章節 3: 3 Trial, Raid and the World.
By the time Leo finished his walk around the village, it was evening—around 8 p.m. His usual strolls didn't take this long, but tonight he had spent extra time practicing his newly acquired skills and spells. Tornado was a straightforward spell, summoning a massive vortex capable of destroying a small village. But it was Descent of Arrows that truly challenged him. He could create arrows from his energy similar to Material Creation, their numbers depending on how much power he invested, but controlling them with his will was a skill he was still struggling to master.
His thoughts were interrupted by a teasing voice that made him pause. "Ara, Chief, you should have told me you were coming back late. The food's getting cold, you know?"
Leo turned toward the source of the voice. A voluptuous woman with pale yellow hair and violet eyes stood there, wearing an apron that barely concealed her sinful figure. She exuded the essence of a milf—a role she embraced fully as the village's [Chef], and one of the few residents of the Town Hall.
"I know your skills keep the food fresh, so stop trying to guilt-trip me," Leo replied quickly, dismissing her teasing with practiced ease.
Her cheeks puffed in mock frustration, her playful demeanor shifting into one of affectionate concern. "Mou, you could have at least told me you were going to be late." She moved toward him, wrapping her arms around his hand and pressing it gently against her chest. The warmth of her embrace was undeniably distracting.
Leo fought to maintain composure, his face hardening slightly as he tried to keep his thoughts focused. "I'm your Chief. I don't need to inform you of everything I'm doing." He attempted to act calm, but the feeling of her softness made his efforts feel futile.
She looked up at him with a knowing, teasing glint in her eyes. "But, your father entrusted you to me, and I don't want to disappoint my creator. Should I tell him that his son is coming home late these days?"
Her words were barely a whisper, a breathy tease that sent a shiver down his spine. Leo groaned inwardly. She was reminding him of her other unofficial role—being his guide and caretaker in this new world. Though Leo would never admit it, her presence had become a source of comfort, necessary support in adjusting to the complexities of his new life.
Her playful tone softened, and she gave him one last teasing smile before stepping back. "Come on, let me make it up to you with something hot and delicious. I've been waiting for you."
Leo sighed, resigned to the inevitable. "You're impossible," he muttered, though the warmth in his chest wasn't entirely from frustration. It was from the undeniable connection they shared, a bond that was slowly growing stronger with each passing day.
"So, what's on the menu for tonight?" Leo asked, attempting to shift the conversation away from the teasing.
Venelana, the [Chef], responded with a satisfied smile. "Today's main dish is Angry Boar Steak. I hope you'll like it. I've added a little something special to it as well."
Leo, always appreciative of her cooking, didn't give much thought to her added surprise. He cut into the steak and took a bite, immediately getting lost in the explosion of flavors. No matter how many times he had tasted her food, it never ceased to amaze him. Even with his godly perks and enhanced senses, the sensation of eating her cooking was something entirely different. The tender meat melted in his mouth, the spices perfectly balanced, and the richness of the dish was enough to make him forget everything around him.
Venelana watched with a satisfied smirk, knowing she had him. Leo seemed to enter a food-induced trance, savoring every moment, only returning to reality once he'd finished the last bite.
After a few moments, Leo finally broke the silence, wiping his mouth with a napkin before looking at her with a serious expression. "I'm going to give you a name."
Venelana blinked, momentarily taken aback. It took a few seconds for his words to register, and when they did, she looked up at him, her eyes narrowing as she processed the weight of the statement.
She leaned back in her chair with a teasing grin. "My, my. Is this a proposal, Chief? I think we should get to know each other better first, don't you?" She watched him carefully, waiting for a reaction, but Leo merely stared back at her with a deadpan expression, his thoughts elsewhere.
Realizing that her usual teasing might not get the reaction she wanted, Venelana stopped, her smirk softening. "I'd be honored, Chief. If I am not already named, I will accept any name you choose for me."
