In the Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence Department, Alonso stood next to Astra, communicating with Maria without needing to lift a finger—the system link to his lab allowed him to execute tasks with a mere thought. He could sense her presence, lost deep within the virtual world.
Meanwhile, in the VR world, Maria had spent five whole years living a different life. She'd become immersed in her new world, training under a master who had taught her the way of the sword. In the present moment, she was meditating beneath a powerful waterfall, eyes closed and breathing steady, when a panel suddenly appeared beside her. It was a message from Alonso, urging her to log out for a bit to reconnect with reality. Reluctantly, she closed her eyes, her mind drifting back.
The pod doors slid open, and Maria stepped out, her expression calm but intense, with a newfound depth to her gaze.
"Welcome back," Alonso greeted, his voice carrying a faint smile.
Maria gave a slight nod, though her eyes wandered over Alonso's figure, immediately picking up on the changes. "You look different...you evolved, didn't you?" There was both surprise and intrigue in her tone.
Alonso smirked. "Yeah, you're not the only one in pursuit of power, you know."
She seemed almost reluctant, a distant look flashing across her face as if she was torn between the two worlds. "It's hard to leave. Five years… my training wasn't done yet."
Alonso's gaze softened. "I get it, but staying in there too long could be dangerous. It's only been five days here, but five years for you. Moving forward, make sure to log out every twelve hours—for your sanity."
Maria's eyes sharpened, her voice serious. "To master the sword, I have to cut through all distractions."
Alonso raised an eyebrow, studying her with an amused smirk. "A samurai now, huh?" He gave a short laugh, shaking his head slightly, trying to mask his surprise.
Astra, watching Maria with a twinkle in her eye, chimed in, chuckling. "Looks like you chose the sword master class. I'd say it suits you."
Maria's face brightened as she took in Astra's appearance, eyes wide. "Oh, thank you! Wow, Astra, you've evolved too... you look stunning."
Astra blushed slightly, tucking a strand of her silvery-blue hair behind her ear. "Well, thank you, Maria. And I see you've become something entirely new as well."
Maria's smile faltered just a bit, her gaze dropping as she remembered her own past—her children and Michael, memories that still felt raw despite the years she'd spent in the virtual world. Though it had been five years for her, the pain of losing her family had not faded. With a small, sad smile, she turned to Alonso. "Can you make me a sword?"
Alonso raised an eyebrow, seeing the resolve in her eyes. "Oh, you're serious about this, huh?"
"Of course. A sword is like an extension of myself," Maria replied. "Without it, I feel... incomplete."
"Alright then," Alonso agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "What kind of sword are we talking?"
"I want a katana... and a wakizashi," she said, her voice steady.
"Got it," Alonso replied. "But we're low on materials right now, so I'll start with a basic one. Once we've got everything we need, I'll make something with a fusion core, maybe even add an AI if you're interested."
Maria blinked, clearly puzzled. "You always talk to me like I understand all this tech stuff," she teased.
Astra laughed, giving Maria a friendly nudge. "Just think of it like an 'ego weapon'—one that thinks and grows with you."
Maria's eyes lit up in recognition. "Oh, now that I understand!" She chuckled, shaking her head. "Alonso, sometimes you really are terrifying. The things you know... it wasn't until I started exploring that virtual world that I realized just how advanced you are. I even learned about Earth."
Alonso grinned, looking both proud and a bit amused. "I was not exactly hiding where I am from. When I put you in that virtual world, I knew you'd find out a few things."
Maria waved her hand dismissively. "Well, what's past is past it does not change who you are to me."
Alonso gave her a reassuring nod. "Right. Speaking of which, I'm off to meet with Humphrey and our new citizens. They're at what used to be called Slave City... actually, let's drop that name. It's not Slave City anymore; it's going to be the capital of New Vardosia. Let's call it... Vardo. Yes, Vardo will do."
Astra chimed in, "Master, Gerald should have already started the construction."
Alonso nodded, glancing at her. "Good. The construction bots are incredibly efficient. Let's go see how things are progressing."
