Lucien and Sebas returned to the Manor in silence.
Once inside, Lucien finally broke it.
"I was going to tell you about it later. I was just... waiting for the right ti."
Sebas didn’t respond right away.
His face was tense.
His eyes distant.
Clouded by sothing heavy...
Lucien noticed the grim expression and frowned.
"What’s wrong? You’ve been quiet since earlier."
Sebas looked him in the eyes and spoke in a low voice.
"The capital, Young Lord... it’s dangerous. Too dangerous."
Lucien tilted his head, studying Sebas carefully.
There was sothing behind those words.
Sothing personal. Maybe even painful.
It felt as if Sebas had seen the darkness there firsthand... or worse.
"You don’t need to worry," Lucien said, trying to reassure him. "The Silvermine Family will be with . Surely, Uncle Max won’t leave alone."
But Sebas didn’t look comforted. His hesitation only grew.
Then after a long pause, he spoke again.
"May I co with you, Young Lord?"
Lucien was caught off guard.
He paused letting the question hang in the air.
Finally, he shook his head.
"I’m sorry, Sebas. I need you here. You’re the one I trust most to keep everything running. Especially now."
Sebas lowered his gaze. He knew Lucien was right.
More than that, he feared his presence in the capital would do more harm than good.
If "they" recognized him, it might put Lucien at even greater risk.
Still, he looked at Lucien again.
This ti with pleading eyes.
"Then please... promise sothing. Don’t show your books. Don’t use your ’cheats’ openly in the capital. If anyone sees them, it could be... catastrophic."
Lucien froze.
’Cheats?’
His eyes narrowed. That word ’cheat’ it wasn’t sothing Sebas should know.
It was a term from his past life.
He studied Sebas as suspicion creeped in.
"You know about that? That term?"
Sebas kept his expression calm.
"I know enough. And I know it’s dangerous."
Lucien frowned, then leaned back with a sigh.
"Well, I had no plans to flaunt anything anyway. I’m not like those flashy nobles who beg for attention. Better to keep things hidden. But Sebas..."
He looked at him again, more seriously this ti.
"You’ve got a story, don’t you?"
Sebas stiffened.
Lucien waited but Sebas eventually straightened his back and replied with a soft smile.
"I’ll tell you one day, Young Lord. When you’ve grown a little more."
"Tch! I’m already plenty grown!" Lucien grumbled.
"To , you’re still small."
The tension broke.
Lucien rolled his eyes while Sebas kept his dignified air. Though... a rare and playful smile curved his lips.
The two began to bicker lightly.
Lucien trying to pry the truth from him. Sebas refusing with stubborn grace.
Eventually, Lucien gave up with a dramatic sigh.
"You’re impossible. Like a walking iron wall."
Sebas chuckled.
"Thank you, Young Lord."
Lucien let out a sigh then glanced at Sebas.
"By the way... why were you looking for earlier?"
Sebas straightened as if reminded.
"Ah yes. I have sothing to report. The training for the Administration Division is complete. Everyone can now work independently. Cecil, in particular, has shown remarkable improvent. He’s picked up several new skills and performs his duties well. The others are just as eager. They’ve grown confident in their roles."
Lucien’s lips curled into a small smile.
That was fast but expected. With the right skills, progress was inevitable.
He nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. From now on, start assigning tasks to them. If it’s nothing urgent, let them handle the paperwork too."
Sebas gave a respectful nod.
"As you command, Young Lord."
Then he turned and quietly left.
Now that he was alone, Lucien raised his hand and summoned the MAGIC BOOK once more.
The air shimred and the familiar to materialized in front of him but just like before, a progress bar floated above its cover.
It was nearly full now, inching toward completion but still not quite ready.
He groaned.
"Sigh... What even is this Eclipse Magic? Why does it take so long to update?"
Frustrated but curious, he shifted his focus.
"Alright then. Let’s check sothing else."
He summoned the MONSTERDEX in a gentle flash.
The pages fluttered on their own, obeying his intent until they settled on the new monster card.
***
Na: Yin-Yang Sli
Habitats: Ancient Shrines, Ruins, Dungeons
Entry:
A sli embodying the perfect balance of Light and Dark magic. Its body is half black and half white, constantly shifting like flowing ink. It has two main mana cores. Though peaceful in appearance, it becos a formidable foe when provoked, wielding opposing forces in harmony.
Trait:
• Wields both Light and Dark magic in synchronized attacks
• Balances offense and defense
• Can temporarily "split" its body with each half acting independently
Behavior:
• Seeks balance in battle
• Intelligent and observant
Likes:
• Calm environnts
• Items or artifacts with dual elental affinity
• ditative spaces
Weaknesses:
• Balance disruption
• Seals and wards
***
After reading the entry with growing delight, Lucien carefully plucked the Yin-Yang Sli card from the MONSTERDEX.
With a soft voice, he whispered,
"Summon."
The card pulsed with radiant light before launching itself to the floor. And when the glow faded... there it was.
A tiny sli.
Half white, half black.
Just like the dungeon boss but smaller.
Cute.
Compact.
Just like Skittles.
The little creature bounced excitedly as if thrilled to finally et Lucien.
He crouched and gave it a gentle pat.
