Feeling the need to enhance the barrier's parameters, I navigated to the "Kingdom Defense and Expansion" tab. With a determined expression, I started reconfiguring the barrier to provide better protection.

The Aether Shield had been meticulously positioned at six key points, forming a protective hexagon around our central house. Behind the house, our original crop farm expanded, now joined by an additional plot dedicated to growing potatoes. To the west lay the barn, an all-purpose building, and the two power station. Before we were transported to this world, Grandpa Bo had already added a new pond to the west side. Now, both the west and east sides were graced with ponds.

I noticed the option for a kingdom banner. Without hesitation, I customized it with a sleek black background adorned with elegant white flower shapes in the center. I placed the two banners at each side of our house, instantly adding a touch of regality to our kingdom's appearance. Standing there, admiring the kingdom banners fluttering in the breeze, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. "Now, I truly feel like a kingdom!"

With a playful grin, Evan approached me and inquired about the cost of the impressive banners. "Oh, these banners? They come at a zero cost!" I replied cheerfully, explaining that they were a part of my skills and abilities as a king. "It's called the Royal Banner," I continued, "it's meant to boost the morale and fighting spirit of our troops." I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony, realizing we didn't actually have any troops yet. "Well, no harm in being prepared, right?"

Grandpa Bo and Grandma Im were still engrossed in the holographic projection on the training ground, marveling at the wonders it displayed.

I sighed, my mind swirling with thoughts and concerns. "You know, Evan, gathering those gemstones is no easy task. Taking on monsters and risking our lives for it... It's kind of scary. "Evan suggested " We can use the trade tab to exchange some of our harvest for gemstones, right?"

I shook my head, my frustration evident. " The trade value in this HUD is quite cheap!" I exclaimed. Evan raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "What do you mean by 'cheap'?" he asked.

I let out a sigh, trying to explain. "I mean the trade value for the crops is so low. It's not giving us enough gemstones," I replied. "We'll have to prioritize getting those ores as a preferred strategy for earning gemstones," Evan suggested. I replied with a laugh, "I hope the HUD accepts it, so we can trade the ores for gemstones." I then suggested, "For now, let's keep the remaining gemstones in the vault building." The vault building was a recent addition to our kingdom, built after a week of clearing out monsters and collecting valuable items. It was the perfect place to safeguard our precious gemstones and other valuable resources.

I turned to Evan, curiosity sparking in my eyes. "Do you think there are any other countries out there?" I asked, pointing at the map that only displayed our current territory.

Evan shrugged, his brow furrowing in thought. "It's hard to say," he replied. Evan pondered "Perhaps we'll need to explore manually to uncover more, and as we do, the HUD's map will expand to include these new places."

Suddenly, a ping echoed through my holographic screen, and a new quest notification popped up, illuminating the air with a soft glow. The words read, "Save the Fallens."I felt a surge of curiosity and determination as my fingers hovered over the quest titled "Save the Fallens." For the victory condition, indicated that completing this quest would yield both rewards and bonuses, but there would be no penalty if I chose not to take it on.

I exclaimed, feeling a surge of determination. "Of course, we have to save them! It's a matter of life and death.""Looks like we have a new quest...," I said, trying to sound composed despite the adrenaline coursing through me.

Grandma Im's eyes sparkled with excitement as she exclaimed, "Oh, this is what it feels like to have a quest!" She turned to Neko and added, "Neko-chan can you stay here and guard our home, alright?" "Of course. I understand. I'll take good care of the home while you're away." Her eyes gleamed with a sense of duty and responsibility.

But Grandpa Bo seemed concerned, cautioning, "What are you thinking, Honey? It might be too dangerous out there."

However, Grandma Im was determined and replied, "I want to go and finish this quest together with everyone. We can handle it, don't worry!" Grandma said with a playful smile, "Besides, I'm also eager to try out this new skill. It's the perfect opportunity to test its effectiveness”

With a sharp whistle, Grandpa Bo called out to Jack, who responded with an elegant leap. He gracefully transformed into his rooster griffin form, ready to carry both Grandma Im and Grandpa Bo on his back. "Alright, let's ride, Honey," Grandpa Bo said with a wink, and they both hopped on Jack, holding onto his feathers tightly.

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I approached Midnight, gently patting her side as I spoke softly, "Sorry, girl, I didn't mean to leave you behind this time. We'll go for a ride later, I promise." Midnight let out a soft neigh, as if she understood my words, but I couldn't shake the feeling that she was still a bit sulky. I smiled and gave her a reassuring pat before joining Evan in the pickup truck.

With the wind blowing against our faces, the four of us rushed towards the quest location. We approached the quest marker on the map, adrenaline coursed through my veins. It was a mix of curiosity and nervousness, not knowing what challenges lay ahead.

As we approached the quest location, Evan popped out from the truck window and shouted "Azure Blade!" The monster's head fell down, defeated by his magic. Meanwhile, Grandpa Bo shouted from atop Jack, "It's a Goblin! A soldier type!" We readied ourselves for the battle that awaited us.

"Hey, hey! They can use swords?" I exclaimed, but before Evan could respond, a sharp arrow whizzed past him. "Look out, Evan!" I shouted. In an instant, a protective barrier radiated around both Evan and me, shielding us from the incoming attack of the archery goblin.