With a single thought, Alonso commanded the machinery in the robotics department to forge Maria's new swords. The process was smooth and precise, and soon, he presented her with two beautiful katanas, one long one and one short , complete with an elegantly crafted sheath. The handle was wrapped in deep red, with square white guards that balanced the blade perfectly. The katana, measuring 45 inches in length, had a striking purple zigzag pattern etched across its gleaming surface. The sheath, a matching red with purple stripes, gave the weapon an almost regal appearance. Alonso had even incorporated plasma-channeling technology, allowing the blade to sharpen and intensify in lethality when activated.
Meanwhile, Astra filled Maria in on everything discussed during the recent meeting, laying out Alonso's plans for New Vardosia's future. When Maria heard about Red Raven and the Dark Adventurers Guild, her expression turned steely, her grip tightening around her new sword.
With a firm voice, Maria pledged her loyalty to New Vardosia, her gaze fierce and unwavering. "For New Vardosia," she vowed, her tone carrying a sense of newfound purpose. "I swear to bring down the Red Raven and the Dark Adventurers Guild. Their evil will meet my blade."
Her dedication, tinged with a deepened sense of honor and justice, was palpable, and it was clear to Alonso and Astra that Maria's resolve had only grown stronger with her time in the virtual realm.
In the snowy expanse of Vardo—once known as Slave City—Gerald was overseeing the monumental transformation underway. The construction bots moved tirelessly, salvaging what they could from the old structures, dismantling the remnants of Slave City, and rebuilding a fresh foundation. They worked swiftly, cutting down trees, clearing paths, building houses, and paving roads, their mechanical movements precise and efficient against the wintery backdrop.
To the north, a significant gold deposit had been detected, and several bots were now focused on mining and preparing extraction plans. They'd also found a wealth of resources throughout the forest—iron, copper, aluminum, silver, platinum, and a collection of rare metals including palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium, rhenium, and ruthenium. Gerald knew the king would never have allowed Alonso free rein had he known the land's hidden wealth, so for now, this discovery remained a carefully guarded secret.
Five massive, advanced 3D printers hummed with precision, fabricating materials and components to perfection. These construction printers were revolutionary, capable of producing fully completed houses without the need for additional assembly—provided all necessary materials were loaded into the printer. At an impressive pace, the printers churned out finished homes, streamlining the entire building process.
With their aid, Gerald had already completed the initial phase of the residential area, constructing twenty-four suburban-style homes. Each house featured three bedrooms, a garden, and a modest front yard, designed for functionality and comfort. Nestled within the snowy landscape, the cozy homes stood as a welcoming beacon of progress—a stark and hopeful contrast to the city's grim former identity.
The newly arrived citizens of New Vardosia were now housed in these completed homes. For those still awaiting permanent housing, a large tent village had been set up to the side, sturdy against the winter chill. Despite the snow and biting cold, the citizens moved about comfortably. Each wore a sleek, fitted temperature bracelet, crafted by Alonso, which maintained their body heat no matter the freezing weather. With these bracelets, there was no need for heavy clothing or bulky layers; they could endure the winter with ease.
In a makeshift tent, Humphrey, Alonso, and Astra stood together. Humphrey looked utterly stunned, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Oi, don't take me for a fool! These machines of yours—they're incredible! They even outdo dwarven craftsmanship, and I can't sense a hint of magic in 'em. So what's their power source?" Humphrey demanded, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Alonso chuckled, noticing Humphrey's eagerness. "Ah, a true craftsman, I see. These machines are powered by something called a fusion core. Ever heard of fusion energy?"
"Not a clue, lad," Humphrey replied, shaking his head.
"Well, let's just say it's as close to 'unlimited energy' as you can get," Alonso said, grinning. "Imagine a power source that never runs dry. You and the other dwarves will be learning all about it soon enough."
Humphrey's eyes sparkled as if he'd been handed the crown jewels. "You're serious? You'll teach us to craft these—and maybe even better ones?"
"Absolutely," Alonso nodded. "Stick with me, and you'll be building things beyond anything you could imagine."
Astra stepped in, handing Alonso a tablet. "Here's the roster of everyone in New Vardosia, Master."
Alonso glanced over the list: "500 goblins, 400 orcs, 1,020 beastmen, 311 humans, 99 elves, 183 giants, 300 half-giants, 600 nagas, 701 succubi, 300 incubi, and 1,023 dwarves."
Astra continued, "Nova and Lyra are assessing everyone's skills as we speak. Those with experience will start training right away, and the others will need to learn quickly. Gerald's started on the training grounds, and I'll arrange to transfer some VR pods from the lab for skill enhancement."
