Arthur took a steady breath, his gaze drifting to the door. He realized that in Harry's short stay, the young wizard had awakened something within him. Avalon had been his refuge, but Harry's stay had also shown him the potential for a purpose beyond himself. The idea of helping others find their paths, and guiding them, felt… right.
Avalon's voice interrupted his thoughts, calm and reassuring.
"Arthur," it said, "you've completed a valuable first experience. What are your reflections?"
Arthur smiled slightly, taking in Avalon's words. "Harry was… different," he murmured. "There was a lot he didn't know, but you could see it—his strength. He has a long way to go, but I think he's got something special, something more than his character in the books."
Avalon's warmth seemed to fill the space around him, a gentle affirmation. "You helped him uncover part of his path. There will be others, Arthur. Some may need guidance, others simply a place to rest, but each will leave their mark on us."
Arthur nodded, absorbing this thought. He had a newfound resolve. 'If there are more guests like Harry, perhaps Avalon's purpose—and his—was more significant than he'd first understood.'
[System Notification: Goal Completed: First Guest Accompanied to Departure]
[Rewards: New skill available, 10% increase in Guest Relations proficiency]
Arthur's eyes brightened at the notification, a slight thrill of accomplishment coursing through him. But then a secondary alert caught his attention.
[New Quest Unlocked: Prepare for the Next Guest]
Prepare Avalon by expanding hospitality skills and ensuring the establishment is fully functional.
Arthur chuckled, feeling an odd excitement rising. "Prepare for the next guest, huh?" he muttered, glancing around the lobby. He raised an eyebrow, a hint of excitement replacing the calm he'd felt moments before. He glanced around the lobby, realizing that, unlike before, there were no obvious signs of change—no fresh glow, no slight enhancement to the furnishings or ambiance.
"Strange," he murmured, glancing around curiously. "Yesterday, Avalon just… changed on its own."
Avalon's voice drifted into his mind, a chuckle threading through its tone. "Ah, but this time is a special occasion, Arthur. Your level-up and guest relations experience completion have unlocked something unique—an opportunity for you to shape Avalon's evolution. This time, the change is in your hands."
Arthur blinked in surprise, excitement and a twinge of nervousness mingling as he processed Avalon's words. "So… I get to choose what changes this time?"
"Yes," Avalon replied warmly. "Consider this the beginning of your journey as a true guide within my walls. With each major milestone, you'll have the option to choose the style and nature of Avalon's upgrades, tailoring it to best serve our guests—and yourself."
Arthur took a steadying breath, his mind racing through the possibilities. He hadn't expected to have a say in Avalon's transformation, but the idea of shaping the space felt… right. A sanctuary like Avalon wasn't just a static building; it was a living, breathing extension of his purpose and connection with the guests who would find their way here.
Arthur's heart quickened as he considered the potential for Avalon's upgrade. The thought of choosing the layout himself filled him with a mixture of pride and excitement, but before he could fully immerse himself in the possibilities, another system notification blinked before his eyes:
[System Notification: New Skill Acquired: Mystical Maintenance]
[Skill added forcibly by Avalon]
Arthur frowned, slightly taken aback. He hadn't been expecting this skill so soon, and certainly not as a "forcefully added" feature. Just as he was about to ask Avalon about it, he felt its presence within him flicker and dim, as though Avalon's usual brightness had momentarily withdrawn.
"Are you… alright, Avalon?" he asked, a slight edge of worry in his voice. "What's happening?"
Avalon's presence gradually strengthened, and Arthur could sense its warmth returning, though its usual calm seemed a bit frayed around the edges. "I'm here, Arthur," Avalon replied, its tone slightly softened but reassuring. "I needed to focus on unlocking Mystical Maintenance for you. It's a critical skill, especially as you begin to shape this place in earnest."
Arthur let out a sigh of relief, though the worry lingered. "So… it was just unlocking the skill that dimmed your presence?"
"Yes," Avalon answered, a hint of apology in its tone. "I should have warned you, but Mystical Maintenance is key for our future guests. And now that you've gained proficiency in Guest Relations, it was time."
Arthur's expression softened, relieved. "Glad you're alright. Just warn me next time, okay?"
A gentle hum filled the space around him, Avalon's presence warm and almost amused. "Understood. You have my promise."
Arthur smiled and looked back at the system notifications. Now that he'd acquired Mystical Maintenance, he felt an additional layer of connection to Avalon, as if he could sense the hotel's structural and magical core in ways he hadn't before. Glancing over the new notification, he read carefully:
[Skill Acquired: Mystical Maintenance]
[Description: Enables the user to maintain and enhance Avalon's structure and magical integrity. Required for customizing and stabilizing additional areas within Avalon based on connected worlds.]
