20th day of Highglow, 1369

[Quintessence] 14166/64000

While sitting cross-legged on her bed, Ebonheim stared at the village's status screen that floated in the air before her. The Akashic System had been actively recording and updating the village's growth, compared to what it had done in the years prior. Back then, the record was simple and mostly static, providing basic information regarding population, professions, devotion ranks, and building types.

Now, there was so much more detail in the menu, as the system kept track of various improvements, such as population numbers, fields and forestry harvest rates, resource extraction quantities, production rates, and a myriad of other things.

"Amazing." Ebonheim breathed.

Aside from the village status, the System had also replaced her daily quests with an expansive overview of current tasks and future goals. The vast difference in what the Akashic System was showing her compared to previous years was staggering.

[Quest] Foundation of Faith

Objective: Appear before the new settlers and make a favorable impression.

Details: A favorable first impression has a lasting impact on the faith of the new settlers. Your initial actions will establish their expectations and give rise to a paradigm. Make sure to create a good impression!

Reward: +20 Quintessence

Progress: Completed

Ebonheim smiled proudly. She had already done that, and had performed it quite well if she could say so herself. It seemed like the newcomers genuinely liked her. At least, no one had yet to express any dissatisfaction, or had decided to leave the next day. That was certainly a positive sign.

She selected the next quest, eagerly reading the details.

[Quest] Laying Down Roots

Objective: Clear designated areas for farming and housing. Ensure that the land is fertile and ready for cultivation.

Details: With the influx of new settlers, it's crucial to have adequate housing and food supplies. Clearing the land will involve removing any obstacles, tilling the soil, and marking boundaries.

Rewards: +15 Quintessence, +5 Sustainability Achievements, +5 Prosperity Points, +2 Harmony Points

Progress: 70% Complete

"Nearly finished. The others are really hard at work. I'm glad for the help." Ebonheim mused.

The village expansion and improvement was progressing far more quickly than she'd anticipated, and at the moment, the new residents seemed content and productive. Engin and the other elders had been worried that the village would have had to take the burden of supporting the newcomers, and that their community might struggle under the extra strain. But luckily, that didn't appear to be the case, as the people they welcomed into the valley appeared quite self-sufficient.

Next, Ebonheim mentally selected the third task from the Quest List.

[Quest] River's Bounty

Objective: Establish a fishing community along the riverbanks. Construct fishing houses, boats, and storage facilities.

Details: The river is a rich source of sustenance. By harnessing its resources, Ebonheim can ensure a steady supply of food. This quest will involve collaboration with the Hrafnsteinn Exiles, given their expertise in shipbuilding and sailing.

Rewards: +16 Quintessence, +10 Sustainability Achievements, +3 Prosperity Points, +2 Harmony Points

Progress: 7% Complete

"Hmm. This will take some time, I expect." Ebonheim muttered as she scratched her chin.

The river's width was so narrow in certain locations that building a dock there wouldn't be practical. Instead, small rowboats and canoes could be used to fish and hunt water fowl, as well as haul in the occasional catch. They would need to find a suitable location in which to construct the village's docks, but it would have to be further south, along the larger river fork.

She had learned a lot more about the Hrafnsteinn exiles from Bjorn and Thorsten. Hrafnsteinn was a city within the icy north, and it was ruled by a cruel and cold god: Nidur. They explained that they left their homeland due to their Nidur's tyranny and neglect, and refused to be subjugated by him anymore. As a result, the refugees abandoned everything and escaped the Hrafnsteinn dominions.

Ebonheim had interacted with the new arrivals a bit, and they were just like the other Hrafnsteinn inhabitants she knew; a proud people, dedicated to their crafts. They were straightforward and honest, which she appreciated.

After a quick morning stretch, she got out of bed and ambled over to the window, gazing outside.

The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, painting the village with a warm glow. The rays shone on the bustling crowds of people as they went about their daily duties. Children played amongst the buildings, chasing one another with sticks, pretending they were swords or spears.

