Lord of Avalon : Lost in Another World

That evening, after a quiet dinner with Yui, Ardi felt at peace as he walked into the Lord's Office. The room was dimly lit, with candlelight casting soft shadows on the walls. The lingering scent of Yui in the air made him smile as he sat at his desk.

Tonight, he was determined to finish planning the future of Minori Village. His eyes focused on the virtual Live Map displayed on the panel before him. The designs were laid out, and now it was time to finalize the blueprint that would shape the village.

"Ready to work, Anata?" Yui's voice came from behind him. She was still glowing softly in her fairy form, her wings shimmering in the low light.

Ardi turned to her with a small smile.

"Of course. I just need to finish the last few details. The village has to be fully prepared."

Yui floated over and perched on his shoulder, watching him with warm eyes.

"I'm sure Minori will become a beautiful place under your leadership."

Ardi chuckled, gently running a hand through her silver hair.

"It's a team effort. The villagers are working just as hard as I am."

Turning back to the screen, Ardi focused on the Eastern Sector. He confirmed that the Fairy Spring of Abundance was already surrounded by four Rice Paddies, two Cherry Orchards, and two Fish Hatcheries—enough to keep the village well-fed. To ensure a stable water supply, he added Water Wheels powered by Windmills.

"I'll add more here," Ardi muttered, placing 40 farmhouses along the perimeter. "This will give them homes close to their work. I should also build roads for easy access."

Yui nodded approvingly.

"The villagers will love how convenient everything is. It's all coming together so nicely."

Smiling, Ardi added Apiaries near the grasslands to produce honey and wax for the village. Seeing the map take shape filled him with satisfaction.

Moving on to the Northern Sector, Ardi checked on the Forge, Lumber Camp, Artisan Workshop, and Clay Pit & Kiln. These buildings were already in place, and for now, there was nothing else to add. The village's crafting and production needs were covered.

Next, he focused on the Central Sector. His Daimyo Manor stood at the heart of the village, surrounded by important buildings like the Shinto Shrine, School, and Dojo. To improve housing for personal workers like Megumi, Keisuke, Misako, Ren, and many more. he carefully added five farmhouses within the manor grounds, ensuring they were close to their workplaces.

"I think it's time to build a Moon Well near the shrine," Ardi said thoughtfully. "The village needs a place of peace and purity."

Yui smiled warmly.

"You always know exactly what the village needs, Master."

The Western Sector was still empty, so Ardi carefully placed key military buildings: the Barracks, Stables, Archery Range, Siege Workshop, and Gunsmith. As a final touch, he added the Arcane Sanctum—a place to study magic and strengthen the village's mystical knowledge.

"I'll need a space for research and training," Ardi murmured, tracing his fingers over the map. "Magic might play a big role in the village's future."

Yui tilted her head.

"So, you're planning to strengthen Minori's military too?"

"Of course," Ardi said confidently. "But I want balance—our village should thrive, not isolate itself. We need strong defenses, but also a way to grow peacefully."

Yui placed her small hand over his.

"You always think ahead, don't you?"

Ardi smiled at her support.

"I have to. But honestly, I couldn't do any of this without you, Yui."

Finally, Ardi turned to the Southern Sector, where he built a Dock along the river to make trading and transportation easier.

With a satisfied sigh, he zoomed out of the map to inspect the entire layout. His eyes moved to the Palisade Walls & Gates, which now enclosed the village in a 300-meter radius, reinforced by a Moat and Watchtowers for extra security.

"Everything's in place," he said, leaning back in his chair. He was tired, but satisfied. "We're ready for the next stage."

Yui, sensing his exhaustion, perched on his shoulder again.

"You worked so hard, Master. I'm proud of you."

Ardi closed his eyes for a moment, resting his head against his hand.

"We've only just started, Yui. But with you by my side, I know we can make Minori Village a place where everyone can live in peace."

Yui leaned against his cheek, her voice soft.

"I believe in you, Master. And I'll always be here."

Outside, the night air grew colder, but inside the office, the warmth between them was undeniable.

Together, they watched the stars in silence, filled with a shared resolve—to build a strong, thriving village, and to keep walking forward, side by side.

The cool night breeze rustled through the neatly trimmed trees of Ardi's private garden, carrying the faint scent of blooming jasmine. Moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting soft shadows across the gravel paths and koi pond.

