The Castle and the Dragon

System Notification: Night Battle Report

Location: Moirai Nest Perimeter

Battle Summary:

Under the leadership of Queen Vara and the efforts of all present Fays, the Nest successfully withstood an intense night of attacks from fifteen different species of wild beasts. The defensive efforts were met with bravery and precision, safeguarding the Nest from all hostile threats.

Encountered Beasts:

Thunderhorn Stag, Shadowmane Panther, Emberfang Hound, Stoneclaw Bear, Whisperwind Fox, Frostfang Serpent, Bristleback Boar, Ironhide Lizard, Duskwing Hawk, Spineback Tortoise, Glowroot Hare, Venomspike Scorpion, Ashfoot Wolf, Mistveil Lynx, and, Steelshell Crab

Loots Collected:

Duskhorn [Thunderhorn Stag] (Heavy Bone) (15): A solid, dense horn that can be used as a base material for heavy weaponry or bone armor. Provides a solid layer of protection.

Lupine Pelt [Shadowmane Panther] (Durable Hide) (3): Thick, water-resistant fur that retains warmth and provides a layer of defense when used in armor or clothing.

Brimstone Shard [Emberfang Hound] (Molten Core) (10): A glowing shard found within fire-aligned beasts, used to forge enchanted weaponry or fuels for increased fire resistance.

Blazefur [Emberfang Hound] (Fire-Resistant Fur): Found on flame-aligned beasts, this dense fur protects against heat, often used in fireproof garments.

Stoneclawhide [Stoneclaw Bear] (Enhanced Protective Material) (2): A strong hide that, when layered into armor, provides high physical defense without compromising movement.

Stonetusk [Stoneclaw Bear] (Hard Leather) (5): Thick hide that can be reinforced into sturdy armor pieces, offering defense and shock absorption.

Shadow Veil Herb [Whisperwind Fox] (Camouflage Ingredient) (15): Grown under dense forest canopies, this herb heightens stealth when added to potions or applied directly to armor.

Moonroot [Frostfang Serpent] (Lunar Herb) (50): A rare herb that boosts stamina recovery and enhances resilience, used by alchemists to craft healing potions.

Earthscale [Bristleback Boar] (Reinforced Scale) (25): Tough scales with high resistance to physical impact, boosting durability when integrated into armor.

Vigorthorn Antlers [Bristleback Boar] (Power-Infused Antlers) (6): Valued for their ability to hold enchantments, useful for crafting enhanced weapons or accessories.

Silverfur Essence [Ironhide Lizard] (Rare Extract) (13): A shimmering extract that enhances agility and senses when crafted into potions.

Skywing Feather [Duskwing Hawk] (Rare Avian Material) (12): This unique feather can be woven into lightweight, speed-enhancing capes or cloaks.

Glimmering Fang [Spineback Tortoise] (Enhanced Blade Material) (2): A translucent fang infused with elemental properties, ideal for lightweight weaponry.

Razorleaf Herb [Glowroot Hare] (Herbal Compound) (25): Used by alchemists to craft pain-relieving and wound-clotting potions.

Wildflame Claw [Venomspike Scorpion] (Elemental Core) (35): A rare item used to create weapons that produce or resist fire.

Wildflame Claw [Ashfoot Wolf] (Elemental Core) (50): A rare item from fire-beasts, used to create weapons or imbue armor for flame resistance.

Spiritlight Gem [Mistveil Lynx] (Aura Enhancer) (12): A radiant gem that amplifies the user's magical aura, increasing spell potency.

Shadowbane Gem [Steelshell Crab] (Night Vision Enhancer) (3): A rare gemstone that grants night vision when embedded into helmets or weapons.

Special Drops:

Stormward Feather (Wind Elemental Enchantment) (5): Found on Duskwing Hawk, grants enhanced speed and agility for swift movement in combat.

Bloodstone Amulet (Vitality Charm) (1): A pulsating stone from multiple beasts, boosts stamina and vitality recovery when crafted into accessories.

Veilroot Cloak (Camouflage Enhancer) (2): Derived from Whisperwind Fox, enhances stealth effects for scouts and hunters.

