Lord of Avalon : Lost in Another World

A Sudden Notification

Just as Ardi was about to continue speaking, a sudden system notification appeared before him.

----------------------------------------

[System Notification]

Congratulations! You have fulfilled the requirements to advance Minori Village into a Small Village.

Requirements Met:

Village population exceeds 100 individuals.

Village has more than 10 distinct buildings.

Rewards Earned:

New Wonder Building: Great Shrine (Epic Wonder)

New Job Class Unlocked: Lord

Automatic Building Upgrades:

Daimyo Manor → Upgraded to Daimyo Castle (Super Rare Building)

Shrine → Upgraded to Great Shrine (Epic Wonder Building)

Moon Well → Upgraded to Celestial Moon Well (Super Rare Building)

----------------------------------------

A Castle is Born

Ardi stared at the notification with wide eyes.

"Hah?"

A deep rumble echoed from the direction of the Daimyo Manor, followed by a subtle tremor spreading through the village.

The villagers watched in shock as the once modest Daimyo Manor began to transform.

Wooden walls expanded, fortified with stone pillars that emerged from the ground.

A grand, multi-tiered Sengoku-era castle took shape under the moonlight.

Five other structures across the village also changed.

The dojo expanded, its structure now sturdier.

The simple onsen evolved into a natural hot spring with multiple pools.

The Village Hall grew larger, gaining extra storage rooms.

The private farmlands improved, now boasting an advanced irrigation system.

Ardi's personal garden flourished, with lush sakura trees, stone pathways, and a peaceful pavilion.

On the other side of the village, the Shrine transformed into the Great Shrine, featuring a grand red torii gate and a radiant main hall. The Moon Well evolved into the Celestial Moon Well, its water shimmering under the sunny sky.

For a few moments, the villagers stood in stunned silence before erupting into cheers.

Human mages observed with curiosity.

Goblins and gnomes scurried around, inspecting the changes.

Dwarves examined the new building.

Elves remained skeptical.

Demons watched with intrigued expressions.

Yui and Megumi exchanged glances, their faces a mix of awe and exhaustion.

Yui sighed, squinting at Ardi.

"Of course, something crazy happened again."

----------------------------------------

The Aftershock Discussion

Yui: "Anata… can you explain what just happened?"

Ardi: "...Honestly? I just found out myself. But I think our village just leveled up?"

Megumi: (touching her cheek, still in disbelief) "This… this is insane. We haven't even fully organized the village yet, and now we have a castle?"

Yui: (massaging her temples) "Why does life with you always end up like this…?"

Ardi: (chuckles) "Maybe because I'm a talented Lord?"

Yui & Megumi: "..."

Amidst the confusion, Reinhardt, Sylthara, and Amon stepped forward, followed by the other faction leaders.

Reinhardt stroked his beard, speaking with wisdom.

"This isn't just magic… A change this rapid means the village is connected to something much greater."

Amon crossed his arms, a faint flame flickering in his eyes.

"Hmph! This proves you are special, boy! A castle appearing out of thin air?! HAHAHA!"

Sylthara examined the castle skeptically before glancing at Ardi.

"As much as I hate to admit it… this place now has more potential than I expected."

Zrud the Goblin Inventor bounced excitedly between the gnomes.

"HOOO~?! So the village can evolve? Can I research this system?!"

Thrain the Dwarven Blacksmith smacked his thigh and let out a gruff laugh.

"Hah! I don't care how it happened, as long as there's more material to forge!"

Varkas the Lizardman Scout Leader stood with his arms crossed, his tail swaying slightly.

"With a castle like this, our defenses will be much stronger."

Amid the excited discussions, Ardi could only stand there, forcing an awkward smile.

"Hmm… I need to figure out how to house all these new residents properly…"

He glanced at Yui, hoping for advice, but she just smirked.

Yui: "Oh? Weren't you just bragging about being a talented Lord? Go ahead and show us your leadership~"

Ardi: (sighs) "...This must be karma for kissing you all this morning."

Megumi: (still blushing, avoiding his gaze) "...Ardi-sama."