With a graceful bow, she pinched the hem of her maid-like dress, the apron barely concealing her curves. Leo had no idea why she wore such a formal outfit while cooking, but he appreciated her effort.
Leo took a moment to think, already having the name chosen in his mind. "Venelana," he said firmly. "That will be your name from now on."
As soon as he spoke the words, he felt a subtle shift in the air, a slight drain of energy as a connection between them solidified. The act of naming her, something so simple in the grand scheme of things, had bound her to him in a deeper, more profound way. It was a recognition of her status—she was now not only his subordinate but her place in this world, in his world, was marked by the simple act of bestowing a name upon her.
Venelana stood straighter, her expression a mixture of surprise and gratitude. "Venelana..." she repeated the name softly as if testing the feel of it. Then, with a gentle smile, she nodded. "Thank you, Chief. I will live up to the name you have given me."
Leo nodded in acknowledgment, feeling the bond between them strengthen. He didn't fully understand the intricacies of the world he now inhabited, but he knew that naming someone carried weight here—something he'd have to continue to explore. For now, though, he was content with his decision.
"Now, if you'll excuse me," Leo said, standing up. "I have a few more things to take care of. Thank you for the meal, Venelana. As always, it was perfect."
Venelana watched him leave, her expression softening as she returned to her cooking, the warmth of his words lingering in her mind. She was no longer just the village chef; she was Venelana now, and her place in this world had changed forever.
The now-named Venelana had a look in her eyes that made Leo feel a mix of discomfort and unease. Her devotion was palpable, her gaze unwavering as though he was the very reason for her existence. It was a devotion he had never sought, but one that was clearly now tied to her in some way. Before he could react, she swayed and would have fallen, had Leo not quickly moved to catch her. Her body slumped into his arms, her back against his chest, and he instinctively held her securely around the abdomen, the situation demanding his attention.
As her weight settled against him, Leo could feel her breath on his chest, a steady rhythm that soon turned into soft, steady breaths. He realized she had fallen asleep in his arms. With a resigned sigh, Leo carefully carried her to her bed, laying her down gently. Her face was flushed red with embarrassment, but Leo couldn't help but note the peacefulness that seemed to radiate from her.
Once she was settled, he quietly left the room, stepping outside to the roof of the Town Hall. The cool night air greeted him as he gazed up at the sky. Unlike the city skyline he remembered, this world's sky was vast and dotted with countless stars, their light undisturbed by pollution or light pollution. The night was so much darker, yet more vibrant than he had ever seen. The forest surrounding the village added to the sense of serenity, while the distant chatter of villagers and the warm glow from a bonfire in the troop camp made the atmosphere feel alive and full of promise.
It was in moments like these that Leo's resolve to protect this place, to turn it into something more, solidified. It was no longer just a village...it was his responsibility, his dream. He couldn't afford to let it fall into ruin. He would make this place thrive, and build it into a kingdom.
Determined, he pulled up his quest log to check the recently completed tasks he had neglected.
[Nice and Tidy: Remove 500 obstacles.]
Rewards: 1000 Saplings, 10 Gems, 1000 Bone Meal, 1000 Apples, 5000 Logs.
Leo blinked at the rewards. "What is this? Minecraft?" he muttered under his breath. The tasks and rewards felt so... mundane, yet the practical applications were undeniable. The 5000 logs and apples alone could be incredibly useful for the village. The saplings, in particular, sparked an idea in his mind. Dryads, he thought. If he could get his hands on some dryads, he could grow trees efficiently. Planting trees became a possible strategy for long-term resource sustainability, especially if the dryads could speed up growth.
[Hunter: Hunt 100 beasts between C-B rank.]
Rewards: 10 Gems, 1000 Kg Meat, 100 Fodder.
Leo gave a half-hearted chuckle. "At least I got gems," he muttered, not overly impressed with the meat and fodder. It was useful, but not exactly the challenge he was hoping for.
