The next day, as the first light of dawn filtered through the windows, Ethan woke up excited, he knew there was no time to waste. After freshening up, Ethan made his way to Thomas's room. He knocked firmly on the door, and after a moment, Thomas, still groggy and rubbing sleep from his eyes, opened the door. Recognizing Ethan's determined expression, Thomas didn't need to ask why he was there.
Thomas straightened, his mind recalling their conversation from the previous night. "Young Master, I'll take care of it immediately. Let's start right away."
Satisfied with Thomas's response, Ethan smiled. "Thank you, Thomas. Let's meet in the courtyard in an hour."
As Ethan turned to walk away, he saw Emily stepping out of her room, which was right across from Thomas's, looking radiant as always. He found himself momentarily captivated by her beauty and reluctant to leave her side. Emily caught Ethan's eyes, she blushed slightly, her cheeks taking on a charming glow. She knew she was still in her nightgown and realized she couldn't be in front of Ethan like that. Overcome with shyness, she swiftly retreated back into her room to change into a more appropriate daytime dress.
Ethan couldn't help but smile at the interaction, charmed by the way Emily reacted.
As Ethan walked away, Thomas quickly dressed and began organizing the tasks for the day. He rallied the servants, who, although unsure of the reasons behind their tasks, followed Thomas's instructions without hesitation. The air was filled with energy as everyone set about their tasks, gathering the plants and animals from every corner of the manor.
In the courtyard, Ethan watched as the servants brought forth the various plants and animals. Despite their limited resources, the collection was more than what he had initially realized. He felt excited seeing the resources they had at their disposal.
Meanwhile, Emily caught up to them, looking radiant as always. Ethan couldn't help but let his gaze linger on her. She caught his look and, still a little shy, blushed, adding a charming glow to her appearance.
"Morning, young master," Emily greeted him, her voice slightly shy. "What's going on? Is this about what we discussed yesterday?"
Ethan smiled warmly, feeling reassured from her presence. "Yes, this is about what we discussed yesterday, and it's quite important. You'll soon see the purpose behind gathering these resources."
Emily joined in with the operation, helping to ensure everything was collected efficiently. Her organizational skills and attention to detail significantly accelerated the process.
As the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, the courtyard buzzed with activity . One of the servants, a young man named Peter, approached Ethan with a curious look on his face.
"Good morning, Young Master," Peter said, hesitating slightly. "If I may ask, what's the reason behind gathering all these plants and animals?"
Ethan smiled, sensing Peter's curiosity. "Good morning. Let's just say it's part of a mystery you'll soon uncover.
Peter nodded, visibly more reassured. "Thank you, Young Master. I'll continue to help wherever I can."
Ethan watched as Peter returned to his tasks, feeling grateful for the dedication and support of his friends and loyal servants. He knew there were still many challenges ahead, but he was confident they could overcome anything together.
While Ethan was still in daze, Thomas and Emily approached Ethan, informing him that the task was complete.
....
With everyone else out of the stable, Ethan started transferring the gathered samples into the dimension, anticipating the benefits they would bring. He sent samples of dairy cows known for their rich milk, beef cattle that provided quality meat, and versatile cattle breeds suited for both dairy and beef purposes.
He sent plants renowned for their healing abilities, such as Celestia Blossom, known for its soothing properties and ability to treat burns, and Glimmerroot, used to boost the immune system and fight infections. He also included Moonshade Petals, prized for their calming effects and ability to heal minor wounds, and Dreamwort, often used to relieve anxiety and improve sleep quality.
Additionally, he sent a variety of plants used for spices, including Starleaf Basil, a staple in many culinary dishes; Silverthorn, often used to enhance the flavor of meats; and Emberfruits, known for adding a kick to various recipes. There were also aromatic Mistmint leaves, perfect for teas and garnishes, and vibrant Goldroot, renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in traditional dishes.
There was also Nightshade, a plant famous for its mysterious and sometimes poisonous properties
As soon as he transferred the samples, he heard Aria's voice announce, "The dimension has evolved to level 2."
The news was exhilarating. Eager to see the changes, Ethan ensured it was safe and then excitedly stepped into the dimension. The transformation was immediately noticeable—the air was purer, more invigorating, and the spiritual energy was stronger and thicker, wrapping around him like a comforting cloak.