"If you’re even half as strong as the Boss then you’ll be another valuable asset."
He stared at the little blob, tapping his chin.
"Hmm... What should I call you?"
He paused, thinking deeply.
Then it ca to him.
"Oreo. That’s it. You’re Oreo now."
The sli vibrated with joy and imdiately bounced into Lucien’s arms.
He laughed and caught it mid-air, cradling it with ease.
"Nice to et you, little buddy."
Oreo snuggled against his chest.
•••
Lucien decided to introduce Oreo to the others. Just to make sure no one mistook the little sli for a threat.
To his surprise, everyone welcod it with unexpected respect.
Especially the mbers of the Spiritual Division. They bowed lightly or nodded with serene smiles as if it was second nature to acknowledge such a being.
Lucien raised an eyebrow.
"Huh... that’s a reaction I didn’t expect."
Before he could ask, Maxim approached with his eyes wide in disbelief.
"Nephew," he said, almost chuckling in disbelief. "Another surprise? Don’t tell you can actually ta dungeon monsters now? Wait.That sli... it looks just like the 2nd Floor Boss! Impossible... That... should be impossible!"
Lucien gave a casual shrug.
"Uncle Max, don’t be so shocked. Just because others can’t do it doesn’t an I can’t. Haha or maybe I’m just lucky."
This ti, his tone was cool and deep down... he was a little proud of that cool line.
Maxim rubbed his head, still baffled.
"I an... it sounds ridiculous but I can’t argue. Still... does this an you actually defeated the 2nd Floor Boss? That thing gave trouble... and I’m Tier 5!"
Lucien nodded, eyes gleaming.
"Yup. Took it down."
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice with a playful grin.
"I even peeked into the 3rd Floor. Want to guess what happened?"
Maxim quickly looked away, clearly flustered.
"Ahem, ahem. This dungeon of yours... it’s different, alright," he muttered. "Even as a Tier 5, it still gives trouble. It’s just... stronger than we expected. But... if I were back at my peak, I could clear it. No problem."
He said it all in one breath as if trying to outrun his own embarrassnt.
Lucien couldn’t help but smile.
That confird it.
Maxim had experienced the sa overwhelming pressure when he stepped into the Third Floor.
Lucien let out a quiet sigh of relief.
So it wasn’t just him.
He wasn’t weak. The enemies were simply on another level.
In the end, Lucien thought...
’Maybe levels and tiers really were just numbers. What mattered more... was how you used what you had.’
•••
The next day.
Stone arrived to report to Lucien about the blueprint for the newly planned Lootwell Barony.
The design was impressive.
Well-structured.
Practical.
Pleasing to the eye.
Everything was arranged with purpose, giving the impression of a thriving and growing territory.
At the heart of the blueprint was the central plaza. A wide open space designed as the barony’s core.
Around it stood key structures.
The chapel.
The headquarters for each division.
And other administrative buildings.
This central hub was designed to be easily accessible from all corners of the barony, reinforcing its role as the heart of daily life and governance.
Next were the residential zones. The hos were organized into neat rows.
The design for houses were broader and sturdier than before. Each one featured a small courtyard to provide space for gatherings or personal use.
Stone pointed to the design notes. The Sli Cent was once again chosen for construction.
Lucien nodded in approval as his eyes moved across the blueprint.
To the east of the hos, a large market area had been allocated. It was planned as a key trading point in the future. It ca with wide stalls and enough space for a bustling crowd.
The market area would serve both locals and future traveling rchants from neighboring territories.
Beside it, a spacious inn was also marked. It’s ant to accommodate guests and travelers.
Behind the residential area, Stone pointed out storage barns and livestock pens. They were placed at the edge of the settlent for easy access to the fields and minimal disruption to living spaces.
A dedicated road network connected all sections of the barony.
The plaza. The market. The hos. The barns. And the outer farmlands.
Roads were drawn to be straight and wide, lined with ditches for proper drainage and easier travel during rains.
Reserved spaces for future expansion were scattered throughout, allowing room for growth without compromising the order of the current design.
Finally, Stone turned Lucien’s attention to the southern section, where the lord’s Manor was located.
Unlike the modest structure it once was, the new design resembled a small castle.
Fortified.
Elegant.
Symbolic of the barony’s rise.
Lucien studied the design and raised an eyebrow. He was... visibly pleased.
"I like it... very much," he said softly.
But then his expression shifted. His eyes lingered on the image of the Lord’s Manor, now redesigned into a small fortress.
"...But let’s hold off on that part. Don’t start with the manor yet."
Stone looked up. "Understood, Young Lord. May I ask why?"
Lucien didn’t answer right away.
He turned his gaze around. The structure still stood tall. Weathered by years but still sturdy.
"The manor holds too much history," Lucien said. "This is sothing our parents left behind. It’s where my sister and I grew up. Changing it... isn’t sothing I can decide alone."
He placed the blueprint down gently.
"I want to ask for her permission first."
Stone bowed his head respectfully.
"As you wish, Young Lord. We’ll proceed with the rest of the construction and await your word on the manor."
Lucien gave a nod of approval.
"Thank you. Let’s begin the work."
And just like that, the next phase of Lootwell’s transformation was set into motion.
User Comments
0 comments from readers