Lucas Carter stood again at the balcony of the ruined castle of Greystone after exiting the study, his arms crossed over his chest. The morning sun poured golden light over the cracked stone, revealing just how much work was ahead. Beneath him, the people of Greystone stirred—tired, bruised, yet alive. For the first time, they had hope.
He opened his status with a mental command.
[Status Panel]
Name: Lucas Carter
Race: Human (Reincarnated)
Class: Beast Emperor
Level: 6
Bonded Beasts: 2 (Umbra, Zephyra)
Titles: Reincarnated One, Heir of Greystone, Lionheart
Skills: Beast Fusion (Unlocked), Tactical Insight (Passive), Commanding Presence (Passive)
Territory Panel: Unlocked
Quests: [Main Quest: Rebuild and Restore Greystone]
{You're doing well, Lucas,} the system voice, Angel, spoke in his mind.
{Your decisions now will define the course of your kingdom. No pressure.}
"Right," Lucas muttered, half-smiling.
"Let's start with the right people."
-Greystone Castle – Throne Hall-
Lucas had converted the dusty throne room into a makeshift war chamber. Maps lay stretched on the long table, pins marking threats and routes.
On the other side of the room knelt the remaining senior members of the Barony:
-Sir Hale Aldren, a grizzled veteran and Head Guard. His bonded beast, Ignis, a flame-winged bat, rested on his shoulder.
-Butler Reynard, thin and weathered, but sharp-eyed. Beside him sat Frost, his loyal husky beast.
-Healer Maela, a young woman with bright green eyes and a calm demeanor.
-Farmer's Guild Head Orwin, barrel-chested, with earth-stained hands and a gravel beast coiled at his feet.
Lucas stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding. "This land is mine by birthright, but that's not why I lead. I lead because I have the will to rebuild it—and the power to protect it. But I can't do it alone. I need all of you."
Each person rose, placing a hand over their chest.
Lucas pointed to each as he spoke.
"Sir Hale—"
"You're my Head of Defense. Train the guards. Strengthen the walls. Make sure we never fall this easily again."
Aldren nodded. "It will be done, my lord."
"Reynard—"
"You're Steward of the Estate. Organize supplies. Manage inventory. Coordinate with guilds."
"With pride, young master," Reynard said with a bow.
"Maela—"
"You're Chief Healer. Set up a field hospital and heal the wounded. Use all that you need."
"I'll begin at once," she said.
"We need salves and potion bases. Our stores are dry."
"Orwin—"
"You're head of agriculture. Organize food distribution. Prepare fields outside the beast-flood zones."
"I'll rouse every farmer still breathing," Orwin said, thumping his chest.
DING!
[Quest Update: Greystone's Rebirth]
You have appointed key figures of your territory.
Reward Unlocked: Healing Salve Recipe
[Item: Basic Healing Salve Recipe]
Type: Alchemical Item
Effect: Restores minor to moderate injuries
Ingredients Required:
Seraflow Petals
Beastbone Ash
Pure Springwater
Binding Resin
Lucas held up the glowing recipe scroll, and with a thought, shared it with Maela and Reynard.
"Gather what you need," he said.
"We'll set up a makeshift alchemy lab in the eastern wing."
{Impressive,} Angel said, her voice pleased.
{You're stabilizing faster than expected. Just don't burn out.}
Lucas chuckled softly. "No promises."
Later That Day – Greystone Market Square
Hale hauled a chunk of broken stone while Orwin directed laborers. Reynard supervised the rebuilding of the outer gates. Lucas moved from group to group, speaking briefly, encouraging the survivors. The people responded—not just because of his status, but because of his presence.
He passed by Maela's temporary healing tent. Dozens lay inside—guards, villagers, even children. She moved quickly, aided by two junior healers. Her hands glowed faintly as she applied the first completed healing salve to a man with a nasty leg wound.
Lucas watched as the angry red wound calmed, the man sighing in relief.
"Works fast," Lucas said.
Maela nodded.
"Better than anything we had before."
{Don't forget to reward them,} Angel murmured.
DING!
[Territory Morale Increased]
[Greystone Reputation: +10]
[Passive Skill Unlocked: Leadership Aura]
Effect: Minor morale boost to allies within 50 meters.
Lucas smiled. For the first time, Greystone felt alive.
-Nightfall – Castle Courtyard-
A bonfire crackled in the center as workers and townsfolk gathered. Food was passed out. Music drifted from a few old instruments. Laughter—real laughter—broke through the ruin.
Lucas sat on the steps, watching Umbra and Zephyra lounge nearby. Zephyra curled in a circle, head resting on her tail. Umbra stood guard, ever watchful.
Reynard joined him, giving him a flask of warm cider.
"To a good start my lord," he said.
Lucas nodded. "I know. But for now, let them breathe. Tomorrow, we rebuild the future."
[System Alert]
Territory Panel Update:
[Greystone Barony: Overview]
Status: Stabilizing
Population: 82 Survivors
Defense Level: Low
Food Reserves: Scarce
Healing Supplies: Moderate (New)
Key Appointees: Defense, Steward, Healing, Agriculture
Public Morale: Moderate
Infrastructure: Poor
Active Quest:
Rebuild Defensive Walls (0/3)
Expand Medical Supply Reserves (1/3)
Train 50 Militia (12/50)
Secure Trade Route (0/1)
Lucas stared at the glowing panels above his hand.
This was no longer just a fantasy world.
It was his territory now.
And he would make it thrive.