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Chapter 54 - Chapter 54

With the outer walls standing firm and the towers reaching toward the sky, I took a step back and admired my handiwork. This wasn't just a home—it was a statement. A fortress. A sanctuary built with the finest materials I could get my hands on. It had to be more than just high-tech; it had to be indestructible.

I swiped through the holographic blueprint, eyes scanning the layered defenses I had planned. The walls weren't just thick—they were absurdly thick, reinforced with a custom alloy infused with enchanted materials. Magic alone wasn't enough; technology alone wasn't enough. But both together? Now that was the perfect combination.

The structure itself was a fusion of magically enhanced metal, dense enough to withstand high-impact attacks but flexible enough to absorb and redistribute force. The result? A fortress that wouldn't just endure an attack—it would shrug it off like it was nothing. Explosives? The walls would absorb the shock. Blades? They'd shatter on impact. Magic? The enchantments would dispel weaker spells and reflect stronger ones.

The windows? Not just bulletproof—everything-proof. The glass was an enhanced crystal alloy, resistant to physical, magical, and elemental damage. The floors? Reinforced enough to withstand S-Class level combat, meaning I could go all out without worrying about bringing my own house down.

In short, this place was an unstoppable juggernaut of a fortress.

I took a step back, rubbing my chin. "…This is starting to look like a supervillain's lair."

NIMO, my ever-faithful AI companion, flickered into existence beside me. "Master, starting to look like one?"

I rolled my eyes. "It's not that bad."

"You have automated defenses, hidden passageways, and walls designed to withstand an apocalypse," NIMO deadpanned. "If a hero showed up tomorrow, they'd assume you were plotting world domination."

I waved him off. "Pfft. As if. I'm not plotting world domination."

"…That's exactly what someone plotting world domination would say."

I sighed dramatically. "Fine. Would it make you feel better if I added some non-lethal security measures?"

"Yes. Alma would appreciate not coming home to find delivery people caught in energy nets."

I groaned. "Okay, okay, I'll make the outer defenses mostly non-lethal."

"Progress," NIMO said, sounding entirely too pleased with himself.

With that out of the way, I turned my attention to the inner defenses—the real meat of the fortress.

Secret tunnels ran beneath the structure, leading to different exit points across the land. If I ever needed a quick escape—or just wanted to disappear mid-lecture when Alma got too serious—these would come in handy. The security system was designed to recognize me, Alma, and anyone I personally authorized. Anyone else? They'd be met with enchanted barriers, automated turrets, and some very creative deterrents.

But the real crown jewel was the power source. A self-sustaining energy core, a fusion of advanced technology and magical amplification, ensuring that even if the entire world lost its power, my fortress would keep running at full capacity.

NIMO flickered beside me again. "Shall I assume you're not adding a lava moat?"

I scoffed. "For the last time, no lava moat."

"Not even a small one?"

"NIMO."

"…A laser grid in the entryway?"

I hesitated.

NIMO immediately pounced. "Ah, see? Now you're thinking about it."

Damn it. He wasn't wrong.

I grinned, shaking my head as I swiped through the final blueprints. This was really happening. After years of bouncing between the guild, missions, and temporary housing, I was finally building something that was mine.

My own place.

My own fortress.

And okay, maybe it did look a little like a villain's lair—but hey, at least it had style.

With the exterior standing as an unbreakable testament to my over-the-top genius, it was time to focus on the interior. A castle? A home? No—this was going to be something greater. 

Because why stop at just making it strong when I could make it Legen-wait for it-dary

I swiped through the holographic blueprint, pulling up the main hall first.

Tall ceilings, a grand staircase, massive open space—this wasn't just going to be a place to live. It was going to be a sanctuary, a base of operations forged from materials that should not exist in this world. Adamantium-reinforced walls, vibranium layering to absorb impact, and Eldarium alloy strong enough to endure a supernova. If something managed to break through this place, I'd have much bigger problems to worry about.

NIMO flickered beside me, scanning my designs. "I see you're going for the 'villain's lair but legally not' aesthetic."

I smirked. "Exactly."

Next up—the living area.

A home wasn't just about strength. It needed comfort. So I designed massive, sink-in-and-never-leave couches, an automated fireplace, and—because why not?—a full entertainment system. No Earthland movies or games? No problem. I had ways of fixing that.

