When asked if he wanted to dismantle the Ironclad Pen, Lucian firmly shook his head.
"Not a chance," he muttered. "The Ironclad Boars are still reliable in battle."
Leveling up the territory and unlocking new constructions would have to wait. For now, he carefully stored the Barracks blueprint in his inventory.
As Lucian contemplated his next moves, Lin Daiyu and Qin Keqing approached, their refined beauty impossible to ignore. The stark contrast between their personalities and styles of elegance made them a captivating pair.
Qin Keqing appeared far calmer than before, though her reserved demeanor and occasional timid glances betrayed her lingering nerves. Having learned from Lin Daiyu about the grim fate she'd escaped back in her original world, Keqing felt oddly fortunate to have been summoned here.
Though naturally passive and unassertive, she found herself gradually adapting to her new circumstances, trusting her quiet resilience to carry her forward.
"Lucian, weren't you planning to teach Keqing some skills?" Lin Daiyu asked, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Give her something useful. Perhaps something that matches her calm yet deadly demeanor?"
Lucian smiled and retrieved a Frost Breath spellbook from his inventory.
Frost Breath
Type: Spellbook
Quality: Rare
Effect: Grants the ability to cast the Frost Breath spell. Consumes mental energy as mana.
"Keqing, this should suit you," Lucian said, handing over the spellbook.
Qin Keqing hesitated before accepting it. Her delicate fingers ran along the cover as she opened it. The spellbook immediately dissolved into a stream of light, which surged into her body.
Keqing let out a soft gasp, her wide eyes flicking toward Lucian and Lin Daiyu. She looked almost ready to flee.
Lin Daiyu chuckled, patting her gently on the arm. "Don't be so nervous, Keqing. The first time always feels strange, but it's harmless."
"Relax," Lucian added. "You'll get the hang of it. Let's see how well it works."
Qin Keqing nodded shyly. She extended one pale hand, and an ethereal, translucent book appeared in her grasp—a manifestation of her innate ability, Moonlight Swordplay.
"Frost Breath!"
A frigid mist erupted from her palm, spreading in a wide cone. The ground quickly frosted over, and the air grew cold enough to make Lucian shiver.
"That's enough!" Lucian called out, rubbing his arms.
Keqing halted immediately, her face flushed with embarrassment. She glanced at the frosted earth and then at Lucian, an apologetic smile forming on her lips.
Lucian checked her status screen.
Frost Breath
Type: Magic
Quality: Rare
Level: 1 (0/200)
Damage: 30 + 30% of mental power
Effect: Slows and freezes enemies within its range.
"Not bad," Lucian remarked. "Area-of-effect magic with crowd-control properties. This will be useful in defending the territory."
Lin Daiyu smirked. "See? Keqing's already proving her worth."
Keqing beamed at the praise, her unease fading.
"Here, you'll need equipment to complement your magic," Lucian said, retrieving a few spare items. These included a pair of sturdy boots, a robe, and a simple amulet—all modest but serviceable.
Keqing accepted the items, examining a pair of boots with a quizzical look. "These are… boots?"
"They're protective," Lucian said, amused. "Don't underestimate them."
The three returned to the cabin for breakfast. Lucian set out steamed buns, bread, and milk from his inventory.
"Help yourselves," he said. "There's no need to be polite."
"Lucian's being so generous today," Lin Daiyu teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Lucian's expression darkened. He grabbed a steamed bun and shoved it into her mouth.
Caught off guard, Lin Daiyu let out a muffled protest, glaring at him as she chewed. Her indignant gaze softened, however, as the rich flavor of the bun reached her taste buds.
Qin Keqing stifled a laugh, her reserved nature giving way to quiet amusement.
The room filled with the comfortable sounds of shared laughter and the clinking of plates, a moment of peace amidst the challenges of their perilous world.