Arthur turned his thoughts back to the next task—the upgrade. With Avalon's new areas waiting to be customized, he felt a surge of curiosity. "Alright, Avalon," he murmured, "let's see what my choices are."
A new system interface appeared before him, listing several layout options for enhancing Avalon's structure. Each option shimmered with an image, and descriptions beneath them, showing different potential areas he could unlock. He scrolled through them, his mind whirling as he imagined what each one could bring to Avalon and its future guests.
{——————————————————————————}
Possible Areas to Unlock:
The Enchanted Garden
— A lush, vibrant indoor garden infused with magical plants from various connected worlds. This space serves as a serene oasis and can be customized to grow specific herbs for guests or create potions in conjunction with Arthur's growing skill set.
Arcane Training Room
— A dedicated space for practicing magic and spells, with various enchanted training tools and safeguards. This room could help Arthur enhance his magical abilities and serve as a safe place for magical guests to practice freely.
Universal Pantry & Kitchen
— A fully equipped kitchen that connects to Avalon's pantry, is stocked with ingredients and recipes from multiple realms. The pantry would automatically restock with signature ingredients based on connected worlds, allowing Arthur to explore unique culinary experiences for his guests.
The Multiversal Library
— A vast library containing tomes and magical knowledge from all connected worlds. As new worlds link with Avalon, this library would expand to house new texts, offering Arthur a broader knowledge base and a quiet sanctuary for his guests to study or relax.
Sanctuary Spa and Healing Room
— A restorative space for guests to relax and recover, designed with magical healing features. It could be especially useful for guests in need of rest and rejuvenation, with self-renewing potions, calming enchantments, and a spa atmosphere.
{——————————————————————————}
Arthur's eyes moved between the options, each one more enticing than the last. He felt Avalon's subtle guidance as it observed his deliberation, almost parental patience as it waited for his decision.
"Thank you for unlocking Mystical Maintenance, Avalon," Arthur said quietly, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "It's incredible to have a say in shaping this place."
Avalon's presence pulsed warmly in response. "This is your journey as much as mine, Arthur. Each area you choose will be one step closer to realizing my full potential. Take your time, and know that whatever you decide will enhance our purpose here."
Arthur took a deep breath, the weight of his choice settling over him, yet he felt strangely ready. He was not just choosing a room—he was shaping Avalon's essence and preparing for guests who would come to this sanctuary seeking comfort, knowledge, or simply a safe place to rest. With a growing sense of excitement and responsibility, he prepared to make his choice, each option inviting him forward on his journey as Avalon's caretaker and guide.
Arthur looked over the options displayed before him, his excitement tempered by a thoughtful sense of responsibility. Each potential area offered something unique, from the healing benefits of the Sanctuary Spa to the culinary exploration possible with a universal kitchen. But as his gaze lingered on the spa option, a slightly amused thought popped into his mind.
"Wait…" he muttered to himself, "if I choose a spa, does that mean I'm supposed to be a masseuse, too?"
Avalon's voice chimed in, warm with faint amusement. "Rest assured, Arthur, you would not be the one providing every service. Each new area you add will come with a dedicated 'area manager' suited to its purpose."
Arthur raised an eyebrow, caught off guard. "Wait—an area manager? You can summon a… person?"
"In a sense," Avalon replied thoughtfully. "But it's more complex than simple summoning. The individuals who can serve as area managers are those who once resided within Avalon's walls. When their time here ended, their essence became part of Avalon itself. In this way, I can recall them to fill roles that match their skills and strengths."
Arthur's surprise deepened, and he gave a slow nod, taking in the gravity of Avalon's words. The idea that people who had once called Avalon home could return, even in some distilled form, added a new layer of wonder—and responsibility—to his role.
Avalon continued, "Additionally, I can create simple constructs to handle basic tasks, though they lack true personalities. For now, however, I can only summon an area managers when a designated area is added to Avalon. Each new area represents a unique purpose, one that calls upon a particular strength in my memory."
Arthur was silent for a moment, processing this. The idea of someone—or some essence—returning to help oversee Avalon felt almost sacred. "That's… well, that's incredible," he said quietly. He was about to add more when he thought he heard Avalon mutter something, almost to itself.
"Almost as if my power were being restricted…" Avalon's voice was barely a whisper, as though lost in thought. But the words faded quickly, and Arthur couldn't be sure if he'd heard correctly.
Then, Avalon's voice took on a distinctly mischievous tone. "Though, if you do want to be a masseuse for a guest—particularly a female one—that can certainly be arranged."