As she watched the activity below, her heart filled with pride.

Her domain. Her village. Her people.

They've already started the day's activities, and she needed to follow suit.

With renewed vigor, Ebonheim exited her cabin and headed towards the river where the Hrafnsteinn exiles had decided to settle. She followed the dirt road, passing several houses and shops as she walked along. Several people greeted her in passing, and she smiled politely in reply.

After a brief stroll, she found the area where the Hrafnsteinn exiles were camping. Their tents were pitched along the banks, their surfaces dotted with nets stretched out to dry, and drying racks laden with salted fish. Several children ran around, laughing and playing.

Already, there were men chopping lumber, preparing to build the new settlement.

A short, burly man approached, his gray-streaked beard hanging past his chest, and his eyes glinting with amusement.

"Hello there, goddess! What brings you to our humble camp?"

Ebonheim smiled brightly as she returned the greeting. "Good morning. I came to see how you are faring, and if you need me to assist in any way. As the village goddess, I am responsible for all of you."

The man chuckled, patting her back with enough force to make her stagger forward. "We are doing well, Lady Ebonheim. Don't worry about us. We've endured worse on our journey from Hrafnsteinn to here. The weather has been mild, and the village's hospitality most accommodating. We can manage here by ourselves."

Ebonheim nodded. "I'm glad to hear that. But, I really would like to help out. What can I do for you today?"

"As I said, we are fine as we are," the man replied. "But, if you insist on lending a hand, we could always use more help with building our huts. Eventually, we plan on erecting longhouses, but for the meantime, we're sticking to smaller shelters."

"I can do that. Point me in the right direction, and I'll lend my assistance," Ebonheim replied, grinning from ear to ear.

The man chuckled and motioned for her to follow. "Right this way, then."

Together, they weaved through the tents and makeshift lean-tos, before arriving at the edge of the camp, where a large pile of timber lay nearby. The stacks of lumber were arranged according to length and size.

The man pointed at the largest bundle. "Grab the smaller pieces over there, and carry them to the marked site, yonder."

Ebonheim nodded and did as she was told. Thanks to her Divine Ability: Rites of the Empyreal Confluence, which bolstered her strength considerably, she could lift and move the timber logs with relative ease.

As she worked, she noticed that several Hrafnsteinns kept glancing her way, and she could tell by their expressions that they were impressed by her strength, despite her delicate appearance.

A short while later, Ebonheim finished arranging the last log, and turned to face the man, who was busy checking his handiwork. "Finished."

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"Great." He clapped his hands together, wiping his brow with the sleeve of his coat. "You've been a great help, Goddess Ebonheim. I didn't expect someone of your stature to be this strong."

Ebonheim placed her hands on her hips and smiled. "Well, I'm not exactly a normal human being. I'm a goddess, after all."

The man chuckled and shook his head. "Ha! Fair point. I keep forgetting that fact."

As he continued to inspect her handiwork, he waved absently to shoo away a fly buzzing near his ear. "Right then. Next, can you help our carpenters plan the frames for the houses? We need to gather the proper materials."

Ebonheim nodded and hurried off, eager to lend a hand. She spent the rest of the morning assisting the Hrafnsteinns in laying the foundations for their new homes.

Using the power she had recently acquired, the Divine Ability: Warp Wood, she transformed the wooden pillars into various shapes and sizes. Using this ability, she reshaped the large logs into rectangular beams, and bent the thinner slats into rafters and roofing.

By late afternoon, most of the structural work was done for a few houses. The rest would have to be completed over the coming days, but the Hrafnsteinns were grateful for her efforts.

"This is better than I imagined. If you help us with that power every day, we'll be done in no time at all."

Ebonheim smiled shyly and bowed. "It's my pleasure. I'm happy to help."

Just as she was about to turn away, she spotted a group of youngsters eyeing her with curiosity. The children looked tired from working all day, and she couldn't help but approach them.

"Hello, little ones. Have you eaten yet?"

