The ELF QUEEN

Steam curled around Christian as he sank deeper into the warm bath, letting the water soothe his aching muscles.

A week. I have been here a full damn week. A week of system nonsense, cooking revolutions, and the endless struggle of surviving in a medieval fantasy world that had no concept of proper seasoning. And now? Now, I'm staring at this damn system screen with the mission deadlines ticking down like a bomb.

[Mission: Create a Sustainable Storage System – Time Remaining: 4 Days]

[Mission: Develop an Efficient Cooking Tool – Time Remaining: 5 Days]

[Mission: Improve Water Purification – Time Remaining: 6 Days]

[Mission: Construct a Basic Sanitation System – Time Remaining: 7 Days]

Christian groaned, sinking lower until only his eyes peeked out from the water.

"Thinking is easy" he muttered.

"Actually creating things? That's the nightmare." He ran a wet hand through his damp white hair, scowling at the mission log.

"I made a sword covered in ice, a spear infused with wind—why the hell is a fridge my breaking point?"

Genesis flickered in his vision, ever unhelpful.

[Would you like an answer?]

He rolled his eyes. "No, I like talking to myself for fun."

He sighed, closing his eyes. "Do I need to think about the materials for every damn part? The coils? The insulation? The power source?"

[Correct.]

"Of course it is." He exhaled, watching a bubble rise to the surface before sitting up, glaring at Genesis.

"Alright, genius, what kind of electricity does this world even have? Because if you tell me they're still rubbing sticks together, I'm going to scream."

[This world utilizes various forms of energy conversion.]

Genesis' text shifted as an explanation appeared.

Mana-Powered Artifacts: Directly infused with magic, but require consistent mana upkeep and are costly.

Lightning Crystals: Naturally occurring minerals that store and discharge electricity, used in noble estates but highly unstable.

Alchemy-Based Energy: A rudimentary magical science that converts alchemical reactions into heat or light but is inefficient for large-scale use.

Christian rubbed his temples. "Right, so no convenient wall sockets. Great."

He leaned against the edge of the tub, lost in thought. "Mana stones are out. I'm not about to drain myself dry trying to keep milk cold. Lightning crystals sound like a fun way to electrocute myself in my sleep. And alchemy is just… medieval chemistry with extra steps."

He kicked at the water, sending ripples through the bath. "I need something stable. Something renewable." His fingers tapped against the tub's edge. 

What if I used magic differently? A spell that mimicked refrigeration? A compact formation that regulated temperature without constant input?

Genesis flickered again.

[Administrator is thinking dangerously outside the box. Proceed with caution.]

He snorted. "I live dangerously, Genesis."

He leaned back, eyes gleaming. "If I can't make a fridge the normal way, I'll just have to cheat the system."

Genesis' text pulsed.

[Define: Cheat.]

Christian smirked, flicking water at the system screen. "You'll see."

Later that night, he stood in the noble courtyard, bathed in the silver glow of the full moon. The space is vast, lined with neatly trimmed hedges and stone pathways that lead to ornate fountains carved from marble. Delicate lanterns flicker with soft golden light, casting long shadows over the cobblestone floor. A gentle night breeze rustles the leaves of towering trees, their branches stretching toward the heavens like skeletal fingers.

Christian crossed his arms, staring up at the sky. His mind raced with ideas.

A waterwheel and a hydro-generator... If I could harness the flow of water, I could create a renewable power source.

And, by sheer luck, this estate was close to a fast-moving river.

A grin stretches across his face. "Perfect."

Without hesitation, he dashed toward the estate walls. Genesis flickered to life in his vision, words appearing rapidly.

[Warning: Escape attempt detected.]

Christian scoffs. "Oh, please."

With one fluid motion, he leaps, catching the top of the stone wall and pulling himself over with practiced ease.

[New Observation: Administrator possesses unexpected athleticism.]

I try to land gracefully, brushing off my nightwear.

"I'm an engineer. You think some physical obstacle is gonna stop me?"

Genesis flickered in amused silence as he sprints toward the river. When he arrived, the sight is breathtaking—moonlight dances on the water's surface, illuminating the deep blue current that rushes through jagged rocks. Mist rises from the riverbanks, curling like ethereal spirits in the cold night air. The sound of the water, roaring and unrelenting, fills the air like an ancient hymn.

Wasting no time, he conjures the blueprint in his mind. The waterwheel takes shape first, each piece forming from shimmering blue light before solidifying into reality. Next comes the generator, wires weaving through the structure like veins, magic-infused copper gleaming under the moon. The final surge of energy drains him slightly, but with his ??? mana reserves, it barely makes a dent.

He exhales, stepping back to admire the work. The waterwheel turns, the generator hums, and for the first time since waking in this world, Christian feels truly accomplished.

Genesis pings a notification.

[Administrator has successfully created a renewable energy source. Impressive.]

I form a grin. "Damn right it is."

[New Title Unlocked: "Innovator of the Flow"]

[Effect: Increased efficiency in magical engineering, slight mana cost reduction for large-scale creations.]

[Stat Boost: Intelligence +3, Mana Control +2]

I blink as the notifications scrolled across.

 "Oh? Finally, some respect. Took you long enough, Genesis."

[Recognition is given where it is due.]

[Status Updated:]

[Level Up! Christian is now Level 2.]

[Creation Magic → Level 22]

[New Detailed Stats Unlocked:]

Strength: G (0/10)

Speed: G+ (5/20)

Durability: G- (0/5)

Intelligence: S (3/2000)

Mana: ??? (???/???)

Mana Control: S (2/2000)

My eyes widened as the status screen changed. 

"Oh? Now we're talking. About time you stopped being vague, Genesis."

[Clarification: Administrator's growth is now measurable. Proceed with caution.]