Ethan's excitement was palpable as he stepped into the newly evolved dimension and saw Aria's silhouette for the first time. His heart raced, and his breath caught in his throat. Seeing Aria, even as a faint, ethereal figure, was a moment he had not anticipated but had long hoped for. She was there, a graceful presence enveloped in a soft, glowing aura, her wings gently fluttering as she floated in the air. Aria was extremely beautiful, her features radiating a serene and otherworldly charm. The sight filled him with an overwhelming sense of joy and wonder.
In his previous life, Ethan had often felt unlucky in love, frequently finding himself alone and yearning for a meaningful connection. Hearing Aria's voice for the first time had ignited a sense of excitement he hadn't experienced in years. He had spent countless moments thinking about her, imagining what it might be like to see her, to interact with her beyond just a voice. He had even entertained the possibility of being in a romantic relationship with her. To Ethan, the idea of Aria having dedicated herself solely to him was exhilarating. He had felt that Aria belonged only to him. After hearing her voice, he had fantasized about countless scenarios where he was being physically intimate with her. Now, seeing her silhouette brought all those emotions rushing back, intensified by her undeniable beauty.
He felt an almost irresistible urge to embrace her, to reach out and confirm her presence. But as he extended his hand, he realized that she was still somewhat intangible, like a holographic image—visible, yet not quite touchable. This realization didn't dampen his spirits, though. Instead, it amplified his excitement and curiosity.
"Aria, is that you?" Ethan asked, his voice filled with awe.
Aria smiled shyly at Ethan, her expression soft and warm. "Yes, Ethan. The increased spiritual energy has allowed me to manifest more clearly."
Ethan nodded, still taking in the sight of her. "I've dreamed of this moment. It's wonderful to finally see you, even if you are like this."
Aria had no memories of her existence prior to the creation of the dimension. She could always sense Ethan's feelings, whether he was in the dimension or in the outside world. It was new for her to be seen romantically by Ethan, making it her first experience of such feelings. Ethan was everything to her, and she realized she felt the same for him.
Aria's gaze flickered downward as she sensed Ethan's romantic feelings. "I... I feel the same, Ethan. Your efforts have made this possible. Together, we can achieve even more." She paused, her voice growing softer. "I look forward to being with you, but for that to happen, we need to evolve the dimension further and work hard."
With determination in his voice, Ethan declared, "Let's work on progressing the dimension so we won't be apart any longer."
....
As they explored the expanded space, Aria approached him, her voice filled with pride and excitement. "Ethan, the evolution has brought significant benefits. The dimension's size has increased from 500 square meters to 2000 square meters. And thanks to the sold crops, we now have enough coins to expand the crop field further. Plus, I have successfully subjugated the animals you sent."
Ethan felt a surge of excitement and curiosity. "Subjugated the animals? What exactly does that mean, Aria?"
Aria explained, "It means I have integrated them into the dimension's ecosystem. They are now fully acclimated to the environment and will thrive here. For instance, the dairy cows will provide rich milk, the beef cattle will yield quality meat, and the chicken-like birds will produce eggs and can be raised for meat as well. Additionally, you will be able to control them to some extent based on their intelligence."
Ethan felt a renewed purpose. "Thank you, Aria. This evolution has opened up so many opportunities. Together, we'll make the most of it."
Aria's voice carried a note of warmth that felt almost personal. "I'm here to support you every step of the way, Ethan. Let's continue to work together and unlock the full potential of this dimension."
Ethan paused, taking a deep breath as a wave of emotions washed over him. He thought back to his past life, filled with moments of failure and missed opportunities. Back then, he often felt lost, wondering if he would ever find his true purpose.
Now, standing in the dimension, surrounded by the fruits of his efforts, he realized how much had changed. He had caring and loving people around him—Aria, Emily, and the dedicated servants—all trusting him and looking up to him for guidance. He was no longer the person he used to be. Instead, he was a leader, someone who was making a real difference in their lives.
Tears welled up in his eyes as he thought about how far he had come. With Aria's support and the bond he had formed with Thomas, Emily, and the others, he felt a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. This dimension had given him a chance to rewrite his story and build something beautiful.