(Neverport)

  Two weeks had passed since the deal with the druids, and Axel and Becca had kept the arrangement under wraps.

  Rather than risk spreading unfulfilled promises, they decided it was better to let their actions demonstrate the value of the partnership.

  In the meantime, the two had been tirelessly working to expending the village.

  Axel, with his strategic mind, formed three specialized teams to serve the community: the Watchers, a scouting unit responsible for surveying and gathering intelligence; the Keepers, a defensive force trained to protect Neverport; and the Blades, an elite strike team for offensive operations.

  Becca, on the other hand, managed the influx of refugees.

  Neverport's population had doubled from thirty to sixty due to rumors of nearby demon and orc tribes being destroyed.

  Many newcomers joined Axel's growing military force, while others chose to establish businesses or trade with nearby settlements.

  Thanks to the efforts of the new residents and Axel's leadership, Neverport had brokered trade deals with three neighboring villages: Newmire, a human settlement; Begument, a mixed community of humans and monsters; and Valentine, a village of demi-humans.

  The three buildings that was built as of the Druid request. The first was a greenhouse with endless amount of flowers, a statue of the druid Goddess, and a house that the druid members are allowed to stay.

  ---

  It was early morning when Axel woke to find Patricia performing a small puppet show above him.

  The handmade dolls in her hands depicted what looked like a happy family: one doll resembled him, and the other clearly represented her.

  Axel smiled warmly, "I was planning to surprise you with breakfast, but I think I'm the one who got the surprise this time." Ivy beamed at him and leaned down to kiss his cheek.

  Axel sat up, and Ivy wasted no time climbing onto his lap, resting against his chest while continuing her little performance.

  He gently ran his fingers through her hair, "Have you ever thought about changing your name to Ivy permanently? Your old name carries so much pain, and I want this new version of you to feel nothing but joy."

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  She nodded enthusiastically, her smile as radiant as the sunrise.

  Axel hugged her tightly, "Ivy suits you perfectly. You're perfect." He then stood, walking over to an object wrapped in cloth.

  Unwrapping it carefully, he revealed the same arm from the daywalker vampire.

  "Ivy, you deserve nothing but the best," he said, presenting it to her with a proud smile.

  ---

  (Two Hours Later)

  The village was abuzz with commotion as Axel and Becca stepped into the town square, joined by Arthur and two druids carrying small, ornate boxes.

  Curious eyes followed the druids, though the villagers seemed unsure whether to approach or stay at a distance.

  Arthur handed Axel the boxes and said, "As promised, the essence fountain will be set up tonight. We'll have more ready in two weeks."

  Axel inspected the contents of each box carefully before nodding his approval, "It's a pleasure working with you, Arthur. Would you and your friends like to rest in the village for a while?" Becca offered with a warm smile.

  Arthur glanced at his companions, who looked weary from their journey, "A drink would be most welcome," he said with a grin.

  The group made their way to the village inn, where it all began for Axel and Becca.

  Inside, the atmosphere was lively, filled with chatter and laughter.

  While Becca and two female druids started a spirited drinking competition, Axel and Arthur sat together, sharing a bottle of ale.

  Arthur took a sip and glanced around the bustling inn, "You've built something truly remarkable here, Axel."

  "Word spreads fast," Axel replied. "The destruction of the demon and orc tribes has painted us as a formidable power. Refugees keep arriving, and with the trade agreements we've established, we've been able to sustain rapid growth. Our diamond and gold mines are driving much of the trade, but the expansion is slower than I'd like."

  Arthur chuckled, downing his drink in one go, "I never thought I'd see druids and humans working side by side. We've always viewed your kind as disruptors of nature, but this partnership... it's something new, something hopeful."

  "And it will only grow stronger," Axel said confidently.

  Arthur laughed heartily, signaling the waitress for another round, "That reminds me—Atlas asked me to bring something to your attention."

  Axel leaned forward, intrigued, "Go on."

  Arthur's tone turned serious, "There's an island not far from here, owned by a royal family. Officially, it's a vineyard that produces wine for the Kingdom of Earnest. But we suspect they're also producing artificial magic by exploiting captured nonhumans—elves and fairies, specifically.

  "Our request is simple: recover the artificial magic created from elves and fairies and set any captives free. The other magic you find is yours to keep, and any freed captives can either join your village or return to their families. This mission benefits us both."

  Axel leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.

  He swirled the ale in his bottle as he considered the implications, "If this is a vineyard tied to the Kingdom of Earnest, their royal coffers will notice any disruption. We'd have to handle this delicately. And if the kingdom retaliates..." He trailed off, considering the tension between Earnest and its rival kingdom, Steelorids.

  A sly smile crept across his face, "We could pin the blame on Steelorids, stir up conflict between them, and use the chaos to expand Neverport further."

  Arthur nodded, "Take your time to prepare. There's no rush on our end."

  The waitress arrived with another bottle of ale for Arthur, who raised it high, "To partnerships, to friends, and to the growth of this village!"

  Axel raised his bottle in return, "To the future."

  The bottles clinked together, and the two men drank deeply, the promise of what was to come filling the room with an unspoken sense of ambition and resolve.