Chapter 32: The Pit's Expansion: A City on the Brink

Chapter 32: The Pit's Expansion: A City on the Brink

After Ash meets with Evan and Ram, he helps them carry the wood into a warehouse. Together, they transport a total of 200 logs for the city. As he looks up at the sky, he notices the soft hues of the evening settling over Eldros. With a calm expression, he thinks to himself, The sky looks beautiful—mesmerizing, even. I hope I can always enjoy the sight of it in this place.

Fifteen minutes later, they finish moving the wood into the city's warehouse.

"What happened to you all? You look bloody after coming into the city," Ash asks, his eyes filled with concern.

"We just fought a level-2 monster and killed it," Ram replies, a proud smile on his face.

Ash looks surprised, but his eyes narrow with frustration. "Why take such a risk without preparation?"

Evan, his face nervous and voice quiet, explains, "It was the monster that wanted to kill us. We didn't have any choice but to fight back."

Ash sighs, then smiles to soften his tone. "I shouldn't judge you all too quickly. But I hope you'll take care of yourselves. Life is precious. Try to avoid trouble when you can."

Ram nods sincerely. "Okay, my lord. We understand your concern, and I'll definitely follow your advice."

"Good. Now, let's stop resource gathering for today. Night's about to fall, and Ram, I want you to check the pit traps. Use your experience from your former city to assess where we can improve our defenses against the monsters," Ash says, his voice steady.

"Understood, my lord," Ram replies, his smile never fading.

Ash decides to accompany Ram and Evan to check the traps. After five minutes of walking, they arrive at the pit traps. Ash watches as Ram and Evan inspect the traps, performing necessary maintenance to ensure their effectiveness.

After a few moments of thought, Ash makes a decision. He wants to expand the pit beyond the city's walls to enhance the city's defenses. He waits patiently as Ram and Evan finish their work. Ten minutes later, when they're free, he shares his idea. Both Ram and Evan agree to the expansion, and the work begins.

Together, the trio works on digging and reinforcing the pit. The labour is gruelling, and Ash notices that Ram and Evan are sweating heavily but remain focused and unbothered by the exhaustion. They're natives of this world, so they're more accustomed to physical labour, Ash thinks.

Two hours later, Ash is drenched in sweat, his body aching and his face weary. He glances at Ram and Evan. Ram looks fine, but Evan shows signs of fatigue. Despite the tiredness, Ash speaks with determination. "Let's wrap up for today. The full red moon will rise soon, and the areas where the beasts roam will grow. We'll continue the expansion tomorrow evening."

Everyone agrees with him, and after two minutes, they gather their tools and weapons. As they walk toward Nexus City's entrance, Ash notices four people standing before the gate.

These people may want to join Nexus City, he thinks. I hope I can find some good talent among them.

Ash and his companions approach the gate slowly, but as they get closer, he gives an order. "Ram, Evan, come with me inside." He feels a flicker of excitement at the thought of Robin taking on more responsibility as the city's internal minister. Robin's job is to manage the city and the people, and that's a role I need him to fill.

Once inside, Ash reaches out to the Nexus City altar for information. He learns that Robin is currently refining mana in the city's garden, so Ash decides to visit him. The others follow without question. Ash wonders if they are just as excited as he is about the city's growing population. More people mean more resource gathering, and with the population increase, Ash can delegate tasks and focus on his core strength: controlling the altar and mana tree, which will fuel both the city's growth and its military.

After a few minutes, Ash reaches Robin, who is busy with the mana tree. Ash notices a subtle change in the mana tree's aura, and his curiosity piques. He checks the tree's status.

A window appears before him.

...

Name: Mana Tree (specialty)

Status: Occupied

Ability: Able to produce mana with varying tree levels

Level: 0 (growable)

Production: Mist mana level 0 * 6 per day

...

Ash feels a rush of joy at the increased production of mana mist from the tree. He grins, imagining the day when his entire army will sit beneath the mana tree, absorbing its mana to level up. Maybe one day, they'll all sit together and use the mana mist for their growth, he thinks, his heart swelling with hope.

He turns to Robin, speaking with resolve. "Robin, there are people waiting at the city's gate. Go speak to them. Find out if they simply want to become citizens. Check their identities, talents, experience, and backgrounds. If anyone seems troublesome, reject them outright. Then explain the responsibilities of being a citizen here."

Robin nods respectfully. "Understood, my lord. I'll go at once."

"Good. I'll grant you temporary authority to accept new citizens for Nexus City," Ash says with a smile.

As Robin leaves the garden and heads for the gate, Ash takes a moment to sit beneath the mana tree, closing his eyes in quiet meditation. Nexus City needs more time to truly become a city, he reflects. But I hope it grows quickly. The resources I need for upgrades and my own levelling are just within reach.

After some time, Ash decides to touch the mana tree, showing his silent gratitude for its presence. As he settles into meditation again, he hears Robin approaching with new faces—the same ones he had seen at the entrance earlier.

Ash rises to meet them, hearing Robin speaking with the new arrivals, explaining the city's structure and its expectations. The expressions of the newcomers are filled with curiosity and respect—exactly the kind of look Ash wants from every resident in Nexus City.

A few minutes later, Ash reaches Robin, who bows deeply. Soon, the others follow suit, bowing in respect to their leader. Ash returns a brief nod, then turns to Robin.

"How are they responding? Any noteworthy talents among them?" Ash asks, his voice steady.

"My lord, they've quickly grown familiar with the city," Robin answers, still bowing. "They're eager to follow your command and work for the city's prosperity. However, none of them seem to possess any remarkable talents. They're best suited as soldiers."

Ash nods, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Anything else?"

Robin hesitates, his voice slower. "My lord, we may need to increase the construction of housing. It's a basic need, and it will help the residents settle in comfortably."

Ash's expression hardens. "I'll consider it. But the contribution system is a priority. I won't allow people to use mana cores as currency. Storing those cores will strengthen our city's defenses and fuel our mana production."

"Understood, my lord," Robin replies humbly.

Ash then turns inward, sending a mental query to Nexus. Can you create a database for the people?

The response is cold and mechanical.

Not many.

"How many can you create for now?" Ash asks, his face neutral.

One thousand only.

Ash raises an eyebrow but presses on. Can you modify the data in real-time? For instance, if I tell you to assign 5 contribution points to Ram, can you record that in your database?

The voice from Nexus is firm and cold. I can.

A wave of joy rushes through Ash. He quickly stands and announces to everyone, "Follow me to the garden. Someone go find Ram and Evan—they might be wandering around the city."

A few minutes later, Ash sits beneath the Nexus tree, surrounded by the new residents, who sit at a distance but still within earshot.

"I know you have many questions and doubts about Nexus City," Ash begins, his voice calm but firm. "Some of you joined because you had no other choice, and I understand that. But I want to make one thing clear: here, you will have the option to choose your destiny. You will be given opportunities that no other city can offer. But with those opportunities comes absolute obedience. I don't mean to treat you as slaves, but you must obey the laws of this city. If you do, you will thrive. If not, you will become prey for the beasts."

He pauses, his gaze hardening. "You are free to leave, but know this: if you flee without providing value to this city, there will be consequences. Choose wisely. Respect each other, value your lives, and know your worth."

A moment of silence follows. Ash closes his eyes in quiet reflection, but a strange feeling tugs at him. Something feels off—not from the altar or the mana tree, but from somewhere nearby. He opens his eyes and scans the garden, but everyone looks normal. The unease remains.

Maybe I'm just tired, he thinks, dismissing the feeling. But deep within, a quiet voice whispers, Something isn't right.