NOVEL NEXT Chapter 112 - New Members
Lucien gathered the legendary drops from the fallen monsters.
• Hatchling's Egg
• Banner of the Warlord
• Horn of the Maze-Breaker
• Titan's Core Fragment
• Core of Eternal Flesh
Lucien's eyes lit up when he saw the egg.
It reminded him of something. He had forgotten to claim the egg of a rare monster from Drake Wyrmhold.
'I'll just claim it once I return to the capital,' he noted.
The egg in his hands was massive and heavy. Its shell was etched with strange, flowing patterns.
Lucien could tell immediately...whatever hatched from it would be a valuable addition to his pets.
He called out to his MONSTERDEX. The floating book in his inner world hovered before him.
Curious, Lucien tried placing the egg onto the painted landscape on the first page. To his satisfaction, it sank into the illustration as though it belonged there.
He nodded. The MONSTERDEX's inner landscape was the perfect sanctuary for his creatures. Even Peek and Aboo always grew livelier and happier whenever they stayed inside.
His attention shifted to the next item.
The Banner of the Warlord.
He already possessed the banner for Untainted and now he held another with equally potent effects. With this planted in his territory, his people would never falter. In battle, they would fight with unshakable courage.
Then came the Horn of the Maze-Breaker.
Lucien's eyes gleamed. A single blast could terrify foes, stun armies, even shatter illusions and barriers. Properly used, it could decide a battle before it even began.
But the real prizes were the last two items.
The Titan's Core Fragment and the Core of Eternal Flesh.
Without hesitation, Lucien grabbed the Titan's Core Fragment. Crushing it in his palm, he felt the crystallized essence burst free and surge into every corner of his body.
At once, power coursed through him.
His muscles grew denser.
His bones tougher.
His entire frame vibrated with raw strength.
A grin spread across his face.
'I feel like I could breeze through Saitama's training now…'
Without hesitation, Lucien conjured a series of massive boulders and lined them up before him.
He tightened his fist. Took a steady breath... Then struck.
CRASH!
The rocks exploded in sequence, pulverized by the sheer force of his punch. Dust and fragments scattered across the ground.
Lucien's grin widened. The power was intoxicating.
'If this connected with a Tier 9… they'd feel it.'
The strength wasn't just in his arms. His entire body resonated with the change.
Eager for more, he lifted the Core of Eternal Flesh.
Crushing it, he felt the essence surge into him like liquid fire. His blood thundered, divine energy roared and every cell in his body seemed to transform.
His frame grew lighter yet sturdier.
His presence sharper.
His power… overwhelming.
To test it, Lucien summoned a sword and dragged the blade across his palm.
A clean cut opened... only to close again, right before his eyes. The flesh knitted back together seamlessly, leaving no scar behind.
He watched in fascination as if witnessing a miracle performed on his own body.
A confident smile spread across his face. With regeneration and newfound strength flowing through him, defeat would no longer come easily.
And so... Lucien continued.
Practicing. Pushing. Testing the limits of his evolved body until the thrill of power became second nature.
•••
Early the next morning...
"My Lord, the new house is ready," Stone announced with a bow.
He referred to the home built for Elunara and the children under her care.
Lucien's face brightened. "Excellent. You hear that, everyone? Let's go take a look. Please lead the way, Stone."
In the living room, Elunara and the children froze in surprise.
Already finished? Excitement quickly lit their faces and they hurried to follow.
Stone guided them through Lootwell.
The Construction Division had created a single large house, tailored for them after hearing their wish to live together. With Elunara as their guardian, they would truly be like a family.
Here, Elunara no longer needed to disguise herself. She walked in her true form. Her long ears caught the morning light.
Passersby stared for a moment but nothing more. If Lucien had brought them, then they were part of Lootwell.
The children weren't surprised either. They already knew Elunara was an elf and their attention was on their new home instead. They chattered excitedly as they walked.
On the way, they met subjects who greeted them warmly and the children returned the greetings with smiles.
Lucien watched them quietly.
These children were destined to become the beacons of light. They were brimming with potential.
He smiled to himself.
'If they wish to live here permanently… then as their Lord, I'll help them grow stronger. I'll make sure they reach their destined heights sooner and safer.'
Soon, they arrived.
Before them stood a large house with striking architecture. Spacious yet welcoming. It radiated warmth the moment they laid eyes on it. The children immediately lit up with excitement, falling in love with it at first sight.
"As requested," Stone explained with pride, "there are rooms prepared for each of you, complete with full facilities and even a courtyard."
