DING! DING! DING! BANG!

The highspeed clash between the two creatures in front of the 15 children made them pale as they fought in a high speed combat on the sparring arena. With the final impact they jumped back and landed on each side of the arena. One had a curved blade with a black blade with green flames drawn on it. The other had Green metal armor and curved saber like sword while wind was flowing around it as if controlled by her.

This was Xero and Ashley who were sparring while merged with the sword minions. The reason for this was for both of them to train and experience the power of the Sword Devil at full power but for Xero it as something else. By fighting in high intensity battles, he had would feel the pain in his soul at each hit as the swords were ‘linked’ to him through the sword.

Of course the impacts weren’t strong but they would slowly build up because his soul was still weak. As the damage built up, the sword spirit he was using grew more wild trying to pull apart the link as well as taking all the mana with it.

Xero learned early on that simply undoing the link will make him lose all his mana.

He planted the sword into the ground as he huffed and slowly unwound the link while pulling back the mana into his body and released the sword spirit allowing the armor to come off.

His body was drenched in sweat while he was kneeling. Ashley removed her own armor and put down the sword minion.

Already a month had passed since Archmagus Valmor had taught him but even so, in this time Xero has only been training merging. It was simply that hard to accomplish even with just the swords he already did it with. One surprising fact was that there were actual sexs for the Sword Devils. The Bloodvine Wood Sword had turned female and after experimenting with a male and female common wood sword Xero found that for him, female Sword Devils are harder to merge with.

This was because a female spirit and a male soul were linking and they had fundamental differences but for him, this was actually a good thing. Ashley had trained her own merging with male swords while Xero with female so that they could train and get used to the differences. Of course they also learned what the ‘similarities’ were of the same sex spirits and souls.

Still this was the first time Xero fought in that state but the drain was quite intense. Not to mention that even as he tried to contain his mana and perfectly unwrap and hold his mana, the spirits would selfishly try and take his mana as they leave causing him to be in a state of weakness.

That said, Xero pinched the emerald core of the sword spirit and felt a lot of mana coming from the spirit and flowing into his hand refilling his body with mana. This was a trick he had learned from Ashley early on. It is something similar to what she did with the familiar seal once to heal him but doing this simply releases mana gathered by the spirit.

Standing and turning to the students, in this month their familiars had grown quite a bit, the main reason was actually because of Ashley and Xero who went out and to the shock of the children, brought back creatures above level 30 though only around level 32 was their limit but with Xero now fighting there was a chance to increase their hunting targets.

The food had allowed the familiars to grow as well as the students. Xero also taught them how to fight with the sword as well as Grunt’s martial arts to train their digestion to allow them to grow stronger.

Most of the five had already become between level 7 to 10. The slowest growing was the Puppy Horse but it should be noted that it hasn’t evolved, or grown up for that matter.

The Rabbit had become a hare but after that, by developing magic for fast digging, as well as a super bound skill similar to Ashley’s, it developed strangely. From the two sides of its head, small horn stumps grew.

It wasn’t until the eyebat that one of the boys had evolved into a ‘Peering Eyebat’ and developed a preliminary identification magic. This was an incredibly magic to have and allowed them to see the race, level and basic statistics like Strength, agility and basic attributes like elemental alignment. When the Eyebat developed this, they finally learned that it was a Lesser Horned Bullhare.

The Frog had become a Giant Bullfrog, it was about 3 meters long and had a 10 meter long tongue. The tongue was flexible and it could use it like a whip by contracting it making it hard or leave it loose and sticky. Its leg muscles were enough to send to 15 meters with one jump. It’s skin was poisonous and its vision was good in murky areas and underwater.

The last one, the weasel, was really a mystery as to what happened. Previously the owner if this animal had made it a monster with earth magic and metal magic to help it dig and harden its claws and fangs but something happened. When Xero had put down an ego sword forged out of iron recently forged so that it could absorb mana, the creature walked over and, with its 120 cm height already, it was as tall as the children and strangely it gripped the sword and to Xero’s shock, pulled it out.

What happened after was the strangest evolution. The sword spirit came out of the sword and merged directly with the weasels soul merging the two but it didn’t end there, the merged soul of the weasel split and formed two floating ghost like spirits that accompanied it. The brown fur of the weasel had turned greyish white with a red fur around its black eyes. What was strange about this was that it grew thumbs but the blade transformed into daggers in its hands but what was even more mysterious was that the weasel had full control of the form and could make it attach to its tail, cover its hand in the form of a single metal claw, form a bracelet with a curved blade pointed out. Not only that but the two spirits were independent and the larger one had good control of earth, water and metal magic allowing it to do subtle changes and form traps to aid the fighter and amazingly, the small one could release healing auras.

The bat identified it as a spirit called a Inferior Lesser Kamaitachi Infant.

Because of the double negative status it made Xero confused and they went to ask Miss Gilbody about it at the time. She explained, “Such creatures with such low status most likely are high level creatures but was born at an extremely low level. This is a spirit but it’s a seemingly high level one with three bodies as one familiar so calling it a double negative while the other two have yet to form solid bodies is normal.” She explained.

