Author note : I won't be using much titles from now on as I think they're spoilers and can are ruin the fun sometimes, if you like titles anyway, then let me know, I won't be able to respond but I'd still see the comments.
I wish you all, the best.
........
Max landed on the mountain after 17 hours of continuous high speed flight, his black wings folding behind him as his boots touched the rocky ground. The mountain was majestic, its peak piercing the clouds and its slopes covered in lush greenery. A gentle breeze carried the scent of pine and wildflowers, and the air was crisp and refreshing.
At the base of the mountain lay a vast, crystal clear lake, its surface shimmering like a mirror under the sunlight.
The water reflected the deep blue of the sky and the towering mountain, creating a breathtaking panorama.
Across the lake, a sprawling city stretched out. In the heart of the city stood another mountain, smaller but no less impressive.
Max took a moment to admire the scenery. The contrast between the serene mountain and the bustling city across the lake was striking.
He could see the faint outlines of people moving about in the distance, but here, on this side of the lake, it was peaceful and untouched.
With a wave of his hand, Max summoned Lucy and the crows from his pet space.
Lucy, materialized in a burst of green light, her delicate wings fluttering as she hovered in the air. The crows, perched silently on a nearby rock, their black feathers glistening in the sunlight.
Max gave them a brief glance and a nod, signaling them to stay close. They obeyed without question, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.
Lucy didn't waste any time. Her form dissolved into a swirling green light that shot toward the mountain. The light spread across the rocky surface, and the mountain seemed to come alive under her control.
It barely took half an hour for her to take full control as The ground trembled slightly as a cave entrance formed, its walls smooth and perfectly shaped.
Max stepped inside, his footsteps echoing in the quiet space. The cave was cool and well lit, as Lucy built multiple windows for sunlight to pour in.
Max walked deeper into the cave, his mind focused. The simulator's cooldown was over, and it was time to decide who to send into the simulation, as for the matter of the Beacon and what not, he decided to completely ignore it until it was time to actually use it.
...
He glanced at the crows, who were still perched silently near the entrance. They represents his own strength but currently he didn't plan on fighting himself in the upcoming ordeals, letting Lucy handle the situation.
She was already strong, but even a little extra strength was welcomed.
He turned his gaze toward the city across the lake. His next target was better left for Lucy to handle.
' simulating the crows will guarantee some level of power up, but I've been jumping around in person for some time now, it's better for me to stand in the back line for some time'.
"Lu, come here. ."
Lucy reappeared in front of him, her green light coalescing into her fairy form.
Max pulled a comfortable chair from his spacing and sat down, then he began instructing her on her priorities for the simulation.
His voice was low and steady, his words precise. Lucy listened intently, When he finished, she simply nodded, her expression serious.
.....
As he was about to start the simulation, A holographic 3D map of the simulation world materialized in front of Max. The map was detailed, showing the sprawling landscapes of Valenorthits towering mountains, dense forests, and sprawling cities.
Max's fingers moved through the air, manipulating the map until he found what he was looking for: an isolated mountain, far from civilization. It was the perfect starting point for Lucy.
Without hesitation Max started the simulation, and Lucy's eyes lost Focus.
[Ding, simulation starting..].
[In the first year, you found yourself in an unfamiliar forest in front of a mountain, you already knew your situation, and without wasting time you took control over this mountain.
According to Max's orders, your priorities were clear: study the Kraxtal weaving forging method, practice your telekinesis, and gather information about the world if possible.
But first you had to make sure your immediate surroundings were safe.]
[In the third year, by this year you inspected every rock within this mountain and it's immediate surroundings confirming it's safety, and started your work.
At the same time the mountain has been growing noticeably with the effects of your multiple skills and abilities.]
[In the 4th year, you focused most of your time on the Kraxtal weaving forging method.
you had this ingenious idea to make your own space cube, a one powerful enough to contain civilizations and sustain life, just like the drama you've been watching.
That way instead of watching actors and such, real civilizations will be entertaining you.]
Max :-_-. "What the actual! ".
..... After a moment of speechlessness, Max just shook his head deciding to pretend he didn't see a thing.
...
[In the 7th year, You continued your work on the Kraxtal weaving forging method, a Giant light orb pulsing rhythmically as you manipulated the mountain's minerals.
Despite your progress, the space cube project remained elusive. You had managed to create a small, unstable version, but it collapsed within seconds.