Gasps of wonder broke out.
"Wow!"
"Thank you, Uncle!"
"Thank you, Young Lord!"
Their joy was infectious and even Stone couldn't hide his smile. He bowed respectfully to Lucien before taking his leave.
Elunara closed her eyes for a moment and drew in a steady breath. Though her composure never wavered, the gentle curve of her lips and the fond look she gave the children revealed her true feelings.
She liked the house as much as they did.
Lucien let the moment linger before speaking. "From this day forward, you are officially part of Lootwell. Which means…" His gaze swept over them. "It's time to give you your roles."
The children straightened at his words. They understood. Being his subjects also meant contributing to the settlement.
All of them nodded firmly.
Lucien's eyes first fell on Anya, one of the three whose skills had been locked. He had already given each of them a dose of Royal Jelly, hoping it might awaken something.
But only Anya had responded.
Lucien used INSPECT on her.
***
Name: Anya ♀
Age: 15 years old
Race: Human
Job: Miracle Chef
Level: 23
Title:
• The Lady of the Last Fire
Skill:
• Blessing of the Hearth (whatever enters her pot emerges safe, edible and filling)
Magic:
• Fire Magic (Basic)
• Ice Magic (Basic)
• Household Magic
Magic Affinity:
• Fire Magic
• Ice Magic
Loyalty: 90
Status: excited
***
Lucien fell silent as he studied Anya's unlocked skill.
Then... realization struck.
'I see… so that's why she's one of the beacons of light. In an age of ruin when food becomes scarce, her gift will shine brightest. She can make anything edible.... even poison and rot will turn into nourishment. To eat her cooking is to taste hope itself.'
His lips curled into a smile.
'A five-star skill… about cooking? Interesting.'
Lucien had already prepared something for them. A set of welcome gifts crafted through the CRAFT feature.
"Anya," Lucien called. The girl stepped forward.
He held out two knives. "This is the Knife of Ice and Fire. It will aid you greatly in your cooking. From today onward, you'll join the Sustenance Division. You may learn under Sinep. He'll teach you everything he knows."
Anya clasped the knife with both hands and bowed her head.
"As you wish, Young Lord."
Lucien's smile deepened. They were adapting quickly, already recognizing him as their lord.
Their favourability had turned into loyalty... and at such a high level. No doubt Elunara's influence played a part.
With that thought, Lucien turned his gaze toward Robin.
***
Name: Robin ♂
Age: 16 years old
Race: Human
Job: Phantom Thief
Level: 36
Title:
• The Thief of Fate
Skill:
• Phantom Hand (can take object without detection)
• Phantom Step (leaves no sound or trail)
Magic:
• Dark Magic (Intermediate)
Magic Affinity:
• Dark Magic
Loyalty: 90
Status: Excited
***
'Is he Robin Hood or something? Lucien mused. 'And those job skills… impressive.'
He recalled Elunara's story about the boy.
Robin had played a crucial role in humanity's survival. Slipping into enemy lines, stealing supplies and enriching the final settlement.
A phantom in the dark, a constant scout. Because of him, countless lives had endured where they should have perished.
"Robin," Lucien called. He presented a slender blade that shimmered faintly. "Take this Phantom Dagger. From today, you'll join the Defense Division, paired with Ronan."
The boy's eyes widened as he received the weapon.
Lucien then turned his gaze toward Ronan.
***
Name: Ronan ♂
Age: 15 years old
Race: Human
Job: Twinblade Warrior
Level: 31
Title:
• The Bastion of Blades
Skill:
• Locked
Magic:
• N/A
Magic Affinity:
• N/A
Loyalty: 90
Status: Excited
***
Lucien sighed inwardly. The Royal Jelly had no effect on Ronan. His skills remained sealed.
According to Elunara's story, this boy would one day grow into one of humanity's greatest champions. A guardian who defended the last human settlement again and again.
Lucien nodded to himself.
'Even without magic attributes, he could reach such heights. Then what more if I awaken them for him?' Plans already churned in his mind.
"Ronan," Lucien said, summoning a pair of sleek twin blades that gleamed with opposing hues. "Take these Dawn and Dusk Blades. They'll sharpen both your strength and your speed."
Ronan accepted the gift with a firm grip.
'Perhaps through training… his hidden skills will awaken,' Lucien thought.
His gaze then shifted toward Elias, the last among the three with sealed potential.
