The village streets were alive with light and laughter under the newly built street lamps. Children chased each other in the glow, guards patrolled with confidence, and artisans worked late into the night.
Itsuki stood at the edge of the square, watching the people he'd sworn to protect. The Codex had given him the power to create, but it was the villagers who breathed life into his designs.
We're growing stronger, he thought. But the more light we shine, the more shadows will be drawn to us.
As if on cue, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed beyond the gate.
The Stranger at the Gate
The guards called out, and torches lit the night as the gates swung open. A young woman stumbled forward, her cloak torn, her breath ragged. Her long black hair spilled wildly around her face, and her amber-brown eyes shone with both fear and determination.
Behind her, the forest rustled with the sound of mounted riders, their shouts carrying in the night.
"Please!" she cried, collapsing to her knees before the guards. "Help me! They'll catch me—please!"
Itsuki rushed forward, kneeling at her side. "Who's after you?"
She looked up at him, tears streaking her face. "Men sent by my father. They want to drag me back… to be sold off to a man twice my age. I.....I couldn't do it. So I ran away."
Lyra appeared at his side, bow in hand. "Riders approaching."
Itsuki's gaze hardened. "Open the gates. Let them in."
Moments later, the pursuers emerged from the trees armed men in leather armor, carrying torches and blades.
One of them sneered at the sight of the village walls. "Hand over the girl," he demanded. "She belongs to the merchant house of Veylor. This is a family business."
Itsuki stepped forward, sword at his side, firearm strapped to his belt. His voice was calm, but unyielding.
"She's under my protection now.." I won't give her to you.
The man's smirk faltered when the guards raised bows and Itsuki's hunters aimed rifles from the walls. The torchlight flickered across the barrels of guns, weapons these men had likely never seen before.
"You dare oppose House Veylor?" one of them spat. "Do you know who you're dealing with?"
Itsuki's eyes narrowed. " all I know is that you're trespassing in my lands. Leave. Now."
Or be prepared to suffer the
consequences.
The tension stretched for long seconds before the men cursed, retreating into the forest.
Inside the safety of the walls, the girl was led to the central hall. Elara tended to her wounds while Lyra stood watchful by the door.
"My name is Selene," the girl whispered, her voice steadier now. "Daughter of Merchant Lord Veylor. My father… he wanted to sell me to an ally, a cruel man. I couldn't accept it. I'd rather die free than live as someone's property."
Itsuki sat across from her, his expression softening. "You're safe here. you can stay here if you want to, no one will force you to return."
Selene's eyes widened, shimmering with gratitude. "You mean it? Even knowing who hunts me?"
"I don't care who hunts you," Itsuki said firmly. "This is your home now, if you want it."
Lyra snorted softly, crossing her arms. "Another woman rescued by our so-called king. You'll be fighting for his attention soon enough."
Elara blushed, glaring at Lyra. "Don't tease."
Selene tilted her head, confused, but a faint blush crept across her own cheeks as her gaze lingered on Itsuki.
A Spark of Tension
Later that night, after the others had gone, Selene found Itsuki outside, staring at the glowing street lamps.
"You've built something incredible here," she said softly, stepping closer. "A village where people smile, even in the dark. It feels… alive. More alive than any city I've ever seen."
Itsuki chuckled. "It's still rough. There's so much left to build."
"But you're the kind of man who can build it," Selene said, her voice lowering. " I chose to run to find someone. Someone who wouldn't chain me."
Her eyes locked on his, full of both desperation and hope. For a moment, Itsuki felt the weight of her words another life depending on him, another heart drawn into his orbit.
As they stood in silence, the Codex shimmered faintly in his vision.
[System Notice: New Resident Joined – Selene of House Veylor. Village Reputation +30. External Threat Level Increased.]
Itsuki exhaled slowly, looking toward the dark treeline.
Selene wasn't just another refugee. By sheltering her, he had invited the wrath of a powerful merchant family.
And yet, as he glanced at her black hair glinting in the lamplight, her eyes burning with defiance he knew he couldn't turn her away.
This was more than just the birth of a village. It was the beginning of a kingdom. And kingdoms always had enemies.