The smallest, who wore a dirt-stained dress, nodded. Her blonde locks hung loose from a poorly-combed ponytail, and her face was smudged with grime.

"Yea. We had grilled fish and bread. The adults gave us lots," the child said in a high-pitched voice.

Another girl tugged on the hem of Ebonheim's dress. "Mummy says we shouldn't bother you. But I have a question!"

"Yes? What is it?"

The children exchanged glances, whispering among themselves. After a few moments, the bravest, a freckle-faced, red-headed boy, spoke up.

"Um... can you show us your power? You're a goddess, aren't you?"

"I most certainly can!" Ebonheim was practically melting from cuteness overload. "Let me show you what I can do."

The kids clustered around her, staring intently, waiting for her demonstration.

A little bit of Divine Cantrip should start things off nicely.

"First, watch this..." She conjured a ball of light, holding it in the palm of her hand. Then, she changed its color from blue to yellow, and then to red. "It's a small light, but if I focus, I can make it brighter."

The orb began to grow, swelling until it was nearly three feet across, bathing the area with a bright radiance.

The children gasped and covered their eyes.

"Oh, and I can also do this!" She concentrated, and the sphere exploded, transforming into tiny motes of light that scattered into the air, showering the stunned spectators.

The girls laughed and jumped up to grab the floating particles. The boys pretended to dodge and block the incoming barrage.

Ebonheim grinned as she watched their antics. Seeing their carefree attitudes, she couldn't help but join in. She lifted her hand, and a tendril of sparkling lights snaked outward, wrapping around the youngest child and lifting her off the ground, making her squeal.

"More, more!" the other children called out, their faces flushed with excitement.

Ebonheim obliged, summoning more strands of magical energy. They swirled and twined through the air, looping and twisting into complex patterns, dancing around the delighted audience.

Finally, when the display ended, Ebonheim let the light fade, and the children gathered around.

"That was fun!" the red-haired boy exclaimed, bouncing from foot to foot. "You're amazing!"

Ebonheim patted his head and smiled. "Thank you. You're so sweet—"

"Can you make that mountain disappear?" a brunette asked, pointing to the distant peak that towered over the valley.

"E-Eh?..." Ebonheim's smile faded as she stared at the snow-capped summit in the distance. "Disappear...? Like, poof?"

"Poof!" The children shouted in unison.

P-Probably not. She didn't even need to consult the Akashic System for the answer. It was far beyond her abilities, and it probably never will be within her reach. "I-I don't think that's possible. I'm sorry, dear."

"Aww...!" The children whined in disappointment.

Ebonheim had an idea. "But... how about I make flowers bloom?"

"Flowers?" The kids perked up immediately, their eyes lighting up in excitement.

Ebonheim snapped her fingers, and dozens of blue, purple, and red blossoms erupted from the ground, sending bursts of colorful petals into the air. The children burst into laughter, throwing their arms wide, spinning and cavorting through the colorful display.

When the show ended, the children rushed up to Ebonheim, embracing her in a group hug, squeezing tightly. She giggled and returned their embrace, giving them all a tight squeeze before releasing them.

Eventually, their mothers called out to the children, beckoning them to return to their camps. The girls reluctantly separated, and the boys, though more reluctant to comply, finally dragged themselves away.

"Bye-bye!" Ebonheim waved farewell, smiling brightly.

She watched as the children vanished into the trees, following their parents' calls. She remained seated, basking in the pleasant memories, a broad grin on her face.

As she was about to leave, Bjorn approached her, accompanied by Ingrid.

"I see the little ones bothered you for a while. My apologies, goddess," Bjorn said.

She grinned inwardly at Bjorn's change in demeanor towards her. Ever since the arrival of the new settlers and her resplendent showing to them, Bjorn, as well as the rest of the villagers, had begun addressing her with respect and deference, rather than the casual familiarity of before—except for Thorsten and Serrandyl, both of whom continued to refer to her in a somewhat informal manner, but only when there were no others around to overhear.

