Now, the two made their way through the town at a slow but steady pace.
The streets were bustling, but the dense pressure from the dark knights that surrounded them made the crowd part without resistance, like someone slicing a line through butter.
People didn't need to be told to step aside, they just did, their eyes wide, their voices hushed.
Mize walked with a floating grace, his bare feet gliding inches off the ground.
He didn't even pretend to try walking any longer.
His posture was loose but elegant, like a weightless dancer, while Elias matched his pace beside him with a more grounded stride.
One walked; the other glided.
The contrast only amplified the attention they drew.
Mize noticed the gradually increasing number of people following them.
The points increased that was one thing for sure.
Though to avoid stirring up unnecessary trouble, Mize had wrapped a thin veil over the lower half of his face.
It covered from his nose down, obscuring his mouth and the curve of his jawline.
Only his eyes and the pale white hair were left visible.
That was enough. The veil wouldn't erase his presence or dull his aura, but at the very least, it'd reduce the risk of people dropping to their knees in stunned reverence every few seconds.
'needs to create a skill for this issue later' Mize inwardly thought within, lips curling underneath with his eyes half squinting toward the rows of crowd around them.
'points are required but unnecessary issues aren't either, gotta balance the two'
The dark knights created a neat perimeter, blocking anyone from getting too close.
With that, the journey remained calm.
People still stared, whispering and pointing, but no one dared approach.
And the passive flow of charm points continued to build in the background.
Mize didn't need to hear the rumours directly to know what was happening. Words spread like wildfire when it came to someone like him.
An angel had descended!!
The Lord of Humanity married a divine being!
A jaw-dropping angel now lived among them!
Anyone saw the angel's feet?
That sort of nonsense was definitely flying around already.
Mize could just feel it. Even without doing anything, he could tell today would be a good harvest for charm points.
Step one: appearance. With just 71 points in beauty, he could casually charm entire crowds if he wanted. He didn't even need to speak.
Step two: leave a deep impression.
So from now on, public appearances will become a regular thing.
Not just around town either, he had plans to visit the far outskirts too, wherever the commoners lived and wherever his name hadn't quite sunk in yet.
Especially those places that the natives of this world lived in, 'They would make a good point farm', He mused.
He let out a soft breath, more of a quiet grumble than a sigh, brushing a loose strand of hair behind his ear.
Sometimes, having all this natural talent really felt more like a punishment than a blessing.
"Hard to chill in a nightmare-difficulty world," Mize muttered under his breath.
"Your Highness?" Elias asked, tilting his head slightly, his brows lifting as he picked up on the quiet words.
Even standing close like this, the charm Mize exuded didn't affect Elias much since he was well prepared this time.
He knew how to suppress it with his cultivation. Plus, the veil helped muffle some of the impact.
Mize gave a lazy shake of his head and replied, his voice calm and soft, "Nothing. Just thinking about some stuff."
"I see." Elias nodded. The silence that followed lasted a few more paces before he spoke again, glancing sideways. "Forgive me for bringing this up so suddenly, but… what do you think of the territory's current development?"
Mize blinked, mildly surprised.
Of all the people in the management circle, he was probably the least qualified to speak on that.
He'd been a failing student back on Earth, barely scraped through a butchered high school curriculum.
Even thinking of himself as a city planner felt ridiculous.
But Elias had asked, and Mize wasn't about to hold back if someone was genuinely asking for his opinion.
He brushed a strand of hair to the side, his voice drifting out naturally. "Honestly? The town's been developing pretty fast."
Elias stayed quiet, listening attentively as his eyes roamed the buildings they passed. His back straightened a bit as Mize continued.
"From what I've seen, the administrative policies are well-structured. The layout's practical, and the rules so far have been decent. Nothing oppressive, nothing overbearing."
Mize saw the faint pride in Elias's expression, the slight lift in his posture. It was subtle but noticeable.
But then Mize added, "That said, I'm still not entirely satisfied."
Elias froze mid-step. "Oh?"
Mize halted too and turned toward him. "To begin with... there's a serious lack of decorations."
Elias blinked once.
Then again.
And then a third time, his expectations quickly deflating.
Decorations?
Of all things, that wasn't what he'd expected to hear.
He had been hoping for strategic advice, or maybe a suggestion about supply chains, military zones, or anything remotely relevant.
But no.
Decorations.
