Starting the construction

The sky shimmered as Dr. Kale's ship descended, its sleek frame cutting through the atmosphere like a blade. Amon stood atop the ruins of an old tower, arms crossed, watching the landing with a satisfied smirk.

The ship touched down smoothly on a cleared section of the ruined plaza. A hiss of depressurization sounded before the ramp extended, and from the darkness of the ship's interior, Dr. Kale emerged. His white coat barely fluttered as he stepped onto the surface, his sharp eyes scanning the landscape.

Ying Yue approached first, arms folded. "You're late."

Kale ignored the jab, adjusting his glasses as he took in the reactivated automatons standing at attention, their glowing optics flickering with programmed efficiency. "Impressive. The machinery is looking good "

Amon scoffed, hopping down from his perch. "Oh sure, be impressed by the robots. Never mind the fact that we almost died getting to this point."

Kale barely spared him a glance. "Your survival rate was estimated at 30%. You exceeded expectations."

Amon placed a hand over his chest. "Wow. Thanks, doc. Warms my heart to know I wasn't supposed to make it."

Ying Yue rolled her eyes and got to the point. "The core is stable, but we can't use it directly. However, Nirvana believes we can redistribute its energy throughout the planet's infrastructure."

Kale turned to the construct in question. Nirvana, standing beside the core, nodded. "Correct. The automatons are functional, but they require consistent mana to operate at full capacity. The core has enough stored energy to supply the entire planet, but its current state is unstable. Without proper regulation, it could cause more harm than good."

Kale was already typing into his handheld device. "Then our first priority is constructing a command center. A proper kingdom cannot function without governance, infrastructure, and sustainability."

Amon blinked. "Wait… are we seriously doing this? Like, actually building a civilization?"

Ying Yue gave him a deadpan look. "What did you think we were doing?"

"I dunno. Getting stronger because of some stupid games which we are supposed to take part.."

Kale ignored them both. "The automatons need directives. If we don't establish a structured system, they will default to outdated protocols, which could be dangerous." He turned back to Nirvana. "How much control do we have over them?"

"As the new administrator, Amon and Ying yue has full authority over their operations," Nirvana replied.

Amon's grin stretched from ear to ear. "Oh-ho, now that's what I like to hear. So, you're saying I have an army of robot butlers at my command?"

Ying Yue frowned. "They're not butlers."

Amon waved a hand. "Fine, fine. But let's be real, this is a kingdom now. Which means we need massive cities, floating islands, and maybe a giant golden statue of me holding a sword."

"No," Ying Yue said immediately.

Ying Yue ignored him and turned to Nirvana. "How advanced are their capabilities? Can they terraform the land?"

Nirvana gestured, and a holographic display appeared, showcasing the vast network of underground facilities. "Terraforming is possible, but it will take time. The constructs can restore infrastructure, generate synthetic atmospheres, and establish resource production centers. However, they require a steady mana source to operate at maximum efficiency."

Amon groaned. "And let me guess the only mana source around is the core, which we definitely can't use."

"Not directly," Nirvana confirmed. "But with the right adjustments, its excess energy can be redirected to the facilities."

Ying Yue nodded. "Then that's our priority. First, stabilize the energy flow. Second, restore essential infrastructure. Third, establish a settlement."

"And fourth, throw a massive kingdom-inauguration party," Amon added.

Ying Yue didn't dignify that with a response.

Few days later.

The transformation was undeniable. What had once been a barren wasteland was now a thriving construction site. Automatons worked tirelessly, clearing debris, erecting structures, and stabilizing the atmosphere.

At the center of it all was the newly constructed command hub part fortress, part research facility, part city hall. From here, they would coordinate the kingdom's growth.

The roads were smoothed, facilities were reactivated, and defensive systems were brought back online.

For the first time, the planet felt alive again.

Amon stood atop a nearly completed tower, watching the machines work below. He let out a slow breath, the weight of it all settling on him.

"This is real," he muttered to himself. "We're actually doing this."

Ying Yue joined him, arms folded. "Of course it's real. You think all that planning was for fun?"

Amon smirked. "Hey, planning and actually seeing it happen are two different things."

She didn't argue. Instead, she glanced at the distant horizon, where new structures were beginning to take shape.