Aamon stood still for a moment, gazing at the dull shimmer of the teleportation stone resting in his palm. Its surface pulsed faintly with light, resonating with an energy that felt both ancient and serene. This was no ordinary relic—it was a gift from Lysara, the guardian of the secret realm. Aamon's grip tightened around it.
He glanced once more at the busy streets of Dusk City in the distance. The Adventurers Association had too many eyes, too many whispers. Returning to the haunted mansion would only draw unnecessary attention. There were secrets that needed to remain buried—for now, at least.
With a deep breath, Aamon activated the stone.
A burst of light enveloped him.
In the next instant, he stood amidst the vivid brilliance of the secret realm once more. The air was pure and rich with life. Trees stretched toward the skies with emerald crowns, rivers sang through meadows, and sprites flitted between glowing flowers. It was a place untouched by the corruption of the outside world.
A few steps away, Lysara awaited him beneath the great Heartbloom Tree. Her silhouette was graceful, almost ethereal, her long silver hair flowing like moonlight over her shoulders. The moment she saw Aamon appear, she offered a soft smile.
"You've returned," she said gently.
Aamon nodded, wasting no time. "I want to move the realm—merge it with my territory. We can't afford to let others find it."
Lysara tilted her head slightly, considering his words. Then, slowly, she extended her hand, palm open. From her fingertips sprouted verdant vines shimmering with the essence of life. They danced in the air, weaving patterns of ancient runes before shooting off in opposite directions—one set burrowed into the ground of the secret realm, while the others pierced the veil of space, seeking Aamon's territory.
A moment passed before Lysara's eyes gleamed. "Connection established."
Without hesitation, she stepped forward, crossing into Aamon's territory. The vines followed her, thickening, growing, bridging both worlds.
Standing at the center of the connection, Lysara raised her arms. The vines responded like living threads of magic. With a powerful wave of her hand, she pulled the vines taut—then gave a single, graceful tug.
The ground trembled.
The air distorted with shimmering waves.
Aamon staggered slightly as the realm around him quaked—not with violence, but with transformation. The sky above flickered as if the heavens themselves were stitching two worlds together.
Suddenly, a system message appeared before Aamon's eyes:
[Notice: Your Territory has merged with a Secret Realm.]
[Environmental bonuses increased. Resource generation doubled.]
[Unique Affinity: Sprite Domain Established.]
A wave of warmth flooded through Aamon's body as he felt his bond with the land deepen. It wasn't just a spatial merger. The spirit of the realm—the harmony of nature, the whispers of the sprites—had accepted him.
Lysara turned back toward him, her smile pleased but tired. "It is done. The realm is now part of you—your domain. Protect it, as you would your own heart."
Aamon looked around as the landscape began to shift. The borders between the realms dissolved, and the flora and fauna of the secret realm began integrating with the features of his territory. Sparkling rivers branched into his lands. Crystalline trees dotted the edges, and sprites began exploring their new surroundings.
The once isolated sanctuary now pulsed with life, tethered to Aamon's will.
And for the first time in a while, Aamon felt something he rarely allowed himself to feel—hope.
But in the back of his mind, a single thought lingered.
This is only the beginning.
Aamon opened the Territory System interface.
A pale green screen flickered to life in front of his eyes, filled with neat rows of glowing runes and softly pulsing icons. The menu shifted at his mental command, revealing the core status of his growing realm.
[Territory Overview]
[Territory Name – Not Given]
[Territory Subjects – 5]
[Territory Overseer – Lysara]
[Territory Guardian – 1st Guardian: Nythera]
Aamon stood still, the wind of the merged realm brushing against his golden hair as he gazed at the words. There was a strange pressure in his chest—a mixture of responsibility and pride. This land, once hidden and forgotten, was now his. A place that housed life, power, and secrets waiting to be unveiled.
But a territory with no name was like a soul without purpose.
He thought deeply.
This wasn't just about picking something that sounded impressive. It had to mean something. It had to represent him—his burden, his ambition, and everything he was building. He thought of his journey so far. From the ashes of a ruined classroom to awakening a power in a world not his own. From surviving betrayal to forming bonds stronger than fate. From hiding in shadows to carving his name into something greater.
Finally, the answer came to him.
He raised his hand and tapped the "Not Given" box. The interface shimmered.
[Please enter Territory Name]
He didn't hesitate.
Celastine Domain
The name glowed with a golden brilliance as it was accepted by the system.
In that instant, the territory responded.
A low hum spread across the landscape, as if the realm itself acknowledged the declaration. The wind stirred the treetops, the rivers shimmered like silver threads, and even the faintly glowing sprites hidden among the leaves paused to look toward the sky.
Aamon felt a subtle shift in the air.
The energy around him grew denser, richer—almost intoxicating. The system flashed again.
[System Notification]
[Territory Name has been set: Celastine Domain]
[Natural Resources: Greatly Increased]
[Spiritual Energy Concentration: Rising Rapidly]
[Stabilization Time Required: 7 Days]
Aamon closed the screen, exhaling slowly.
"The Celastine Domain…" he murmured to himself, eyes sweeping across the ever-expanding landscape.
Lysara stood a few paces behind him, her expression unreadable, but there was a faint smile on her lips. She gave a respectful nod, acknowledging the name—and perhaps the man who bore it.
"You've chosen well," she said. "This land will remember that name. So will its people."
Aamon nodded silently.