I'm just starting to plan the planting layout when I hear footsteps—many of them, moving through the forest with practiced coordination. I turn toward the sound as tall, slender figures emerge between the trees, slipping into the clearing with ease.
The high elves have arrived, and there are far more than I expected.
The entire group drops to one knee in perfect unison the moment they step into view.
[High Elves] "We greet the honored one."
I blink, trying to process what's happening.
Sylphaeris materializes beside me in a swirl of playful breeze, grinning like she's thoroughly enjoying my confusion.
[Wright] "What did you tell them?"
A quiet laugh escapes her, light and teasing.
[Sylphaeris] "Only the truth."
I look back at the kneeling elves and feel a wave of awkwardness wash over me.
[Wright] "Ah, there's really no need for all that. Please, be at ease. After all, we're neighbors now."
They rise slowly, though the reverence in their eyes doesn't fade. I scan the group, counting far more faces than the dozen or so volunteers I'd anticipated. Well, the more hands the better.
An older high elf with silver hair tied neatly back steps forward from the crowd. His ceremonial robes are woven with green and silver thread, and he carries a staff of ancient wood. He bows—not as deeply as before, but the respect is still there.
[Eldrin] "Forgive us for arriving in such numbers. I am Eldrin, chief of this settlement. It is our honor to serve."
[Wright] "The honor is all mine. Thanks for coming. I really appreciate the help. If there's anything you need while you're settling in, just let me know."
The high elves begin to spread out across the field, examining the farmland with keen interest. I watch as they crouch to test the soil, trace their fingers along the irrigation channels, and walk the rows I've prepared. Their expressions shift from curiosity to something closer to awe.
[High Elf Villager] "The soil is incredible—rich and perfectly aerated."
[High Elf Craftsman] "Look at these irrigation channels. The slope is flawless."
A female high elf with moss-green hair and violet eyes kneels and runs her fingers through the dark earth.
[Liora] "This land has been blessed. The preparation is... beautiful."
She lifts her gaze, a faint smile touching her lips as she bows.
[Liora] "I am Liora. I will oversee the sacred work of cultivation, should you permit it."
A sharp-eyed high elf with short black hair and steel-gray eyes walks along one of the water trenches, examining the flow with precision.
[Nym] "This would've taken a team of mages days to accomplish."
She glances at me.
[Nym] "Nym. Mage. I'll handle magical support for crop acceleration and preservation."
A tall high elf with silver hair in a warrior's braid approaches next, a bow across his back.
[Rhevan] "I am Rhevan, leader of our hunters. My warriors and I will ensure a steady supply of meat for the workers."
A high elf with auburn hair emerges from the group, tool belts clinking at her waist.
[Kara] "Kara, master craftsman. I'll build whatever you need—tools, carts, structures."
She grins.
[Kara] "Give me a week, and we'll have everything we need."
I scratch the back of my head, feeling a bit embarrassed by all the praise.
Eldrin approaches me with a thoughtful expression as he surveys the massive expanse of cleared land.
[Eldrin] "The scale is impressive."
He pauses, glancing around the open field.
[Eldrin] "Though, it would have been beneficial to have a few trees scattered throughout. We could have built our homes among them, as we do in the forest."
The comment hits me like a splash of cold water. High elves live in forests—they build around trees, not in open clearings. Of course they'd prefer that. I should have considered their living situation before clearing everything so thoroughly.
I feel a pang of frustration at myself, then chuckle quietly. I'm human now, and humans make mistakes. That's just how it is.
[Wright] "I apologize. I should have taken your living situation into consideration. If you need trees, I can grow them back. It won't take long."
Eldrin's eyes widen slightly before he quickly shakes his head.
[Eldrin] "Please, don't trouble yourself. We are here to serve you. We will adapt."
[Liora] "It is more than enough that you've prepared this land for us."
[Nym] "We'll make do."
They're being far too polite. I open my mouth to insist, but before I can say anything, the high elves are already moving.