And then came my best addition yet: summoned golems for housekeeping.

These weren't some clunky, stiff constructs. Nope, I summoned them directly from my Celestial Inventory. They were fully autonomous, highly skilled, and enchanted to perform everyday chores—cooking, cleaning, laundry, organizing. The works.

NIMO flickered again. "So instead of hiring actual staff, you've essentially summoned a small army of magical servants to do everything for you."

I shrugged. "Efficiency."

"…And laziness."

"I prefer 'strategic delegation.'"

Each golem came pre-programmed with centuries of experience in domestic tasks. They weren't just servants; they were elite-level caretakers. The butlers moved with grace and precision, while the maids handled tasks with flawless efficiency. They could prepare meals in the state-of-the-art kitchen, maintain the fortress, and even act as security if needed.

One particular butler model, dressed in a pristine suit, flickered to life in my projection.

"Welcome home, Master Leonhart," it greeted in a refined tone.

NIMO made a sound that was suspiciously like a snicker. "Oh, you're really leaning into this whole 'noble ruler' aesthetic, huh?"

"…Look, if I'm going to build the ultimate home, I'm going to do it right."

Now, for the practical spaces.

Let's be real—I didn't need a medbay.

Between my immortality and unparalleled regeneration, injuries weren't exactly a problem for me. I could get stabbed, blown up, or crushed under a mountain, and I'd still walk it off like it was a mild inconvenience.

And Alma? Yeah, she wouldn't need it either. Not with all the protective items I'd given her. Enchanted accessories, defensive barriers, emergency teleportation—it would take a literal divine intervention to put her in danger.

But still… I built it.

Not for me. Not for Alma. But for everyone else.

If someone important got hurt—if my friends, my guildmates, or anyone under my protection ever needed a lifeline—this medbay would be here. Fully equipped with healing pods, regeneration elixirs, and a nanotech-infused medical system capable of handling anything from magical curses to near-fatal wounds.

And, honestly? It looked cool.

A high-tech fortress without a sleek, futuristic medbay? Unacceptable.

Then—the crafting and research lab.

A place where anyone could forge weapons, upgrade gear, and experiment with new enchantments. It had an alchemy station, a celestial-tier forge, and an entire section dedicated to testing new magical constructs. If I was going to push the limits of what was possible, this was the place to do it.

Next—the training hall.

A reinforced gravity chamber, hard-light sparring dummies, and a combat simulator that could replicate real battles. Whether it was me, Laxus, or future Fairy Tail mages—this would be the place to sharpen our skills.

NIMO sighed. "At this point, this place is more advanced than any country in Earthland."

I grinned. "That's the point."

And finally—the game room.

Because let's be real, I needed downtime too. Arcade systems, a home theater, and a high-tech relaxation lounge. If I was bringing modern entertainment to Earthland, I was going to do it right. Even Virtual Reality Systems.

I swiped through the hologram one last time, nodding in satisfaction.

This wasn't just a home.

It was a fortress, a research lab, a training ground, a sanctuary, and a technological marvel all in one.

NIMO flickered beside me. "So, when exactly are you planning to tell her?"

I smirked. "Oh, you know… when it's finished."

"…I am marking my calendar for the day she finds out and inevitably scolds you."

I chuckled. Yeah, she was definitely going to kill me.

But hey, it'd be worth it.

And Now… The Best Part

I stepped back, arms crossed, staring at the holographic blueprint in front of me. Everything was perfect—the impenetrable walls, the indestructible alloys, the tech that would make even the most advanced civilizations jealous. Every room, every corridor, every little detail had been meticulously designed.

But there was one last touch.

The best part.

I grinned.

This fortress-castle hybrid? It wasn't just a fortress. It wasn't just a castle.

It could float.

That's right. My entire base of operations, my ultimate home, my personal sanctuary—could fly.

It wasn't just stationary like some lame mansion stuck on the ground. No, no, no. I made sure this thing could lift off and hover over any terrain, any location, at any altitude.

Need to escape an enemy siege? Just ascend.

Want a better view of Magnolia? Hover over the town.

Feeling dramatic? Descend from the skies like a king arriving on his throne.

This wasn't just a home. It was a statement.