Frustrated but undeterred, you decided to focus on refining your telekinesis, hoping it would aid you in stabilizing the cube.
Occasionally, travelers passed by the mountain, merchants, knights, and adventurers.
You observed them discreetly, absorbing bits of information about Valenorth.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
The language was surprisingly easy to pick up, and you learned of the growing tension between the human kingdoms and the witches, and rumors of a powerful witch who had recently emerged in the northern forests.
But you paid little heed to the rumors. and focused on what's important making your own drama universe.]
'ignoring Lucy's reasons and goals, she's making study progress so I am fine with that.'
[In the 12th year, Your telekinesis hadn't improved much mostly because of you being distracted by all kind of things.
The mountain continued to grow, its interior now a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, each filled with either gunpowder that you made out of boredom or rocket Fuel and mineral materials.
Some of the chambers were specifically made for dangerous experiments, mostly not to draw any unnecessary attention when things explode.
The space cube project remained a distant dream, as every attempt simply collapsed under its own weight.]
[In the 20th year, because of the pressure from all the math you've been doing, you took a one year vacation in which you heard a lot of stories about those witches.
Despite your growing curiosity about the witches, you stayed true to Max's orders and avoided direct contact. You continued to observe travelers, piecing together fragments of knowledge about Valenorth's history.]
[In the 25th year, Your telekinesis had barely improved. You could now manipulate objects with slightly more precision, but your progress was agonizingly slow.
One good news was that because of all of the physics and math, The mountain had become a marvel of engineering, its defenses nearly impenetrable.
The space cube project, however, remained stagnant. You had exhausted every idea you could think of, and the space cubes you created still collapsed within minutes.
Frustrated, you turned your attention to the mountain's defenses, making a few more weapons, most of them were inspired from Max's cannon the same one you supposedly made, but they were much much weaker, and relied heavily on rocket fuel, while some weaker models used gunpowder.
Travelers passing by the mountain began to speak of it in hushed tones, calling it the "Emerald Peak." mostly because of the small lake of emerald water you keep in the peak.
Some claimed it was cursed, while others believed it was a sanctuary for ancient spirits. You paid no mind to the rumors, your focus unwavering.]
....
"huh ! I guess with the Kraxtal weaving showing progress making things like cannons became easier."
Commented Max feeling positive about Lucy's progress, as for the slow practice of telekinesis Max didn't worry about it.
Normally it would take anything from 50 years to over 150 years to reach the advanced mastery in a blue grade skill, but Lucy had around 1000 years, so even if her practice with it was slow it didn't matter much.
Moreover, if Lucy made some significant progress in The Kraxtal weaving, Max would have to reconsider the reward.
...
[In the 50th year, Your telekinesis finally reached Primary Mastery, though it had taken far longer than expected.
You could now manipulate entire sections of the mountain with ease, your control so precise that you could reshape the terrain in moments.
The mountain had become a fortress unlike any other, its defenses bolstered by your growing power.
The space cube project, however, remained a failure. You had made some progress, you could now create a pocket dimension that lasted for several hours, but it was still far from your goal. You began to suspect that the project was beyond your capabilities, at least for now.
Travelers passing by the mountain were fewer now, as the growing conflict between the human kingdoms and the witches had made the roads dangerous. You continued to observe them, gathering whatever information you could.]
[In the 60th year, Your telekinesis had plateaued, your progress slowing to a crawl, so did the mountain you're controlling as it has reached its peak growth, but you decided not to absorb it and just keep using it as a base.
The space cube project was all but abandoned, though you occasionally revisited it in moments of boredom, instead you put most of your focus in exploring the limits of the Kraxtal weaving, as long as you make some significant progress in it, then making the cube shouldn't be a problem.]
[In the 61st year, while busy with your routine, one day, a group of knights approached the mountain. They were battered and weary, their armor dented and their faces grim. They spoke of a witch who had destroyed their village, her twisted beasts slaughtering everyone in their path.
You observed them silently.
They could not see or sense you, but you could feel their desperation.
At first you wanted to use them for some experiments with the blood forging method, but you gave up on the idea since it wasn't one of your priorities, and not wanting what ever trouble that was following them to happen within your range, you decided to help them.
It was night and they were lost so you carved a path for them, leading them to safety, it was the path those passing Merchant Caravans took.
The knights never knew who or what had saved them, but they left the mountain with a newfound respect for the Emerald Peak.]