Liora and Nym gather a group of volunteers around them, speaking in low, organized tones. Rhevan gestures to the hunters, and Eldrin moves to coordinate with another group. Kara is already sketching plans in the dirt with a piece of charcoal. There are no arguments or hesitation, just the smooth coordination of people who've worked together for years. I'm genuinely impressed by their professionalism.
I glance at the sky and notice the sun already starting to dip toward the horizon.
[Wright] "I wanted to get started on the farm today, but considering the time and the fact that you all need somewhere to sleep, we should prioritize shelter first. Let's take it slow."
Eldrin turns to me with visible surprise.
[Eldrin] "You would build shelter for us?"
[Wright] "Of course. Can't have you sleeping outside."
I turn to face him properly.
[Wright] "What would be most comfortable for your people? I have wood and stone in storage. I can set up temporary barracks for now."
[Eldrin] "Anything you provide will be more than sufficient."
[Wright] "Got it."
I activate Storage and pull out the lumber and stone I collected earlier. The materials appear in neat stacks beside me, organized and ready to use. Then I activate Crafting and get to work.
The process flows smoothly. I shape the wood into frames, fit the stones into foundations, and assemble walls and roofs with practiced precision. The barracks rise in sections along the edge of the field—long, sturdy structures with multiple rooms, reinforced walls, and proper ventilation. Within an hour, I've built three large barracks capable of housing the entire settlement.
The high elves watch in complete silence.
When I finish, I step back and dust off my hands.
[Wright] "That should work for now. You can spread out however you like."
No one moves. They're all staring at the buildings as if I've just performed some kind of miracle.
[Kara] "You... built all of that... in an hour?"
[Wright] "Crafting makes it faster."
[Kara] "I've got crafting skills, but I couldn't put something together that fast even on a good day."
She laughs, loud and easy.
[Kara] "You must be stronger than you look."
I shrug and notice a messy-haired high elf with mismatched clothes staring at the buildings with wide-eyed wonder.
[Wright] "It's just temporary. Once things settle, we can build proper homes."
Eldrin bows deeply.
[Eldrin] "We are in your debt."
[Wright] "Don't worry about it."
—
As night falls, I hear the familiar sound of Donny churring from the forest. He emerges from the trees dragging something massive behind him—a Steelhide Warboar. He drops it in front of me with a satisfied chuff, then immediately turns and dashes back into the forest.
Moments later, he returns with several Manahide Hares dangling from his mouth. Then he disappears again, only to come back dragging an enormous bird by its talons.
I activate Appraisal.
—
[Appraisal]
Skytalon Griffin
A majestic aerial predator with the body of a lion and the wings and head of an eagle. Its golden feathers shimmer faintly with residual mana, and its meat is prized for its tender texture and rich, savory flavor. Often considered a delicacy in high-end cuisine. Highly nutritious.
—
Jackpot.
[Wright] "Donny, this is perfect."
Donny churrs happily and plops down beside his haul, clearly proud of himself.
While I'm praising Donny, I can hear whispers rippling through the group of high elves behind me.
[High Elf Villager] "Is that...?"
[High Elf Guard] "A Black Tortoise...?"
[Liora] "Descendant of Genbu..."
[Rhevan] "The Forest King."
[High Elf Craftsman] "A legend..."
Donny, completely oblivious to the attention, yawns and stretches. I pat his shell affectionately. Forest King, huh? Well, he's definitely the fastest turtle I've ever seen.
[Wright] "Thanks, buddy."
I turn to the high elves with a grin.
[Wright] "With this much food, why don't we have an outdoor barbecue!"
It's something I read about in manga before. I've always wanted to try it.
Donny churrs in approval.
The whispers start again.
[High Elf Craftsman] "Bar-be-que?"
[High Elf Villager] "Is that a god thing?"
[High Elf Guard] "To think we get to witness divine cooking."
[Vesper] "Wow, a god is going to cook for me!"