The conversation from the one before this gave him a high opinion of Mize. The way Mize carried his words, the gestures and the tone. Everything was perfectly crafted back then, like an experienced leader who could lead the people.
But now, he sighed.
'Perhaps her highness is only suitable for moral guidance for the territory. Her wisdom in it is far better than numerous other scholars I have talked to '
'but then... ' He smiled, a bit bewildered as he found it to be rather funny how everything had two sides to a coin, 'Her Highness lacks in management and other related skills which is what the Lord has. While the lord lacks compassion and suitable ideologies and thoughts for the people '
'One is light while the other is darkness, they suit each other'
"Yes. Decorations," Mize said with a firm nod, his eyes glinting with conviction.
"There's no flair. No aesthetics. No artistry. It's all functional, which is fine, but boring."
"How are we supposed to attract more people here with these plains roadside lamps?"
He glanced sideways toward a nearby building and gestured.
"Like, couldn't we have some nice carvings, a bit of texture on the walls? Maybe lanterns, fountains, hanging plants, statues, stuff that makes a place feel alive."
Elias fought the urge to sigh and instead leaned into his role, nodding respectfully as he offered praises like, "Indeed, your highness is remarkably insightful."
"Of course!" Mize laughed gracefully, eyes comically widened into a perfect circle with his hands hovering before his mouth, "Ho Ho Ho Ho!"
The laugh was deliberately dragging, the tone light, almost too high-pitched for his usual self. Though to this, Elias simply sighed and continued praising Mize's of his wits.
"But of course" Mize suddenly paused in his steps, eyes turning to the side, noticing the sight of a frail-looking boy hiding behind a trash can on the corner.
Curiously dabbing his wide innocent eyes towards them through the gaps of the dark Knight figures.
Mize hummed, retracting his gaze, as he gave a casual wave towards the boy's direction.
An exclamation sounded as the boy's dirty clothes and pale complexion were altered under Mize's will.
And Mize continued, his tone light and graceful, "I would hope for the people to live a better life here... "
"I understand, Your Highness" Elias smiled, noticing Mize's hidden movement with a deep sense of appreciation within, "With all of my soul, I will dedicate myself to creating the envisioned territory under the Lord and Your Highness expectations"
The walk resumed.
Mize didn't mind the compliments. It was nice to be appreciated for his mind, for once.
Sure, his looks were always going to stand out, but getting attention for his ideas? That was satisfying differently.
Eventually, they arrived at the west end of town. Fewer buildings stood here, and the foot traffic had thinned.
Most of the people they passed were workers tied to the lord's agricultural fields and lumber operations.
In the centre of the area stood a vast open space, easily large enough to fit several football fields. Elias gestured toward it.
"By the Lord's orders, I was to provide Your Highness with a development site for your dungeon project," he explained. "This is the best location I could secure."
Mize crossed his arms over his chest, leaning slightly to one side.
Elias, wisely, avoided looking directly at the generous curve pressed beneatarmoure's folded arms.
He kept his eyes slightly averted, just enough to remain respectful, and sane.
"Well?" Elias asked, forcing a polite smile. "What do you think, your Highness?"
Mize studied the area and frowned. "Nope. This isn't it."
"Ah…"
"Don't worry. I have a better spot in mind," Mize said, raising a hand and pointing toward the horizon.
"The plains?" Elias followed the gesture, his expression morphing from confused to stunned. "Your highness mean that empty land outside the walls?"
"What else?" Mize gave him a look, then began drifting toward the town's edge.
Elias hesitated, then broke into a quiet laugh and followed. His expression shifted from concern to cautious amusement.
The closer they got to the gate, the fewer buildings they passed. Eventually, for hundreds of meters, there was nothing but a marble road and empty land.
Mize gave a passing glance at the surroundings, then casually said, "Don't build any more factories inside the town."
"Huh?" Elias looked surprised, but Mize didn't elaborate. He just floated ahead, his veil rippling gently.
Elias nodded silently and picked up the pace.
When they finally reached the outer gate, Mize offered a small nod to the sentries, then ascended with ease, gliding above the battlements like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Elias opted for a different approach. He crouched, then launched himself upward in a single smooth jump, landing beside Mize atop the stone wall.
"There," Mize said, his voice quiet but sure as he looked out over the vast plains ahead. A towering wall loomed in the far distance, marking the territory's outer boundary.
