As she opened the grove’s building interface, a new prompt appeared:
《System Alert: Fae Circle Upgrade Available》
《Upgrade Cost: 200 Energy Stones, 10 Energy Cores》
《Upgrade Effect: Unlocks higher-tier Fae Lords (Tier 2–3) with randomized chances. Increases summoning power and reduces resource gathering time for all subordinates.》
Selene’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. The upgrade was expensive but well worth it. She selected 《Upgrade》, and the ground around the Fae Circle began to glow. The runes etched into the stone expanded outward, their intricate patterns shimmering with new light. The air grew thick with energy, and the circle itself grew taller and more elaborate, its central pedestal now crowned with a radiant crystal that pulsed with magic.
《System Alert: Fae Circle Upgraded to Level 2!》
《Summoning Potential Expanded:》
- Tier 1 Fae Lords: 60% chance
- Tier 2 Fae Lords: 35% chance
- Tier 3 Fae Lords: 5% chance
Selene’s chest swelled with anticipation. The upgrade had been costly, but it would pay off in the form of more powerful allies.
It was time for her daily summons. The circle’s runes flared brighter than ever, and the familiar prompt appeared:
《Court of the Fae Lords is alive with mystical energy!》
《Do you want to summon two Fae Lords?》
《Yes》《No》
Selene pressed 《Yes》, and the air crackled with power. The glowing sigils spun faster, and the grove seemed to hold its breath as two new figures emerged from the light.
The first was an imposing figure clad in shifting, molten armor. His body radiated heat, and his eyes burned like twin suns. He stepped forward, his voice a deep rumble that echoed through the grove.
“I am the Fae Lord of Magma,” he said. “A Tier 2 Fae Lord. I command molten elementals, fire serpents, and volcanic beasts. My domain is destruction, and I serve you, Queen of Balance.”
The second figure emerged with an air of tranquility. She was draped in shimmering blue robes, her presence serene yet commanding. Her hair flowed like a waterfall, and her hands glowed with an ethereal light.
“I am the Fae Lady of Streams,” she said, bowing deeply. “A Tier 1 Fae Lord. I command water spirits and brook guardians. My power lies in healing and support, and I pledge myself to your service.”
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Selene nodded in approval. The two new Fae Lords were a perfect balance of offense and support, and their unique abilities would undoubtedly strengthen her forces.
As was tradition now, the new Fae Lords approached the castle. Magma’s touch transformed a section of the dark side of the castle into jagged, volcanic peaks that glowed with an inner fire. Streams, on the other hand, claimed a portion of the white side, which now shimmered with cascading waterfalls that sparkled in the sunlight.
《System Alert: Castle Upgraded!》
《The castle grows, reflecting the evolving balance of its Queen and her Fae Lords.》
Selene took a moment to admire the transformation before turning back to the Fae Circle. The upgrade had worked beautifully, but she was already thinking about the future. If Tier 3 Fae Lords were now possible, she needed to ensure her grove was ready to support them.
Selene’s attention turned to resource management. The grove’s stockpile of energy stones and cores had dwindled after the upgrade, and she needed to replenish her supplies. She summoned her Fae Lords to strategize.
“Magma, Streams, I want your forces to focus on gathering resources today,” Selene said. “Magma, take the molten elementals and fire serpents to mine stone and energy cores. Streams, your water spirits can gather herbs and assist with food production.”
The two Fae Lords bowed and left to carry out her orders, their subordinates following swiftly. Selene watched as the molten elementals trudged toward the rocky edges of the grove, their fiery bodies melting through stone with ease. Meanwhile, the water spirits floated gracefully toward the grove’s center, their touch bringing an almost magical vitality to the plants and creatures they encountered.
As the Fae worked, Selene opened the trade interface. The chaos from previous days had only intensified. Lords were becoming desperate, especially for food, as beasts and resource shortages continued to claim their forces.
[IronFist]: "Lost another hunting party. Meat prices are ridiculous. I need food!"
[HunterKing]: "Still no luck hunting. Anyone trading meat?"
[GoldenDragon]: "Stop whining. I’ve already taken out two lords near me. Get stronger."
Selene rolled her eyes at GoldenDragon’s boasting. She ignored him and focused on the desperate lords, carefully listing another small batch of meat for sale. She made sure to keep the quantity low and the price high enough to deter excessive attention.
Within moments, her listing sold out, and her inventory of energy stones grew. She used the proceeds to reinforce the grove’s defenses, upgrading the hunting lodge and wall to handle larger threats.
One of the molten elementals returned later that day, its glowing form carrying a strange object. Selene stepped closer, her curiosity piqued.
《System Alert: Treasure Discovered!》
《Contents: Resource Cache – Energy Stones and Building Materials》
Selene grinned as she added the cache to her inventory. Between the treasure chest and the trades, her resource situation was stabilizing. She quickly allocated the materials to further fortify the grove, focusing on upgrading the hunting lodge to improve food production.
By nightfall, the Fae Lords returned to the castle, their forces carrying the day’s haul of resources. Magma’s molten elementals had gathered an impressive quantity of stone and cores, while Streams’ water spirits had replenished the grove’s food stores and gathered rare herbs for future use.
Selene stood on the castle steps, watching her grove thrive under the moonlight. The Fae Circle’s upgrade had been a turning point, and she could feel the grove’s strength growing with every passing day.
“Tomorrow,” she said, her voice resolute, “we expand again. The grove will not be ignored, and we will claim our place in this world.”
Her Fae Lords bowed, their loyalty unshaken. Selene turned her gaze to the horizon, her determination burning brighter than ever. The Boundless Continent would soon know the power of the Queen of Balance.