The grove was no longer the fragile, unassuming patch of wilderness Selene had arrived at on her first day. The towering walls shimmered with crystalline and fiery accents, the Fae Queen’s castle stood tall and balanced in its dark and light splendor, and her newly built hunting lodge hummed with Fae magic, drawing creatures to its vibrant energy. Yet, Selene knew this was only the beginning. She had expanded her territory and fortified her defenses, but with power came attention.

  《System Alert: Day 3》

  The message was brief but clear. Selene had no time to waste. She opened her grove’s management interface and was immediately met with a familiar prompt.

  《Court of the Fae Lords is alive with mystical energy!》

  《Do you want to summon two Fae Lords?》

  《Yes》《No》

  Selene selected 《Yes》, and the Fae Circle at the heart of the grove flared to life once more. The glowing sigils spiraled outward, and two figures emerged from the light.

  The first was a commanding presence, tall and wreathed in swirling blue-green mist. His form shimmered like water in the sunlight, and his deep eyes seemed to hold the secrets of the seas. He bowed with regal grace.

  “I am the Fae Lord of Tides,” he said, his voice carrying the calm and power of ocean waves. “A Tier 2 Fae Lord. I command water sprites, mist elementals, and tidal beasts. My domain brings flow and balance, and I serve you, Queen of Balance.”

  The second figure was smaller but no less impressive. She emerged from the light surrounded by golden sparks, her form glowing like sunlight filtered through autumn leaves. Her armor was delicate yet fierce, and she carried a golden spear.

  “I am the Fae Lord of Light,” she said, her voice clear and bright. “A Tier 1 Fae Lord. I command radiant sprites and lightborn guardians. My power lies in illuminating the battlefield and guiding the way. I am yours to command.”

  Selene nodded, already imagining how the two new Fae Lords could enhance her grove’s growing strength. “Welcome. Claim your places in the castle.”

  The Fae Lords approached the structure and placed their hands on its surface, just as the others had done. The transformation was breathtaking. The black side of the castle, now housing Snow and Shadows, shimmered with an overlay of rippling water, while the white side gained golden, glowing accents to complement Ember and Forest’s sections.

  《System Alert: Castle Upgraded!》

  《The castle reflects the growing harmony of the Queen and her Fae Lords.》

  Selene stepped back, taking in the sight. Each new addition to her grove felt like a step closer to understanding the power she now wielded—and the responsibility that came with it.

  Selene turned her attention to the grove’s ongoing development. The hunting lodge had already attracted several new creatures, which her fire sprites were busy tending to. Meanwhile, the frost sprites worked tirelessly on the grove’s defenses, reinforcing the walls with stone and magical enhancements.

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  As she reviewed her resource inventory, a new system prompt appeared:

  《System Alert: External Threat Detected》

  《A group of hostile beasts has entered your expanded territory. Eliminate them to secure your resources and maintain control.》

  Selene cursed under her breath. She knew the expansion would draw attention, but she hadn’t expected trouble so soon. She turned to Ember, who was already grinning in anticipation.

  “Hostiles in the territory,” Selene said. “Take the fire foxes and lightborn guardians. Shadows, send a few shadowlings to flank them. Forest, stay back and reinforce the grove’s defenses.”

  The Fae Lords nodded, moving quickly to execute her orders. Selene watched as Ember and Light led their forces into the woods, their combined fire and light blazing like a beacon. Shadows melted into the darkness, his shadowlings disappearing without a trace.

  The battle was swift and decisive. The hostile beasts—a pack of massive, wolf-like creatures—were no match for the coordinated assault. Ember’s fire foxes scorched the beasts from a distance while Light’s radiant guardians blinded and disoriented them. Shadows and his shadowlings picked off stragglers with ruthless efficiency.

  By the time Selene arrived to survey the aftermath, the clearing was eerily silent. The charred remains of the beasts were scattered across the ground, and her Fae Lords stood victorious.

  “Efficient,” Selene said, nodding in approval. “Well done.”

  Ember smirked, her fiery aura still crackling. “They didn’t stand a chance.”

  Light stepped forward, her golden spear glinting in the sunlight. “The grove is safe, for now. But this won’t be the last time we’re tested.”

  Selene knew she was right. The grove’s growing power was bound to attract more attention, both from beasts and, eventually, other lords.

  Back in the castle, Selene accessed the trade interface. The chaos had only increased since yesterday, with more lords scrambling to secure food and resources.

  [HunterKing]: "I lost half my troops fighting beasts! Need food ASAP!"

  [SilverLily]: "Still no luck hunting. Anyone trading meat?"

  [GoldenDragon]: "Weaklings. Why do you even bother? I’m dominating over here."

  Selene shook her head, ignoring the arrogant lords and focusing on the desperate ones. She carefully listed another small batch of meat, ensuring the price was high enough to avoid suspicion but not exorbitant.

  Her listings sold out instantly. She used the energy stones and cores from the trade to begin upgrading her grove further, focusing on resource efficiency and defensive capabilities.

  She also continued her private trades, messaging a few select lords who had been complaining about food shortages. Her terms were clear: absolute privacy or no deal. Each lord agreed, and the trades were completed without incident.

  As the day drew to a close, one of the mist elementals from the Fae Lord of Tides approached Selene with a discovery. It led her to a hidden alcove near the edge of the grove, where a small chest lay buried beneath a tangle of roots.

  《System Alert: Treasure Discovered!》

  《Contents: Resource Cache – Energy Stones and Cores》

  Selene grinned as she added the resources to her inventory. Between the treasure chest and the profits from her trades, her grove was thriving. But she knew she couldn’t afford to grow complacent.

  “Prepare for tomorrow,” Selene told her Fae Lords as they gathered in the castle’s main hall. “We’ll need to expand again soon, and the threats will only grow stronger.”

  The Fae Lords nodded, their loyalty and determination unwavering. Selene gazed out at her grove, her mind racing with plans. She would protect her home, no matter the cost. And when the time came, she would ensure the Boundless Continent remembered the Queen of Balance.