[In the 75th year, Your mountain had become a legend. Stories of the Emerald Peak spread far and wide, and few dared to approach it. Those who did were met with an eerie silence, the mountain's defenses deterring even the most determined intruders.
Some were brave enough to annoy you, but after the first few were either bombarded with cannons or shredded with telekinesis, no breve one was breve enough to go up the mountain.
Because you were busy studying, Your telekinesis had barely improved, but it was powerful enough to fight if needed.
Travelers were now a rare sight, and the information you gathered was sparse. You learned of a powerful witch who had begun amassing an army of twisted beasts, but you paid little attention. Your focus remained on the mountain.]
[In the 100th year, by now you had collected enough information to peace out some of the history of this world, apparently this world had no witches nor any kind of witchcraft not long ago, around 400 years ago.
they appeared suddenly one year, as random women became witches gaining different powers, and having their perspective on the world changed, no longer considering themselves human.
That year was called the year of Shadows, and it marked a world peace between all kingdoms as they focused on this new emerging enemy instead.
You didn't care much and simply recorded it, then went back to studying].
"huh! Interesting."
[In the 120th year, Your end came suddenly. A witch was passing by.
You, in your mountain form, observed the witch from afar with curiosity. You had no intention of engaging, but the witch noticed you somehow.
With a wave of her hand, the witch unleashed a blast of light, bypassing the mountain's defenses entirely. Directly targeting your spiritual form, you had no time to react, and your form shattered, your green light dissipating into the air. The mountain, now lifeless, stood silent and still.]
[You died.]
[Ding, simulation ended.]
[Host, please pick a reward.]
"What the...?" Max stared at the holographic screen, his jaw tightening, a flicker of anger crossing his face. The witch had taken Lucy out so effortlessly, as if she were nothing more than a minor nuisance.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. "Sigh, just blame it on bad luck," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "But I guess it's about time to address Lucy's weakness."
As his enemies became stronger, he was bound to encounter individuals who could directly target spirits, rendering Lucy useless unless the element of surprise was on their side.
Max leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "Well, until I can find her a spirit defensive skill or figure something else, I'll be simulating the crows. As for the reward..."
Max considered his options. He felt like bringing telekinesis at Primary Mastery, but it was better to wait and bring the perfected version directly. On the other hand, Lucy had made significant progress in the Kraxtal weaving method.
"Simulator, pick memories and only focus on the ones related to Kraxtal weaving and all related forging memories."
[Ding, affirmative...]
....
Lucy regained her focus. She blinked a few times, her wings fluttering as she processed the new knowledge and experiences flooding her mind.
"Mimimi?" she chirped, tilting her head in confusion. Apparently, she was such a genius that she could understand things even when she wasn't trying, or willing, for that matter.
Max raised an eyebrow. "Lu, use the Kraxtal weaving for me to see."
Lucy nodded, closing her eyes. Her telekinetic powers activated, and after a minute, three glowing blue orbs hovered behind her, pulsing faintly with energy.
Max frowned. "Huh? Just three?"
Lucy's eyes snapped open, and she glared at him, her tiny hands on her hips. "Mimimi! Mimimi!" she chirped indignantly, her tone clearly saying, 'How many do you make, huh?'
Slap!
Max smacked her lightly on the head. "Alright, alright, don't get excited. Three is good for now. Maybe you'll get better after digesting your memories. For now, go watch over the place and keep studying. Also, if you want to test something, do it deep inside the mountain."
Lucy touched her head feeling wronged, but she didn't dare speak back, and dissolving into green light and merging with the mountain.
"And you guys, you're free to go play just stay close."
The crows, who had been perched silently on a nearby rock, suddenly came to life. With a chorus of "Craw! Craw!" they took off into the sky, their black feathers glinting in the sunlight.
Max watched them go, shaking his head. "Those birds are way too excited for no reason. What are they even doing? Playing tag?"
He didn't have time to worry about the crows, though. Pulling out his super phone, and two silver cards.
The simulation had ended in failure, but there would always be another one next week. For now, there were other important matters to deal with.
First He just threw the silver cards on the ground releasing the seal, as a pigeon, and a block Bonsai appeared, immediately being pulled by Lucy's telekinesis, one to be taken care of, and the other.....
Max ignored the situation completely and tapped the call button on his phone.
"Call Charles for me."