Although she much preferred the informality, she had to admit that being referred to formally by the people she considered close friends brought forth a strange sense of pride, and...dare she say it, elation.

Ebonheim waved dismissively, brushing off the apology. "No, no, they didn't bother me. I enjoyed entertaining them. They're such charming little ones."

She met Ingrid's gaze, who also gave a slight bow. "Goddess Ebonheim. Thank you for personally helping us with the construction efforts. I truly appreciate your dedication, especially for such a humble undertaking. You didn't have to do this."

Ebonheim scratched her cheek and smiled wryly.

Ingrid's demeanor was completely not what she had expected from a Hrafnsteinn warrior like Bjorn and Thorsten. The shieldmaiden was courteous, respectful, and demure. To be fair, Bjorn, and to a lesser extent, Thorsten, had shown an element of humility, but they had also displayed a bravado and confidence in their actions and words, projecting a fierce, warrior persona. Ingrid, on the other hand, possessed a quiet dignity, and was reserved in her bearing, albeit with a hint of steel.

She was also quite beautiful, possessing high cheekbones, smooth alabaster skin, and piercing blue eyes. Her blonde hair, braided into a long, elegant plait, fell down to her waist, swaying gently in the breeze.

"No, I insisted. I wanted to help out in whatever way I could. These are your new homes, after all." Ebonheim paused as a thought occurred to her. "Actually, I have a question for you, Ingrid. How do you and Bjorn know each other?"

Ingrid glanced up at Bjorn, who merely nodded, as though urging her to speak.

"I used to be under his command," Ingrid answered, returning her attention to Ebonheim. "He was the Hersir of my unit, and my direct superior. I served under him for three years, fighting alongside him in battle."

Ebonheim noted the pride in Ingrid's tone as she mentioned her former leader. "I see. It's good that you're reunited once again. I'm happy for the two of you."

Bjorn cleared his throat, rubbing his chin as he spoke. "Ahem. Well, I've retired from that role. For now, at least. But with these many new recruits, perhaps I'll reconsider re-establishing my militia."

"It's not a bad idea." Ingrid agreed. "Many who followed me here were formerly from your unit, and would gladly follow you as their commander again, sir."

Bjorn flashed the shieldmaiden a wry smirk. "Sir? Heh. You're too formal, Ingrid. But I can tell you've matured from the reckless youngster who used to rush into battle heedless of the danger."

Ingrid blushed and averted her gaze. "W-Well, I may have changed a little..."

Ebonheim laughed, her mood brightening further at the sight of the pair's interaction.

The trio chatted for a while, discussing the village and the events of the day. Eventually, they parted ways as dusk fell, and Ebonheim made her way back to her cabin.

As she walked along the darkened path, her thoughts wandered to the village and its people. The interactions with the newcomers, especially Ingrid, helped ease the worry she had felt before their arrival. Now that they were here, and their presence was not adversely affecting the people, her confidence grew.

Her steps slowed, and she halted, staring into the starry night sky.

The Akashic System flickered into view, the radiant text hovering above the darkness.

[Quest] Mountain's Embrace

Objective: Send an exploration party to the mountain range to identify potential mining spots and a place to erect a mountain village.

Details: The mountains hold more untapped resources. By identifying potential mining sites, Ebonheim can lay the foundation for future economic growth. The Deep Miners of Gorgandale will play a pivotal role in this quest.

Rewards: +20 Quintessence, +10 Sustainability Achievements, +6 Prosperity Points, +2 Harmony Points.

Progress: 0%

There was one group she hadn't had much interaction with. Roderick had told her they were called Deep Miners, hailing from the western mountains, and had arrived with the caravan. The system showed the location of their temporary camp on the outskirts north of the village.

Maybe I should go meet them soon.

She would love to learn more about their culture and customs. Judging from the way they had set up their encampment, they seemed to be more interested in underground mining and excavations than conventional building structures. Perhaps they also preferred living in caves?