[Discover New Troops: Unlock Wall Breaker.]
Rewards: Key to Graveyard of Kings, 100 Soul Elixir, 10 Gems, How to Make a Bomb for Dummies Book.
This last one caught his attention. "A Wall Breaker?" Leo said aloud, intrigued. Wall Breakers were often used in sieging operations, breaking down fortifications, and making them vulnerable to attack. Leo could use these troops, assuming the rewards were as useful as they seemed.
The key to the Graveyard of Kings, though, piqued his curiosity even more. What was it? He would have to investigate later.
The Soul Elixir would come in handy. And the book? The less said about that, the better. Leo made a mental note to check it later, though something told him it would be less fun than he expected.
"Well, that's some progress, I suppose," Leo mused, closing his quest log. He let his thoughts wander for a moment, contemplating his next moves. His dreams were within reach, and every step, even the small ones, counted toward building his future.
(After he checks GoK Key and Soul Elixir)
Leo sucked in a sharp breath as he reviewed the rewards from the completed quests. "This was unexpected," he muttered, eyeing the contents, but the weight of the situation was clear. He wasn't about to venture into the Graveyard of Kings unless he was capable of handling something as dangerous as pre-awakened Rimuru. Even the promise of Death Dragons wouldn't be enough to sway him. And as for the Wall Breakers, those could wait.
He glanced at the Soul Elixir in his hand, a rare and valuable item. "This... was a pleasant surprise," he admitted. Soul Elixirs were even rarer than Dark Elixirs, and though he had no immediate need for them, Leo knew that when the time came, it could be crucial. His mind already began to consider how best to use it. Power-ups? He didn't plan on using it unless necessary, but the options were there.
As he examined the vial, Leo thought about his next steps. "This will come in handy when I set up defenses for the raid," he said, turning to the quest log again. The Trial quest had already given him a clear focus: prepare the village for the inevitable attack from the Mountain Bandits.
[Quest - The Trial A thriving village always attracts greedy eyes, especially when it stands alone amid the forest.
Prepare your village to defend itself from a possible Mountain Bandit attack!
Danger - B+ to A- (Multiple Village Level) Enemy Deck: Bandit, the Rascals, Hog Riders, ??? Penalty: Loss of 70% of resources and 100 Gems, 50% of buildings destroyed, possible joining of the Bandit group. Reward: Mountain Bandits' Loyalty, Title, ???
Time Left: 22 Days, 23 Hours]
Leo's eyes lingered on the quest details. "Hog Riders are a problem," he murmured. Their ability to destroy structures quickly was troubling, but what worried him more was the uncertainty of the remaining enemy units. His only consolation was that he had 22 days to prepare.
But the Raid was even more daunting. The unknowns in the enemy deck had his mind racing, and the stakes couldn't be higher. Goblins were one thing, but the possibility of facing something else, something far worse, made him shiver. If the Mountain Bandits attacked first, there was a chance the goblins would strike during the aftermath, while the village was still recovering. Leo couldn't afford to let that happen.
[Quest - The Raid (After Passing the Trial) Peace is but an illusion unless you can force it into reality.
Prepare your village and allies (if any) to face the spawn of greed.
Danger - B+ to A (Hazard Class) Enemy Deck: Goblin Family, ???, ??? Penalty: Death of all, high chance of including you, village destruction, ??? Rewards: Campaign Map Unlocked, Access to Goblin Family, ???
Time Left: ???]
"Not happening," Leo muttered. The Raid quest was terrifying in its implications. The vague time limit and the unknown threats made it impossible to predict. He wasn't going to let these goblins destroy his village. No, he needed to fortify his defenses and train his people to be ready for anything.
His eyes drifted to the Soul Elixir again. While he wasn't going to use it just yet, it would be an invaluable asset when the time came. There was no point in rushing its use, but Leo had the feeling it would be critical when the trials began to unfold.