"This is where I want my dungeon."
He started forming the image in his mind. A twisted forest. Dense fog hanging low between the roots.
Thick vines curled around every tree, the air heavy and still.
The sky is hidden under tangled branches. Dim lighting that made every step feel uncertain. The terrain itself would betray sound, crunching underfoot, alerting nearby threats.
And monsters. He still remembered the four five-star cards he'd bought.
He flicked his wrist, summoning the cards from his storage ring. They floated before him in a neat line.
[Spawner Summoning Card]
1. [Slithering Python]
[Description]: A fierce yet reclusive creature that prefers lurking beneath the forest floor. Generally passive unless provoked, but once engaged, it strikes with terrifying lunging power and an unyielding coiling grip. Its dark, glossy scales blend seamlessly with the undergrowth, making it difficult to spot until it's too late.
[Potential Drop]:
Dark Oil Gland [Can be used for item synthesis, lubrication materials, alchemical enhancements]
Hardened Igis Skin [Can be used for smithing, building materials, rune inscription, potion concocting, heat transfer mediums]
Slithering Eyes [Can be used for curse item creation, potion and pill concocting, spellbook creation, rune medium, dark spell inscription, charm crafting, warding against evil spirits]
50 - 150 copper coins
[Realm]: Tier 0 - Tier 5
[Spawn Rate]: 300 - 500 per 10km worth of area (commonly found near tree roots, swampy grounds, and shaded canopies).
2. [Verdant Fangwolf]
[Description]: A cunning and territorial predator that moves in coordinated packs. Known for its swift ambush tactics and venomous fangs that can paralyze prey. The alpha of the pack possesses enhanced intelligence and can emit a chilling howl to intimidate weaker creatures.
[Potential Drop]:
Wolf Fang Dagger Core [Can be used for weapon crafting, rune inscription, beast taming tools]
Venomous Saliva Gland [Can be used for poison crafting, alchemy, paralysis agents, assassination tools]
Wolfhide Pelt [Can be used for armor crafting, enchantments, insulation materials, beast-taming gear]
Howling Spirit Stone [Rare drop, can be used for sound-based spells, beast contracts, mind-affecting enchantments]
50 - 200 copper coins
[Realm]: Tier 1 - Tier 6
[Spawn Rate]: 100 - 300 per 10km worth of area (varies depending on terrain and proximity to other predator nests).
3. [Creeping Mossfiend]
[Description]: A sentient plant-like creature that disguises itself as part of the forest floor, ambushing unsuspecting prey with thorny tendrils. Its regenerative abilities make it a persistent threat unless its core is destroyed. It spreads spores that induce hallucinations, making navigation difficult for intruders.
[Potential Drop]:
Living Vine Tendrils [Can be used for potion concocting, binding materials, weapon augmentation, sentient plant experiments]
Mossfiend Core [Rare drop, can be used for alchemy, necrotic enchantments, puppet creation, living armor experiments]
Hallucinogenic Spores [Can be used for poison creation, illusion-based spells, sensory disruption pills]
Absorption Bark [Can be used for absorbing spiritual energy, defense-focused gear, curse mitigation]
400 - 700 silver coin copper coins
[Realm]: Tier 2 - Tier 5
[Spawn Rate]: 150 - 600 per 10km worth of area (thrives in dark, humid regions).
4. [Ironclad Razorback]
[Description]: A heavily armored boar-like beast covered in thick metallic scales. Its reinforced skull allows it to charge through obstacles with devastating force. Razor-sharp tusks can slice through steel, making it a terrifying foe in open terrain. Unlike other creatures, its hide gradually hardens with age, making older specimens nearly impervious to conventional attacks.
[Potential Drop]:
Ironhide Plates [Can be used for armor forging, defensive enchantments, fortification materials]
Razorback Tusk [Can be used for weapon crafting, beast taming tools, curse inscription]
Bloodstone Core [Rare drop, can be used for vitality-enhancing potions, berserker techniques, reinforcement talismans]
Heavy Hoof Fragments [Can be used for reinforcement runes, seismic-based spells, impact-based formations]
200 - 700 golden coin[Tier 1] copper coins
[Realm]: Tier 4 - Tier 7
[Spawn Rate]: 30 - 70 per 10km worth of area (prefers deep forest regions with mineral-rich soil).