She added, "Actually, Wyrmguard has already recruited the orcs into his ranks, while Axle has taken some goblins, incubus, and succubus for special operations. The half-giants, though strong, aren't quite fighters at heart, so Gerald's taken them under his wing for other tasks. The remaining citizens are still being evaluated."
Alonso nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Humphrey with a smile. "You see, Humphrey? Everything's moving along smoothly. Go with Astra; she'll get you settled in with the rest."
As Astra led Humphrey away, Alonso teleported back to his lab. Back in his private chambers, he lay on the bed, summoning the system display with a single thought, ready to strategize his next moves.
"Alright," Alonso muttered to himself, "Let's see what we're dealing with here. Lyra's stats, please."
Ping!
Lyra - Profile Overview
Designation - Laison Yield Relations Ambassador
Title: The Voice of New Vardosia
Role: Chief Envoy of Foreign Relations
Age: 3 days
Skill: duplication
Rank: n/a
Evolution Requirement: 500 souls
Alonso leaned back, his curiosity piqued. "Alright then, let's see what she's truly capable of."
Ping !
1. Duplication Mastery
Multiform Presence: Lyra can create up to a certain number of duplicates simultaneously, each with her full physical strength and mana reserves. These duplicates are independently operational yet connected mentally, allowing her to multitask and coordinate her presence in various locations at once.
Mana Synchronization: Each duplicate has an individual mana pool that matches the original, enabling them to perform spells and abilities without drawing from a shared reserve. This ensures that each duplicate is fully capable, even in magical combat.
Force Dispersion: When a duplicate is attacked or destroyed, the energy disperses harmlessly, leaving Lyra unharmed. This makes it challenging for enemies to locate or harm the true Lyra.
2. Enhanced Physical and Magical Strength
Unified Power: Every duplicate of Lyra retains her full physical strength, allowing them to engage in combat as effectively as the original. This strength translates into heightened endurance, agility, and damage output.
Mana Capacity and Control: Each duplicate can wield mana as efficiently as the original Lyra, meaning they can cast high-level spells or boost allies without draining each other's resources. This mana control extends to complex magical techniques and strategic uses of magic.
3. Illusion and Decoy Tactics
Shifting Illusion: Lyra can make her duplicates appear indistinct or ghost-like, creating an illusory effect that confuses opponents. This tactic makes it difficult for enemies to identify the real Lyra, providing her an advantage in both negotiations and combat.
Decoy Trap: A chosen duplicate can be "programmed" to self-destruct, releasing a burst of mana that temporarily stuns or blinds nearby enemies. This feature serves as both an escape mechanism and a crowd-control tactic during fights.
4. Strategic Communication Network
Mind-Link Communication: All duplicates share a telepathic network, allowing Lyra to instantly transmit information between herself and her copies. This mind-link enables rapid decision-making, precise coordination, and simultaneous intelligence gathering.
Remote Mana Transfer: Lyra can direct mana from one duplicate to another, pooling resources for high-energy spells or concentrated power boosts as needed. This ability lets her adapt quickly to shifting conditions, whether in battle or diplomacy.
5. Elemental Spellcraft
Wind Manipulation: Lyra wields wind magic, allowing her to create powerful gusts, protective wind barriers, or even wind-based projectiles. Her duplicates share this ability, making her a flexible threat capable of creating layered wind defenses or unleashing storms of wind attacks.
6. Enhanced Diplomatic Presence
Aura of Authority: Lyra emits a calming aura that encourages trust and cooperation, perfect for negotiations. This aura has subtle effects on enemies, making them slightly more hesitant to attack her, as it subtly affects their perception of her threat level.
Charm and Influence: Using her diplomatic skills, Lyra can temporarily sway weaker-willed individuals into complying with her requests. This charm doesn't directly control people but makes them more inclined to see her perspective.
Alonso lay back in bed, eyes wide with a mixture of shock and amazement. "Duplication ability… that's all I added. But this—" he muttered to himself, almost disbelieving, "—this is something entirely different. How did it evolve into such an advanced form? It's crazy."
He ran a hand over his face, trying to comprehend the implications. If Lyra's abilities had developed to such a powerful extent, then what about the others? Could each of his elite units possess similarly amplified powers? His curiosity flared, but a sliver of caution crept in as well. What had he truly created?
