Chapter 18: Building the Future: The Power of the Market and the Altar

Ram leaves, heading towards the altar.

Evan and Ash work outside, expanding the pit trap, staying alert for anyone seeking refuge in Nexus City. The weight of responsibility presses down on them as they prepare for potential threats.

Two hours pass, and the trap's expansion is complete. They inspect it carefully, their eyes scanning for any weaknesses. Yet, there are no issues. Relief settles in, but it is fleeting.

They move towards Nexus City, entering it at last. Ash's mind churns with thoughts of the mana tree, wondering whether he should allow Evan to use it for his growth. After a few moments, he speaks, the words heavy with purpose.

"You should go to the mana tree to absorb mana mist. You need to advance from Level 0 to Level 1."

Evan nods, determination flickering in his eyes. "You're right, my lord. I need to increase my level—for myself and for the city."

Ash gives a curt nod, his voice steady but laced with an unspoken weight. "Good, you understand. I hope your level upgrade is swift and without trouble. Absorb the mana mist from the tree. After a few hours, I'll have Ram vacate the altar for your evolution."

Evan hesitates for a moment before speaking, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Thank you, my lord, but I will need more time for my level upgrade."

Ash raises an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Why do you need more time for your level upgrade?"

Evan's voice lowers, a hint of vulnerability seeping through. "My lord, I don't think my body is ready to absorb all the mana mist needed for a Level 1 upgrade. Maybe it's because I'm still young."

Ash's gaze softens. He thinks for a few minutes, his mind weighing the situation. Finally, he reassures Evan, his tone gentle but firm. "Don't worry about the Level 1 upgrade. Just do your best during the evolution. If some mana mist gets wasted, I won't judge you for it."

Evan's expression shifts to one of quiet gratitude. "Thank you, my lord. I will do my best—without failure, and without wasting any mana mist."

Ash watches him closely, a quiet reflection stirring within him. The evolution of a common person is always a trial in this world. He feels fortunate as an altar owner, for his level upgrades will always be smooth, as long as he has enough mana mist.

He reflects on the power of altar owners, often the strongest individuals in their cities. They are the chosen, the favored by the will of Eldros, with an advantage in governance and leadership. The thought lingers in his mind: societies with strong leaders advance faster, become stronger, while those without face struggles. Eldros, a world built for military power, is a far cry from the Blue Planet, where wealth and personal ambition dominate.

Ash shakes himself from his thoughts and decides to check his status. He whispers in his mind, "Status window."

A window materializes in front of him, the details stark and precise.

City: Nexus City

Ability: Territory Defense Double

Description: In the event of city defense, all attack and defense power of people and buildings becomes double.

Altar Level: 0

Upgrade Requirement: (Wood *1000, Stone *250, 50 *Mana Core (Level 0))

Production: Mist Mana Level 0 *10 per day

Area: 625 square meters

Status: Very small village

Building: Guide Mark *1 (Active)

Blueprint: Low Grade Market (Stones *200, Woods *50), Low Grade House (Stones *100, Woods *25)

Warehouse: Wood *39, Mana Core Level 0 *33, Mana Core Level 1 *0, Rabbit Monster Hide Level 0 *11, Rabbit Monster Hide Level 1 *1, Stone *10

Population: 3

Specialty: Mana Tree (Produces Level 0 Mana *3 per day)

Resource Point: Stone Mountain Level 1 (310/1000 all stone mineable in new mine)

Attack Power Level: 0 (700/1000)

Description: City's power level to attack enemies

Defense Power Level: 0 (2000/10000)

Description: City's defense power level against enemies

Ash stares at the status window, feeling a wave of awe wash over him. Every time he checks, the window gives him a real-time glimpse into his territory. The numbers on the page tell him of his city's growth, the increase in defense power, and the boost in mana mist production from the tree. His eyes linger on the Mana Core Level 1—it's empty, a stark reminder of what he has given to Ram.

Though the city's population is grimly small, Ash knows it's only been 2.5 days since the altar's birth. He still has time to strengthen Nexus City, to build its power, to create a future.

Hours pass as Ash walks through the city, looking for the best locations to fortify its defenses. The golden barrier will protect the city for 12 more days, but after that, the city will stand alone. He must defend his soldiers, protect critical structures like the altar, the mana tree, the market, and the house.

He observes the market and house. He doesn't know yet how to use the market, and he hasn't visited the house since its construction completed a few hours ago. The house, however, calls to him. He walks towards it, his heart lifting as he sees its simplicity and elegance. It's a practical, spacious living area for four people. He marvels at the beauty of it, the warmth it promises. For the first time in days, Ash feels a sense of comfort. The bare soil and sky that had been his bed for the past two days are now a distant memory. His days of sleeping on the cold ground are over.

A few minutes later, Ash enters the market building. It's grand and mysterious, its design both beautiful and complex. As he gazes upon it, knowledge floods his mind. He understands how it works now—the market is a gift from the world of Eldros, a treasure given to new altar owners.

The market allows cities to trade without leaving their borders. Goods can be teleported between cities, using mana mist or mana cores from monsters to fuel the magic. The amount of mana consumed depends on the weight, volume, and mana density of the goods. However, there are five free teleportations per day, an opportunity Ash knows he can use. The market building can also absorb mana from the atmosphere, a subtle process that doesn't interfere with the mana mist production.

Ash feels a surge of excitement. This market is a unique bridge between cities, a connection that allows trade without the need for travel. It benefits both buyers and sellers, creating a flow of resources that can sustain and grow Nexus City. He's thrilled by the potential it offers.

After a few moments, Ash thinks to himself, "Now that I have the market building, I can truly survive and thrive in this world."

He checks his status window again, a sense of determination welling inside him.