***
Name: Elias ♂
Age: 14 years old
Race: Human
Job: Lightbearer
Level: 17
Title:
• The Guiding Star
Skill:
• Locked
Magic:
• Household Magic
Magic Affinity:
• Light Magic
Loyalty: 90
Status: Excited
***
Elunara's words echoed in Lucien's mind. Elias was the most important figure of them all.
A guide and a leader. The one who carved paths through despair and who gave direction when all seemed lost. Without him, the final human settlement would have collapsed. He was the binding thread that kept humanity from unraveling.
"Elias," Lucien presented a small silver bell that shimmered faintly. "Take this Traveler's Bell. It will ring when danger approaches. You'll serve in the Administration Division."
The boy accepted the gift as though he already carried the weight of that destiny.
Finally, Lucien's eyes shifted to Seren.
The moment his gaze fell upon her, his pulse quickened. His eyes gleamed with excitement.
This… this is the talent I've wanted the most.
***
Name: Seren ♀
Age: 13 years old
Race: Human
Job: Forger of Wonders
Level: 13
Title:
• The Dawnforger
Skill:
• Essence Shift (extracts the hidden essence of materials and applies it to another item)
Magic:
• Fire Magic (Basic)
• Household Magic
Magic Affinity:
• Fire Magic
Favouravility: 90
Loyalty: excited
***
'Her skill is too OP!'
For example, the hardness of a stone could be transferred onto a leaf. That alone had countless applications.
In a world on the brink of ruin, Seren was the one who forged tools from nothing... creating hope out of scraps.
Lucien could already imagine the endless possibilities.
"Seren," he said, handing her a hammer that glowed faintly with runic etchings, "this is called Stonebreaker. From now on, you'll be part of the Crafting Division."
Her eyes lit up as she held it.
With a final look at the five, Lucien's expression softened.
"I expect a lot from you."
The kids straightened.
"Young Lord, thank you for letting us stay!" they said in unison.
"Alright. You can begin your duties tomorrow. For now, explore Lootwell and get familiar with the place."
Nods, laughter and gratitude followed before they scampered into their new home with skipping steps.
And then...
Silence.
Only Lucien and Elunara remained.
Lucien noticed her watching him. Her expression was calm but her lips curved in a strange smile as though she was waiting for something.
"What's up, Miss Elf?" he asked in confusion.
Elunara composed herself.
"Young Lord… you are our lord now. You may simply call me Elunara or even Elu."
"…Alright," Lucien replied.
But the silence lingered. That same smile remained.
Finally, realization struck him.
"Ah. Please take these too."
He handed her some drops imbued with Dark Magic along with written notes for dark magic spells.
Her long ears twitched almost instantly.
"…Thank you," she said, trying to maintain her calm demeanor.
But her betraying ears flickered with excitement.
Lucien walked away, quietly amused.
•••
Later that morning…
Baron Hornvale and Baron Needlehart arrived.
Lucien welcomed them and led the group into the Town Hall where a long table had already been prepared for the meeting.
The first agenda was material collection.
They discussed the matter for some time.
Lucien insisted that he should lend help. Not only out of guilt... he knew the task was enormous. With thousands of monsters splattered around, every extra pair of hands mattered.
The second agenda was heavier. The topic turned to the cause of the artificial dungeon break.
Edric leaned back. His tone was casual but his eyes sharp.
"Those who caused it will surely return. They'll want to confirm if their plans succeeded."
The reasoning was solid. Cielius and the others nodded in agreement.
Edric's lips curled into a mischievous grin.
"So… should we ambush them?"
The glint in his eyes betrayed him. He hadn't brought his family's retainers just for props. This was a chance to help Lucien avert a looming crisis.
But more than that… Edric simply wanted to fight.
•••
The collection and dismantling of materials began in earnest.
Even if most of the remains were tattered and splattered, the salvageable parts were still valuable.
Lucien brought everyone from his team who was free. They had to ferry them in batches since the airship couldn't carry all at once.
To his surprise, the work went far smoother than he expected. His people had grown frighteningly efficient.
They used magic not only to dismantle but also to sort, clean and preserve materials.
The team worked in resonance. What would've taken days was reduced to hours.
The workload eased under their combined effort and Lucien couldn't help but feel pride.
Meanwhile, he and the others stayed disguised at the edges of the field. The airship was stored away and they only stepped in from time to time with their own magic when necessary.
Then—
"Grandson." Cielius' tone sharpened. "A lot of people are moving toward this place. From the north."
The words hit Lucien like a stone.
Edric's prediction had been right.
They moved.
And then they saw them...
An army.
Marching in formation.
Weapons gleaming.
Equipment prepared not for war with men but for catching monsters.