Ping !
The system responded instantly: When the Imperium gene manipulation is combined with Vardosian techno-magic, these are the outcomes. Remember, these are elite units—the best of the best. None should surpass them.
Alonso's initial amazement shifted to a mix of apprehension and curiosity. If this was Lyra's power, what could the others be capable of? A flicker of nervousness crept in, but his insatiable curiosity pushed him onward.
"Alright," he murmured. "Show me Gerald's profile."
Ping !
Gerald - Profile Overview
Designation: Governance Engineering, Realm Architect, Logistics Development
Title: The Shaper of Realms
Role: Grand Architect of Infrastructure and Expansion, Security
Age: 3 days
Skill: Transmuter
Rank: N/A
Evolution Requirement: 500 souls
Alonso took a deep breath, steadying himself as he prepared to see the full scope of abilities. "Alright, let's see the details. Pull up his abilities," he said, mentally bracing for whatever surprises lay ahead.
Ping !
As a transmuter, Gerald's abilities revolve around transforming materials and reshaping environments to create, modify, or enhance structures. Here's a full range of abilities that align with his role as the Grand Architect of Infrastructure and Expansion.
1. Material Transmutation
Instant Reshaping: Gerald can transform raw materials (stone, metal, wood, etc.) into any structure or object he envisions, allowing him to build defenses, fortifications, or even weapons on the spot.
Adaptive Transmutation: He can alter the properties of materials, making them harder, more flexible, heat-resistant, or lightweight, adapting structures to any environmental or combat need.
Elemental Conversion: Gerald has the unique ability to convert one element into another, such as turning rock into metal or creating rare materials from common elements, providing him with virtually unlimited building resources.
2. Structural Manipulation
Architect's Hand: With a touch, Gerald can change the shape and design of existing structures, expanding rooms, creating hidden passageways, or reinforcing walls with a thought.
Seismic Stability: Gerald can manipulate the ground beneath structures, stabilizing buildings during earthquakes or reinforcing foundations to withstand even the most intense attacks.
3. Rapid Deployment and Repair
Instantaneous Construction: Gerald's transmutation abilities allow him to build complex structures in seconds, deploying fortresses, barriers, and safe zones as needed.
Regenerative Structures: He can imbue buildings with a regenerative quality, allowing them to automatically repair over time, even during ongoing assaults.
4. Territory Domination
Transmutation Field: Gerald can establish a field within a designated area that grants him heightened control over all materials within its range. In this field, he can transmute materials at will, making it difficult for enemies to use the terrain against him.
Elemental Barriers: Within his controlled territory, Gerald can create barriers of any transmuted material, providing layered defenses or trapping enemies in impassable walls.
Alonso's eyes widened, and he muttered in disbelief, "What... this guy's a total cheat! He can turn a stone to gold if he wants and construct complex structures in seconds. Why in the world does he even need the construction bots?"
He shook his head, still processing the sheer power packed into Gerald's abilities, a mix of astonishment and amusement creeping onto his face.
Ping!
Please note that transmutation requires a significant amount of mana, which Gerald currently lacks in full capacity. His ability can only be used once a day under current conditions. Additionally, his mana reserves are the lowest among the elite five. Evolution to a higher class is recommended to fully utilize his capabilities.
Alonso's brows furrowed, the frustration easing slightly. "Ah… so he's got all this power but barely enough mana to use it properly," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "Good to know—guess there's a limit, after all."
Taking a breath, he refocused, ready to keep the evaluations rolling. "Alright, pull up Nexon's stats next."
Ping !
Nexon - Profile Overview
Designation: Negotiator, Economic Exchange Operations Networker
Title: The Keeper of Prosperity
Role: Master of Trade and Commerce
Age: 3 days
Skill: Magical Appraisal
Rank: N/A
Evolution Requirement: 500 souls
"Hmm, okay, let's see what Nexon can do. Pull up his abilities."
magical appraisal, Nexon's ability to evaluate items and resources is enhanced significantly. Here's how it could works for him.
1. Magical Appraisal: Nexon can instantly assess the magical properties, potential, and origin of any item, allowing him to determine its true value and identify rare or hidden qualities. This makes him highly effective in negotiations involving enchanted artifacts or rare materials.
2. Enchantment Recognition: He can detect spells or enchantments embedded within items, iden