A bright morning embraced Noaterra.
From the moment the sun rose, the settlement was already alive with activity. Thin wisps of smoke drifted from the chimneys of newly built homes as families prepared breakfast before beginning another day of work.
Some time had passed since the arrival of the wandering settlers.
Now, hundreds of people had simple houses standing neatly around the heart of Noaterra. Though far from as magnificent as the cities of the great kingdoms, these homes had become a true refuge for those who had spent their lives without a place to belong.
Beyond the settlement, the farmland continued to expand.
Farmers who had once wandered from place to place now worked alongside Arcer, cultivating the land together. Little by little, the once untamed Terrania Forest—filled with towering trees and dense undergrowth—was transforming into fertile fields. Wheat, vegetables, and various crops grew in orderly rows, while livestock pens had begun appearing across the countryside.
From the window of his study, Noah quietly took in the view.
A faint smile spread across his face.
Noaterra was truly beginning to flourish.
Yet there was still one essential thing they lacked.
Metal.
They needed someone capable of refining iron ore into useful tools.
Tomas could build houses, bridges, and countless structures with remarkable skill. But construction was his specialty—not blacksmithing.
Noah let out a quiet sigh.
"I have so many people now."
"I can't keep making every decision on my own."
He called for Lee, who happened to be outside.
A moment later, the elf entered the room.
"What is it?" she asked.
Leaning back in his chair, Noah replied,
"I've been thinking about metalworking."
"We need someone who's truly an expert in it."
"Iron ore, gold, and every other kind of metal are useless if no one knows how to process them."
Lee nodded thoughtfully.
"I agree."
"There may be a few people here with experience as blacksmiths."
"But if we're going to build Noaterra for the long term, we need the very best."
Her answer only strengthened Noah's resolve.
"In that case..."
"...come with me to my study."
He also called for Amira.
Since the very beginning, Lee and Amira had witnessed every time Noah created a new member of Noaterra. Without anyone ever mentioning it, the moment had gradually become a small tradition shared among the three of them.
Together, they entered the study.
Lee and Amira sat in the guest chairs while Noah stood before his desk.
He took a deep breath.
"Astra."
"Generate a master blacksmith."
"A man who has complete mastery over every type of metal."
"An expert in forging weapons, household tools, machine components, and all kinds of metalwork."
"Make sure he is also capable of teaching his craft to others."
"Confirm."
Astra's familiar voice echoed through the room.
Moments later...
A crimson light once again filled the chamber.
Lee and Amira watched calmly. After witnessing the miracle so many times, they no longer reacted with the amazement they once had.
Slowly, the figure of a man emerged from the crimson glow.
He was tall and powerfully built.
Long green hair fell over his shoulders.
He wore the attire of a master blacksmith—a heavy leather apron, thick work boots, and carried a protective face shield in one hand.
As the light faded, the man immediately knelt.
"I await your command, Master."
Noah smiled.
"Stand."
"From this day forward..."
"...your name is Pablo."
"Thank you, Master."
Pablo rose respectfully.
Noah invited him to sit.
Patiently, he explained every plan he had prepared.
First, Pablo would forge sample weapons to present to Orca as proof of Noaterra's sincerity in their partnership.
If the agreement for the iron mine succeeded, Pablo would become responsible for producing farming tools, weapons for Noaterra's guards, household equipment, machine components, jewelry, and every other metal item the kingdom would one day require.
More importantly...
Noah hoped Pablo would train the people Laina selected, ensuring that such invaluable knowledge would never rest in the hands of only one individual.
Pablo listened without interrupting.
"I understand."
"I'll do my very best."
Once the discussion ended, Noah immediately called for Tomas.
"Tomas."
"I want you to build a blacksmith's workshop."
"And a house for Pablo."
Tomas smiled casually.
"It'll be ready by this afternoon, Master."
Noah's eyes widened.
"This afternoon?"
"That fast?"
Amira, who was still in the room, giggled.
"When Tomas combines his magic with his craftsmanship..."
"...it feels like nothing is impossible."
Everyone laughed.
Even Noah could only shake his head with a smile.
What an incredible world.
After everyone returned to their work, Noah sat alone at his desk.
He began writing down the next stages of his plans.
He had barely written a few lines when someone knocked on the door.
Laina entered carrying several sheets of paper.
"Master."
"I've finished compiling a record of all the residents and their individual skills."
Noah accepted the documents.
"And?"
"Most of them have experience in farming."
"But quite a few possess exceptional physical strength."
"If we secure mining rights in the future, they can be reassigned as miners."
Noah nodded in satisfaction.
"Good."
"For now, let them continue helping Arcer in the fields or assisting Tomas with construction."
Laina nodded before quietly leaving the room.
Not long afterward, Arcer arrived.
Noah immediately explained his next assignment.
"Arcer."
"Once Pablo finishes the sample weapons, I want you and Laina to visit Orca."
"Deliver them as proof of our agreement."
"After that, continue on to the Goblin settlement."
"And inspect the gold mine there again."
Arcer listened attentively.
"Understood."
"And don't forget."
"Bring them some of our harvest, a few livestock, and farming tools."
Arcer nodded.
Still smiling, Noah continued.
"If you have the time..."
"...teach the young Goblins how to farm properly."
"Everything—from maintaining fertile soil to caring for crops."
"I'm certain no one understands those things better than you."
Arcer chuckled softly.
"Leave it to me."
After saluting respectfully, he left the room to prepare for the journey.
Silence returned.
Noah stood before the window once more.
Outside, the people of Noaterra worked tirelessly.
Children ran between the houses.
Farmers tended the fields.
From somewhere in the distance came the steady ringing of Tomas's hammer.
For the time being, no one received wages in the form of money. Every necessity of life was still provided collectively by Noaterra. Noah had no intention of rushing into creating a monetary system before fully understanding how it would affect society.
When the time came, he would discuss it thoroughly with Lee and Laina.
As he watched the life slowly taking shape before his eyes, another smile appeared on his face.
"Noaterra is no longer just a place."
"Little by little..."
"...it's becoming a civilization."