I took down the archery goblin with a well-aimed shot. Meanwhile, Grandpa Bo and Grandma Im were dealing with another group of goblin soldiers.

Grandpa Bo and Grandma Im faced the group of goblins, they wasted no time in showing off their impressive magical prowess.

Grandpa Bo summoned Jack, his trusty rooster griffin, and with a mischievous grin, he yelled, "Alright, Jack! Time to peck those goblins like there's no tomorrow!" With a flap of its wings, Jack swooped down and began pecking at the goblins, causing them to scatter in confusion.

Not to be outdone, Grandma Im raised her hands and conjured a whirlwind of leaves and vines, sending it swirling towards the goblins. "Let's see how they like a taste of Mother Nature's fury!" she exclaimed with a playful twinkle in her eyes.

The goblins, taken aback by the sudden onslaught, tried to regroup, but Grandpa Bo and Grandma Im were not about to let up. They worked seamlessly together, with Grandpa Bo using his summoning abilities to create distractions while Grandma Im used her nature-based magic to ensnare and disarm the goblins.

Turning around, my eyes widened in surprise. Among the fallen, I caught sight of what seemed to be an elf! The women elf wielded a short bow, demonstrating impressive combat skills. Beside her, two young teenager's boys brandished a spear and short sword with remarkable proficiency.

"Amy!" Evan's voice rang out, filled with concern. Adrenaline surged through my veins as the goblin leader advanced, wielding its massive axe. With Evan's warning, instant shield just in time to block the powerful swing of the axe.Determined to bring down this formidable foe, I aimed my gun at the goblin's head and pulled the trigger with a loud bang! But to my surprise, the shot seemed to have little effect on the creature, only making it angrier.

Realizing that the gun might not be enough to defeat such a powerful opponent, I quickly switched to my backup plan. I pulled out a Rambo knife that I had taken from Grandpa Bo's store. Gripping the knife tightly, I lunged forward, aiming for the goblin's left knee.

With a swift strike, I managed to land a solid hit, causing the goblin leader to howl in pain. However, it wasn't enough to stop the creature's relentless assault. It raised its axe again, preparing to strike.

Just as the goblin leader was about to launch another attack, Grandma Im came to my rescue. She used her nature-based magic to conjure thick vines, which snaked their way around the goblin's arm, effectively holding the axe in place.

"Nice save, Grandma Im!" I shouted, relieved to have her by my side.

As the goblin leader lunged towards me and Grandma IM, Jack, my loyal rooster griffin, sprang into action, placing himself between me and the menacing creature. With a mighty roar, Jack unleashed a powerful attack, and from his shadow emerged an unexpected duo - a goose and a clucky? They moved like nimble ninjas, shooting out sharp feathers and wielding tiny daggers. The goose's feathers were razor-sharp, causing the goblin to bleed, while the chicken's skilled dagger slashes surprised us all. Together, they delivered a series of swift and precise attacks, leaving the goblin leader weakened. Jack finished the battle with a powerful blow, and the goblin fell defeated.

Evan couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, they are far better in martial arts than I expected!"

"Clucky and Goose!" Grandpa Bo exclaimed in awe. He couldn't believe his eyes as he patted the two extraordinary animals. Clucky and Goose responded with a proud look, as if acknowledging the praise, they rightfully deserved. It was a moment of admiration and appreciation for the incredible abilities of our animal companions.

My eyes lit up, "Hey, guys! Let's take a wefie with the goblin corpse before they disappear!" Grandpa Bo chuckled heartily, adding, "Haha, great idea! I want to show off these goblin weapons we collected!" ."Huh, show off to who?" Grandma Im teased playfully. "We don't have internet in this world."

I chuckled, "Jack. you look like a true knight in that pose!" Jack let out a proud squawk.

Grandpa Bo and Evan began collecting other weapons scattered on the ground. Meanwhile, Grandma Im use her new skill healing touch restore health and vitality to the wounded fallen, who seemed to be in awe of her presence.

As I approached the fallen, their reaction surprised me. They all panicked and quickly bowed to me at a 90-degree angle. "Wait, wait," I said, trying to understand what was happening. "What's going on?"

As the rescued groups approached me, their expressions were timid yet filled with gratitude. Among them, an old man stepped forward, his weathered face bearing the weight of many years. With a sense of reverence, he spoke, "Your majesty, thank you for saving us!"

Being addressed as a king felt overwhelming. "Uh.. you don't have to call me 'your majesty' or anything like that," I said with a sheepish grin. The rescue fallen exchanged confused glances. The women elf spoke hesitantly, "How should we address you? Your Majesty?"

I smiled at the women elf, appreciating her curiosity. "You can address me as Amy," I replied warmly. "No need for formal titles here. " The women elf nodded.They followed us silently, and I noticed the surprised look on the elf women’s face as I gestured for them to sit at the back of the truck. I chuckled to myself, knowing that this world probably had never seen a pickup truck before.

I revved the engine, a blue screen appeared before us. It read, "You have saved the fallens! All rewards and bonuses will be given."

"With these bonuses, I can build you the magic tower ASAP!" Evan's face lit up, and he exclaimed, "Yahoo!" He understood the significance of the magic tower, as it required 1000 point of gemstones and prerequisite of one power station. I hoped the magic tower would elevate Evan's skills and battle prowess, especially since my gunshot alone was no longer enough to defeat the monsters we encountered.