The village of Eterna had transformed remarkably in just a few months. What had once been a small settlement of goblins now thrummed with the life of a thriving, organized nation.
From the highest watchtower, Atem observed the scene. The Kijin drilled in perfect formation, their movements swift and precise under the watchful gaze of Hakuro. Each step, each strike, each coordinated maneuver spoke of discipline and loyalty — a testament not only to their skill but to Atem's ability to command respect without fear.
In the fields, Orcs and Lizardmen labored side by side, tilling soil, planting crops, and reinforcing defensive structures. Atem had ensured that every species contributed according to their strengths, turning natural talent into purpose.
Shuna moved through the village with graceful efficiency, coordinating housing, supplies, and logistics. Shion, despite the occasional culinary mishap, supervised the workforce and kept morale high. Even the Orcs, once skeptical of guidance from outsiders, now trusted Atem's judgment implicitly.
Atem's amber eyes swept across the village. "We've come far," he murmured, voice calm and commanding, "but there is still much to do."
<
"I understand, Oracle," Atem replied, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Eterna must stand as a beacon, not just for monsters, but for those who would recognize our strength and wisdom."
At the edges of the village, Kaijin and a team of dwarves supervised the construction of fortified walls, watchtowers, and weapon forges. Atem had assigned each group a role:
Kijin: Combat readiness and patrol formations.
Lizardmen: Tactical reconnaissance and marshland knowledge.
Orcs: Heavy labor and defense reinforcement.
Goblins: Coordination, messaging, and village support.
Dwarves: Crafting, training, and blacksmithing.
"This integration isn't just about efficiency," Atem said aloud, speaking to himself as he walked among the villagers. "It's about unity. Each individual must feel purpose. Only then does loyalty become natural."
Even Shuna and Hakuro exchanged glances, impressed by the Pharaoh's vision. "Master Atem is unlike any leader I've served," Hakuro whispered to Shuna. "He doesn't just command… he inspires."
Atem knew that Eterna could no longer remain isolated. Beyond the internal consolidation, trade and diplomacy were crucial for long-term stability.
Trade caravans moved steadily between Dwargon, Blumund, and nearby human settlements. Lumber, furs, weapons, and agricultural products were exchanged for metals, tools, and crafted goods. Every caravan was protected by Kijin patrols and Orc contingents, ensuring safe passage from natural threats and opportunistic adventurers.
"Every interaction is a lesson," Atem said, observing a caravan depart. "Strength alone is not enough. Knowledge, alliances, and mutual respect make a nation enduring."
<
"I understand," Atem replied quietly. "Eterna will show them that monsters and humans can coexist, under guidance, discipline, and honor."
It did not take long for whispers to spread to the capitals of Falmuth, Farmus, and other kingdoms. Scouts, adventurers, and traveling merchants spoke in disbelief:
"A man leads a village of monsters… organized, disciplined, trading with dwarves?"
"They even have Orcs in the fields… and Kijin trained in coordinated combat formations."
Some dismissed these reports as exaggerations. Others, particularly military advisors, became uneasy. A monster nation of this scale, with disciplined troops and a leader of extraordinary skill, could pose a serious strategic threat if left unchecked.
In the central square of Eterna, Atem hovered above the villagers, surveying the activity with calm amber eyes. "The world begins to take notice," he said softly. "Let them watch. Better now than when they would be unprepared."
The Oracle's voice echoed in his mind. <
"I will," Atem replied, a faint smile crossing his lips. "Eterna will not merely survive. It will stand as a nation that commands respect — from monsters and humans alike. And when the time comes, we will face every challenge together."
Below him, the village thrummed with life: Orcs labored, Kijin drilled, Lizardmen scouted, and Dwarves forged weapons. Every action reinforced the foundation of a new nation — Eterna, a kingdom on the cusp of recognition by the human world.
Later, Atem walked among the villages' leaders, observing interactions.
"Master Atem," Shuna said softly, "the Orcs and Lizardmen have begun sharing techniques with each other. Productivity has increased significantly."
Atem nodded. "Excellent. Unity is not just in obedience — it is in cooperation and learning from one another."
Hakuro approached, nodding respectfully. "Even the Kijin, trained in combat, now assist in field defense and village planning. Your vision truly integrates all groups, Master."
Atem's gaze softened slightly. "A nation is more than walls and weapons. It is purpose, loyalty, and shared strength. Every species, every skill, contributes to its endurance."
Shuna smiled. "Then Eterna truly is becoming more than a village… it is a symbol."
"Yes," Atem replied, voice steady, "and soon, even humans will see it that way."
Morning mist clung to the edges of the Forest of Jura, curling around gnarled roots and low pools of water. From the treeline, four figures emerged, moving with careful precision. Their boots pressed softly into the damp earth, weapons close at hand, eyes darting from shadow to shadow.
At the lead was Fuze, once Shizu's companion and now Guildmaster of the Free Guild, as well as the right hand of the King of Blumund. His worn leather armor carried the scars of past battles, and his face was set in a cautious frown. Behind him trailed three younger adventurers — the same ones who had once traveled with Shizu — their grips tight on sword and staff. This return was not for curiosity alone. It carried the weight of duty.
High above, Atem stood upon a platform of golden light, his cloak swaying gently in the breeze. His amber eyes swept over the approaching humans with calm authority.
"So, Fuze… and the three who once followed Shizu," Atem murmured. "They walk with suspicion, but not bloodlust. They want answers."
