The Dayflare contingent’s preconceptions shattered as they entered the village. Instead of the primitive settlement they had anticipated, they found themselves in a well-organized community that spoke of careful planning and skilled execution.

  Sturdy houses lined the streets, their construction showing attention to both function and form. Wooden doors hung true on their hinges, windows were properly fitted, and though the architecture was simple, it carried an appealing aesthetic. The stone-paved streets promised dry passage even in the wettest weather, and notably absent were the typical urban afflictions—no refuse dotted the thoroughfares, no miasma of decay and waste that typically characterized Valorian cities hung in the air.

  A commanding water tower rose above the buildings, its presence declaring independence from the daily drudgery of well-drawing or river-fetching that plagued most settlements. Each element spoke of a community that had transcended mere survival to achieve genuine comfort.

  However, it was the central flowerbed that stopped the newcomers in their tracks. There, defying all logic of the Barren Hills of Deepshadow, plants stretched over a meter high from soil that should have been dead and poisoned. The sight commanded such attention that even the wary glances from locals at the periphery went unnoticed.

  Isabella’s smile widened as she approached the flourishing garden, drawn irresistibly to this impossibility made real. Her gloved hand reached out to touch the vibrant leaves of a mango tree, its presence here as miraculous as water in desert sand.

  ‘Incredible!’ her thoughts raced. ‘I had doubts despite Hank and William’s words, but now…’ She inhaled deeply, fingers trailing across the living proof of the village’s achievements.

  “There’s mana in these plants,” Sir Nel observed, his trained senses detecting the subtle energy flowing through the vegetation. His imposing presence seemed temporarily forgotten as he studied this agricultural miracle.

  Jonn nodded, knowing concealment was pointless before such mages. “That’s right. Every plant within our walls carries mana. Cultivating life in the toxic soil of the Barren Hills of Deepshadow demands special obligations before and during planting. Chief among these is the need for mana-absorbing seeds.”

  While mana-absorbing seeds were necessary, they didn’t guarantee mana-infused produce. Such an outcome depended on extra factors. But every seed with this characteristic could give life to plants and fruits with mana.

  “Fascinating indeed. This multiplies the value of our investment severalfold," Beth observed, her experienced eyes scanning the young plants that promised future abundance. Her practical mind was already calculating the potential returns.

  Isabelle’s sharp eyes fixed on Jonn. “What’s your current production capacity? How much land have you cultivated?”

  “We have 700 square meters of cultivated land,” Jonn replied matter-of-factly. “Monthly food production reaches approximately 7,000 kilograms.”

  Skepticism flickered across the faces of the newly arrived mages, their expressions betraying their disbelief. Jonn understood their doubt—his yields were exceptional, benefiting from both mana absorption and the rich nutrients provided by the village beasts’ manure. The introduction of earthworms over recent years had further enhanced their soil quality, leading to production levels that exceeded his stated figures.

  “When can we expect the next harvest?” Isabelle inquired, masking her skepticism behind diplomatic curiosity, waiting for time to either confirm or disprove Jonn’s claims.

  As they continued their tour through the village, Jonn responded, “Most crops will need several months. We’ve just completed a harvest.” He cast a meaningful glance at their group. “I trust your contingent brought adequate supplies?”

  Isabelle met his implicit question with smooth assurance. “Rest assured, Jonn. Your food stores won’t be burdened by our presence for some months… though eventually, that will change.”

  “A few months’ grace period will allow us to expand production,” Jonn acknowledged, his tone carrying a note of caution. “But I must be clear—simply adding more workers won’t increase our cultivated area. As I’ve mentioned, planting here requires meeting specific conditions. Labor, while necessary, isn’t the primary limiting factor.”

  The group entered the second walled area, the administrative heart of the Eternal Village, where community service buildings stood as a testament to their organization.

  Sir Nel’s expression turned grave. “What timeline are we looking at? When can we begin contributing?”

  Elia stepped forward, her voice carrying quiet confidence. “We project reaching a thousand square meters after the next harvest, potentially expanding to 1,500 thereafter… Yet, your group’s true value lies more in establishing defenses and concealment mechanisms than in expanding production.”

  The statement landed like a stone in still water, rippling through the expectations of the Dayflare contingent. Their ambitious plans to secure the Barren Hills of Deepshadow seemed to falter against this agricultural reality—territorial control meant little without economic exploitation.

  “That’s… rather slow,” Beth remarked, her words echoing the collective disappointment of the newcomers.

  As they reached the village’s central square, where nascent gardens wrapped around community buildings and well-placed benches offered respite to weary villagers, Jonn’s subtle smile carried a hint of something more.

  “If you wish to speed up this process,” he revealed deliberately, “get as many green Aether Tears as possible. They’re fundamental to our success.”

  Isabelle’s sharp mind immediately latched onto this crucial detail, while her companions murmured among themselves, contemplating the implications of mana crystals in agriculture.