He thought briefly about the How to Make a Bomb for Dummies book he had received as a reward for unlocking the Wall Breaker. He didn't need the book to know how to make explosives, but something about the title gave him a moment of amusement. Still, the impending threats weighed heavily on his mind. The Trial and Raid would not wait for him to figure things out.
"I need to prepare my village," Leo said, his voice firm with determination. "I won't let them harm it."
The next 22 days would be crucial. He had to make sure the Mountain Bandits didn't do too much damage to his village, but he also couldn't ignore the looming Raid. His plans had to account for both. There was no room for error.
As Leo stared out over the village from the Town Hall roof, the weight of responsibility pressed down on him. This was no longer just about survival; it was about protecting the people who had placed their trust in him. His village, his people—he would do whatever it took to keep them safe. The challenges ahead might be dire, but Leo wasn't about to back down. His resolve was solid, and he was ready for whatever came next.
The lush expanse of Goblin Forest stretched out before him, hiding secrets he wanted to uncover. He had tried to track down the Mountain Bandits, but for some reason, they were proving as elusive as ghosts. The same went for the goblins. Despite the forest being named after them, not a single one had crossed his path.
Sure, he had found traces, broken structures, and remnants of what seemed like old goblin dens, but it felt as though the goblins had vanished into thin air.
"I have so many plans to strengthen my troops, but none of them are feasible right now," Leo muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Either I lack the resources, the strength, or simply the time."
It was moments like these that made him question the usefulness of his system. Sure, it had its perks, but compared to the overpowered starts of Otherworlders he'd read about, it felt underwhelming. Rimuru Tempest had begun his journey as a slime, a literal blob, and still managed to become one of the most powerful beings in the world. Meanwhile, Leo, supposedly the son of a god, was stuck micromanaging a village and struggling to gather basic skills.
"Why couldn't I get skills like those Otherworlders?" he grumbled. In Tensura, almost every successful summoning resulted in a Unique Skill, a cheat-like ability that set them apart. By that logic, Leo, as an Otherworlder and demigod, should have received one as well.
But he hadn't.
He had a few theories as to why.
"Maybe it's because of the barrier that separates the Clash World from the Central World," he mused aloud, pacing the small platform. The barrier was a colossal, invisible wall of magic that isolated the Clash World—his father's "sandbox" creation—from the main world of Tensura. Unlike the barrier surrounding his village, this one was on an entirely different level. It cut the Clash World off from the influence of the Voice of the World, the mystical system governing the laws of Tensura.
This isolation likely explained why he hadn't gained a Unique Skill, and why features like naming and the divine protection of the World Language were only just starting to take effect.
"Or maybe it's because Dad just yeeted me straight into this place without going through the proper summoning rituals," Leo added, kicking a stray pebble in frustration. "Or worse, maybe the system is my Unique Skill."
He hated to admit it, but the last theory seemed the most plausible. It would explain why his system was so integral to his survival. Still, the thought didn't make him feel any better.
The worst part? He knew the barrier wouldn't last forever.
"The barrier's already weakening," Leo muttered, a shiver running down his spine. He had seen signs of it—subtle changes like the appearance of naming effects and the slow creep of Central World's laws into the Clash World. When the barrier finally collapsed, the world he was in would be fully integrated into Tensura.
It wasn't hard to predict what would happen next.
"An entire island popping up out of nowhere? That's bound to attract attention," he said, rubbing his arms as a chill crept over him. "And not the good kind."
Leo's imagination painted a grim picture. The monarchs of the Clash World would likely rise to defend their territories, but how could they hope to stand against the monsters of Tensura?
He thought about the sheer power gap between the two worlds. The ultimate skill users alone would be enough to crush the Clash World. If by some miracle they managed to hold their own, there were still the True Dragons to contend with.
"And then there are those monsters," Leo muttered, his voice tinged with both dread and awe. "Milim Nava, Guy Crimson, and... Rimuru freaking Tempest. The main character."
