Another four months passed, and through the combined efforts of all citizens—majins, demi-humans, and monsters working side by side—the city was finally completed.
Nova Uruk, raised from nothing in the heart of the Jura Forest, now stood imposing, with solid walls, wide streets, and an organization that blended strategic planning with an almost artistic touch. What had once been nothing more than an ambitious project in Arthur's mind now existed in stone and wood.
The Melammu Dingir cannons were also finished.
Installed at strategic points throughout the city, integrated into the walls and fully powered, they were true masterpieces of engineering. After a small demonstration of their strength, Arthur discovered they were even more powerful than he had anticipated.
When the first shot was fired using one of his Noble Phantasms, the sky seemed to tear apart for a brief instant. The condensed energy surged forward like a bolt of lightning, detonating in the distance and obliterating a vast section of the forest.
If Nova Uruk were ever subjected to a large-scale invasion, the attackers would never imagine what awaited them.
It would not be an ordinary battle.
It would be a one-sided massacre.
Seeing the city fully completed, Arthur could not help but feel genuinely proud and happy.
To be honest, this was the first time he had witnessed a city being built from the ground up and raised to such a magnificent state. It was not merely a cluster of buildings; it was a budding nation, pulsing with life of its own.
Moreover, a large portion of the projects and buildings had been designed jointly by him and—believe it or not—Angélica.
Yes, Angélica.
The very same one who insisted on adding "dramatic" details or subtle references to him on the façades. Even so, the result spoke for itself. Perfectly aligned bricks, fountains in the central plaza reflecting sunlight, houses organized by sectors, decorative tiles lining the walls, carefully carved street signs, pedestrians strolling without worry, and the joyful laughter of people echoing at dusk.
All of it made Arthur feel revitalized, and he could not hold back his smile.
He walked through the main square, observing every detail, absorbing each scene as if he wanted to engrave it into his memory.
"Now I can finally begin the dimensional portal project," he murmured.
His voice was low but filled with determination.
He still needed to find a way not only to return home, but also to reunite with A2, 2B, and White.
Creating a portal capable of connecting the two worlds would be an excellent start.
It would not be simple work.
But if there was one thing Arthur had, it was time—and an entire city to support him.
Just like Arthur, the joy of the city's completion filled the hearts of its citizens.
Almost everyone was busy, cheerfully preparing for the festival that would celebrate the city's completion.
Flags were being hung, stalls assembled, special dishes prepared. The aroma of food drifted through the streets, blending with the sound of hammers finishing last-minute details.
Even Milim, who was staying in the city, was no exception.
Speaking of Milim, it must be said that she was having the time of her life.
Every day she wore new and beautiful clothes, trying out different combinations as if she were in an endless fashion show. A wide variety of delicious food and endless games… all of it left Milim completely absorbed.
In the City of the Forgotten Dragon, aside from occasional demonstrations of power, she had never experienced anything like this.
There, her routine consisted of strength, dominance, and respect.
Here, she had desserts.
Milim felt as though she had opened the door to a whole new world.
The games, in particular, thrilled her immensely.
She had discovered various intellectual games such as poker, shogi, and chess. However, the simple-minded Milim, who was not particularly skilled at math, had no idea how to count cards.
Even with everyone going easy on her, she lost more often than she won.
But there was a saying in this world: "What you cannot have always seems more appealing."
The less Milim managed to win, the more reluctant she became to stop—and the more she enjoyed the game.
It created a unique spectacle: Milim was almost constantly defeated, shouting indignantly, slamming the table, and accusing the board of betrayal—yet still chasing after her opponents, demanding to keep playing.
It was like watching a force of nature lose to a deck of cards—and refuse to accept it.
Of course, with someone as powerful as Milim around, she would not remain idle.
After the intellectual games, it was time for the martial arts tournament.
Arthur created a ranking system based on points.
By climbing the rankings, participants could receive various rewards.
Upgraded weapons, access to special training areas—enough to attract both novices and veterans.
Even Benimaru and Hakurou could not resist joining the competition.
For them, it was not merely a tournament; it was an opportunity to measure the true progress of Nova Uruk's people—and their own growth as well.
Under these strict competition rules, Milim naturally became a favorite target for challengers.
Facing her was practically a guaranteed defeat… but also a massive leap in experience.
Milim had fun, and the challengers trained extensively.
It was undeniably a brilliant idea.
Even Angélica was challenged several times, which she loved.
She accepted each match with an eager smile, as though she had been waiting for it all along.
Perhaps the plan for an underground dungeon could be added to the agenda.
Frankly, unlike Rimuru in the original work, Arthur did not have a deep love for traditional RPGs.
He did not dream of building a "legendary labyrinth."
But after personally experiencing the benefits of the arena, Arthur began to take an interest in underground dungeons.
Perhaps he could design one here.
If a dungeon similar to the labyrinth city of Orario could be created, it would not only serve as a training ground but also continuously attract adventurers from all over the world.
A constant flow of fighters would mean economic growth, information exchange, and, of course, indirect military development.
The system of infinite monster generation within a dungeon, however, would be difficult to replicate.
Creating something self-sustaining would require a stable magical core—perhaps even an artificial spirit or an entity capable of controlling the internal ecosystem.
But Arthur was not in a hurry.
He still had plenty of time; he could treat it like a high-difficulty quest in a game.
And, frankly, he had always enjoyed impossible challenges.
---xXx---
While Arthur pondered the possibility of a dungeon, one of the Three Beastketeers of Eurazania arrived at the city.
At the sight of the city in the distance, Phobio's expression changed immediately.
Before him stood a majestic citadel in the middle of the forest—something that should not have existed there.
"So the rumors were true! A city has emerged in the heart of the Jura Forest! Interesting… A city this beautiful should be ruled by Lord Carrion!"
As a member of the Three Beastketeers, his status was comparable to that of Benimaru and Angélica.
He was certainly not inexperienced.
It was precisely for that reason that he was captivated by the city at first glance.
He recognized power when he saw it.
As for the owner of the city, that no longer mattered to Phobio.
After all, his master was none other than Carrion, one of the Ten Great Demon Lords.
The arrival of Phobio and the other warriors immediately drew the attention of Nova Uruk's intelligence department.
Watchful eyes observed from rooftops, towers, and shadows.
However, the city had been open from the very beginning to all races—including majins and humans from across the world.
The intelligence agents did not reveal themselves, though observation remained necessary.
Today, the guards on duty were goblins.
Seeing that a goblin was responsible for receiving them, Phobio could not help but feel disdain.
"I am Phobio, one of the Three Beastketeers under Lord Carrion. This city is truly magnificent—perfectly suited to fall under Lord Carrion's rule. Don't you agree?"
Upon hearing Phobio's words, Rigur—who had been smiling—along with Gobta and the others, lost their smiles.
The atmosphere shifted.
"I don't," Rigur replied, his lips twitching as his smile slowly faded.
Gobta also drew his sword. "Sorry, but Lord Arthur only ever said that this city is the home of all races. He never once told us that the city we built with so much effort would belong to some Carrion!"
Arthur was not as saintly as Rimuru in the original story; he had never taught his people to swallow their pride.
They had no idea how strong this Carrion was, but Milim played with them every day; they did not believe this Carrion could possibly be that strong.
"What would you know? You're just a bunch of goblins!" Phobio mocked. He would teach them a lesson about respecting Carrion.
(End of Chapter)