Chapter 8: Stone Mountain: A Quiet Threat Awakens
In Nexus City,
The first light of dawn stretches across the horizon, painting the sky in hues of deep indigo and soft lavender. The stars, once bold against the midnight expanse, fade one by one as golden tendrils of sunlight creep over the sleeping land. A hush fills the air, the kind that exists only in the fragile moments before the world fully awakens.
Then, the sun emerges, its bright rays like embers from a volcano, casting a fiery glow toward the city. Ash opens his eyes and sits up from the ground. Nearby, he sees Evan, still sleeping soundly. He's lost in thought, wondering how Evan can sleep so peacefully when death could strike at any moment in this world. But Ash reminds himself that it's likely normal for Evan; after all, he's a native of Eldros. So, Ash begins to think about survival in this unpredictable world.
He mutters, "Status window..."
...
City: Nexus City
Ability: Territory Defense Double
Description: In the event of city defense, all attack and defense power of people and buildings become 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)
Warehouse: wood *84, mana core level 0 *11, rabbit monster hide level 0 *11, rabbit monster hide level 1 *1, low-grade axe *1, low-grade knife *1, low-grade shield *1; Market (unique) (Blueprint-resource) (stones *200, wood *50), low-grade house blueprint (stones *100, wood *25)
Population: 2
Specialty: none
Attack Power Level: 0 (80/1000)
Description: City's power level to attack enemies
Defense Power Level: 0 (20/10000)
Description: City's defense power level against enemies
Ash thinks, "I should first find some stone to build a house. Living out in the open with only the sky overhead and the cold wind biting at me... it's unbearable. Over time, it could cause serious health issues. And I have enough to deal with already. Worrying about that one more thing isn't wise."
Then, Ash notices that Evan has also woken up from his nap. Evan turns to him and asks, "My lord, what should we do today?"
Ash answers, "You stay here in the city. Welcome any newcomers and assess whether they should join us. Use the altar to absorb mist mana and grow your level. I'll go out for exploration and return before the next monster attack."
...
Time left before attack: 12 hours
Ash smiles faintly, "First, let's distribute the treasure we got from the treasure box.
Evan, you take the low-grade axe and shield, and I'll take the low-grade knife with me. You'll also need to distribute either a low-grade sword or axe to any new arrivals."
"Okay," Evan replies, his voice humble, his eyes bright with eager anticipation.
Ash looks at him and says, "Status window..."
...
City: Nexus City
Ability: Territory Defense Double
Description: In the event of city defense, all attack and defense power of people and buildings become 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)
Warehouse: wood *84, mana core level 0 *11, rabbit monster hide level 0 *11, rabbit monster hide level 1 *1, low-grade axe *1, low-grade knife *1, low-grade shield *1; Market blueprint (stones *200, wood *50), low-grade house blueprint (stones *100, wood *25)
Population: 2
Specialty: none
Attack Power Level: 0 (80/1000)
Description: City's power level to attack enemies
Defense Power Level: 0 (20/10000)
Description: City's defense power level against enemies
Then, Ash says, "My status..."
...
Name: Ash (altar owner)
Age: 24
Status: Healthy
Abilities: None
Level: 0 (0/100 mana mist level 0)
Weapon: low-grade gun, 14 bullets, low-grade knife
Now, Ash sees Evan approach the city altar, ready to absorb the mist mana. Ash reflects, "Evan probably thinks he's found a good altar owner in me. He trusts me. But he's also considering if he should move to another city... if he should trust me more."
A weight presses on Ash's chest. I need to prove myself. I have to earn his loyalty.
Ash prepares for deep exploration in the forest, but first, he tells himself, "I should eat before I go." He grabs bread, water, and dry meat from where Evan placed the food. After eating, he thinks, I will create the biggest city in this world. Maybe even a super-large empire. I'll be an emperor, free from worrying about trivial things, with boundless power at my fingertips.
After 10 minutes,
Ash rises and begins his journey toward the unexplored wilderness beyond the city.
As he steps out of the city gates, he spots wild level 0 beasts roaming the land.
After walking for 10 minutes, level 1 wild beasts begin to appear, their eyes alert, their movements sharp.
Massive trees with frightening trunks and broad branches loom overhead. Their thick roots plunge deep into the soil, as if anchoring the very earth beneath them. In the distance, a loud roar shatters the quiet. Wild beasts clash over territory, fighting for food.
Some beasts graze, tearing into the enormous plants and leaves that grow in abundance here. A river winds through the forest, its waters flowing relentlessly as if carving a divide between two worlds.
After two hours of careful exploration, Ash reaches a place where a multitude of level 1 beasts appear. His grip tightens around his gun, as if his life depends on it. He walks slowly, each step deliberate, his senses heightened, alert for any threat.
At times, his eyes catch glimpses of bronze and silver treasures gleaming from the underbrush, but his heart sinks. He dares not approach without proper preparation, knowing the danger of nearby monsters—some level 1 creatures who are clearly dangerous.
So, he moves on, searching for treasure and materials crucial for his city's future development.
Eventually, Ash picks up his pace, determination in his stride. After some time, he finds a mountain—a mountain dotted with precious stones.
A pop-up window appears before him…
...
Name: Stone Mountain (Resource Point)
Status: Unoccupied
Ability: Mine up to 1000 stones
Level: 1
At Stone Mountain, Ash sees various monsters—some level 1, others level 0.
He takes a moment to carefully examine the monsters before checking their status...
...
STONE RAT (Low-Grade Monster)
Rank: F-rank
Level: 1
Description: A small, rodent-like rat with oversized fangs capable of chewing through wood, leather, and even weak armour. It moves in packs, using its numbers to overwhelm prey and is mostly found in Stone Mountain.
Abilities:
Fast Reproduction – If not culled quickly, their numbers explode.
Gnawing Instinct – Can chew through doors, weak barriers, or ropes to escape traps.
Cowardly but Aggressive – Fights only when cornered or in large groups.
Weakness: Weak to fire and blunt attacks. Easily scared by loud noises.
The other Stone Rat is likely level 0.
...
STONE RAT (Low-Grade Monster)
Rank: F-rank
Level: 0
Description: A small, rodent-like rat with oversized fangs capable of chewing through wood, leather, and even weak armour. It moves in packs, using its numbers to overwhelm prey and is mostly found in Stone Mountain.
Abilities:
Fast Reproduction – If not culled quickly, their numbers explode.
Gnawing Instinct – Can chew through doors, weak barriers, or ropes to escape traps.
Cowardly but Aggressive – Fights only when cornered or in large groups.
Weakness: Weak to fire and blunt attacks. Easily scared by loud noises.
Ash thinks, there are a total of 15 Stone Rats. Two at level 1, thirteen at level 0. I'll have to deal with them another time. If I attack now, I'll probably get injured.
Heading back to the city while injured would be impossible. He decides to stay put for a while, watching the rats, ensuring no more of them are nearby.
After an hour and a half, Ash is certain there are no new Stone Rats capable of a fight. He begins his slow, steady retreat from Stone Mountain, staying cautious, watching his every move.
After some distractions, he finally makes his way back through the forest, then hastens toward the city.
After 10 minutes,
He reaches the city gate, enters, and exhales deeply, finally able to relax.