Chapter 10
Two days had passed since then.
Deep within the waterfall cave, Soobin floated in place, legs loosely curled, hands resting on his knees. His physical form was invisible, reduced to a faint presence as translucent system windows hovered before him.
“A name… a name…”
A familiar chime echoed.
[Congratulations on taking in your first residents!]
[Please name your territory.]
“Uhh…” He scratched his cheek. “We’ll go with… Welheim.”
[Territorial designation confirmed.]
[Your territorial area will now be known as: Wilheim.]
“…Close enough.”
[Congratulations!]
[New residents have been successfully received and added to the system.]
[Population: 42 / 10]
So Aiza really did gather her people.
[Maximum resident threshold exceeded.]
[All abilities promoted from F-rank → E-rank!]
[All communed companions’ stats have increased!]
[Territorial range expanded: 1 km → 10 km.]
[Population: 42 / 50]
Soobin blinked.
“…Not very detailed, but the results are solid.”
He smiled faintly.
I was hoping it’d affect my cute little Sims–
Residents. Yes. Residents.
“They’re my people now.”
That thought settled deeper than expected.
Ting.
“…Oh?”
A warning window flashed.
[Warning!]
[An external entity has entered your domain.]
“Mina and Keila…?”
No, Aiza’s group wouldn’t arrive for another five days at least.
“…Let’s hope it’s not hostile.”
He raised a hand.
“System.”
—
“Woah…”
“A-a—uwaah—!”
Mina’s face was burning red.
“G-Guild Master…!”
Keila had both hands covering her eyes, yet her fingers were spread just enough to see through.
“W-what are we doing here…?”
Sonia crouched comfortably behind the bushes, grinning like she’d just won the lottery.
“I believe,” she whispered, “I’ve found our forest spirit.”
“T-that’s not—!”
“Shh.”
Sonia gently pressed a finger against Mina’s lips.
The three of them peered through the foliage.
Before them lay a clear forest pond.
Steam rose faintly from its surface.
Several male adventurers were bathing. Carefree, relaxed, chatting as water rippled around them.
Lean frames. Pale skin. Loose laughter.
Another figure emerged from behind a tree, casually removing his leather gear.
“All clear!” he called out cheerfully. “No monsters anywhere! I checked twice!”
Kyle, a tanned, tomboyish man with a lean, well-defined build. Stretched his arms proudly.
“Good job, Kyle~!” one of the men giggled.
“You’re always so dependable~!”
“Ehehe~ you’d protect us anytime, right?”
Their voices carried a soft, playful lilt.
Sonia covered her mouth.
“Hehehe… youth is truly wasted on the young.”
“…This old geezer,” Keila muttered.
“Come on! Lord Soobin!” Kyle called out loudly. “You can come out now!”
Mina stiffened.
“…Eh?”
A ripple passed through the air.
Light shimmered.
Then,
Soobin stepped forward, barefoot, calm as ever, spectral glow faint around him.
“Good morning,” he greeted gently.
The men turned.
“Ah! Lord Soobin!”
“Welcome!”
“Come! You should join us~”
Mina and Keila nearly fell over.
“THAT’S HIM—!”
“That’s the forest spirit—!”
They pointed frantically.
Sonia froze.
“…Eh?”
Her grin slowly vanished.
“That’s… him?”
Soobin smiled warmly at the adventurers.
“I see you’ve made yourselves comfortable.”
“Of course!” Kyle laughed. “You said the pond was safe!”
“…He really is.. a forest Spirit.. ,” Sonia whispered blankly.
Then,
Soobin reached for the hem of his robe. Who was about to undress.
Mina inhaled sharply.
Keila slapped her hands over Mina’s eyes this time.
Sonia leaned forward eagerly.
“So?” she whispered smugly.
“I thought we weren’t supposed to be peeking?”
Soobin slipped his robe off without hesitation.
Water rippled as he stepped closer to the pond.
The men squeaked.
“Hooh~?”
“That’s unfair—!”
“I'm so envious—!”
Just then,
THUD.
The unicorn slammed into the bushes.
“GYAH—!!”
The three women tumbled out.
Soobin turned, eyes widening slightly. Before turning into a mischievous grin.
“Oh my~”
The men screamed.
The unicorn snorted proudly.
And the forest echoed with chaos.