Emberclaw Core (Elemental Flame Power) (10): A concentrated core from Emberfang Hound, grants temporary flame-based powers when refined.

Lifewood Seed (Growth Catalyst) (5): Cultivated from Glowroot Hare habitats, promotes rapid plant growth for herbalists and farmers.

Experience and Growth Gains:

Aervara Norreathemra [Commander]: received +600 XP

All Participating Fays: +300 XP each.

Richard Madwen (Fay Master): +60 XP

"Wow!" Richard exclaimed in amazement. The number of materials was overwhelming for a starter Nest like his. His eyes ached looking at all the details. He skimmed through the loot listed by the system and only took note of the useful ones.

"Hmmm. No Skill Gem, huh," he said, filled with disappointment. "This Lifewood Seed is a good find. It's the only loot I can use for the moment," Richard added, then closed the system notification.

He looked around the castle's empty hall and found that Zalis wasn't nearby. His body ached from sleeping on the floor, the discomfort lingering in his muscles. He headed outside the castle doors and found Zalis there, preparing fruits for his breakfast. The wooden table was set under the shade of a tree, and the morning was still early. At the newly built gates of the castle, he saw Gartha standing firm.

"Good morning, Master," Zalis greeted him upon seeing him approach the table. Richard smiled in return, "Good morning, Zalis," he replied, then asked, "Where's Amisar?"

"I asked her to fetch more fruits from the Nest Storage to prepare for lunch later," Zalis answered.

Richard chuckled, realizing he was limited to fruit for the time being. Moirai couldn't produce meat yet since they didn't have any livestock or a beast to hunt for it. Richard found himself salivating at the thought of a hearty meal.

He continued scanning his surroundings, looking for Vara. "Where's Vara?" he asked Zalis again.

"The Queen is in the village center, looking over the newly summoned comrades," Zalis replied.

Richard frowned. "Looking over?" Suddenly, his eyes widened in shock. Oh no! The Nest's Heart! he exclaimed, then immediately ran toward the village center.

Zalis started to call after him, but Richard was already out of the castle gates, with Gartha running behind him. Zalis could only shake his head and continue setting up the table, decorating it as meticulously as he could while humming.

 At the village center, the Fay Queen, Vara, stared at the unfriendly fay. They wanted to do something but Vara's presence made them squirm and glued them on their place. Their eyes was rebellious unlike the Fays around them. Some were hissing and groaning in protest of being held captive. Still, no one dared to make any unnecessary move. 

"Curse you! An Exiled Matron! Pwehhh!" one of the Fays spat, his face twisted in disgust.

Vara turned her head slowly, her expression unchanging as she looked at him. Her dress cascaded to the ground like flowing blood, her skin ghostly pale against the crimson fabric, as if untouched by sunlight. Her eyes were cold and empty, seeming to taunt the Fay with the silent promise of death if he dared speak further. And it was no idle threat; blood slicked the ground around her, pooling with an ominous, iron-rich scent that clung on her. The Fay's defiance quickly faded as he bit his tongue, swallowing hard, and squirmed back into the corner, mirroring the fear-stricken faces of the other sixty-four Fays huddled in the village square.

"Vara!" a young boy's voice called from afar.

All heads turned toward the sound of the approaching figure. The sight of the boy agitated the gathered Fays. His mere presence seemed to stir something primal, a barely-contained fury flickering in their eyes. They bristled, instinctively wanting to pounce and tear him apart. But fear kept them in check, the towering, blood-streaked woman in front of them blocking most of their view of the human child.

"I forgot to give you this, Vara," Richard said as he retrieved a fist-sized, luminous white orb out of thin air.

Vara accepted the orb, its glow casting a soft light across her pale face. She brought it to her chest, pressing it against her skin, and the orb slowly sank within, vanishing beneath her flesh. Gradually, a shift rippled through the sixty-four Fays huddled before her. Their darkened, angry eyes softened, their expressions turned docile, and they blinked as if seeing for the first time. One by one, they looked at Vara with newfound clarity and respect. Then, as though drawn by an unseen force, all sixty-four Fays turned toward Richard, bowing in unison.

