A gentle drizzle softly sprinkled over the Reed River, dotting the water's surface with countless fine ripples.
The dark clouds on the horizon weren't particularly thick, even allowing a few shafts of heavenly light to pierce through. In the distance, snow-capped peaks washed clean by the rain shone with pure silver between the cloud gaps, as if foretelling that the gloom would soon lift and good fortune was on its way.
And the old beaver "Gnaw-gnaw" by the riverbank seemed to embody this auspicious sign.
He no longer floated listlessly on the water's surface like he had in previous days.
At this moment, Gnaw-gnaw was spiritedly crouched beside a newly selected young poplar tree, his signature large front teeth working diligently.
"Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!"
The sound of gnawing wood was crisper and louder than usual, echoing rhythmically amidst the rain.
As he chewed, his small eyes kept darting nervously and expectantly toward the opposite riverbank.
There, beside reeds made exceptionally fresh by the rain, a newly arrived lady beaver was grooming her glossy, deep brown fur.
"Crunch!"
Gnaw-gnaw applied too much force, nearly jamming his front teeth.
He quickly lowered his head, pretending to be completely absorbed in chewing the tree, but his small chest felt like it held a lively, jumping frog, thumping wildly.
Lightning!
He felt as if struck by a lightning bolt called "love"!
Since this beautiful lady had settled on the opposite bank a few days ago, Gnaw-gnaw's heart, which had grown quiet after his dam collapsed, was instantly filled with boundless motivation.
Sadness and laziness were thrown to the winds, replaced by an unprecedented, intense desire to prove himself.
He would build a bigger, sturdier, more impressive dam!
A fortress sufficient to protect him and... well, his future wife.
He wanted the elegant lady across the river to see that he, Gnaw-gnaw, was the most diligent and capable beaver on the Reed River.
Thinking of this, Gnaw-gnaw chewed even more vigorously, his tail unconsciously slapping the water with a bit of pride, splashing strings of sparkling droplets.
"Clip-clop... creak..."
A carriage covered with waterproof canvas rolled over the muddy dirt road dampened by light rain, entering the Reed Riverbank area.
The driver was none other than Yano.
Fine raindrops fell on the corners of his slightly upturned lips.
He had just retrieved a letter from Jade City and returned goods from the post station. Lola's elegant handwriting described how well the children were adapting at the academy, and that she had found a respectable sewing job. Between the lines was filled with hope for the future.
Every time he traveled this familiar road, every time he thought of his family's stable life, Yano's heart felt as clear and bright as the sky after rain.
Life's trajectory had finally entered the right path. Even this continuous drizzle seemed like sweet rain washing away dust and nourishing all things in his eyes, unable to obscure the sunshine in his heart.
He carefully controlled the carriage, avoiding deep muddy pits, slowly driving deeper into the Swamp Forest.
The wheels pressed over the damp grass, leaving two clear tracks.
After spending some time passing through increasingly dense shade, the view suddenly opened up.
The swamp fortress had arrived.
Yano pulled the reins, his eyes widening in surprise.
After just a few days absence,
a tall, thick city wall now stood imposingly on the previously empty eastern side of the fortress.
The dark brown mud bricks, soaked by rain, displayed a deep, substantial texture, tightly fitted together like a winding giant serpent, firmly protecting the entire eastern side of the fortress.
The wall was nearly completed, with only one small gap remaining unfilled.
This construction speed... was as fast as magic!
Just as Yano stared mesmerized at this astonishing change, a damp Slime hopped over from the busy construction site and accurately landed in his arms.
"Yano, perfect timing!"
"Park the carriage first and help me fill this last gap in the wall."
"Ah?"
Yano froze, looking down at the Slime in his arms.
"I... I've become a bricklayer?"
"Hurry, follow me."
Chen Yu jumped up and nudged his chin.
Yano looked at the bustling construction site—Poison-stinger Wasps shuttled through the rain transporting fine mud materials, several large Beetles grunting as they dragged a freshly shaped giant mud brick toward the gap... A wonderful sense of participation welled up within him.
"Alright, Boss."
He deftly parked the carriage under a dry oak tree nearby, rolled up his sleeves, and joined this "capping" battle.
His strength was substantial, helping the Beetles drag the heavy mud bricks. Following Chen Yu's instructions, he carefully lifted the enormous mud bricks into place at the gap.