A sudden chill prickled at the back of Christian's neck. Instinctively, he tensed, his mind snapping to attention.

Someone is behind me.

Without hesitation, he mentally commanded his magic—brass shield, dagger—the constructs forming almost instantly in his hands. His fingers tightened around the cool hilt as he spun around.

"Who's there?" he demanded, eyes scanning the moonlit trees.

A figure emerged from the shadows, bow drawn, arrow notched and aimed directly at him.

"Don't move" a female voice commanded, firm and unwavering. 

''And explain that big metal thing you just made."

Christian huffed, adjusting his stance.

"Let's put that down and talk, yeah?" he said smoothly, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air.

He lifted his hands slightly into the air—still gripping his weapons, but signalling no immediate aggression.

Genesis flickered in his vision, its text appearing lazily.

[Administrator attempting diplomatic approach. Noted.]

The elf moved with practiced grace, circling Christian with her bow still raised, her emerald eyes scanning the human before her with suspicion. Moonlight caught the strands of her silvery hair, giving her an almost ethereal glow. Christian, despite the tension, felt his heart skip a beat.

Holy shit. An actual elf. And she's adorable.

He fought the overwhelming urge to reach out and ruffle the girl's hair. 

Nope. Bad idea. This one wants to kill me right now.

The elf's voice broke through his thoughts. 

"Explain what this construct is. Why are you disturbing the natural balance?"

Christian inhaled, straightening his posture. "It's called a generator. It uses water to create energy, so I don't have to burn wood or use unstable magic crystals. It's renewable, efficient, and doesn't poison the environment."

The elf's expression darkened. "And yet, you force the river to obey your will. That is no different from destruction."

Christian met her gaze, unwavering, even as the elf took a step closer, the bowstring taut, the arrow aimed directly at his heart.

He forced himself to remain calm, his voice steady. "I don't know what kind of elves you are, but I assume you don't destroy nature. And honestly? I respect that. I'm thankful for it."

The elf narrowed her eyes but said nothing, waiting.

Christian exhaled. "But what I'm doing isn't destruction. I'm trying to make energy production sustainable. People burn forests, mine unstable magic stones, and poison rivers just to survive. This?" 

He gestured toward the generator with an iron-faced resolve. "This is different. This is the future. Renewable energy—something that doesn't drain the land dry. Think about it. The river keeps flowing, undisturbed, while we harness only a fraction of its movement. No smoke, no waste, no scars on the land. Isn't that better than the alternative?"

The elf studied him for a long moment, her sharp eyes assessing every inch of Christian's stance, his tone, his words. Then, in a slow, deliberate motion, she lowered her bow. Christian exhaled, relieved, but before he could fully relax, he really saw the elf for the first time.

She is absurdly tall.

200 cm? 210?? Christian's brain short-circuited.

What the hell?!

Before he could process the towering presence before him, rustling filled the air around them. Shadows shifted, and one by one, figures emerged from the trees—an entire unit of elves, all armed, all aiming their bows directly at him. Dozens of piercing green eyes locked onto his every move, their arrows taut and ready to fire.

Christian swallowed hard, his heart pounding.

Thank god I didn't panic—or worse, pee myself.

The towering elf finally spoke, her voice smooth yet commanding.

"I am Sylwen Vaeloria, Queen of the Elves. And you, tiny human—who are you?"

Christian blinked, still gawking at Sylwen's absurd height. 

A literal elf queen. And she's THIS tall? What is in elven genetics, tree growth hormones?! 

He shook himself out of the stunned daze and cleared his throat. "Uh—Christian. Christian Arkwright. Engineer and currently questioning my entire existence right now.''

In the background, elves began inspecting the generator, their fingers tracing the smooth metal and cautiously tugging at the long, thin wires. Sylwen watches them briefly before turning her piercing gaze back to Christian.

"And these... long things? Where do they go?"

Christian, now somewhat calmer, looks up at the towering elf and answers,

"I'm going to connect it to the estate so they can preserve food longer and reduce waste."

He exhales sharply. 

And, frankly, I want to finish this assignment as soon as possible so I don't have to experience another punishment from Genesis.

Sylwen raises an elegant brow, her curiosity deepening. "Preserve food? And how does this... prolong its life?"

Christian straightens, slipping into his engineer mindset. "Temperature control. When you lower the temperature, bacteria and mold grow slower, delaying spoilage. Think of it like winter—food lasts longer in the cold. This generator helps keep things at a stable low temperature, ensuring food doesn't rot quickly."

Sylwen taps a finger against her chin, considering Christian's words. Then, after a brief pause, she asks

"Can we have this as well? My people need such a method—and we are willing to pay."

Christian blinks in disbelief. 

Wait. A business deal? 

Something clicks deep inside him. A realization. A golden opportunity.

Growing up poor, struggling even in death—this is his chance to change that.

His lips curl into a slow, devilish grin.

Sylwen, watching her expression shift, instinctively reaches for her dagger. 

"Why do you suddenly look so menacing?"

[New Achievement Unlocked: 'Intimidation Tactics']

[Effect: Your presence alone is now enough to unnerve even beings thousands of years older than you. Slight charisma boost when negotiating with wary individuals.]

[New Stat Bonus: Charisma +2]

Christian's grin widens as the notifications flicker before him. 

Oh, Genesis, you really know how to make a man feel special.

[Correction: No, you looked hideous just now.]

Christian waves a hand as if to clear dust from the air.

Whatever, Genesis. You're just jealous.

Meanwhile, Sylwen studies him closely, her expression unreadable. The more she watches this small human, the more convinced she becomes that Christian is... unique. Not in the way great warriors or wise sages are, but in a way that makes her question reality itself. This tiny creature—bold, absurd, and disturbingly opportunistic—might just be dangerous in ways no one had ever considered before.