"Greetings, Master," they greeted, voices now calm and steady.

Richard took a deep breath, feeling relieved to see the Fays behaving normally. Everything seemed to have gone well. 

The Nest's Heart was an integral part that any Nest Queen should possess. Its purpose was simple yet powerful—it made summoned Fays docile and loyal to the Nest's master. Often called the World's Heart. Just as the Agassi Platform was a teleportation machine used to transport humans into Permonium, the Nest's Heart or World's Heart was was an internal system that allowed humans to navigate and understand Permonium. It formed instantly during the Permonium Link between a human and a Fay Queen, binding them and creating the Nest's Heart. Over time, people had simply accepted that after forming a bond, a Nest's Heart appeared within them, along with a strange voice that would guide them, providing instructions identical for everyone. This concept had become general knowledge, taught in schools to prepare future generations. Humanity's future was now focused on Permonium Sanctuary, a new frontier for exploration, alongside the vast unknowns of the universe.

It was only at that moment that Richard noticed Vara's state. He instantly covered his nose—not out of disgust, but because the pungent smell was simply overwhelming. After a few seconds, he adjusted to the scent of blood. "I'll probably smell like her in the future," he noted to himself.

"The food is ready, Vara. Zalis prepared a nice fruit salad. You should head back to the castle first," Richard said to Vara, who nodded in response.

Vara walked toward the castle, her hips swaying. The Fays didn't dare to look at her, though Richard followed her with his eyes for a moment before blushing deeply and quickly looking away. His ears grew as hot as the summer sun. He closed his eyes, shaking his head repeatedly to clear his thoughts.

Once he recovered, Richard surveyed the newly arrived Fays, scanning the crowd until he identified the three most notable ones summoned that day. They stood out distinctly from the others. The two women, Lyra (a Tailor) and Eira (an Alchemist), both Blue Grade Fays, had fair, jade-like skin and each possessed a unique beauty. Toren, the Commander and a Yellow Grade Fay, towered above everyone—Richard thought he might be the tallest Fay in the Nest. After familiarizing himself with their faces, he dismissed the group. For now, everyone was assigned to help build structures for the Nest. Richard felt a sense of urgency to establish departments for better task delegation and workforce management. His head ached from the responsibilities on his shoulders as he made his way back to the castle, listening to the sounds of hammers and the busy activity around him.

After securing the medium-sized iron deposit yesterday, Richard could now see his Fays using more iron hammers and nails. The Smithy Shop bustled with activity, crafting essential tools like hammers, axes, saws, chisels, and pickaxes. The development was now smooth and progressing in full swing.

With Gartha following behind, Richard reached the castle gates, slightly sweaty from the walk and the morning heat. He stopped and stared at the castle gates. This was his first time seeing the castle gate in its entirety, and he was struck by its beauty. Intricate patterns of nine dragons coiled around the frame, their fierce yet graceful forms enclosing a human-like figure at the center. The scene included delicately carved clouds, flocks of cranes in flight, and trees that seamlessly merged with the dragons, all etched with remarkable details. The gate was massive, crafted entirely from wood and radiated a masterful artistry that captivated him. Richard imagined this design extending to other parts of the castle and future government buildings. He was falling in love with the patterns, admiring the design's elegance and strength.

Whoever crafted this is very fast and efficient. The castle was not even finished and he now got this kind of beautiful gate. He can't imagine a normal human to produce such thing in less than a day. 

"Who made this?" Richard asked, turning his head to Gartha.

"It's Eryndor, Master," Gartha replied. "He's an architect."

Richard nodded, making a note of the name. He proceeded through the gate, which Gartha opened for him, and entered the shaded area where the others were gathered. Vara, now in a fresh red dress, sat at the foot of the table. Zalis was seated to the right of the head, with Amisar beside him. Richard took his place at the head, and Gartha settled to his left.

Under the shade of the tree, with the morning sun rising behind them, the five individuals—a cold woman in a red dress, a stoic man seated beside a cheerful young woman, a towering, muscular woman, and a young human boy—shared a table brimming with fruit, enjoying their meal as the day began anew.