Near a stone lantern, a figure stood motionless—Ren, the veteran shinobi of Minori Village.

Ardi approached at a relaxed pace, then activated his Nexus Garb, shifting its form into a sleek black shinobi outfit. His Omniblade, now in the shape of a ninjatō, rested securely on his back. As he adjusted his outfit, he noticed Ren shaking his head slightly, a subtle sign of amusement.

Ren sighed. "My Lord, dressing like a shinobi doesn't automatically make you one."

Ardi smirked. "Maybe not, but at least I'll look the part while failing spectacularly."

Ren gave him a knowing look. "Are you sure about this?"

"What, you don't think I can do it?" Ardi raised an eyebrow.

Ren crossed his arms. "It's not that. Most lords leave these things to their shinobi. But you... I should've expected this from you."

Ardi chuckled. "Then you should already know I won't back down. Let's get started."

Ren nodded and gestured toward a stone pathway. "We'll begin with silent movement. A shinobi must be able to move unseen and unheard."

He lifted his foot and placed it down in a precise manner—heel first, rolling smoothly onto the ball of his foot. Despite walking on gravel, there was barely a sound.

Ardi copied the motion, stepping lightly onto the stone—

Crunch.

Ardi frowned. "This is harder than it looks."

Ren remained expressionless. "Your weight distribution is off. Too much pressure at the wrong moment, and the ground betrays you. Again."

Ardi took a deep breath, focusing. Heel first… roll forward… smooth transition...

Crunch.

Ren sighed. "My Lord, you're walking like an armored warrior, not a shadow."

Ardi groaned. "I've been walking normally my whole life. Give me a break."

Ren's voice remained firm. "The enemy won't give you a break. Again."

Narrowing his eyes, Ardi tried again. This time, he carefully controlled his balance, distributing his weight evenly.

Silence.

Ardi smirked. "I think I got—"

Crunch.

Ren gave him a look.

"...Never mind."

They repeated the drill over and over, with Ren correcting Ardi's posture and movements. By the twentieth attempt, Ardi finally crossed the path without making a sound.

Ren nodded. "Better. Not perfect, but an improvement."

Ardi stretched his shoulders. "Alright, what's next?"

Ren led Ardi to a tall sakura tree. "Now, silent climbing."

Ardi looked up at the thick branches. "...This should be fun."

Ren leaped up effortlessly, using the trunk as leverage to ascend swiftly. He perched himself on a branch and looked down at Ardi. "Your turn."

Ardi placed his hands on the bark and jumped—only for his foot to slip. He barely caught himself before falling back down.

Ren observed. "Too much force. Feel the structure beneath your fingers before committing to the next movement."

Ardi gritted his teeth and adjusted his grip. Taking a deep breath, he climbed again—more controlled this time. Step by step, he ascended, his Ultimate Adaptation helping him fine-tune his movements.

Soon, he reached Ren's level.

"Not bad," Ren acknowledged.

Ardi exhaled. "Took a few tries, but—"

Snap!

A loose twig beneath his foot cracked, breaking the silence.

Ren sighed. "My Lord, if this were a real mission, you'd be dead."

Ardi groaned. "Good thing I'm not sneaking into an enemy stronghold… yet."

Ren smirked. "Yet."

They continued training, refining Ardi's movements. Though he still made mistakes, each repetition helped him improve.

By the end of the session, Ardi sat on a high branch, wiping sweat from his brow. "This... was more exhausting than I thought."

Ren gave a rare, small smile. "That means you're doing it right."

Ardi chuckled and gazed up at the moon. I'm really learning how to be a shinobi, huh?

Ren nodded. "Not bad, My Lord."

Ardi stretched his sore muscles. "Understood. Let's continue this tomorrow."

Ren bowed. "Of course, My Lord. Rest well."

As Ren disappeared into the night, Ardi let out a satisfied sigh.

Then he noticed Yui, floating nearby with her arms crossed and a small pout on her lips.

"You were supposed to be resting," she huffed.

Ardi chuckled, pulling her close. "I was training, not overworking."

Yui narrowed her eyes. "Then how about I make sure you actually rest?"

Before Ardi could protest, Yui grabbed his hand and dragged him toward their chambers.

Maybe being captured by his fairy was a lesson in stealth he'd never escape.