I cry in front of everyone."
[I would archive that footage for motivational purposes.]
"Try it."
---
The new arrivals were fed, healed, bathed, clothed. Healing potions infused with water and h gentle mana, cleansing exhaustion and lingering corruption wounds.
Nerulia Haven's marketplace erupted in celebration, banners lifted, drums played, and fresh bread scents wafted through the air.
Yuto watched them eat, laugh, collapse into relieved tears.
Elira and lyra moved among them gracefully, hugging familiar faces, offering comfort. When Elira approached Yuto afterward, her eyes were bright almost glowing.
"You did this," she whispered.
"No," Yuto corrected softly. "We did."
Their eyes met ... too long, too honest.
Elira flushed and quickly looked away, pretending to adjust her sleeve.
"W-well… don't get cocky."
"Yes ma'am."
[Romantic progress detected: 0.4%. Recommendation increase charm stat.]
"Advisor, one more word and I'm downgrading you to calculator."
[…You wouldn't....]
"Watch me."
[ How Dare you..]
---
Later, in the city heart, Yuto stood before the Spirit Nexus Crystal , a massive floating prism pulsing soft blue light. Yuto had built it from pure spirit energy.
It was the city's core ... its mana heart.
He closed his eyes, pressing his palm to the floating gem. Spirit energy flowed into him, swirling like a tide. He shaped the mana carefully, weaving strength, purity, and resonance into the core.
[Mana Shaping : City Enhancement Spirit Bonding = Guardian Warding]
The air hummed as runes lit up, spreading across the plaza's stone floor like vines of light.
[City Buff Activated
Nerulia Haven Defense +27%
Spirit Channeling Efficiency +14%
Corruption Resistance +35%]
Citizens gasped. Some clapped. Mimi screamed:
"WE HAVE SHINY LINES EVERYWHERE THIS IS SO COOL...!!!"
Lyra moved closer, her eyes shimmering.
"Yuto… your control grows. You are evolving."
"Slowly."
[Painfully slowly.]
"…Ignore him."
Lyra smiled kindly. "Even slow rivers carve worlds."
Yuto breathed deep, letting the power settle.
Yet beneath the surface of the Nexus… something flickered.
A dark static ripple.
A whisper , faint, chilling.
"…not enough…"
Yuto stiffened.
[Warning: anomaly detected.]
Elira's voice called from a distance, breaking the moment:
"Yuto! We need you at the outer ridge!"
He blinked ... tension fading.
"…Later," he murmured to the crystal.
---
Outside the city, building expansions stretched toward the forest line. Workers stacked wood, shaped stone, and murmured plans for new gates.
Yuto arrived just as a patrol dragged in a cart carrying...
Rotten wood. Blackened soil. Corrupted vines, twitching faintly like dying snakes.
The scout captain saluted. "We found this in the northern grove. The land was… wrong."
Yuto touched the vines — a sharp sting shot up his hand.
[Corruption trace ... active.]
"…It's spreading faster than we thought."
A hush fell , civilians watching, pale.
Yuto straightened, voice steady.
"This city will not fall. I will protect it. All of you."
Murmurs of relief. Hope.
But far off, deep in the forest ..
something watched him.
Yellow eyes.
Breath like cold steam.
A low growl vibrating through the trees.
Soon… little spirit king… soon….
***
---
As dusk draped the city in violet hues, people gathered for a small feast , laughter echoing, lanterns swinging, spirit fireflies dancing around the streets.
Yuto stood away from the noise, leaning against a balcony.
Elira approached with two bowls of stew. Not tea this time, she had learned.
"You're not eating?"
"Later. Just… making sure everything stays peaceful."
She nudged his side with a gentle elbow.
"Yuto… peace doesn't break because you blink."
"…It has before."
Her expression softened .. warm, determined.
"Then don't carry it alone. Let us walk beside you."
He exhaled slowly.
"…Thank you."
They stood in silence comfortable, calm until Mimi crashed into them carrying three foxes again.
"THEY STOLE MY BREAD THIS TIME HELP...."
Chaos returned.
Yuto sighed.
Elira laughed.
And for a moment ... just one,the world felt safe.
[Enjoy this peace, user. Statistically speaking… trouble is imminent.]
"…Thanks."
[You are welcome.]
---
You guys might notice that, the story is a bit toned up fast. Am doing this so we can quickly get to the starting of the novel, this is just like a preface all shortened up. What is bound to come up after a few more chapter will be the best ever, action packed, op battles, ' better ecchi 😏' and more greatee villans . This is just the beginning of Yuto's adventures. So watch out!!!