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  Jonn’s own companions watched in tense silence, remembering his words to the Council on their alliance with the Dayflare Family. The presence of Family members and workers near the village was inevitable without inviting further conflict. The discovery of their production methods was equally unavoidable.

  Jonn knew that, as he had seen with all the mages he had come into contact with, Aether Tears were not ordinary commodities that anyone would bury in the ground for farming. In fact, even considering the various types of mana crystals, few in this world would have enough to plant a relevant area to produce enough for a family like the Dayflare Family. And that was considering all types of mana crystals. But Jonn knew that only green crystals had the potential to nourish the seeds in his village.

  You may know every step of my method, but that doesn’t mean you’ll plant in the Barren Hills of Deepshadow. Jonn looked at the group, running his eyes over Isabelle, the mages, and the common guards. Even if you try, will these plantations really be yours? I’m afraid our enemies will take several of us for their next lives.

  His calculated calm was interrupted by an unexpected notification.

  For the first time in months, the system gave him a progress point on his most important quest. Jonn instantly improved his mood, becoming more confident in dealing with the Dayflare Family as they passed through the central area of the village.

  Elia took the lead, her presentation flowing naturally as she showed each building—the Council with its solid wooden doors, the bustling dining hall, the smoke-wreathed forge, the sawdust-scented carpentry, and the schoolhouse. Her explanation of plans revealed an ambitious vision: a structured economy with its own currency, established wages, and distinct commercial and residential zones.

  Isabelle filed away the Aether Tears discussion for later investigation, her attention captured by the village’s methodical development. Unlike the chaotic sprawl of typical Valorian cities, where only wealthy districts showed any semblance of planning, the Eternal Village promised something different—a community free from the usual urban plagues of rats and filth. Her aristocratic sensibilities appreciated the prospect of maintaining dignity while building power.

  She was prepared to get dirty if necessary, but preferred to live in comfort. When Elia presented the third walled area of the village, the one still under construction but already with some paved streets and properties ready for use, she found a place to put some of her men to work since they wouldn’t be useful in agriculture anytime soon.

  “This will house 70% of our population within months,” Elia explained, gesturing toward the new sector. “Currently, we have eleven completed houses—seven occupied, three reserved for your group, Lady Isabelle.”

  The designated houses stood out among the ongoing construction, their solid construction promising comfort amid the development.

  “While construction continues and our worker camp remains here,” Jonn added, his hands sketching the layout, “this area offers the greatest security and tranquility at night. The walls here exceed our standard thickness, and we have installed three watchtowers instead of our usual number.”

  His group had been investing a lot in this residential area, having built higher and thicker walls to withstand the problems they were sure would challenge them before long. Jonn had confidence in his beasts and warriors and believed that the newcomers would help prevent invasions. But he was preparing for the worst, imagining that one day some enemy would come close enough to his community to attack the village walls.

  Isabelle liked what she saw, and her eye caught the iron pipes of varying sizes amid the construction materials. Her expression showed appreciation for this, another sign of the village’s development.

  ‘Piped water and sewage… I thought these were techniques privileged to Eldoria,'' Isabelle mused, impressed but not entirely surprised. While uncommon, such infrastructure wasn’t beyond replication for those with knowledge and resources. She filed this information away, recognizing it as another sign of the village’s sophistication.

  Jonn’s voice cut through her contemplation. “Please, make yourselves at home,” he said, gesturing towards one of the three houses. “I’ll leave some villagers to assist you with any minor questions and help you acclimate. Rest well—we have much to discuss tomorrow.”

  The Dayflare contingent’s curiosity burned like a low flame, eager to uncover Jonn’s plans, his methods, and the hidden potential of the village’s territory. They had journeyed far with a sizable workforce, not just to aid the community but to establish their own foothold. Questions about the region’s resources—iron mines, coal deposits, lakes, and trade routes—simmered in their minds, awaiting tomorrow’s discussions.

  Yet, the weariness of months on the road from Eldoria’s capital to this remote outpost weighed heavily upon them. Even the resilient mages, accustomed to pushing beyond normal human limits, felt the toll of their long journey.

  As they entered their assigned houses, the contrast between the harsh exterior of the Barren Hills of Deepshadow and the unexpected comfort within was stark. Clean, well-appointed rooms spoke of preparation and hospitality. The mages knew that a night’s proper rest would sharpen their mental acuity and physical prowess, preparing them for the unseen challenges that lay ahead.

  Despite the peaceful developments, caution remained their watchword. No formal pact yet bound them to the Eternal Village, and years of political maneuvering had taught them the value of measured trust. They settled in, grateful for the respite but ever vigilant.

  Village helpers, as promised by Jonn, remained discreetly available, their presence a mix of help and observation. Meanwhile, Jonn and Elia made their way to the Council building.

  Tomorrow I’ll introduce them to the village’s enemies. I hope they can help us prevent the arrival of beasts on our walls!

  Jonn put aside the idea of just using the Dayflare Family, thinking only of delaying the destruction of his community. From what the system showed him, he was finally on the right track and intended to go all out!