A statement that said:

"Yeah, I live in a flying castle. What about it?"

As I admired my masterpiece, soaking in the sheer brilliance of what I had just created, a familiar voice chimed in.

"So... are you aiming to be a Demon King now?"

I blinked. 

Slowly, I turned to face NIMO, my ever-so-helpful AI assistant, who was currently floating beside me in a small holographic projection, his digital expression somehow managing to look both deadpan and unimpressed.

"A floating fortress with impenetrable walls, world-breaking alloys, an arsenal fit for planetary warfare, and an entire army of butler and maid golems at your command. Should I start referring to you as 'Your Dark Majesty' now, or are we waiting for the official coronation?"

I let out a deep sigh and pinched the bridge of my nose. "NIMO."

"Yes, Overlord?"

I groaned. "It's a home—not a villain's lair. A home."

"Right. And I'm sure the Death Star started as a cozy little retirement plan."

I was this close to deleting his personality matrix.

—-

This is going to be fun.

I stood at the entrance of my newly completed floating fortress-castle—because let's be real, calling it just a "house" felt like an insult at this point—waiting for Alma to arrive. She had no idea what I'd been up to for the past few months, and honestly? That just made this moment so much sweeter.

NIMO, ever the snarky AI, floated beside me, scanning the final adjustments.

"Any last-minute changes, Overlord? Perhaps a dungeon for your enemies? Oh, wait—you already have one."

I rolled my eyes. "It's not a dungeon, it's a secured storage facility."

"Uh-huh. And I suppose the giant, ominous door with intricate runes screaming 'trespassers will be obliterated' is just for decoration?"

I grinned. "Exactly."

Before NIMO could roast me further, a familiar voice rang out from behind.

"Aiden, what the hell is so important that you—"

Alma stopped mid-sentence as she finally looked up… and froze.

Her expression shifted from mild irritation to wide-eyed shock. Her mouth opened, then closed, then opened again, but no words came out.

I grinned. Oh, this was worth every second of secrecy.

She finally managed to speak. "…Aiden."

"Yeees?"

"…What the actual hell?"

"Surprise!" I spread my arms wide, gesturing to the massive floating castle behind me. "Welcome to our new home."

Her eye twitched. "You did not just say our home."

I feigned innocence. "Why wouldn't I? You do live with me, don't you?"

She crossed her arms. "I live with you. In a normal-sized cottage. Not a floating megalithic fortress that looks like it could survive a dragon siege."

I shrugged. "Well, our normal-sized cottage had a good run."

"Aiden."

I couldn't stop grinning. "Look, let's just get inside first. I promise, once you see everything, you'll love it."

Alma let out a deep exhale, clearly two seconds away from strangling me. But to my relief, she followed as I led her to the entrance—a pair of massive double doors taller than most buildings—which swung open automatically at my command.

The moment we stepped inside, Alma's jaw dropped.

The Grand Hall was an architectural masterpiece. Vaulted ceilings stretched impossibly high, adorned with floating light fixtures that resembled a starry night sky. A grand floating staircase led to the upper floors, while elegant metallic pillars lined the walls, seamlessly blending otherworldly technology with medieval elegance.

"…This is insane."

I beamed. "I know, right?"

She turned to me, still processing. "Aiden, this isn't a home—this is a goddamn royal palace. Are you secretly planning to declare yourself King of Magnolia?"

I dramatically placed a hand over my chest. "Alma, please, that's ridiculous. Oberon, King of the Fairies sounds much cooler."

"I'm going to kill you."

"Better do it after the tour!"

Alma muttered something under her breath but followed me deeper inside.

She shot me a curious glance. "And what part of this place are you most excited to show me?"

I smirked, leaning in. "Oh, you know… the bedroom's got some fantastic features."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the slight flush on her cheeks. "Aiden."

"Kidding! …Mostly." I laughed, grabbing her hand again. "Come on, let me show you the fun stuff first."

The next stop was the kitchen, which—like everything else—was far beyond what any sane person would consider reasonable.

She glanced around, taking in the fully-automated kitchen. The countertops were lined with state-of-the-art cooking equipment, self-cleaning appliances, and floating trays that carried meals to the dining area.

