The sun dipped low in the sky, painting the forest in streaks of orange and gold. Itsuki followed silently behind Lyra, his eyes constantly darting between the trees. Every rustle of leaves, every flicker of shadow made his grip tighten on the dagger.
The wolf fight had left him shaken—but also alive in a way he hadn't felt before.
"You walk too loudly," Lyra said, glancing back with a frown. Her silver hair caught the last rays of light, shimmering like threads of starlight. "The beasts will hear you long before you hear them."
"Sorry," Itsuki muttered, lowering his steps. "Still getting used to this."
Lyra studied him, her emerald eyes narrowing. "You don't dress like an adventurer. You don't carry proper weapons or armor. And yet… you killed a direwolf."
Itsuki scratched his cheek, unsure how to explain. What do I even say? 'Oh, I have godlike powers?' She'd think I'm insane.
Instead, he forced a smile. "Let's just say I learn fast."
Lyra didn't look convinced, but she said no more.
They soon reached a small clearing surrounded by thick trees and a bubbling stream. Lyra knelt beside the water, filling a flask.
"You can stay here for the night," she said. "The trees form a natural barrier. Safer than the open path."
Itsuki nodded, but his gaze lingered on the open clearing. His mind buzzed with possibilities. A shelter. Walls. A place to sleep without worrying about wolves ripping my throat out.
He knelt, opening the Codex of Creation. At once, glowing letters swirled across its pages:
[Design Mode Activated.]
Speak or think about your creation.
Itsuki hesitated. Then, with a deep breath, he imagined it—
A small wooden hut. Four walls. A slanted roof to keep out rain. Nothing fancy, just enough for safety.
The codex pulsed, and pages flipped rapidly.
[Wooden Shelter – Design Confirmed.]
Materials required: 30 units wood, 10 units stone. Would you like to substitute with mana?
He blinked. "Wait… mana can replace materials?"
The book flashed:
Yes. Mana expenditure will vary based on complexity.
He felt the Mark of Adaptation stir.
A new sensation filled his chest, an awareness of energy flowing through him. So this is… mana.
He grit his teeth. "Alright. Do it."
The codex glowed brighter and brighter, until light spilled onto the clearing. Branches snapped from nearby trees, stones lifted from the earth, and in seconds, they swirled together, locking into place.
With a final flash, a small wooden hut stood where empty grass had been.
Itsuki stumbled back, wide-eyed. "I… actually did it."
Lyra dropped her flask, staring. "You… what kind of magic was that?!"
Itsuki scratched the back of his head nervously. "Uh… woodworking skills?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Don't lie. I've seen master druids work with nature, but even they cannot summon a house in seconds. Just… what are you?"
Itsuki hesitated. Telling her everything was risky. But she had saved him by not shooting earlier. Maybe he owed her some truth.
"…Let's just say," he said slowly, "I have the power to build things. And someday, I'm going to build more than just a hut. I'll make a place where no one has to be afraid of monsters… or kingdoms."
For the first time, Lyra's guarded expression softened. Just a little.
"…A kingdom, in this cursed forest?" she said, almost amused. "You're either brave… or insane."
Itsuki chuckled. "Maybe both."
Night fell quickly. The two sat inside the hut, a small fire flickering between them. Outside, distant howls echoed, but the walls muffled the sound.
Lyra leaned back against the wood, her bow within reach. "You'll die if you keep dreaming like that," she said, though her tone lacked its earlier sharpness.
Itsuki gazed at the fire, a smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe. But if I die chasing my dream… at least it'll mean something this time."
For a moment, silence hung between them. Then Lyra spoke quietly, almost to herself.
"…Strange human."
Itsuki's eyes drifted shut. His first night in this world had begun and with it, the first stone in the foundation of his future kingdom had been laid.