Nerulia Haven was no longer a settlement.
It was alive.
From the Spirit Spire's summit, Yuto looked down at the vast city spreading outward like a glowing blossom , shimmering walls of mana crystal, floating conduits that pulsed with spirit light, streets engraved with runic wards.
Workers , humans, elves, spirits, even beastfolk bustled through every district, their voices merging with the hum of mana cores powering the city. Spirit motes drifted between buildings, guiding young mages to training fields.
In just months, Nerulia Haven had become the miracle of Eridale.
But Yuto's expression was serious.
[Advisor: You're frowning again. Most rulers would be giddy watching their city sparkle like a magical disco ball.]
Yuto sighed. "It's growing too fast. Mana flow's unstable near the south barrier."
[ Advisor: Naturally. You've tied an entire city's infrastructure to your personal spirit network. You're basically a living power grid. Congratulations, battery-boy.]
"Comforting as always."
---
Yuto had really built and powered up the city with his spirit energy.
At the heart of the city, massive structures shimmered , the Spirit Core Nexus, the Sanctum of Healing, and the Aether Forge each powered by Yuto's mana shaping and Advisor's technological input.
Lyra oversaw the Sanctum, dressed in white robes laced with blue spirit threads. Healing wards pulsed gently around her hands as she worked with her team.
When Yuto arrived, she looked up and smiled faintly.
"Don't tell me you've come to test another experiment. The last one almost vaporized my patients."
"It stabilized mana flow!" Yuto protested.
"It exploded."
[ Advisor: Technically, it was a contained implosion. Totally different field of disaster.]
Lyra rolled her eyes but smirked. "Still, the hospital's at full capacity , but not from injuries. Everyone's exhausted from mana overload. We're running a city powered by your existence, Yuto. That's not exactly 'safe.'"
Yuto rubbed his neck. "Guess I should find a better distribution system."
[ Advisor: Already designing one. A centralized energy relay with triple runic shielding. And fireworks mode.]
"No fireworks mode."
[ Advisor: You never let me have fun.]
---
Later that day, Yuto stood with Zarek and Seraphina at the construction grounds near the outer wall.
Zarek crossed his arms, muscles glistening with mana condensation. "We've got ten new outposts ready. The guards are shaping up, but the new recruits can't handle corrupted beasts yet."
Seraphina brushed her silver hair aside, nodding. "The mana interference outside the city's range is increasing. It's like… something's testing us."
"Maybe it's time I stop fighting alone," Yuto murmured.
[ Advisor: Finally! Welcome to the magical concept of "delegation."]
"What do you suggest?" Yuto asked aloud.
[Advisor: A tiered defense network. Spirit Constructs for automated barrier repairs, enchanted weapon caches linked to your inventory system, and a new squad under your command: the Aetherguard , elite soldiers infused with your mana signature.]
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "Your… mana signature? Wouldn't that.."
"Yeah," Yuto nodded. "It'll make them immune to my spirit attacks, and I can channel energy to them mid-battle."
Zarek grinned. "So, we become walking extensions of you. Love it."
[ Advisor: He means "terrifying," but sure, love works.]
---
The next morning, Advisor's voice echoed across the training field.
[Advisor: Initializing new feature: Weapon Inventory Access = Level 1.]
Suddenly, runic circles appeared before Yuto and his team, each revealing glowing weapons suspended in the air , blades, spears, bows, and spirit guns.
Mimi gasped, eyes wide. "WEAPON SHOP?! Spirit-style?!"
[ Advisor: Please refrain from calling my masterpiece a "shop." It's an interdimensional arsenal calibrated to Yuto's evolutionary resonance. Also yes, there's a discount system.]
Yuto stepped forward, eyes glimmering. "You actually did it."
[ Advisor: Of course. When you hit 70% evolution, I'll unlock god-tier blueprints. Until then, enjoy your peasant-tier toys.]
Seraphina took a slender spirit bow, testing its string. "Even these… are remarkable. They respond to thought."
[ Advisor: Telepathic link integrated. You're welcome.]
---
For days, things were peaceful , too peaceful.
The city thrived, trade routes opened, Nerulia Haven became a beacon of light across Eridale.
But one night Yuto woke suddenly.
A soundless pulse hit his core, like an echo vibrating through his bones.
[ Advisor: ...Yuto? You felt that too?]
"Yeah," he breathed. "It's like… a heartbeat?"
[Advisor: No. It's worse.]
The stars above flickered faintly, unnaturally.
The air trembled.
[Advisor: That was an Overlord's signature.]
Yuto froze. "Which one?"
[ Advisor: Not sure. But multiple signals resonated. At least four Overlords are stirring simultaneously across Aetherion.]
"Why now?"
[ Advisor: Because you've been noticed. When one potential ascends, the others feel it , like predators sensing another entering their territory.]
Yuto looked toward the horizon. The distant mountains shimmered crimson and a soft, haunting laugh echoed faintly across the wind.
Seraphina rushed out from the hall, eyes wide. "Yuto! The sky over the southern ridge it's glowing blood red!"
[Advisor: That's not weather. That's a message.]
Yuto clenched his fists, aura flaring. "Then I'll answer it."
[ Advisor: You're not ready for direct confrontation.]
"I don't care. If they're challenging me.. "
[Advisor: They're not challenging you.]
Yuto paused. "What do you mean?"
[ Advisor: They're calling you.]
---
A vision flashed before his eyes ...
A dragon coiled through clouds of flame.
A vampire standing atop a crimson tower, smirking.
A wolf howling beneath a silver moon.
A goddess of light watching from above, unblinking.
And at the center of it all , a colossal throne made of crystal and mana storms, empty. Waiting.
[ Advisor: That's the Overlord Convergence. When one of you ascends, the others awaken instinctively. The balance of power shifts and the thrones prepare to judge who among you is worthy to reign over Aetherion itself.]
Yuto took a deep breath, the image fading. "So it's starting."
[Advisor: Yes. The Age of Overlords has begun. And you, Yuto… are officially on the board.]
---
City Update Log..
Nerulia Haven Progress:
Population: 19,800 → 26,000
Spirit Barrier Strength: +40%
Sanctum Healing Efficiency: +22%
Aetherguard Units Created: 150
Weapon Inventory Access: Unlocked
Evolution Sync Efficiency: Improved (29% → 35%)
[ Advisor: Not bad. You're only a few upgrades away from qualifying as a small nation. Try not to blow it up this time.]
Yuto smiled faintly, gazing at the city lights.
He could feel it , the pulse of the Overlords, the hum of power, the growing heartbeat of his home.
"Let them watch," he said quietly. "I'll reach that throne… one day."
[ Advisor: Big words, Overlord-in-progress. Let's see if your stats agree.]
---