Chapter 12: Training Area

The doors open, and the maids step in. They are exactly as he remembers them from the game—cute monster girls with striking features. One has long, silky hair and fox-like ears that twitch as she moves, while the other has bright scales along her arms, glinting like jewels under the soft light of the room. Both wear elegant maid uniforms tailored to their unique forms, their expressions warm but professional.

Alix averts his gaze. 'I really did pick the cutest ones' he thinks, berating his past self for prioritizing aesthetics over practicality when assigning roles in the game.

The fox-eared maid steps forward, her tail swishing slightly behind her.

"Your Majesty, we've brought fresh towels and your robes. Do you require any additional assistance?"

"No, that's fine," Alix says quickly, waving a hand.

After the maids leave, Alix takes a moment to collect himself before heading to his bedroom. The grand hallways of the palace are quiet, the faint glow of enchanted torches lining the walls casting a serene light. As he approaches his bedroom, he notices Draya standing by the door, her expression serious.

Draya inclines her head slightly as he draws near. Her blue eyes hold a sharp focus.

"Your Majesty, did you enjoy the service of your favorite maids this evening?"

Alix stops in his tracks, blinking at her. "Favorite maids? When did I have favorite maids?"

"As I recall, Your Majesty, you have often been... attentive to those two. I couldn't help but notice the way you frequently stared at them."

Her words hit Alix like a bolt of lightning. The realization dawns on him, 'It must've been back in the game... when I didn't have anything to do, I'd make my character just... stare at them. Well, as a gamer, that's normal, right? Staring at sexy NPCs... yeah, that's totally normal.'

Clearing his throat and forcing a regal air, Alix nods. "Oh, yes, of course. I chose them for a reason. They're... efficient."

She places a hand over her chest and bows gracefully. "As you say, Your Majesty."

Alix, feeling a bit awkward, decides to shift the topic.

"Anyway, thank you for everything, Draya. You've done an excellent job organizing the palace and ensuring things run smoothly."

Draya straightens and gives him a faint, proud smile.

"Your Majesty, you created me. It is my purpose, my duty, and my honor to serve you. I will continue to ensure all is as you desire."

Alix smiles back, feeling a bit more at ease. "I'm glad. Well, I'll be retiring for the night. Good work, as always, Draya."

Draya bows once more, her voice steady. "Rest well, Your Majesty."

The next morning, Alix rises early, feeling energized and ready to explore more of his palace. After a light breakfast served in his quarters, he decides it's time to visit the training grounds.

As he steps into the bright morning light, he notices the expansive training area bustling with activity. Soldiers practicing their skills with weapons, spells, and hand-to-hand combat. The clang of swords, the crackle of magic, and the shouts of sparring partners fill the air.

Draya appears at his side almost immediately, as if she anticipated his plans.

"Your Majesty, the training ground is at its peak activity this time of day. Shall I announce your presence?"

Alix shakes his head. "No need. I want to observe first. It's been a while since I've seen a live training session..."

Alix steps forward, taking in the scene. He watches as the kobold spars with an hobgoblin, their movements surprisingly coordinated. Nearby, a group of fifty soldiers are practicing formation drills, their discipline reminding Alix of the importance of a well-trained army.

Alix's initial interest in the training quickly fades as he counts the soldiers present. Only a hundred remain, a fraction of what his once-mighty army was. He already knew his forces had dwindled, but seeing it firsthand strikes a bitter chord. His jaw tightens as he mutters under his breath.

"Those two idiots... they really got me good."

Draya, ever observant, steps closer. "Your Majesty, is something troubling you?"

Alix shakes his head, his voice steady despite his frustration.

"It's nothing. Just thinking about how far we've fallen... and how far we need to climb back up."

Draya tilts her head slightly, her tone measured.

"With your leadership, Your Majesty, even a hundred soldiers can become an army to rival nations."

He turns abruptly, his expression firm. "I'll be in my private training area. Make sure I'm not disturbed."

Draya bows. "As you command, Your Majesty."

Alix strides through the palace halls, making his way to his private training area—a space only he can access. The entrance is concealed behind an unassuming wall, marked by a faint, glowing crest. He places his hand against the symbol, and the stone shifts, revealing a hidden staircase.

The air changes as he descends, a mix of cool stone and faint magic lingering in the space. The room opens into a grand chamber, filled with advanced training equipment, enchanted dummies, and intricate magical arrays designed to push even the strongest warrior to their limits.

Alix steps inside, his eyes scanning the area. It's exactly as he remembers it from the game. A slight smirk forms on his lips.

"At least this still works perfectly," he mutters.

Walking toward the center of the room, he activates one of the training dummies, its form shifting to mimic a towering armored knight. It levels a sword at him, and Alix feels a familiar rush of adrenaline.

"Let's see if I know how to do this," he says, drawing his own weapon

A sleek, obsidian blade that radiates a faint crimson aura. It hums in his hand, the weight familiar yet commanding. He swings it once, testing its balance, and feels the raw power of a level 200 weapon.

The training dummy adjusts instantly, its aura shifting to match his. Its level 200 designation flickers above its head, and it raises its massive sword in a defensive stance.