At Atem's unseen signal, Eterna moved like a living organism. The Kijin formed silent ranks, their blades catching the morning light. Orcs and Lizardmen took positions among the trees and barricades, hulking silhouettes blending into the mist. Goblins worked in ordered lines, Shuna directing with calm efficiency. Even Shion, in her usual fiery way, kept the villagers steady while keeping her hand near her weapon.
Kaijin and the dwarves made subtle checks on the walls and forges, their hammers and axes within reach. Every gesture carried discipline — a quiet, coordinated readiness that spoke of Atem's rule.
"We observe first," Atem said softly, his voice carrying only to himself and the Oracle. "No swords unless they force it. Let them reveal what they seek."
The adventurers stepped into a clearing on Eterna's edge. Their eyes widened at the sight before them: Kijin sparring with deadly precision, Orcs and Lizardmen working side by side in the fields, goblins moving with purpose under Shuna's instructions, and dwarves hammering away in sparks of fire. It was not chaos. It was order.
"Th-this can't be…" whispered one of the younger adventurers, stunned.
"Steady," Fuze said, raising a hand. "No sudden moves. Let's see what comes of this."
The air shifted as Atem descended, landing smoothly in the clearing. His golden aura glimmered faintly, and even the soldiers behind him bowed their heads in silent respect. His presence alone silenced the clearing.
"Welcome to Eterna," Atem declared, his voice deep and steady, carrying with effortless weight. "I am Atem, Master and protector of this nation."
The adventurers stiffened, uncertain whether to raise their blades or fall back. Yet the Kijin and Orcs did not advance — they simply waited, poised, disciplined, watching.
Fuze's hand rested on his sword, though his eyes were cautious, not hostile. "We've heard… troubling rumors. About Shizu, about this village… and of a man leading monsters. We came to see if it was true."
Atem's gaze lingered on him, calm and unyielding. "You walked beside Shizu. That alone earns you my ear. You may look upon Eterna freely, but know this — if you bring hostility, we will answer. And we do not forgive lightly."
Fuze studied him, then slowly let his hand fall from the hilt. "…We are not here to fight. We are here to understand."
Around them, the Kijin returned to drills, the Orcs lifted heavy tools, and the dwarves swung their hammers. No one looked afraid. No one broke formation. It was everyday life — and yet it radiated discipline and unity.
One of the young adventurers whispered, almost to himself: "I've never seen… monsters live like this. It looks more like a kingdom than a village."
Fuze met Atem's gaze directly, sharp and discerning. "So you are the one who led Shizu… and created all of this."
Atem allowed himself the faintest smile. "Yes. Eterna is built on trust, purpose, and strength. Each race has its place, and together they rise higher than they ever could alone. And I will protect this with all that I am. Let the world come — Eterna will endure."
For the first time, the adventurers loosened their grips on their weapons. The tension in the clearing lifted. Eterna was no mere rumor. It was a nation in the making, united and formidable under Atem's watchful rule.
The wind of change rarely blows quietly.
As Atem of Eterna forged peace and trade with Dwargon, and as Guildmaster Fuze set foot in the monster nation for the first time, the wider world began to stir.
Far across the sea, in the marble halls of the Eastern Empire, an armored officer read the latest report.
"—A nation of monsters, calling itself Eterna?" he muttered.
Strategists whispered like jackals circling prey.
"A threat?"
"Or an untapped resource?"
"Perhaps both."
The Emperor said nothing, but his eyes narrowed. Already, the empire's vast machinery creaked into motion. Merchants would be sent, spies would infiltrate, whispers would spread. Every move would prepare for the day when conquest might come.
In Falmuth's gilded throne room, King Edmaris lounged with a goblet of wine while his ministers bickered.
"Your Majesty, Dwargon now trades directly with the monster nation! If we do nothing, merchants will abandon us!"
"Humans flocking to monsters for prosperity… it's an insult!"
The king yawned, though calculation flickered in his eyes. His kingdom thrived on tariffs and chokeholds. A free nation like Eterna—offering safe passage and growth—was a blade at Falmuth's throat.
"Then we act before it grows too large," he murmured lazily.
Around him, nobles smiled greedily. In their minds, Eterna's fall was already being plotted.
In the dwarven capital, word of Gazel Dwargo's duel with Atem spread like fire.
In taverns, dwarves boasted:
"His Majesty himself acknowledged that warrior! Eterna is no enemy of ours, but a friend!"
But in quiet offices, guildmasters frowned.
"Trade with monsters? Risky. Too risky."
Yet no matter the arguments, one truth stood solid: goods were flowing, coin was moving, and Eterna was real.
In Ruberios, the great Cathedral cast shadows long and deep. Priests and paladins whispered with unease.
"Monsters… establishing a nation with human allies?"
"Blasphemy. Heresy."
Before the altar, Hinata Sakaguchi, Captain of the Crusaders, stood with eyes sharp as steel.
"If it is true, then it is a threat to humanity itself. Monsters cannot be allowed to masquerade as equals."
Her words echoed like scripture. And behind her, whispers grew into doctrine. The Church would not sit idle.
The Jura Forest thrived, bridges of peace being built by Atem and those who followed him.
But beyond its borders, envy, fear, and ambition grew sharper with every rumor.
On a high terrace overlooking Eterna, Atem stood watching the horizon. His cloak stirred faintly in the wind, golden eyes steady.
"Everyone is moving now," he said quietly.
The Oracle of Eternity's voice chimed within him, calm and resonant.
<
Atem closed his eyes for a moment, then answered, low and certain.
"No. Let them make their moves. I'll shape my own path when the time comes."
The Oracle was silent for a beat before replying softly.
<
And with that, the dice were cast.
Eterna had taken its first step onto the stage of history.
And the world was watching.