The arrival of the Void Crystals and Void Origin Stones couldn't have been better timed.
Lucian waved his hand, storing the resources in his inventory before turning his attention to the other items.
The Skeleton Knight Job Certificate caught his eye. Usable by heroes who reached Level 10, the blue-grade certificate allowed for a class transfer.
"This one doesn't suit my needs. Maybe I'll trade it later," he murmured and stashed it away.
As for the equipment and skill books, he sighed in disappointment.
"All gray and white-quality, with levels ranging from 5 to 15. Too bland to be exciting, yet too rare to toss away."
Next, his gaze fell on the two new territory buildings he acquired: the Flame Burst Tower and the Apartment.
His eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"I've heard about the might of Flame Burst Towers. If ordinary towers can upgrade into Palatial Towers, what transformation awaits these special ones?"
Excitement coursing through him, Lucian placed the two structures onto his territory.
The models expanded under the breeze, forming a towering inferno-like structure and a modest apartment in the distance.
[Flame Burst Tower] (+)
[Apartment] (+)
With no hesitation, Lucian clicked the upgrade button on both.
A radiant light of five colors enveloped the structures, and for the next ten seconds, dazzling brilliance covered the area.
When the light faded, both buildings had undergone stunning transformations.
The Flame Burst Tower had grown five meters taller, evolving from a rounded tower into a sturdy square fortress. At its apex, a rotating prism supported a carved image of a majestic phoenix wreathed in flames.
[Flame Trial Tower]
Type: Defensive Tower
Level: 1 (0/500)
Ability: Flame Trial (Level 1)
Cooldown: 10 seconds
Attack Range: 2,000 meters
Stock: 10/10
Description: The flames of judgment shall consume all.
"A new spell?" Lucian narrowed his eyes, intrigued.
The term Flame Trial wasn't something he had encountered before, but its presence suggested it was far more potent than ordinary Flame Burst attacks.
However, advancing it to Level 2 required 500 Void Origin Stones.
"Highway robbery!" Lucian grumbled, but he clenched his teeth and pushed it to Level 5 in one go.
Void Origin Stones -5,000!
Next, Lucian turned to the Apartment, which had transformed into a magnificent palace.
[Astral Palace]
Type: Residential Building
Level: 1 (0/200)
Abilities: Focus (Level 1), Regeneration (Level 1)
Rooms: 20
Description: An ancient palace of unparalleled luxury, believed to have vanished from history.
The palace exuded an air of opulence, its red brick walls adorned with golden motifs. Intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes decorated its beams, and even its doors were crafted from high-quality purple sandalwood.
"Well, no more sleeping in the cabin for me," Lucian mused with a smile.
Yet, as he glanced at the palace, a pang of nostalgia hit him. The cramped cabin, where the three of them had huddled together, had its own kind of charm.
"Ah, there's no time to get sentimental. With 30 days in the trial, the rewards will dictate everything. Sentiment can wait."
He placed the Flame Trial Tower near the Rain of Fire Tower, ensuring their destructive power overlapped efficiently.
The Astral Palace caught the attention of Lin Daiyu and Qin Keqing.
"A palace?" Qin Keqing exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with amazement. "Young Master, you summoned a palace?"
Lucian turned, grinning. "Yes! What do you think? Looks good, doesn't it?"
"It's beautiful." Qin Keqing blushed, lowering her gaze shyly.
Lin Daiyu, however, chuckled softly. Her eyes twinkled mischievously.
"Such a small palace, Young Master. If you're planning on managing six departments and three courts someday, I'm afraid this won't be enough!"
Lucian's face darkened. "Go pick a room before I change my mind!"
Qin Keqing curtsied with a soft, "Then, Young Master, I shall take my leave to choose a room."
Her steps were light and eager as she hurried toward the palace.
Lin Daiyu, however, remained motionless.
"Aren't you going?" Lucian asked, tilting his head.
"Someone like me…" Lin Daiyu's voice turned melancholic. "I've always lived humbly. Such grandeur doesn't suit me."
Lucian's gaze softened. "What? Planning to keep me company in the cabin?"
A faint warmth bloomed in his chest, but he masked it with a teasing grin. "I'll have the cabin demolished soon. Either pick a room in the palace or stay with me."
"Wh-who wants to stay with you!" Lin Daiyu's face flushed crimson. Her watery eyes betrayed her flustered emotions.
"I'm just… worried about your safety!"
With that, she turned on her heel, leaping tens of meters in an instant, vanishing from view.
Lucian stared at the direction she disappeared, a smile lingering on his lips.
"Well, I suppose I should get back to work," he murmured, setting his sights on dismantling one of the barracks.