The next two days, Leo lived the most comfortable days since his transmigration.
He was no longer the lone hunter sneaking into the Monster Forest.
He was now the “Chief Engineering Director” of Blackwood Town.
Most often, he would move a small stool and sit on a large stone not far from the construction site.
Basking in the sun, he would command his “Magic Construction Team” through spiritual links.
“Big Bone One, that dangerous wall on the left, yes, that one—give it a triple strike and tear it down.”
“Earth elements, stop messing around with the mud, go compress the foundation over there. We want a city wall, not tofu rubble, got it?”
“Fire elements, stay away from the carpentry workshop! Planning to turn our new house into a bonfire, huh?”
His commands were casual and easygoing, even tinged with teasing.
Those terrifying undead and elemental beings in the eyes of others had become the most efficient and obedient workers under his orders.
Strike where pointed, tireless and willing.
The new craftsmen, from initially trembling legs to now taking it in stride, took less than half a day.
They even learned to cooperate with these magical creatures.
“My lord!”
A carpenter with a stubbly face shouted to Leo while carrying a wooden beam.
“Could you have the Earth Element raise the foundation over there by half a foot? Our main beam is slightly off in size!”
“No problem!”
Leo snapped his fingers.
Not far away, a two-meter-tall earth element stomped over, hands pressing on the ground.
A slight rumble sounded.
The foundation spot designated by the carpenter was lifted precisely half a foot, as if supported by an invisible giant hand, exact to the last fraction.
“Great! Thanks, Earth Element!”
The carpenter beamed, signaling his comrades to hoist the main beam into place.
Alfred, who was in charge of logistics and recording, watched the scene with deep emotion.
“Young master.”
He approached Leo and handed him a cup of herbal tea brewed from wild fruits.
“At the current construction speed, I’m afraid that in less than a month, a sturdy town capable of holding over a thousand people will rise here on Blackwood Ridge.”
“This is an unprecedented miracle in the entire kingdom’s history.”
“Keep it low-key, Alfred, this is basic operation for a construction fanatic.”
Leo took a sip of the herbal tea, casually uttering a phrase Alfred had no idea about.
He gazed at the vibrant scene before him, his heart swelling with pride.
Money was being spent at an unprecedented rate, but in exchange, a visibly improving home was being built.
This was a deal that paid off handsomely.
Lila and Nia occasionally brought snacks and lunch over, chattering as they shared stories about the town.
Like what new dishes Chef Hans had invented.
Or that a mare in Tom’s stable was about to give birth to a foal.
The town’s children even secretly gave nicknames to the most hardworking earth elements—calling them “Big Yellow” and “Second Yellow.”
Though the earth elements Leo summoned each time were likely different individuals.
But since the children liked the names, so be it.
Alice stood quietly behind him all the time, like a silent and reliable guardian.
She spoke rarely.
But whenever Leo’s gaze swept over, he would immediately catch her focused blue eyes.
Sometimes, the town’s children would bravely approach her and offer a wildflower they had picked somewhere.
Alice would freeze on the spot, her body seemingly glitched, unsure how to process this “input.”
Only when Leo smiled and said, “Accept it,” would she extend her armored hand carefully to receive the small flower.
This peaceful and fulfilling life almost made Leo forget the conspiracies and hatred from the royal capital.
He even considered just staying here on Blackwood Ridge as a lord.
Farming, managing construction, teasing the maids every day, and studying the female knight didn’t sound too bad.
Of course, this thought only flashed briefly.
He cherished the current tranquility and thus wanted the power to protect it.
Whether it was threats from monsters or the unseen hands of the royal capital,
He would not allow anyone to destroy this place.
“Tomorrow, grind another day, push my level to 35.”
“Strength is the foundation of survival.”
Leo set his plan in his heart.
He stood up, stretched lazily, and prepared to go back and study Alice’s skill panel to see if last night’s “recharge” had brought any new changes.
However, just as he turned around, a faint but urgent spiritual fluctuation suddenly came from the Shadow Wolf summoning mark at his waist.
It was the signal from the Shadow Wolf he had placed on the territory’s outskirts for alert.
A stranger was approaching.
Leo’s eyes instantly sharpened.
He immediately switched to the Shadow Wolf’s perspective through the spiritual link.
***
Outside Blackwood Town, at the edge of the newly cultivated fields sown with rye and potato seeds.
A figure stood there, gazing at the bustling town in the distance.
She wore a loose gray hooded cloak, her entire figure and face shrouded in shadow.
Judging by the slender outline, it was likely a woman.
She stood motionless for a long time, like a statue.
The wind blew, lifting a corner of her cloak, revealing the worn but faded white wizard robe underneath.
She seemed utterly confused by the vibrant scene before her.
In her memories, this place should have been a cursed, hopeless, lifeless land.
The people should have been struggling in hunger and fear, awaiting the next monster raid.
And there should have been a lord who had completely given up, waiting for death to come through inaction.
But the scene in front of her… what was this?
Brand new houses.
Towering spires.
City walls under construction.
Townsfolk working diligently in the fields, and the genuine… smiles on their faces?
Everything was completely different from the intelligence she had and what she had expected.
“This…”
She finally moved.
Slowly raising her hand, seeming to want to pull off her hood but hesitating mid-air.
A hoarse voice filled with extreme uncertainty and self-doubt softly drifted from beneath the cloak.
“…Is this right?”
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