Two days later, Key returned to Green Village.
"Young Master, here's what you requested," Key said, handing over a sealed jar filled with fog-beast blood.
The moment Brian received it, he immediately set up the array one kilometer outside the village. Now, the entire settlement was shrouded from view.
This strange phenomenon caught the attention of hunters passing through the Sue Forest. Curious, many people ventured into the mist—only for tragedy to strike. Those who didn't die inside often emerged missing an arm or a leg. Before long, travelers began to steer well clear of the mist whenever they passed through the forest.
Brian heard about the rumors from soldiers who had gone to purchase building materials. Fearing that his parents might grow worried, he sent Key to inform them that the mist was nothing more than an array he had set up.
. . .
"Young Master, we've both broken through to the Spirit Stage," Key reported excitedly, remembering that Brian had once promised them guardian-beast armor once they reached that level.
"You and Lylia have reached the Spirit Stage? Excellent. In that case, I'll keep my word and grant you the guardian-beast armor. Gather all the soldiers in the village square," Brian ordered.
--
In the Green Village square, about 180 people—soldiers and their families—had gathered.
"Why do you think the Young Master called us here?" an elderly woman asked.
"I heard he's going to grant someone the title of Guardian," explained a young man.
"Guardian? Wha—" The old woman was about to ask further when Brian stepped onto the stage, cutting her off.
Brian swept his gaze over the crowd, satisfaction evident in his eyes.
"My soldiers, my people," he began, "I am here to tell you why we established Green Village. I have a vision—to build my own kingdom. And you… will be the very first soldiers and citizens of that realm. Today marks the coronation of the kingdom's Guardians, a royal order I call the Seven Beast Guardians!"
The crowd froze for a heartbeat, stunned—then murmurs of excitement spread like wildfire. The thought of becoming the first soldiers and citizens in the founding of a kingdom lit a fire in their hearts.
"From this day forward, this settlement shall be known as Seven Beast City. There will be eight great structures rising from the foot of the mountain to its peak—seven palaces for the Guardians, and one royal palace for the crown."
"I already have the blueprints," Brian continued, bowing his head toward them, "and I ask for your help in building this kingdom together."
The people gasped. A noble lowering his head to common folk—it was unheard of. Moved beyond words, they shouted back:
"Fear not, Your Majesty! We will help you!""We'll stand by you!""We will protect you always!"
Brian smiled warmly. "Thank you, all of you." He straightened, his voice carrying power once more. "My people, today I will name the first two Guardians of our kingdom. You've likely already guessed who they are—Key and Lylia."
"Key, step forward."
"Yes, You—" Key caught himself mid-word. He had been about to say Young Master, but after hearing Brian declare his intent to found a kingdom, the only proper title was Your Majesty.
"Key Chayton," Brian declared solemnly, "I, Brian Scoot, appoint you as one of the Seven Beast Guardians." He handed Key a suit of armor, the breastplate embossed with the head of an elephant.
"From now on, you shall bear the title Eleph, representing the mighty elephant."
The moment Brian finished speaking, a crimson light poured over Key's body. Above him, a towering elephant spirit roared, its voice echoing through the square as if declaring its strength to the world.
Key felt his body grow stronger and more agile, his mind filling with the inherited combat techniques of the elephant.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I, Key Chayton, will forever remain loyal and obey your command," he said, kneeling.
"Next, Lylia—step forward."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Lylia could hardly contain her excitement after witnessing her brother's transformation.
"Lylia Chayton," Brian proclaimed, "I appoint you as a Beast Guardian. From this day forth, you shall be known as Snail."
As with Key, light engulfed her—but this time it was pure white.
"I, Lylia Chayton, will remain forever loyal to my king," she said with deep respect.
"Well said," Brian replied. Then he turned back to the crowd. "Any among you under the age of twenty-three who reaches the Spirit Stage will have the chance to become a Guardian."
The declaration spread through the crowd like sparks hitting dry grass, igniting a blaze of ambition in soldiers and civilians alike.
After the ceremony, Brian returned home, mulling over the next steps. Why didn't I think of this sooner? I'll just seek out refugees and slaves—grant them freedom, and invite them to live here.
Stepping out of his chamber, he ran into Lylia.
"Lylia, form three teams of ten. Their mission will be to search for refugees, slaves, and even the outcasts of society. Here—ten gold coins for each team."
"Yes, Your Majesty." She accepted the thirty gold coins, immediately setting off to form the teams and send them out.
Once Lylia had left, Key entered.
"Your Majesty, the Roselly and Melty flowers have dried. What should we do with them now?"
"Oh? They've dried already? Bring them here. I'll show you how to truly enjoy these flowers," Brian said with a smile.
"As you wish, Your Majesty." Key departed, returning shortly with the baskets of dried petals.
Under Key's watchful eyes, Brian placed the dried Roselly petals into a cup and poured in boiling water. After a short while, a soothing aroma filled the air.
"Mmm… what is that, Your Majesty?" Lylia, who had just returned from organizing the teams, asked. The room was filled with a fragrance that seemed to calm the mind.
"Oh, this is tea," Brian replied, inhaling the scent deeply before taking a small sip of the Roselly tea.
"I've never seen a drink like that before. Your Majesty, can I try it?" Lylia asked in a pleading tone.
"Go ahead—make it yourself. Key already knows how," Brian said, still intoxicated by the tea's fragrance.
Both Key and Lylia immediately tried making it, and the moment they tasted it, they fell in love with tea.
"Your Majesty, let's harvest all the Roselly and Melty flowers Key found. Otherwise, they'll just go to waste," Lylia urged, already smitten with the drink.
"Relax, Lylia. There's still plenty here if you want more," Brian replied, rolling his eyes.
"Yes, Your Majesty…" Lylia said, embarrassed.
"Your Majesty, what if we search the nearby area again? There are also plenty of wild beasts there with delicious meat," Key quickly changed the subject to help his sister out of her awkwardness.
"Oh? Delicious meat, you say?" Brian's interest was piqued.
"If Your Majesty is interested, I can take a team and go hunting there," Key offered.
"No need. You stay here and guard the village. I'll go with Lylia," Brian said.
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Key replied.
'Heh, time to step into the Master realm,' Brian thought to himself.