BRAND NEW WORLD

The guilt and regret in Luna's chest instantly vanished after hearing Raisya's entire story.

Thank goodness she was still alive. Luna felt relieved inside. Her shoulders slumped, her breathing slowed, and a faint smile formed on her lips.

"Grandma, are you all right?" Rama asked, his face filled with worry.

"I'm fine," Luna replied softly.

"That's a relief…" Rama exhaled deeply, his body finally relaxing.

"So, where is she now?" Luna asked, turning her gaze to Raisya.

"She's working in the mines," Raisya answered.

"Has she caused any trouble again?"

"No. On the contrary, she's been behaving very well," Raisya replied.

"You haven't removed her necklace, have you?" Luna's eyes sharpened. "If it's removed, it could cause an enormous explosion," she added with a mischievous smile.

"O-of course not! I even warned everyone not to touch it," Raisya said nervously.

"Good." Luna nodded lightly.

"Oh, right, Grandma, what brings you here anyway?" Rama asked curiously.

"Almost forgot. I actually came to ask you something," Luna said.

"What is it?"

"Do you happen to have Stokra wood…?"

"Stokra?! The legendary wood from ancient times said to be harder than steel and resistant to magic?!" Rama exclaimed, his eyes wide.

Luna nodded.

"There's no way I'd have something that valuable. If I did, I'd trade all Lemurian's assets to obtain it," Rama shook his head.

Is Stokra wood really that precious? Luna wondered to herself.

"What about Wyrmwood?"

"Don't have it," Rama answered firmly.

"Runewood?"

"None of that either…" Rama frowned.

"What about White Ebony? Ironwood? Steelwood?"

"Haaah…" Rama sighed heavily, lowering his head. "All the woods you mentioned only exist in fairy tales. Of course, I don't have them."

Luna sighed as well, her hope fading.

"So, what exactly do you need those woods for?" Raisya asked.

"I want to build a house. Not just a big one, but also a place where everyone I love can gather," Luna replied.

"You're planning to build an orphanage?" Rama teased.

"No," Luna shook her head.

"Then why such a big house?"

"Because lately, Rania, Radhimar, and Bartasz often stay at the Dewata Lake house. My friends also sometimes come over and spend the night. When everyone gathers, there aren't enough rooms. So I thought of building a larger house."

"Why not just open an inn instead?" Rama smirked.

"Hush, Rama! Don't make Grandma upset," Raisya whispered, nudging him.

"..."

"Don't you really have any information about those woods?" Luna pressed.

"If I did, I'd have searched for them long ago, Grandma. Why don't you ask Grandma Rima? She's traveled across the continent. At the very least, she must have heard something," Rama replied.

"That's the problem… Rima is away, and I don't know when she'll return. That's why I came here," Luna said quietly.

Silence fell over the room. Only the soft breeze and the sound of their heartbeats could be heard.

"In that case, I'll take my leave now," Luna finally said.

"Take care, Grandma," Rama and Raisya said in unison.

Luna stood, leaving behind the still-warm cushion. The door slid shut softly, and the room fell quiet once more. Only the sound of Luna's footsteps echoed until it faded away.

"Ram, are you really sure you don't have any information?" Raisya looked at him suspiciously.

"Well… I do. But—" Rama hesitated, tapping his fingers on the table, his eyes occasionally flicking toward the door.

"But what?" Raisya urged.

"I can't confirm if it's true," Rama admitted.

"Why not?" Raisya raised an eyebrow.

"Ever since Mother told me stories about the world back in Grandma's era, I've been interested in exploring and collecting ancient relics. Through my trade connections, I've gathered all kinds of information from across the continent. One source told me he once saw a pine tree with bark that looked like dragon scales, high up on a mountain peak. The place is tough to reach, even on foot, because of the steep terrain. The tree was huge and very noticeable. Out of curiosity, he tried to get closer, but then he saw something that made him run for his life."