Leo deliberately stopped himself from listing more names, partly to preserve his sanity and partly because he didn't want to think about it any further.
A strange mix of fear and excitement coursed through him at the thought of Tensura's world merging with his own. His instincts screamed at him that chaos was on the horizon, but deep down, there was also a flicker of anticipation—an eagerness to see just how far he could rise in the face of impossible odds.
"Focus, Leo," he said, shaking his head. "One problem at a time. You've got a month until the Goblin Lord's raid. Figure that out first, then worry about the apocalypse."
He took a deep breath and returned to the task at hand. The path ahead might be filled with uncertainty, but he was determined to survive and make his mark on this world, even if it meant clawing his way up from the bottom.
Leo sat back in his small, cramped study, his brows furrowed as he contemplated his situation. The faint glow of his system's interface lit the room, its options teasing him with possibilities. He couldn't help but grumble under his breath.
"Now I wish I'd paid more attention to that series," he muttered. When he'd skimmed Tensura, it was just for fun; he never expected his life to depend on that knowledge. "Who would've thought my dad would assume I loved the series enough to live in it?!"
He shuddered at the thought of his father making similar assumptions about other shows. Attack on Titan? No, thank you. Kill la Kill? He wasn't ready to fight half-naked psychos with overpowered scissors.
"At least it's not one of those worlds," he said, shaking his head. "But still, I've got goblins to deal with first before worrying about True Dragons or anyone named Rimuru freaking Tempest."
Leo's gaze hardened as he thought about the upcoming raid. Goblins, of all creatures, being a threat to his village felt absurd. Even in Tensura, goblins were considered weaklings, unless named by someone powerful. But this wasn't Tensura, not exactly.
The goblins here were... different.
The only reason he could think of for their elevated threat was that most of them were Goblin Giants, a stronger, B+ class threat—or some other variant. He prayed there weren't any Goblin Lords involved, as they were a solid A-rank threat at their peak. While his village wasn't flashy enough to attract a Goblin Lord, he still couldn't rule out the possibility.
"Either way, I've got to prepare. I can't let my villagers get slaughtered by spear-chucking gremlins."
Deciding to check the system's store for something useful, he scrolled through the available items. His eyes widened as he came across several enticing options.
Store Options:
Enchantment Table – 500 Gems (Legendary)
Allows the user to enchant items up to Epic quality. Higher-tier enchantments (Legendary) depend on luck.
Leo's lips twitched in irritation. "Legendary quality, huh? Knowing my luck, I'd end up with some lame buff like 'Slightly Sharper Knife.' Pass."
Book of Spells – 250 Gems (Epic)
A compilation of offensive, defensive, and utility spells. Grants basic proficiency upon use.
"Not bad," Leo murmured. "But I'll need something more practical for now."
Book of Enchantments and Runes – 600 Gems (Legendary)
Comprehensive guide to creating enchantments and runes. Allows the user to craft their magical upgrades.
"Costly," Leo muttered, "but it's worth the investment." He added it to his wishlist, knowing he couldn't afford it right now.
Nametag (10) – 50 Gems (Rare)
Allows the user to name creatures of inferior strength or those with eternal loyalty. The evolution process draws energy from the surroundings rather than draining the user.
Note: Can only name creatures of B+ rank or lower.
Leo froze. His eyes darted back to the Nametag option, rereading the description carefully. It wasn't cheap—50 Gems for a single tag, and he only had enough to buy one pack of ten—but the potential was undeniable.
Naming a creature wasn't just about giving it a fancy title. In Tensura, naming could trigger evolution, drastically increasing the power and intelligence of the creature named. If the Nametag worked as advertised, it could be a game-changer for his village.
Still, the energy cost of naming someone worried him. While the Nametag would pull from the environment for evolution, the process would undoubtedly leave a mark.
