Long after the Mer-Folk's aquatic songs faded into the waves, June stood on the upper deck of the central pagoda, wind teasing the edges of his coat. His gaze was fixed northwestward, where the mist rolled in thick bands across the horizon. There, beyond the lush expanse of spiraling spirit gardens and mana-fed forests, lay the unknown settlement Sapphire had identified during Domain Activation.
"New Domain Pulse detected," Sapphire reported. "Energy signature minimal, concealed. However, humanoid presence confirmed—likely semi-tribal, possibly adapted to magical fluctuations. "interface. With the Mer-Folk alliance secured, the system had begun reformatting specific protocols to accommodate and blend interspecies traditions—ceremonial spaces, dietary preferences, and
June narrowed his eyes. "Do we know their level of development?"
"They have no visible infrastructure on the surface, but several heat signatures and leyline disruptions indicate subterranean structures. Estimated population: 90-130."
He paced the veranda slowly. "Send a scout drone, but keep it cloaked. I want observation only. If they're hiding, we don't intrude—we invite."
As Sapphire dispatched a hummingbird-sized construct, June turned his attention to the Cultural Integration Module now available in his aesthetic variants now layered themselves across resort architecture.
"Integrating culture... 38% complete," Sapphire murmured.
Below, Mer-Folk guests were lounging near sky pools and gathering near sound gardens. Children of the sea clapped in time with percussion played on coral drums. Already, the Domain felt more alive.
[Notification: Scout Drone Arrival - Northwest Perimeter]
[Visual Feed: Activated]
The projection hovered to life beside him. June leaned closer.
In a quiet mountain basin surrounded by crystalline pine-like trees, a cluster of humanoids moved with measured purpose. Their bodies were wrapped in bone-gray cloaks, adorned with sigils carved from bark and stone. Their eyes glowed faintly—not with hostility, but vigilance.
One figure raised a hand, staring directly at the drone's cloaking field.
"They can see through it?" June asked.
"Affirmative. Caution advised. Their mana perception is unusually attuned."
The figure gestured to others. A signal. A warning?
Suddenly, an arc of spiritual light lanced across the forest floor. The drone narrowly dodged it.
"They're not attacking," Sapphire clarified. "That was a warning shot. Message received."
June smirked. "Then we need a different approach. Prepare a gift—send a Sky Cradle with spirit-grain, purified water, medicinal roots, and two entertainment capsules showing Mer-Folk celebrations. Include a written invitation."
Sapphire blinked once. "Package compiled. Dispatching now."
Hours passed.
As twilight bled across the sky, the northwest edge of the dome shimmered. A response.
From the forest, three cloaked figures approached. One bore a staff crowned with a living crystal. Another carried the unopened Sky Cradle. The third walked empty-handed but radiated immense spiritual pressure—easily a 5-star practitioner.
June met them near the Spirit Garden Gateway, accompanied by two worker spirits in ceremonial attire.
"Welcome to Rebirth Shore," he said calmly.
The eldest among them spoke first. Her voice was like wind through trees. "We are of the Hollow Roots. Keepers of memory. You are the dome-king?"
June gave a respectful bow. "I am its steward. Sovereign June."
"You offer peace... but invite change."
June nodded. "Change is the heartbeat of life. But I offer space—safe space—to adapt, evolve, or simply rest."
They exchanged looks, then produced a thin disk of bark etched with geometric patterns. She pressed it to her chest, and instantly, holographic script unfurled into the air—a memory map.
"Our ancestors speak through this. Share in it, and let your own join the dance."
As the projection merged with the Domain Core's data stream, Sapphire whispered: "They've given us a Soul Archive node. A bond offering. Not quite an alliance—but an invitation to earn it."
June's eyes sparkled. "Then let's earn it."
[Second Diplomatic Engagement Initiated: Hollow Roots Clan]
[Task Progress: 2/3 Species]
[Reward Progress: 66% - Cultural Depth Module Unlocked]
That night, beneath twin moons, the Domain pulsed with new energies—ancient and wild. The Hollow Roots lingered at the edges of civilization, but they were watching.
And maybe, just maybe, they were beginning to hope.
[Resort Status: Expanding]
[Second Alliance: Forming]
[Third Encounter: Awaiting Destiny]