"What was it? Was the tree cursed?" Raisya asked, holding her breath.

"No," Rama shook his head.

"Then what?"

"The tree was guarded by a massive dragon sleeping right next to it."

"A dragon?!" Raisya gasped, quickly covering her mouth to stifle her voice. "Are you certain?!" she whispered.

Back to Luna

After leaving the Lemurian building, Luna spotted a familiar face.

"Ares!" she called out, waving her hand.

Ares, still clad in full black armor, turned and waved back.

"Hey, Lun! How are you?"

"I'm fine! What about you?"

"I'm here on an escort mission," Ares replied briefly.

"Ah, escort duty…" Luna nodded.

"And you? What are you doing here?"

"I just met an acquaintance," Luna answered vaguely, smiling faintly.

Why so secretive? She must be hiding something—Ares thought, quickly changing the subject. "So, where are you headed now?"

"I'm going to the Adventurers' Guild. I have something to check. See you around, Ares."

"Yeah! See you again."

Luna walked through the marketplace district, passing rows of wooden shops on both sides. After several minutes, she arrived at the Adventurers' Guild.

Inside, only a few adventurers and staff were present. Luna headed straight to the request board. As usual, most requests involved escorting merchants. While she was scanning through them, a deep voice sounded behind her.

"Little miss, are you looking for work?"

Luna turned. A towering Draconian with dark blue scales stood there, over two meters tall. Beside him was a black-haired human woman with a lazy expression.

"Everyone must look small to you," the woman teased.

"Heh, you're not wrong," the Draconian chuckled.

"Don't mind him," the black-haired woman said. "Are you searching for a job?"

"I see most requests are for merchant escorts, huh? Just like in other cities," Luna replied.

"That's normal. Autumn is here, and winter's coming soon. Small towns and villages need supplies of food and tools to get through the season. Where are you from?"

"Nuzantra."

"Quite far. So you're on an escort mission too?"

"No. I'm just visiting relatives." Luna smiled and dipped her head slightly. "Thank you for the information. Excuse me."

She walked off toward the small library on the second floor. The Draconian's gaze followed her back until she disappeared.

"Why do you keep staring at her? Every time there's an elf, you can't take your eyes off it. But clearly, she's way out of your league," the woman teased.

"That's not it… It's just… her face feels familiar," the Draconian muttered.

"Oh, is that your new trick to flirt with women?"

"I-I'm serious!" the Draconian protested.

Back to Luna

Luna slowly walked along the rows of shelves until she finally found a book on history and another on materials and plants from the Age of Chaos.

Hmm… there are no detailed records before the Moonfall. Everything is just hearsay or elders' opinions, she thought.

The silence of the library was broken only by the turning of pages. As Luna continued reading, the sun had already climbed high into midday.

"Ah… still nothing," she sighed, resting her face on the desk.

Her stomach suddenly growled loudly.

"Ugh… how embarrassing," Luna muttered, her cheeks turning red. "Better grab lunch first before I keep thinking."

She rose from her seat, leaving the library to head home.

A Few Days Earlier

The sky that had been bright was now dark, replaced by twinkling stars and a shining moon. Inside the cabin, Luna was having dinner with her children.

"What? Mother wants to build an even bigger house? Are you planning to open a luxury inn here?" Radhimar asked.

Like mother, like son—Luna thought. "Yes, because lately you've all been staying here often. Elise and the others sometimes, too. So I thought of building a bigger house so it can fit everyone. But… how do I deal with the permits?"

"Huh? What permits?" Bartasz asked, puzzled.

"I mean, this land belongs to the Kingdom of Nuzantra. Of course, to build something, I'd need permission from the crown, wouldn't I?"

Hearing that, Radhimar, Bartasz, and Rania exchanged glances.

"Didn't Mother Rima ever tell you?" Rania asked.

"Tell me what?" Luna frowned.

The three looked at one another again, then nodded.