He hesitated for a moment longer before sighing. "No risk, no reward," he muttered, selecting the Nametag pack.
"Well, there go my gems," Leo said, leaning back in his chair. But as he stared at the glowing Nametags in his inventory, he couldn't help but feel a small flicker of hope.
"Let's see if this pays off," he said, a determined glint in his eye. If he could name a few of his villagers or even some tamed creatures, he might stand a chance against the goblins.
For the first time in days, he felt like he had a plan. And this time, it just might work.
Leo's footsteps echoed as he approached the Army Camp, the buzz of activity drawing his attention. As he entered, a chaotic but endearing scene greeted him.
The Barbarians were crowding around the Knights, their admiration focused on... their mustaches? "Really?" Leo thought, a mix of amusement and exasperation crossing his face.
The Archers were gathered near a bonfire, casually roasting marshmallows skewered on their arrows. One particularly sharp-eyed archer was mid-conversation but seemed completely unfazed by the GIANT looming behind her, trying (and failing) to stay out of sight. Meanwhile, the Lumberjacks were, for some reason, dancing with their logs like it was a festival.
Leo rubbed his temples. This is my army?
Shaking off the thought, he stepped forward, clearing his throat loudly. "Ahem."
No reaction.
"Hello, everyone," he said, his tone calm despite their inattentiveness. It wasn't entirely their fault—this was their rest period, after all.
The reaction was immediate—and hilarious.
The GIANT was caught off guard, flinched so hard he lost his balance and toppled backward, landing squarely on the bonfire. The Archers scrambled to save their marshmallows, and the Barbarians looked around sheepishly, clearly caught in their mustache fanboying.
Leo chose to ignore the crash and kept his voice steady. "So, everyone, I wanted to say I'm happy with your work lately, and as a reward, I'll be naming some of you today."
That got their attention.
In an instant, they straightened like seasoned soldiers, even the GIANT, who quickly dusted off ash from his fall. Seeing their enthusiasm filled Leo with pride.
He called forward the troops who had made the most progress over the past weeks, starting with the Barbarians who had become natural leaders in hunting teams.
"Blake and Baldur," he said as he placed naming tags around their arms, naming them.
Next came the Archers, their sharp eyes and discipline making them stand out.
"Mia and Arch," he named, watching as their postures straightened further, their eyes gleaming with renewed vigor.
The Knights were already strong, at a solid C-rank, but Leo knew naming them now would prepare them for greater battles.
"William, Marshal, and Edward."
The Lumberjacks, surprisingly versatile on the battlefield, were next.
"Mikhail and Alexie."
Finally, the GIANT stepped forward, his massive frame towering over Leo. "Atlas," Leo said, the name carrying his hopes that one day this giant might live up to the myth strong enough to carry the world.
The Aftermath
A wave of energy passed through the camp as the naming took effect. Leo felt the bonds between himself and his troops strengthen significantly. Though not as overwhelming as his connection with Venelana, the bond was undeniable. He could now summon these named soldiers with ease, their loyalty and strength more attuned to him than ever.
What surprised him most, though, was the reaction from the other troops. Rather than jealousy, they looked motivated—eyes burning with determination to be next in line for such an honor. Their unwavering faith in him was both humbling and a little nerve-wracking.
"Good work, everyone," Leo said, his voice filled with pride. "Keep improving, and your time will come."
After spending some time chatting with his troops and reassuring them, Leo made his way back to the Town Hall, exhaustion finally catching up to him. As he collapsed into his bed, he allowed himself a rare moment of relief.
For now, at least, things were going well.
~~~~~
Elsewhere
Far beyond the isolated Clash World, a celestial figure with a faintly glowing aura sighed heavily, watching his son's antics.
"Ugh, my idiot son," the Dad muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. Despite his complaints, there was a hint of fondness in his voice.
"At least he's not completely screwing things up... yet."
~~~~
I think editing chapters was not a good idea.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票