The morning air in the grove was crisp and alive with energy. Selene woke to the sound of her frost sprites diligently hauling logs and stones, their small, glittering forms moving in perfect synchronization. Nearby, the fire sprites were busy preparing meat from the hunt, their tiny flames flickering cheerfully as they worked.
《System Alert: Day 2》
《Court of the Fae Lords is alive with mystical energy!》
《Do you want to summon two Fae Lords?》
《Yes》《No》
Selene didn’t hesitate. She selected 《Yes》, and the Fae Circle at the center of her grove once again crackled with magic. The glowing sigils flared, and two figures began to materialize.
The first was taller than either of her existing Fae Lords. She was wreathed in cascading leaves, her emerald-green robes flowing like liquid forest. A soft, floral scent accompanied her, and vines coiled at her feet. She bowed deeply.
"I am the Fae Lord of Forests," she said, her voice smooth and melodic. "A Tier 2 Fae Lord. I command dryads, forest wolves, and root-bound defenders. My domain is one of growth and protection, and I serve you, Queen of Balance."
The second figure emerged in a swirl of shadow. His dark form was wreathed in flickering wisps of purple light, his cloak resembling the night sky. He gave a nod, his voice deep and resonant. "I am the Fae Lord of Shadows, a Tier 1 Fae Lord. I command shadowlings, spectral beasts, and veil walkers. I am yours to command."
Selene regarded the two with a mix of awe and satisfaction. "Welcome. Your strengths will be invaluable as we build and grow."
The Fae Lords moved toward the castle, now a symbol of her growing power. Like Snow and Ember, they placed their hands on its surface, and the structure expanded once again. The black side of the house gained shadowy spires that absorbed the light around them, while the white side sprouted leafy towers, alive with climbing vines and glowing flowers.
《System Alert: Castle Upgraded!》
《The castle has grown, reflecting the balance of its Queen and her Fae Lords.》
Selene stepped back to admire the transformation. The castle was now larger, more fortified, and unmistakably hers. It no longer looked like a decrepit wooden house but a majestic structure brimming with Fae magic.
As the day progressed, Selene received another system prompt:
《System Update: Store Function Expanded》
《Trade Interface Unlocked》
《You can now buy and sell resources with other lords.》
Curious, Selene accessed the store. A new tab had appeared, labeled 《Trade》. Inside, she saw a chaotic flurry of activity as human lords began listing resources for sale. Most were offering stone, wood, and herbs, but a few were selling meat. The chat in the trade interface was frantic:
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[HunterKing]: "Selling stone! Need food, badly. Can’t fight beasts yet."
[ForestWalker]: "Anyone selling meat? Will trade everything I have!"
[GoldenDragon]: "I have meat, but it’s expensive. If you’re starving, you’ll pay up."
Selene frowned. It was clear that many lords were struggling to hunt or gather enough food, whether from fear or lack of preparation. She considered her options. Her fire foxes had brought in a decent amount of meat from their hunts, but selling too much could attract unwanted attention.
She listed a small quantity of meat for sale under an anonymous username, setting a fair but slightly higher price. Within seconds, it sold out. She refreshed the interface and saw more desperate pleas for food flooding in.
[IronFist]: "Whoever’s selling meat, thank you. Please list more!"
[SilverLily]: "I’m starving here. Someone trade with me privately."
Selene’s eyes narrowed. Private trades would be safer, allowing her to avoid public scrutiny. She began messaging individual lords, selecting those who were the most desperate in the chat.
Her first message was brief and direct:
《QueenOfBalance: I can trade food. Absolute privacy is required. Agree or no deal.》
The response came almost instantly:
[SilverLily]: Yes, please. I won’t tell anyone. What do you need?
Selene negotiated a trade—meat for energy stones—and repeated the process with a few other lords. Each transaction was discreet, and she ensured that none of her trades revealed her unique barracks or resources.
Later in the day, one of her fire sprites scurried toward her, chirping excitedly. It dragged a small, ornate chest behind it, the intricate carvings glowing faintly with magic.
《System Alert: Treasure Discovered!》
《Contents: Wall Blueprint》
Selene’s eyes widened as the blueprint appeared in her inventory. She quickly accessed the building interface and selected the blueprint.
《System Alert: Wall Constructed!》
A sturdy wooden wall materialized around her grove, its design simple but effective. She placed her hands on it, feeling the faint hum of magic beneath the surface. Closing her eyes, she channeled her Fae energy into the wall.
The transformation was immediate. The wooden structure glowed as vines and crystalline frost crept across its surface. Sections of the wall shimmered with flame and shadow, creating a barrier that was unmistakably Fae.
《System Alert: Wall Upgraded!》
《The Fae Queen’s Wall provides enhanced defense and magical resistance.》
Satisfied, Selene stepped back to survey her work. Her grove was growing stronger with every passing hour.
As the sun began to set, Selene returned to the castle to review her progress. She had summoned two more powerful Fae Lords, secured resources through trades, and transformed both her walls and her castle. The store and trade interface provided new opportunities, but she knew she’d have to tread carefully to stay under the radar.
Snow approached her as she stood on the castle steps, his icy gaze steady. “We are making progress, my Queen. But the days ahead will grow more dangerous.”
“I know,” Selene replied, her voice firm. “That’s why we’ll continue to build, expand, and strengthen. This grove is our home, and we’ll protect it at all costs.”
Ember appeared beside him, her fiery grin sharp. “Let them come. We’ll burn them to ash.”
Selene smirked. With her Fae Lords and their growing forces, she felt more confident than ever. The Boundless Continent was a place of chaos, but she was ready to carve out her place as the Queen of Balance.