The light rain continued, but the construction site buzzed with a tense yet joyful atmosphere.
Every "worker"—whether buzzing Poison-stinger Wasps, silent Beetles, bouncing Slimes, or the newly joined human—seemed to know they were completing something remarkable.
Time passed bit by bit, the gap growing smaller.
Finally, when the last dozen perfectly shaped mud bricks were steadily embedded by Yano into the sole remaining vacancy—
"Hum..."
As if an invisible force field gently swept through, the entire wall became one integrated mass.
[City Wall: Base Durability +15%, Additional Environmental Damage Reduction]
The Slime Lord title effect had activated.
Raindrops hit the new wall surface, splashing fine water mist, yet seemingly never truly contacting the wall's mud bricks.
It appeared wrapped in a strange luster.
The tall, thick dark brown city wall, like a silent and loyal guard, encircled the entire castle, forming a solid and reliable barrier.
Chen Yu hopped down from Yano's arms, jumping to the wall's highest point.
His small gel body undulated slightly in the rain as he carefully stroked this newly born masterpiece.
A tremendous sense of accomplishment and an indescribable feeling of security, like a warm current, filled his heart.
Home.
This was, in the true sense, a "home" built bit by bit with his own hands, capable of sheltering from wind and rain.
"Caw!"
Count Bran had returned unnoticed, landing on the wall's battlement. He shook his damp feathers and excitedly croaked:
"Magnificent! The great Slime Kingdom barrier! Once this wall is complete, it shall be impregnable! This marks the beginning of a great kingdom."
Yano stood below the wall, looking up at the newly completed fortress in the rain. Water trailed down his resolute face, but his lips stretched into a broad smile.
Fatigue was replaced by a strange sense of belonging and pride.
He had participated in building this wall!
This was the Boss's home, and in a way, it was also the place where he, Yano, had gained new life.
On the wall, Chen Yu asked curiously.
"Count Bran, why have you returned early?"
"Achoo!"
Count Bran stood on the wall, vigorously shaking the water from his feathers, complaining.
"This dreadful weather is filled with pervasive fog everywhere. This Count simply cannot see the directions clearly. Let that clumsy Retainer stay there for now. Though the fellow's brain is quite dull, he has endless brute strength all day long. What Goblin would be foolish enough to provoke him?"
"This Count must return to the nest to tend to his noble feathers."
After speaking, he flapped his wings with a "thump," leaving a dark shadow as he flew back to his nest in the warehouse.
...
Deep within the Western Swamp's dense forest, in a certain clearing.
The continuous light rain persisted. Arthur had chopped down the surrounding dense trees in the morning, clearing the area and lighting a dark smoke signal.
Then he silently sat before the campfire and leaves smoldering into wolf smoke, letting the rain soak his body. He appeared to be spacing out, yet also seemed to be waiting for Count Bran's arrival.
An unknown amount of time passed. The forest fog grew increasingly thick, making it hard to see beyond ten meters.
He remained seated on the rock, maintaining an upright posture.
Only the smoke had long been extinguished by the rain.
He was about to rise, attempting to relight the wolf smoke with his hoof's flame, when suddenly, rustling sounds emerged from the forest.
The Soulfire in Arthur's eye sockets flickered. He looked up.
The arrivals weren't Count Bran, but a patrol of Goblins.
Before the Goblin group could react, he lifted his lance and walked over.
Moments later, Arthur flung aside a Goblin corpse. Gazing at the unchanged surrounding forest, he fell silent.
Yano looked at the bustling construction site—Poison-stinger Wasps shuttled through the rain transporting fine mud materials, several large Beetles grunting as they dragged a freshly shaped giant mud brick toward the gap... A wonderful sense of participation welled up within him.
And seemingly couldn't find his way back to the clearing either.
The small Slime on his chest seemed to sense his predicament, awakening from slumber and blinking.
"The rain is too heavy. Count Bran has already returned to the territory."
"Arthur, find a place to shelter from the rain first. There seems to be a mountain ahead."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Arthur didn't hesitate, leading his undead horse as he continued advancing toward the mountain.
He felt little confusion in his heart, instead firmly believing this was actually a trial.
The great Slime Majesty was testing his loyalty to nature.
He, Arthur Arevalo.
From beginning to end, his will had never wavered.