Of course, it was all fine at the start but when Ashley had come out to see how the metal sword devil was, she went into a fit of rage and instantly killed the Kamaitachi ripping the tail off that had the sword attached it trying to regain her sword minion.

After that she calmed down but not until after she would hit, kill and torture that weasel with swords at least seven times, even eating it completely once to make sure that it learned it place while cursing it for destroying her hard work that took extremely long to make since the iron ore used in those sword devils was the best of the best that the sword spirits extracted from piles of mineral ore.

Then making a spirit sword and letting it absorb enough mana and grow yet it was ruined so easily. It was more than obvious that she would be completely pissed off.

After that she left for around two days and returned with another ten new iron ore spirit swords and glared at the weasel and it’s owner as she planted the swords to absorb the mana in the dungeon.

***

“The last month has been a great success. Not only for our student’s strength but also for our stability here. At this time within a 25 kilometer range most of the strongest monster herds have been routed, now all 2nd and 3rd year students can safely train, and hunt within a 15 kilometer range which is a safety zone. Beyond that is for only children of the 4th year and up or those beyond level 35.” Lucius announced.

Miss Gilbody walked up, “In a little while many people will start coming in, be wary as there are many ranked nobles as well as students from other academy. Even so, do not back down if someone tries to pressure you with status or power. As for anyone that might have family coming, if there is space around your home, you can claim it for them. The job is to develop our Everlight city with safety and order in mind.” Miss Gilbody said.

Everyone nodded and were dismissed but most of them remained near the gate. Many children wanted to see their parents, if they had noble ranked family, while others returned home if they did not.

Unlike a month ago, the entire city had road development separating all the ‘lots’ that will be ‘sold’ by the academy personal.

Also unlike a month ago, countless level 60’s, 70’s and a handful of level 80’s were ready in front of the gate. Some older students knew some of them as previous teachers of the academy while others were powerful fighters that worked with Grunt and called him master.

These were Everlight academy’s fighting force. To control the countless nations and forces that will come at full strength, the academy had to show force as well, which is why Archmagus Valmor himself was here.

Soon the first people entered and it was actually an armored King in full heavy knight armor and following him were his crowned prince and then countless royal knights, none of which were below level 50 and numbered no less than 30 with the strongest being level 70. Then behind him came the dukes and other noble ranks.

They all paid respect to Valmor and began to ask about the layout before they moved to the upper city, not wanting to feel reduced.

Soon more and more people came in a steady stream through the gateway all of which were nobles from countless nations. That said, thankfully before this day arrived, a second set of city walls had been formed 10 kilometers away from the original remained. This was part of the 10 km hunting zone were only weak creatures lived.

Xero just watched the nobles come and go to a different section but he perked up when he saw a stumpy man in a great armor while having huge warhammer on his shoulder. As he walked down he laughed, “Old Everlight. It’s been a long time.” he laughed.

Everyone looked at him as if he was made but Valmor actually smiled. “You seem well, little fool, did you bring any good ale?” Valmor joked.

“Aye! Of course I brought meh personal batch. Now tell me were that fool of a bearman is cause I still need to put him to sleep with meh batch to whip clean the shame he gave me the last time we drank.” The dwarf king said looking around.

Valmor chuckled and pointed towards a clearing in the south east area in the outer gate were he said he was putting the new 2nd years through survival training in slightly dangerous woods to get the kids sharp.

The dwarf king clicked his tongue. “Got any good spots here?” the dwarf king asked.

At this time, the nobles of his nation had entered and suddenly Xero saw several dozen familiar faces and couldn’t contain it as he jumped on his sword and flew over to the gate. “Father! You were able to come!” Xero said landing near him.

Nil smiled as he saw his son safe and sound. “Of course, with your brother’s help this last month the guards were able to build up strength while the knight are all above level 15 already. We got permission to join.” Nil said patting his son’s head.

Without knowing the dwarf king had turned to look at the boy when he heard his voice and asked about the noble rank and information from his advisor.

“If you're curious about the child, he is 3rd year, possesses a devil familiar.” Valmor said.

“Oh? How is his magic control?” the dwarf king asked.

“He is hardworking and already passed one core breaking. His familiar can even make minions and he has several element manipulators.” Valmor said.

“It's still low too low ranked through, maybe in a few years it would interest me. Let’s see, is there any land in the upper city still open?” The dwarf king asked.

“Only near the edge, I doubt you want to have such a view in the morning that would probably be falling off the cliff. As for the lower city, the forest area is quite good here…” Valmor ironically pointed location near Xero’s domiatory.

“There is a building there. What kind of student lives there?” The dwarf king asked.

Valmor smiled and gestured up and saw Xero making the dwarf king frown. “Old devil, what joke you pulling?” He asked.

“Xero is Grunt’s current favorite. He is the #1 at the start of the year, you will see Grunt more often if you settle in this area.” He said.