Arthur nearly choked, eyes widening as he stifled a laugh. "Oh, very funny, Avalon. You're supposed to be a respectable, inter-dimensional sanctuary, not my personal matchmaker!"
Avalon chuckled softly, its voice brimming with amusement. "Respectable doesn't mean lacking in humor, Arthur. Besides, if you're going to be the heart of Avalon, I must ensure your well-being, both professionally… and socially."
Arthur shook his head, a grin spreading across his face. "You're getting way too clever for a hotel."
"It's my duty to keep pace with my manager's cleverness," Avalon retorted. "And judging by that flustered response, I'm succeeding."
Arthur rolled his eyes, unable to hide his smile. "Fine, fine. I'll keep that in mind if I ever need an in-house dating service, but for now, let's stick to the task at hand."
"Of course," Avalon replied, the warmth in its tone unmistakable. The light banter hung between them, a comforting reminder that he was no longer alone in this journey.
Returning his focus to the display, Arthur began weighing each area option with newfound resolve and, perhaps, a little more confidence in the path he was forging alongside Avalon.
Arthur glanced at the shimmering options one last time, his mind settling on the Arcane Training Room. The thought of honing his magical abilities, of learning how to protect Avalon, felt not only practical but somehow… right.
"The Arcane Training Room," he said aloud, feeling a small thrill at the sound of his own decision. And though he couldn't deny that the spa option had tempted him, he was careful not to reveal his interest. Better not to give Avalon any teasing ammunition. But the hotel's warmth rippled through his thoughts, catching on his reluctance.
"Alright, Arthur," Avalon replied with a playful hum. "No massages with beauty for you, then?"
Arthur chuckled, shaking his head. "Arcane training first, Avalon. A concierge should at least be able to protect his hotel, don't you think?"
Avalon's hum deepened, and suddenly, the air in the lobby began to change. A subtle energy pulsed through the walls and floor, causing the space around him to expand and shift. Arthur took a step back, watching as the front desk grew sleeker, the corners of the room softened with warm lighting, and the dining area gained a touch of charm, resembling a cozy little bistro. The once-modest lobby now held a quiet elegance, like a refined two-star hotel ready to receive its next guests with warmth and care.
He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, a quiet awe filling him as he took it all in. The elevator doors now gleamed, the buttons polished to a soft luster. The waiting room had become more inviting, with comfortably arranged seating and even a few small, delicate touches he hadn't noticed before—potted plants, softer lighting, and a warmth that made the room feel more like a second home.
Arthur's gaze lingered on the changes, taking them in with a quiet pride. "So, this is what it means to be Avalon's host," he murmured, smiling.
[System Notification: New Area Added: Arcane Training Room]
[Lobby Upgraded by Host]
[New Area Managers have been Summoned]
As he read the notifications, Arthur felt a surge of energy and purpose filling the air around him. Avalon's presence grew stronger, almost as if it had taken a deep, refreshing breath. He closed his eyes, letting the renewed warmth wash over him, a faint hum of magic crackling beneath his fingertips.
Arthur glanced around for the Arcane Training Room, expecting to see a new door or passageway. But there was nothing—no extra room, no visible stairway.
"Avalon… where's the Arcane Training Room?" he asked, half-wondering if it was hidden somewhere out of sight.
Avalon's voice responded with a touch of amusement. "Below the main floor. Just take the elevator."
Arthur's heart quickened, anticipation sparking within him. He made his way to the elevator, appreciating its new shine as he pressed the call button. With a soft chime, the doors slid open, and he stepped inside, feeling as though he were crossing a threshold into something new and unknown.
As he looked over the panel of buttons, his eyes fell on a newly added one just beneath the main floor button. Arcane Training Room. The name alone was enough to make him pause, a grin spreading across his face as he reached out to press it.
A soft click echoed in the quiet of the elevator, and the hum of its descent felt charged, almost electric. Arthur felt a rush of excitement mingled with nervousness, his heart beating faster as he thought of what might await him below. For a moment, he glanced up at the ceiling, where Avalon's presence seemed to wrap around him, as if offering silent encouragement.
With a slight shudder, the elevator slowed to a stop, and he could feel the anticipation building in his chest. His fingers tightened slightly at his sides, and he took a steadying breath, ready to face whatever lay beyond the doors.
As the doors began to open, he could sense something—an unfamiliar energy filling the space just beyond. It was powerful, magnetic, and almost calling to him, like a hidden force waiting to be unlocked.
The doors slid open, and Arthur stepped forward, his heart racing with anticipation.
~~~
A/N: We're at 13th chapter ~~~👻 BOO!
Anyway, give me a review and power stone~~👻
-🧣