Plana, Evolution, and Resident Advancement
Ray sleeping for 30 years wasn't something they expected; nevertheless, they didn't bother with it.
Taking his last words as an order to heart, Plana's early residents organized themselves and started to build a settlement, taking the form of what looked like a coastal village.
Time passed, and the residents began to use the formations that appeared to gain spirit rings. They visited the library for knowledge they never expected to find—this, with or without Sophia's help, they wouldn't have known where to start.
From architecture, passing by artisans, and ending with the more mystical fields like martial soul and alchemy, the library encompassed all the possible and necessary knowledge to begin creating and manufacturing what they needed.
Soon enough, after conditions became stable, some of the more revenge-driven people began to gather with the purpose of venturing outside, looking for more evil masters to hunt—this only after they gained respective strength under Sophia's suggestion.
The man leading the hunting group suggested creating clans, not for personal gain but to unite the residents under one banner. From there, they began their rapid advancement, both inside Plana and in surrounding territories.
From the rescued people of every successful raid on several masters' bases—merged merchants, accountants, literati, researchers, blacksmiths, cultivators, and so on—they all contributed to Plana's growth.
By the first 15 years, Plana already had its first city rise on the forest edge. On the other side, they saw quite the fame spread outward under the now-famous banner "Crystal Tree."
Soon, Plana's residents found themselves trading with four major countries and their populations: the Sun-Moon Empire, the Lou Empire, the Dou Empire, and finally the Lie Kingdom.
The first, with its close proximity to the sea and icy lands, revealed more evil masters hiding bases in the vicinity than they expected. And so they started the Second Crusade. The first being in the original Douluo continent, they now take the Sun-Moon Empire as hunting grounds.
Thankfully, by that time, they had enough trading and dealings with the empire and the Migdo Hall to let it slide. The only one who challenged their work was the surging prince, but that was for later.
By the next 10 years (Plana time), the people who had been saved were mostly from seaside habitats, so they preferred to live on the seaside, giving rise to the second city.
In the years to follow, Plana became known as a hidden force, neither weaker nor more mysterious than the likes of the Sky Hammer Clan.
"Fascinating!" Ray exclaimed, getting their explanation before looking around. "And you are the people behind this advancement?"
That didn't need much thought. Sophia knew his character perfectly, and he knew that she let them in this position because they deserved it—not because of strength or even age.
"Yup," Sophia chimed, pointing at the lady by her side. "Amey, as Land Dragon, along with her husband. We have a variety of architecture products for consumption and trade."
Sophia explained that Amey was one of the early beasts Sai saved, and after gaining the knack of reading books—specifically on how to create fields and tend crops—she started to spend time with the farmers, initially as a helper.
By the end, she came up with more original ways for better harvests with higher quality, earning her a seat in the console as the agriculture Elder.
Ray nodded with a smile, looking excited. Sophia then gave each elder the task of showing their site, and each of them was a brilliant mind in their field; their stories only made Ray more excited, and he couldn't wait to venture into the cities to see it with his own eyes.
By the time Sophia introduced them all, Ray's attention was caught by a sound coming from the side.
"This…" Ray murmured with bright, yet amused eyes.
Currently seeing three kids, all under eight years old, staring at them from a space rift. The sound was a phone ringtone in the hand of one of them.
By the time he stopped the ringtone, the other two were glaring at him.
"You brats!! How many times have I said dont get here? It's forbidden!" Elder Chen Wang screamed, glaring at them. "And don't you have a final match this evening? What are you doing outside instead of regulating your condition?"
Ray just stared at the old man scolding the kids, not knowing what was happening, so he looked at the others for an explanation.
"Those three are some of the top talents born in Plana," Amey explained. "The one in front is the old man's grandchild, and he had quite the streak of mischief in his books."
Ray nodded in understanding and asked about the final match.
"Oh, we kind of forgot to tell you," Sophia remembered. "Each city has a school for youngsters. Every year, we organize a tournament in each city, and the winners fight for Plana's Youngster Top. It's a way to measure the younger generation's power and training advancement."
"Heh, then I woke in good time," Ray said, remembering the phone. "Was that a phone doing that? I thought you were talking about early types, not smartphones."
Knowing he would recognize it, Sophia smirked. "You can thank Hu Zi for that. I have no idea how he pulled it off."
By the time she explained, the old man ended his scolding, dragging the kids behind him in front of Ray.
"Sorry, Young King, they're quite the handful on their own," he said, looking back at the three kids, glaring meaningfully to have them apologize.
"Greetings, Young King, elders," they bowed their heads humbly. "We're sorry for barging in without permission."
Despite knowing their mistake and apologizing, their eyes didn't seem repentant. Instead, they shone with excitement and observing light, drawing a smile on Ray's face, remembering the streak of trouble the little devils would have caused him in his past life.
"It's good to be full of energy, but not knowing when to stop is not in your interest, so tone it a little," Ray said before standing up. "Now, how about you take me on a tour around the city?"
The reaction surprised the elders, let alone the kids.
With what they had heard about him, at first they expected an old man or someone in that line, but not only was their mystical king quite young—just a few years older than them—but he also gave off the vibe of the big brother next door… if that makes any sense.
As for the elders, they could see the tender and happy smile on his face, one only seen on some parents.
"Of course, Young King," the three kids exclaimed synchronously before looking at their grandfather with smug faces.
"Now then, should we go?" Ray looked back and asked Sophia if she was coming.
Under the eyes of the people around, she turned into light particles, entering his mind space.
"I heard the rumors, but it's true!" the only girl in the trio exclaimed. "Lady Sophia is the king's spirit partner!!"
Looking at her friend first, they then looked at Ray, taking his hand and dragging him through the door.
The elders sighed and followed them in the shadows. Sensing their king's interest in them, they let them be for now.