Only when he heard these words, the dwarf king raised a brow and thoroughly looked at Xero and played with his beard, “Alright, let's take this space. Close this section for my nation and this section is my market zone.” he designated the areas.

Valmor nodded and ‘sold’ the ground for a good price to an old friend.

He then lead all of men and to Xero’s shock, to the area near his dormitory.

“Son, this is your place?” Nil asked when he saw it from far away.

“Yes father.” Xero said.

“Boy!” The dwarf king suddenly called him making his heart skip a beat but he walked up and kneeled.

“Boy, the old devil said you got some element control minions your familiar made. Let’s see them then. In the next few days we will be settling this area but we didn’t bring many workers. Since you have skill, you will help.” He said.

“Y-yes your highness.” He said. “How does your highness require your humble abode?” Xero asked.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Your highness, my minions require specific orders, or a plan, for constructing something.” Xero explained but didn’t look up.

“Ah!” the dwarf king exclaimed but then nodded realizing that it made sense. He called an advisor who brought out the plans of how he normally built the palace he would stay in and told Xero to stand and handed the blueprint.

Xero was shocked by the sheer size. With almost 5 floors and the construction made Xero shocked by the size but nodded and asked, “Where does his highness wish his palace?” Xero asked.

The Dwarf scratched his beard and looked around before choosing a space some 200 meters behind Xero’s dormitory, which was around 5 streets away, which have been cut out already.

With a nod, Xero called out edge and flew over and had the flying sword ‘cut’ the size of the space needed, even invading the roads behind it, then cut the first floors wall layout to save time. Because of the size, Xero knew it would take a while but putting down his only earth controlling Sword Devil and told him to build these plans. But first clear all the trees and put them to the size, while calling out all his Wood control minions and had them make planks from the trees first.

The royals and nobles watched and when the sudden collapse of some many trees could be heard they looked over and saw the earth moving everything and then slowly many stone pillars began to rise.

“Hell, the boy really is quick.” The dwarf king blinked. From far he could see the thickness and quality of the stone slowly rising as more and more mana filled it making it harder, stronger and more powerfully structured. The ground all around it soon hardened and the walls began to rise and ‘arms’ of earth began to pull the wooden planks and ‘nail’ it all down. One Demon went inside and made the wood perfectly level with each other while the earth minion controlled the earth to further strengthen and finish the construction.

Floor by floor it filled and broke the windows and door spaces while the devils made the floor wood. When the final floor was made they made the roof beams and wooden shingles while also making planks and then many doors and window frames.

In less than an hour, the royal manor was complete with wooden floor and roof covering all required areas.

The nobles were quite surprised, though it was all stone and not any special or beautiful material but the rustic format it was made in gave it the look of cobblestone which appealed to the many dwarf and the quality of the wood used was also quite good.

Some nobles glanced at Nil, there was even the glance of cold jealousy from Viscount Warren Blitz who had Nil under his jurisdiction.

“Come, let us not force a brat to do all the work. It would shame us all.” The dwarf king shouted and ordered his men to spread out and start the development.

Xero turned back and kneeled, “Is this satisfactory, your highness?” Xero asked.

“Boy, no need for all that. You have some good abilities. You can take care of your own family from here, the men are already prepared, that was a small lie I said. None of us would be kings or nobles if we couldn’t even do a little thing like build our own homes with a bit of magic. Go on.” The king said and Xero bowed.

He ran off after collecting his minions while the dwarf king turned with an interested look at the place and walked inside. He looked around and touched the wall raising a fist and punching but all it did was shake the building a bit and made a dull ‘thud’.

“Hell, this stuff is strong, did he make it extra strong to simulate refined molten rock we use for the walls in the palace?” the dwarf king asked. Then kicked the floorboards feeling a strong sound from them. “Dried by magic and reinforced by dungeon mana, wood is already excellent quality and was further improved by the Demons. They even slightly restricted the wood to be smooth and without odd ends. Besides a slight wave in the boards themselves that lowers the quality these could very well be ranked as high quality goods in the common market. If that slight wave was removed it would be top grade wood used by nobles.” The dwarf king said.

“Is your highness interested in the boy?” The advisor asked.

“Somewhat, his magic is good, I want to keep a watch on him and see how he develops, this includes his family, get me their information, detailed from identifiers.” The king said.

The advisor bowed and turned to do what was needed but suddenly heard the voice of the king, “Also get some men to tar the floor quickly and dry it so that we can put down our things already.” The king shouted.

“Yes your highness!” The advisor said and ran out ordering several people who started to run into the royal manor and start to work while the rest spread out to complete the arrangement of the manor and raise walls and required structures like smithy and many other places.

As for Xero, he pulled his family over near his dormitory and asked them how they wanted their place, Nil handed him a standard Great knight’s home handed to him by some advisor. Zip asked for a smithy and space to work for himself while Void said he didn’t need anything.

Nil also handed to Xero the plans for a good enough training area for their men as well as a knight's barracks that would be around their manor.

The Null family took up a large space in front of the student’s dormitory where Xero started constructing everything he needed there.