The morning air in the grove shimmered with energy as Selene approached the Fae Circle. The recent upgrade had made its power undeniable—its runes glowed brighter, the crystalline structure pulsed with magic, and the faint hum of otherworldly energy was constant. Today, she hoped, the Circle would summon a Fae Lord that could push her plans for the grove further.
《System Alert: Day 4》
《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 grove seemed to hold its breath as the runes flared brighter. The energy built, growing almost blinding, and two figures stepped through the glowing portal.
The first was a figure unlike any Selene had seen before. His form was tall and angular, his skin a dark silver that seemed to shimmer like starlight. His cloak billowed as if caught in a constant breeze, and intricate patterns of runes glowed faintly along his arms. He bowed deeply, his voice a rich, resonant hum.
“I am the Fae Lord of Paths,” he said. “A Tier 3 Fae Lord. I command wayfarers, blink hounds, and gateway guardians. My domain is movement and connection, and I offer you my service, Queen of Balance.”
The second figure was smaller, her appearance delicate yet wild. Her fiery hair was braided with twigs and flowers, and her green eyes sparkled with mischief. She gave a playful curtsy, her voice melodic and lilting.
“I am the Fae Lady of Mischief,” she said. “A Tier 1 Fae Lord. I command trickster sprites, illusionary beasts, and chaos familiars. My power lies in deception and disruption, and I am yours to command.”
Selene smiled, pleased with the balance of power and utility between her new Fae Lords. “Welcome,” she said. “Your abilities will be invaluable to the grove.”
The Fae Lord of Paths approached the castle first, his silver cloak trailing behind him. When he placed his hands on the structure, the transformation was immediate. A glowing circle of runes appeared on the castle’s central platform, pulsing with the same energy as the Fae Circle. Silver lines spread outward, weaving through the walls and towers like veins of light.
《System Alert: Teleportation Network Activated!》
《The Fae Lord of Paths grants the ability to create teleportation circles, connecting distant territories.》
Paths turned to Selene, his expression calm but purposeful. “My Queen, the teleportation circles will allow us to expand your influence far beyond this grove. With your permission, I can establish connections to other lords or territories under your control.”
The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Selene nodded. “Do it. We need allies.”
Selene accessed the World Chat, scanning for lords who might be struggling or willing to negotiate. The chaos of desperate pleas and boasts was as overwhelming as ever.
[HunterKing]: "Ran out of food AGAIN. Who even has meat left?"
[SilverLily]: "Lost half my troops to beasts. I’m about to give up."
[GoldenDragon]: "Pathetic. I’ve taken two more territories. Who’s next?"
Selene ignored the arrogance of lords like GoldenDragon and focused on the struggling ones. She reached out to two lords who seemed particularly desperate:
《QueenOfBalance: I can provide protection and resources in exchange for your loyalty. You will become my vassals, and I will send a Fae Lord to oversee your territory. Agree, or we go our separate ways.》
The responses came quickly.
[SilverLily]: Yes. Please, I can’t handle this on my own anymore.
[IronFist]: Fine. I’ll do it. Just keep me alive.
Selene smiled, satisfied. The first steps of her larger strategy were falling into place.
Paths began constructing the teleportation circles in the grove, his gateway guardians assisting in weaving the magical threads that connected her territory to those of her new vassals. Within hours, the first circle was complete, its shimmering energy ready for use.
Selene turned to Mischief. “You’ll accompany SilverLily. Your abilities will be perfect for defending her territory and gathering resources discreetly.”
Mischief grinned, her green eyes glinting. “I’ll make sure no one messes with her, my Queen. And I’ll bring back plenty of goodies.”
The teleportation circle flared as Mischief stepped through, accompanied by her trickster sprites. Selene watched as the energy stabilized, marking the successful connection.
Paths bowed slightly. “The second circle is ready, my Queen. Shall I send one of your other lords?”
Selene shook her head. “No. I’ll go myself this time.”
Selene stepped through the second teleportation circle, arriving in IronFist’s territory. It was a small, barren plot of land, its resources nearly depleted and its defenses nonexistent. IronFist, a wiry man with tired eyes, approached cautiously.
“You’re... the Queen of Balance?” he asked, his tone laced with disbelief.
Selene nodded. “I am. And I’ll make this simple—you’re now under my protection. Follow my orders, and your territory will thrive. Disobey, and you’ll be on your own.”
IronFist swallowed hard, then nodded. “Understood.”
Selene turned to Paths, who had followed her through the portal. “Secure this territory. Use your wayfarers to gather resources and establish defenses. I’ll return tomorrow to inspect your progress.”
Paths inclined his head. “As you command, my Queen.”
Back in the grove, Selene reviewed her growing network. The teleportation circles had been a game changer, allowing her to project her influence far beyond her initial territory. With two vassals under her control and her Fae Lords working tirelessly to gather resources and strengthen defenses, her position was growing stronger by the day.
But she knew this was only the beginning. Other lords would soon notice her expanding influence, and she would need to be ready.
Selene gazed out over her grove, her determination unwavering. The Queen of Balance was building her web, and soon, the Boundless Continent would feel its pull.