----------------------------------------

A Welcoming Speech

Standing before the newcomers, Ardi took a deep breath and spoke with a warm yet commanding tone.

"For now, feel free to explore the village and get to know everyone. Tonight, we'll hold a celebration to welcome you all to Minori Village."

Small cheers erupted, especially from the excited Cat-kin, who immediately offered to help Yui and Megumi with the preparations.

Yui: (hands on her hips, glaring at Ardi) "So you're just giving orders while we do all the hard work, huh?"

Ardi: (shrugging casually) "I have more important duties… like making sure our new villager don't cause any trouble."

Megumi simply smiled gently and bowed slightly.

Megumi: (soft-spoken, calming the mood) "Alright, Yui-sama, let's begin. We also need to check our food supplies for the feast."

As Yui and Megumi entered Daimyo Castle with the Cat-kins, Ardi turned toward Reinhardt, who had been observing quietly.

Ardi: (respectful tone) "Reinhardt, I'd like you to guide the new humans around the village. I'm sure they'd feel more comfortable with someone they trust."

Reinhardt stroked his beard before nodding.

Reinhardt: "A wise choice, My Lord. I also wish to see this village's full potential. A transformation like this… shows that something extraordinary is at play."

With Reinhardt leading the humans, only the Lizardmen and Demons remained with Ardi.

Ardi looked at the two groups standing before him. The Lizardmen stood tall like soldiers ready for battle, while the Demons just exchanged glances, as if waiting for something.

Ardi (curious tone): "Alright, why are you all still here?"

Varkas stepped forward confidently.

Varkas : "We're here to keep you safe, My Lord. A leader must always be watched and protected."

Ardi frowned slightly and looked over at Ren, who was nearby. Ren stepped forward and replied camly.

Ardi (calm tone): "Ren, please explain how our village's security works."

Ren (steady tone): "Minori Village uses an intelligence-based defense system with covert operations. We Shinobi take out threats before they reach our lord. We watch over everything from the shadows."

Varkas : "So you stop dangers before they even arrive?"

Ren : "Yes, and so far, our system is working well."

Varkas thought for a moment, then looked toward Kenshin, who was nearby.

Varkas (thoughtful tone): "Then let me and my men patrol with the soldiers. I want to see your village defense methods for myself."

Ardi (smiling, teasing tone): "That's a good idea. I'm sure Kenshin and the Ashigaru will welcome the extra help. I also noticed you seem interested in Ichiro and his unique weapon."

Varkas (surprised, eager tone): "I am curious about that long, stick-like tool."

With that, the Lizardmen left to join the Ashigaru, who were busy with curious gnomes, goblins, and dwarfs around them. Ardi was then left with the Demons.

----------------------------------------

A Deal with the Demons

Ardi turned to the Demons, who still hadn't moved.

Ardi: (sighing, a bit tired) "So, if you're not here to help or guard me, why are you still standing around?"

Amon, the Demon of Fire, smirked confidently.

Amon: (grinning, fire flickering in his eyes) "We're just watching, My Lord. We swore loyalty, but we also want to ensure we serve a worthy leader."

Ardi met their gaze before exhaling.

Ardi: (serious yet calm) "Then I have one request. If you truly want to integrate into this village… I need you to take human form."

The demons exchanged glances. Sylphiel narrowed her eyes, intrigued.

Sylphiel: (smirking slyly) "Why, My Lord? Are you ashamed of us?"

Ardi: (chuckles, explaining patiently) "Not at all. But staying in your true forms might make some villagers uneasy. Besides, hiding your identity could be an advantage in the future, don't you think?"

Nerissa chuckled and stepped forward.

Nerissa: (soft yet teasing tone) "Ah… My Lord knows how to persuade us. Very well, I don't mind."

Undrik nodded, while Amon grumbled before sighing.

Amon: (grumbling, reluctantly agreeing) "Fine, fine… if that's what you want."

A faint glow surrounded them, and within moments, their appearances shifted into human-like forms—still radiating power but now blending in better.

Ardi smiled in satisfaction.

Ardi: (pleased, nodding) "Good. Welcome to Minori Village."