Weeks passed, and the camp steadily took shape. The land was cleared, and crops were planted with the help of animals. New homes were beginning to rise.
Ellia approached with news.
"My lord, a wolf pack attacked the livestock, but the guards dealt with it. There were also goblins—some of them attacked the forest camp during the night. We had some wounded."
"Anything serious?"
"No, my lord. A bit of healing magic and rest did the trick. The wounds weren't too deep."
Sigh… There's danger everywhere. I need to build some walls and towers.
"Anything else troubling the people?"
"My lord, after you ordered everyone to take family names, most people grouped with their relatives. But there haven't been any major problems."
"Tell them this—if anyone wants to start their own family, they can change their family name. Their children will take the new name and begin a new bloodline."
"Yes, my lord."
That should prevent families from growing too big, too fast. And maybe… I should think about mine, too.
Evander (to the system): Hey system, can I have a family too?
*[System: Yes, but do not get too attached to mortal women. Your children will carry divine potential—but mortals won't share that longevity.]
Evander: So my children could grow like me… even become deities?
[System: Yes. This is a unique bloodline trait.]
Later, I turned back to Ellia.
"How long until the construction and farming reach the minimum we need to survive the winter? We can't rely on hunting forever."
"Don't worry, my lord. With a bit of magic, we can speed up crop growth. You could even start collecting taxes after harvest. It should be a good one."
"Good. Make sure you and your sisters use your basic magic skills to help. Is Oric back?"
"Yes, he's cleaning up before reporting in."
"Send him to me."
Oric had been gone for three days. Surely, he had found something useful.
Oric's POV - The Day Before
I'd been scouting since yesterday morning. I was close now. Goblins had been active in this region.
Then I heard something—battle. I crept toward the sound and spotted a group of twenty goblins attacking ten beastkin. They were holding their own. I stayed hidden and followed them back to their settlement.
Back to Evander
I should go train after talking to Oric.
According to the system, I can grow stronger through both training and meditation. Meditation wasn't hard, but I noticed something strange—unlike the twins, who absorb magic into their bodies, I absorb it into my soul. They couldn't even try to do what I did. I really was different.
Evander (to the system): Would my children be like me?
[System: Yes. This is a bloodline ability.]
Interesting…
Oric entered with Ellia, both bowing.
"My lord."
"Report."
"Yes, my lord. As we know, there are many threats—goblins, orcs, dangerous wild animals. I traveled east and found a large goblin tribe. Two to three hundred strong, not counting females or cubs. They're disorganized and far enough away for now… but winter might drive them closer."
"More importantly," he continued, his tone growing serious, "I found a beastkin settlement to the north. It's near the mountain's edge. Not too high up."
I leaned forward.
"Tell me everything. Numbers, weapons, strength."
Oric nodded. "Their numbers match ours—about three hundred. Their weapons are basic: poorly made iron swords, axes, arrows. Their bows are low quality."
"And their strength?"
"They're not very strong. At most, like teenagers. They're about a head shorter than me."
So they're only slightly taller than humans… likely due to their beastkin blood.
I took a deep breath of relief.
"Very well. Spread this information to the others."
"Yes, my lord."
As Oric left, I turned to Ellia.
"Get my armor, shield, and spear. I'm going to train."
"Yes, my lord. Shall I call a training partner?"
"No. I'll train alone. Also, gather everyone for a meeting in the evening. Tell your sister to come too—I have something to discuss with both of you."
"Yes, my lord."
I walked to the courtyard. It was open, in the Roman style—a perfect training ground.
With Ellia's help, I put on my armor and began.
"Hup!"Strike. Block. Advance. Retreat.Over and over.
I trained for hours. I was exhausted, but progress was real. My body and magica stats had each gone up by two points over the week. Slower now, but steady.
I took off my armor and meditated.
Magic floated around me—small white orbs I pulled into my soul.
Maybe I should create a class system… Spartans as the top class. The rest beneath.