"Mother, actually…" Rania paused. "This house, the lake, and the surrounding lands… all belong to you."

"What?! What did you say?!" Luna's eyebrows shot up.

"It's true," Radhimar added. "This entire area belongs to you."

"What do you mean? Isn't this land part of the Kingdom of Nuzantra?"

"On the contrary," Bartasz explained. "You were the first to settle here before the kingdom was even formed. That's why it's recognized as yours."

What? Really? It's true this land used to be part of two kingdoms back when it was still a game, but—Luna thought.

"Are you sure?" she asked sternly.

"We're serious, Mother. Even before moving their capital here, the kingdom asked Mother Rima for permission to build near this area," Rania said.

"…And Rima allowed them?" Luna cut in.

"Not exactly. She just said, 'Do as you wish.' Since she didn't object, they went ahead and built the new capital, Nuzantra City," Rania explained.

Luna fell silent, deep in thought. The dinner table grew tense, the only sound the cold night wind and their pounding hearts.

"Mother, I heard you're searching for legendary woods as building material?" Rania finally asked.

"Oh? Did Rama tell you that?"

"Of course. But that's not the point. Are you planning to build a fortress?" Rania teased.

"What's wrong with wanting the best materials? Even this house was built with top quality," Luna retorted.

"That's the problem. Those woods are rare, and almost no one uses them anymore. I know you still have some stored away, but using such valuable resources will attract unwanted attention—especially from dangerous people," Rania warned.

"She's right, Mom," Bartasz added.

Hmm, true… this isn't a game anymore. Resources won't 'respawn.' I need to think more carefully—Luna thought.

"You don't need to use rare materials. Just buy the best wood available on the market. As for the construction, leave it to Bartasz," Rania suggested.

"Yeah, Mom. Leave it to me," Bartasz agreed confidently.

"…"

"All right then. I won't use rare materials," Luna finally sighed, lowering her shoulders.

Back to the Present

After discussing it with her children, Luna returned to Lemurian to meet Rama again. When she arrived in front of the trading company, Rama had just finished speaking with some people.

"Ram!" Luna called.

"Grandma! Did you come to pick up the materials?"

"Rania already told you, didn't she?"

"Hehe, yes, Grandma. Let me take you to the storage."

The warehouse was located behind the Lemurian building. It was enormous, resembling an aircraft hangar. When Luna stepped inside, she was stunned into silence.

"Well, Grandma? Impressive, isn't it?" Rama grinned smugly.

"It's huge and spacious. You really are a successful businessman," Luna said warmly, patting his head. "I'm proud of you."

Several workers nearby stopped what they were doing to watch the scene. Rama quickly straightened his posture, his face flushing red all the way to his ears.

"Ehm! Let's keep going," he muttered awkwardly.

A small smile tugged at Luna's lips as she followed him. Soon, they stopped.

"We're here, Grandma. This is the best wood we have," Rama said.

Before her stood a towering pile of timber. Luna used her "analyze" skill.

I don't recognize this wood. It didn't exist in the game, or maybe it wasn't named. But since it's from my grandson, the top merchant in this country, I'll trust him—she thought.

"All right… I'll take this one. How much is it?"

"For you, Grandma, special discount," Rama winked.

"Eh? Is that really okay? Won't you lose money?"

"Don't worry. Everything's already accounted for."

"Very well…"

"I'll arrange delivery to your house, then."

"Delivery? Did you forget I have spatial storage?" Luna smirked.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot," Rama scratched the back of his head.

Luna pulled out a pouch of coins, completed the payment, and stored the timber into her spatial inventory. The onlookers around were visibly astonished. Afterward, the two of them walked out of the warehouse.

"Thank you, Rama."

"My pleasure, Grandma. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to call me."

"Of course," Luna replied firmly. "Until we meet again."

"Bye, Grandma!"

Luna walked away, leaving Rama behind.

Let's stop by the Adventurers' Guild first. Maybe something interesting will come up—she thought with a smile.