Subtitle: Not every hero wears armor. Some offer opportunity.
After Ray had finished that broadcast—that stream—the world shifted for him.
He became famous. Truly famous.
Now, everyone in the kingdom knew his name, his face, and his voice. People whispered his name with admiration, even awe. Grateful for the show he had hosted, they welcomed him wherever he went, arms full of gifts—baskets of ripe fruit, potted herbs still smelling of fresh soil, handmade trinkets, and rare items offered freely. Shopkeepers bowed with bright smiles, giving him discounts without hesitation, their eyes shining with gratitude.
Ray couldn't bring himself to refuse. That would be rude, and he was never one to dismiss kindness. So he accepted them all graciously. He spoke with the people, listened to their stories, and nodded with genuine interest. His presence brought joy, and he gave it back, tenfold.
The advertisement for his product had been a roaring success. The once-unknown Crystal Vision had now become a coveted treasure. Yet Ray had only a limited number in his possession. So, in a move both strategic and elegant, he decided to release just ten per week—sold through a prestigious auction hosted by the Inventors Guild.
His products brought him riches beyond imagination. Thousands of peak-quality crystal stones began to pour in.
To understand the scale:
1 early crystal stone = 1000 gold.
1 mid crystal stone = 1000 early.
1 high crystal stone = 1000 mid.
And 1 peak crystal stone? A staggering 1000 high crystal stones.
With just 1000 peak crystal stones in his vault, Ray now possessed a fortune that could make kings jealous. A single baron was considered powerful with only a few tens of peak stones. Ray had surpassed that tenfold.
But he didn't care for titles. Not now.
Instead, he was busy—personally helping the people he had selected from different noble families move into their new homes. There was joy in his eyes as he watched them settle. He had designed a building just for them—ten stories high, each floor pulsing with creativity.
The painters had their floor, light pouring through wide windows, blank canvases lined like doorways to dreams.
The musicians and dancers had another—sound echoed beautifully off the carved wooden walls.
The cooks had an entire level too, and already, the aroma of spices filled the halls, a promise of flavor and warmth.
Among the people Ray had chosen, the inventors were the largest group—numbering in the hundreds. These weren't ordinary inventors. They were handpicked from noble families, each bearing a spark, a potential yet to be unlocked. To help guide them, Ray had delegated the task of grouping and mentoring them to five vice leaders. Each vice leader became a beacon to their small team.
And then there was the theater.
Ray had envisioned it with care—graceful arches, soft velvet drapes, golden trim, and a grand stage. He had selected beautiful men and women—not just for their looks, but for their presence, their ability to become someone else. He wanted them to learn the art of acting, to become outstanding performers, unforgettable faces. Perhaps, one day, they would stream like he did. When they heard this, their eyes gleamed, hearts thundering with hope. They had seen Ray's rise and now dreamed of their own.
Afterward, Ray gathered another unique group—architects, historians, philosophers, and writers. These were thinkers, quiet minds once weighed down by rigid training and societal expectations. But when Ray told them to pursue what they loved, something lit inside them. Their ambition surged. Their eyes, once dulled by discipline, now sparkled with purpose.
He gave them a mission: research, write, dream. And he would pay them for it.
Even among this grand tapestry of talent, there was a final group Ray had kept closest to his heart—the fighters.
They were few, the smallest group among the hundreds. And Ray had the most doubts about them. But his heart overruled hesitation. These weren't warriors forged in power or privilege. No—they were survivors. Ray had dug deep into their backgrounds before selecting them.
Many were outcasts, the forgotten children of noble families. Their siblings bullied them. Their mothers were once maids or had passed away. Some had no parents left at all. Others were held back for petty, cruel reasons.
Ray had seen their pain.
And so, he chose them—not because they were strong, but because no one else had. He brought them into the fold and gave them a place at his side.
In time, this decision would prove to be one of his greatest. These people, once broken, would rise to become the foundation of his city. He entrusted them with law enforcement, with the safety of the people. Each received a role fitted to their strength and personality.
Ray kept his promise to them all.
He gave them cultivation resources—rare and valuable. He provided them with essentials, homes, tools, and even clothes. But these were investments, not charity. And he made that clear.
He told them, "I'll give you the platform. But you must earn your resources by showing your talents to the world."
Later, Ray visited Rick and the others to check the progress of their inventions.
He went from workshop to workshop, speaking with each one. The air smelled of hot metal and ink; the soft whirring of machines echoed around. Sparks flew from prototypes. Some were clunky, others promising. Ray saw progress—but also knew there was a long road ahead.
Still, the hope he had offered them had already worked wonders. Their teams had grown stronger and smarter. The newly added inventors, raised in educated noble households, brought fresh insights. They were sharp, eager, and inventive.
To help further, Ray gave each of his five vice leaders a special gift—an upgraded Crystal Vision with an embedded system. It could record and store footage, allowing them to review their work, spot mistakes, and improve. A tool for growth.
These advanced versions weren't for the public—yet. The basic models were still selling well. But Ray knew: when the demand slowed, then he would release the upgraded model. For now, secrecy was the strategy.
Ray's mind drifted toward the future.
He had only six more months before he turned eight. That would mark the beginning of his cultivation—a moment he had long awaited. The thought of becoming a Qi cultivator stirred his spirit with excitement. It was coming. Soon.
But before that…
There was one place he hadn't returned to—not since the incident with Daniel. The village. He remembered Arisa's grandmother, her gentle strength, and the work she had started with the clothing designs Ray had shared.
He would visit soon.
And he wouldn't go alone.
Among the people he had gathered, there were several dozen women with a passion for sewing and fashion. Ray planned to take them with him, along with supplies—threads, fabrics, and tools. Grandmother would teach them and guide them. Together, they would bring Earth's comfort and elegance to this world. It would be the start of a fashion revolution across the kingdom.
The future was unfolding.
And Ray—young, visionary, unstoppable—was at its center.