Should I conquer the beastkin? Make them bow? Is this my divine heritage talking?
Do I want to rule with slavery? If I do… there will need to be strict laws.
Whatever I decide, I'll make the beastkin my subjects.
A voice broke my thoughts.
"My lord, it's already dusk."
I opened my eyes. The sun had set.
I raised a hand, conjured water, and rinsed the sweat from my body. The magic stream cooled me off.
"Let's go, Ellia. Help me change. It's time for the meeting."
"Yes, my lord."
Ellia helped me change, and together we walked toward the meeting room.
When I entered, I saw five people already waiting. They stood and bowed the moment they saw me.
"You may be seated," I said. "Report if there's anything important. How are the tasks I assigned progressing?"
One of the guards stepped forward first."My lord, fifty of us are patrolling and guarding the camp. So far, we haven't encountered any strong enemies. There were a few orcs, but they were unorganized and no stronger than an average fighter."
I nodded."Good. Continue your patrols."
Next came the hunting team leader."My lord, we've been hunting in the forest and came across some goblins — we eliminated them. I also sent scouts to explore the surrounding areas. Other than the beastkin tribe I reported earlier, there's nothing significant."
"Alright. I want you to send more scouts and gather as much information as possible. Oric and the captain — make sure everyone is prepared for battle. I want that settlement, and the sooner we move, the better."
I motioned for the others to continue.
"My lord, Elin and I worked together with the animals to carry lumber and assist with the farms. We've constructed temporary shelters and cleared the first plots. They should be ready in two weeks."
Another man added,"My lord, if we're talking about sturdy, long-term homes, building enough for everyone will take around three months."
Elin chimed in next,"Yes, my lord. Everything is progressing quickly. In two weeks, we can start proper farming."
"That's good," I said. "I'll have the twins craft rune stones to boost crop growth. With those, we should be able to harvest in a month — even though it would normally take three to four months."
"We're still relying heavily on hunting," one of them reminded me. "The sooner we can harvest, the better."
"Agreed. Lastly, I want every family — which should be at least sixty by now — to have their own farmland. Once the land is cleared, divide it fairly. Each family will be responsible for planting and managing their own plot."
"Runes for crop growth will be available at the manor. Taxes will be set at fifty percent after the harvest begins."
"Spread the word. If there's nothing else, you may return to your duties. Ellia, Allia — you stay."
The others bowed and left. The twins remained.
"My lord, what are your orders?" Allia asked.
I paused, thinking carefully about how to speak."Sisters... I won't force anything on you. But I want to ask you something."
"We're listening, my lord," they said in unison.
"Do either of you... want to have children?"
They blinked, stunned. Their mouths opened slightly as they stared at me.Yeah, maybe I should've said that more gently.
Hey, system. Any advice?
[Relax first. They were sent by your mother to serve you — that's one. Second, explain what you mean. You're not just chasing romance — it's about your desire to create a family. That feeling comes from your past two lives. Just talk to them.]
You're right...
"Look... as you know, I'm godborn. I can't truly fall in love with mortals, but I have this overwhelming need to build a family. It's like an obsession, something I've carried from my previous lives."
"I want you two to become my women. That's it. You can think about it and decide. I won't push you."
They looked at each other for a moment, then Ellia spoke softly."My lord, you don't need to worry. We are your maids. If this is your command... we will obey."
"...Alright. You can go and rest now."
"Yes, my lord."
System? I feel conflicted. Is this my blood talking again?
[Don't think badly of yourself. I know what you're feeling. It's your blood — part of your divine heritage. But that doesn't mean you can't find someone you truly love in the future. For now, follow your instincts.]
Maybe you're right... I just have this strong desire for a family.
[You're free to live however you choose. You're a demigod. That desire for legacy, for creation — it's in your nature.]
Sigh. I'll do whatever I want. For now… I'm tired.
Let's go to sleep.