Life in Ikal has taken on its own rhythm, one that exists somewhere between reality and the surreal. Here, time flows at a pace of four days to every one in Graeca, a structure that lets us accomplish more in Ikal without truly taxing our physical bodies back in Graeca.
Every few days, we disconnect for a brief moment enough to eat, rest, and check on those back home. It's almost as if our bodies remember what we do here, storing each movement, each effort, like a memory that becomes real when we return.
This sensation makes our training and physical work more efficient; each action we take seems to strengthen both body and mind, carrying over when we return to Graeca.
The monetary exchange system allows people to earn currency in Graeca based on their work in Ikal, which I use to pay those joining our settlement. It's a rare opportunity one that gives meaning to their work in Ikal, making it as real and impactful as anything in our world.
Over the past month, nearly 130,000 citizens of Viatori have joined us here, each bringing with them skills, resilience, and the loyalty that defines our people.
There are another 20,000 to 30,000 who identify themselves as "adventurers," exploring the terrain and cataloging resources: open-pit mines, sources of fresh water, and vast forests.
They're mainly young, ambitious men and women eager to carve out a future in this new world.
The settlement is taking shape on an elevated plateau, fifteen kilometers above the surrounding land and ringed by imposing Rocky Mountains.
The location is perfect, naturally defensible, and expansive, with ample room for growth.
We're using resources from the land itself stone and mud from the mountains, and a sticky, cement-like substance we discovered in a swamp to the north.
It solidifies well, serving as a foundation that matches the durability of any building material back home.
We also discovered a large open-pit copper mine and an equally valuable silver mine, both a testament to Ikal's abundance.
As the settlement grows, I feel my strength increasing at a remarkable pace. Every day I train, pushing my limits further, feeling how Ikal's dense Ch'ulel amplifies my growth. In just a month, I've advanced from Apprentice to Professional, a leap that would take far longer in Graeca.
My Ch'ulel has taken on a tangible form in this world; as I practice with my Macuahuitl, the energy manifests as small flames along the weapon's edge, each flame imbued with my intent. It's as if the Ch'ulel here is more willing to respond, more eager to obey.
The citizens have gathered around, working hard and discussing plans for the settlement's official name. I'd suggested names drawn from my memories of Earth, ancient cities that somehow feel fitting here. Noíl, ever perceptive, noticed my introspective gaze and approached.
"Your Highness," she said with a slight smile.
"The people are talking."
"They say that you're bringing a piece of another world to this place with these names you've suggested."
Kuk laughed, overhearing.
"Nothing wrong with that! A bit of mystery makes the name all the more intriguing."
One young man stepped forward, his face lit with excitement.
"Your Highness, I like the sound of Chichen Itza! It has strength in it like our Empire."
Another woman nearby nodded.
"Or Teotihuacan. It has a depth, an ancient weight to it. Feels like we're carrying on something much bigger than ourselves."
I glanced at them all, heartened by their enthusiasm.
"Each name carries significance," I said, addressing the group.
"We're here to build a legacy, and choosing a name is our first step toward creating something enduring. Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, Tulum, Coba all are names that remind us of what we can accomplish."
The crowd murmured in agreement, each name sparking excitement.
The unity among them was almost palpable, a sense of belonging that made me proud.
As night fell, Kuk and I took a moment to survey the area. Workers milled about, setting up temporary shelters, their movements casting long shadows across the plateau.
I could see some of the adventurers returning, hauling crates filled with samples of stone, wood, and metals. The sense of purpose among them was contagious.
"I think we've made the right choice," Kuk said, glancing around.
"It's a fortress, surrounded by mountains. And the people are united, all thanks to you."
"It's the people who give this place life," I replied.
"They're the ones building this with their own hands. I'm simply here to guide them."
A voice behind us interrupted.
"And we're grateful for that, Your Highness."
It was Óotsil, the young woman I'd recently recruited. She'd proven her worth quickly, overseeing a small team of water carriers and managing the resources with quiet efficiency.
Her talents in elemental water manipulation were exceptional, and each day she grew more confident.
"Óotsil," I said, smiling.
"How are things progressing?"
She straightened, her eyes bright.
"The water sources are being managed carefully, Your Highness. And, well, I wanted to thank you."
"Without this opportunity, I don't know where I'd be."
I inclined my head, meeting her gaze.
"You have a purpose here, Óotsil. And remember, you're building something for all Viatori. We're all in this together."
She nodded, her face set with determination.
"I won't forget, Your Highness."
As the days passed, I used my Visualization power to find others like Óotsil people whose talents had been hidden, waiting for the right opportunity to emerge. Among the builders, traders, and even adventurers, I found those with administrative acumen and natural leadership.
Some had a knack for organization, while others demonstrated an uncanny ability to inspire. I assigned them roles that would help us build a foundation for what I envisioned: a true city, complete with a center for training and governance.
Noíl joined me one morning, a scroll of maps in hand.
"Your Highness, with the copper and silver mines now under our control, we'll have resources to trade with the other settlements. Our people can earn a living here in Ikal, and we'll have funds to support the development back in Graeca."
"Good," I said, examining the map.
"This is our chance to create a self-sustaining economy, one that benefits not just the Empire but each person here."
Kuk glanced over my shoulder, nodding.
"The adventurers are already starting to bring back rare minerals and even herbs that could be valuable. It's like they're living off the land, like the explorers of old."
I turned to him, a faint smile on my lips.
"They're carving out their own paths. It's natural there's a freedom here that doesn't exist back home. I don't want to take that from them. If they choose to stay, we'll welcome them as allies."
Over the next few days, the preparations for the settlement's official establishment were finalized. With the foundations laid, it was time to choose our city's name, a title that would represent the Viatori spirit in this world.
Standing before the gathered crowd, I took a deep breath.
"Today, we set down roots," I announced.
"Together, we've built the beginnings of something that will endure a place that will stand as a symbol of Viatori's legacy. And so, we name this city..."
I paused, looking out over the faces of those who had worked so hard to bring this dream to life.
"Chichen Itza. A name that represents strength, unity, and purpose."
The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices echoing off the Rocky Mountains that surrounded us. The energy was contagious, a thrill that coursed through every person present.
Kuk clapped me on the back, grinning.
"Chichen Itza it is, Your Highness. Let's make it a place worthy of the name."
Noíl, standing beside us, nodded with quiet pride.
"It's a fitting choice. May it stand as a beacon for our Empire in this world."
As the city of Chichen Itza took shape, so too did our vision for the future. Each structure, each stone laid, represented the strength and unity of Viatori, a legacy we were creating for generations to come.
Here, in this new world, we were building more than a settlement; we were building a home.