The First Step into the Outside World
Two New Companions
That morning, Terrania Forest was bustling once again.
In the heart of what had once been a silent wilderness now stood a row of neatly arranged wooden buildings. Noah's main house stood beside his newly built study. Nearby were the homes of Tomas, Arcer, and Lee. A short distance away, a kitchen, a bathhouse, a Cowny stable, and fields slowly turning green made the place resemble a small settlement.
Noaterra.
The name had only been born a few days earlier, yet life within it continued to flourish.
While Tomas finished crafting furniture, Arcer inspected the fields and livestock. Amira prepared travel supplies, and Lee reviewed the route they would be taking.
Today, Noah had decided to begin the journey in search of the hidden settlement Lee had once mentioned.
But before they departed, there were still two people he needed to bring into existence.
Standing in the courtyard, Noah took a slow breath.
"Astra."
"I want to create two people."
"Command accepted."
Noah closed his eyes for a moment, carefully considering every detail.
"Generate a woman who excels in diplomacy, governance, administration, inventory management, treasury management, commerce, business, and community leadership."
He paused before continuing.
"Then generate a young male adventurer who has mastered both close-quarters and long-range combat, as well as physical and magical warfare. Give him abilities at the highest possible level, but ensure he can completely conceal his true strength so he never draws unnecessary attention."
"Confirmed."
Two crimson magic circles slowly appeared before them.
Lee and Amira unconsciously held their breath.
The first light gradually faded, revealing a young woman with green hair dressed in scholarly robes. Several books rested in her arms, and calm intelligence shone in her eyes.
A few moments later, the second light disappeared.
A blond young man stood proudly in simple adventurer's clothing. A sword hung at his waist, while a bow and quiver rested across his back.
Both of them immediately knelt before Noah.
"We await your orders, my Lord."
Noah nodded.
"From this day forward..."
"Your name is Lania."
He turned toward the young man.
"And you are Leon."
"Thank you for the names you have bestowed upon us, my Lord."
Both bowed respectfully.
Noah then assigned their roles.
"Lania."
"You're coming with me on this journey."
"I need someone capable of evaluating people, handling diplomacy, and organizing administration if we succeed in finding survivors who wish to join us."
"Understood, my Lord."
Without the slightest hesitation, Lania accepted her assignment.
Noah then turned to Leon.
"While I'm away, the security of Noaterra is your responsibility."
"In addition, continue hunting and collect as many monster gems as possible."
"Avoid unnecessary trouble."
Leon nodded firmly.
"Command accepted."
"I will protect Noaterra until your return."
Watching everything unfold, Lee still couldn't hide her astonishment.
She looked at Noah, then at the two people who had appeared as though they had always existed.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to your Gift..."
she murmured quietly.
Amira nodded in agreement.
"Every time Brother Noah creates someone..."
"...it feels like witnessing a miracle."
Noah simply smiled.
To him, every new person he created meant another responsibility.
He had never considered them mere abilities.
They were people.
People who would build Noaterra's future alongside him.
A short while later, Lania and Leon stood and introduced themselves to Tomas, Arcer, Lee, Amira, and Lucia.
The atmosphere, once filled with curiosity, gradually became warm and welcoming.
Noaterra had gained two more residents.
And for the first time since arriving in Magnora, Noah felt that their small community finally had a complete foundation.
Noaterra's First Expedition
"Everyone, gather here."
At Noah's voice, every resident of Noaterra stopped what they were doing.
Tomas set down his hammer.
Arcer left the fields.
Amira hurried over from the kitchen.
Lee and Lania stood before Noah, while Lucia once again rested on his shoulder in her Rabiba form.
Noah looked at each of them.
"Today, Lee, Lania, and I will leave to search for the hidden settlement Lee once told us about."
He paused.
"I don't know when we'll return."
Everyone listened attentively.
"As of today, Noaterra has homes, farmland, livestock, and a stable food supply."
"But..."
"...this still cannot truly be called a village."
Noah let out a slow breath.
"With only the few of us here, life will simply continue in circles."
"There will be no real growth."
His voice softened.
"I could create as many people as I wanted."
"But..."
"That isn't Noaterra's purpose."
Silence fell over the gathering.
"I want to build a place where people choose to live."
"If there are still people out there suffering..."
"...I want to give them a place to begin again."
"That is the true reason I built Noaterra."
The forest grew quiet.
A moment later, Tomas was the first to nod.
"We understand, my Lord."
Arcer smiled faintly.
"In that case, we'll protect this place until you return."
Lee remained silent for a moment, studying Noah as if deep in thought.
Finally, she nodded.
"I understand."
Seeing their reactions, Noah felt relieved.
At last, the purpose he had carried alone was beginning to be understood by those standing beside him.
Then Noah remembered something.
Pinix...
If I take him with me, Leon won't have any transportation.
He called Leon over.
"Leon."
"While I'm away, use Pinix."
"Once you've gathered enough hunting spoils, travel to the village or a city and sell them."
"Don't take unnecessary risks."
Leon bowed respectfully.
"Command accepted, my Lord."
"My Lord."
Arcer's voice came from behind.
He approached while leading two Horsias pulling a simple wooden wagon.
Noah's eyes widened.
"A wagon?"
"When did you build all this?"
Arcer smiled proudly.
"Over the past few days, I managed to tame a pair of Horsias."
"My original plan was to breed them."
"When Noaterra gains more residents, we'll need reliable transportation."
He pointed toward the wagon.
"So I asked Tomas to build a simple cart."
"It's not luxurious, but it's sturdy enough for long journeys."
Noah stared at the wagon for several moments.
Then he smiled.
They're already working together without waiting for my orders.
This is exactly what I hoped for.
Not long afterward, Amira approached carrying several food bundles wrapped in dried leaves.
"Brother."
She handed them to Noah.
"These are for your journey."
"And these are for Sister Lee and Sister Lania."
"At least for the next few days, you won't have to worry about cooking."
Lania accepted the bundle with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Amira."
Lee gently patted the little girl's head.
"You're always thinking about everyone else."
Amira simply smiled shyly.
Noah, Lee, and Lania climbed into the wagon.
Lania took the driver's seat.
Meanwhile, Noah and Lee sat in the back beside their travel supplies.
Before the wagon departed, Noah looked at Amira once more.
"Amira."
"While I'm away..."
"...I'm entrusting Noaterra to you."
Amira's eyes widened.
"Me?"
Noah nodded with a smile.
"You don't have to lead."
"Just keep helping Tomas, Arcer, and Leon as you always do."
"That's more than enough."
Amira clenched her hands tightly.
"Yes, Brother."
"I'll take good care of Noaterra."
Lee added with a smile,
"And don't neglect your magic training."
"I'll be checking your progress when we return."
Amira nodded enthusiastically.
"Of course!"
"Hyaa!"
Lania gently flicked the reins.
The two Horsias began pulling the wagon along the forest trail leading out of Terrania Forest.
Every resident of Noaterra stood before the small settlement.
Tomas waved goodbye.
Arcer raised his hoe in farewell.
Leon stood proudly beside Pinix.
Lucia remained on Noah's shoulder, quietly watching as their home grew farther away.
Amira continued waving until the wagon disappeared from sight.
For the first time...
The founder of Noaterra was leaving the home he had built with his own hands.
And for the first time...
The journey toward Noaterra's future had truly begun.