Then, the pièce de résistance—a humanoid butler golem stepped forward and bowed deeply.

"Greetings, Lady Alma. May I prepare your usual morning tea?"

Alma blinked. Slowly.

Then, she turned to me. "…You made AI-powered butler golems."

"Well, summoned, actually. I figured we could use a little extra help with everyday chores."

Her gaze darkened. "So instead of washing dishes like a normal person, you built an army of enchanted butlers?"

I nodded enthusiastically.

She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Of course you did."

Alma stepped inside, taking one look at the futuristic healing pods, nanotech-infused medical systems, and shelves lined with potions she would never need because of all the enchanted gear I gave her.

"Why do you even have this?"

I shrugged. "Mostly for aesthetic purposes. And, y'know, just in case I ever need to patch up the guild members after their usual brand of insanity."

She stared at me. "…Uh-huh."

I quickly ushered her out before she could question me further.

Next was one of my favorite parts.

Alma took one step inside and immediately paused. "...Aiden."

"Yes?"

She gestured to the gigantic chamber filled with legendary weapons, combat zones, and holographic enemies. "Why do you have a full-blown combat arena in our house?"

I smirked. "Because duh."

"That's not an answer."

"Fine. Training. Also, entertainment."

She rubbed her temples. "You are impossible."

After that, I led Alma into a massive entertainment lounge, filled with high-tech gaming setups, VR chambers, and even an arcade section.

Alma turned to me slowly. "…You built an entire castle… and included an arcade?"

I grinned. "Priorities, Alma. Priorities."

She groaned. "You are actually a child."

"Hey! Even geniuses need downtime."

Finally, I led her to the topmost level—the grand observation deck.

A panoramic glass dome surrounded the area, offering a breathtaking view of the skies and Magnolia below. The structure itself was floating, held in place by powerful gravity stabilizers.

Alma stepped forward, staring out at the horizon.

"…We're really floating."

I leaned against the railing, smirking. "Yup. Cool, right?"

She shook her head, exhaling. "It's insane. But… I won't lie—it's beautiful."

I grinned. "See? I knew you'd like it."

She rolled her eyes but smiled anyway. "You're lucky I love you, you reckless idiot."

I laughed. "I know."

And Then…

NIMO flickered into existence beside me.

"So, Alma… thoughts? Do you think your Overlord here has finally achieved peak villainy?"

I groaned. "For the last time, I am not a villain."

Alma smirked. "Debatable."

I threw my hands up. "Oh, come on!"

—-

With Alma finally settling down after the grand tour—and after plenty of teasing at my expense—it was time for the final reveal.

I led her to the control chamber, a sleek, high-tech room lined with floating interface screens and an ornate pedestal at the center. Resting atop it was the last piece of my grand design—a powerful magical artifact designed to cloak the true form of the fortress.

Of course, the cloaking was only one of its functions.

There were… other features. Ones that I hadn't revealed yet. Not because they were dangerous or anything—okay, maybe a little dangerous—but mostly because they weren't necessary right now.

After all, what's the point of building something like this if I didn't add a few hidden surprises?

Alma raised an eyebrow. "Okay, what's this one do?"

I grinned, tapping the pedestal. "This—this is what keeps nosy people from losing their minds or asking too many questions."

She gave me a skeptical look. "You mean this entire castle—the floating, hyper-advanced fortress—is somehow supposed to stay hidden?"

I nodded. "Yup."

With a simple wave of my hand, I activated the artifact. Instantly, the screens flickered, displaying an illusionary overlay of a perfectly normal mansion—a beautiful but completely inconspicuous estate.

From the outside, anyone looking in would see a charming, elegant home. No floating fortress, no high-tech stronghold, no villain lair aesthetics—just a place that wouldn't draw attention.

Alma folded her arms. "Let me get this straight. You built a floating mega-castle filled with legendary weapons, golem butlers, an actual dungeon—"

"Secured storage facility."

"—and a combat arena, and your solution to not standing out was to make it look like a normal mansion?"**

I smirked. "Genius, right?"

She stared at me for a long moment, then sighed. "You absolute madman."

NIMO's hologram flickered beside us. "Correction—demon king in the making."

I threw my hands up. "Oh, for the last time, I am NOT—"

Alma and NIMO exchanged a look before saying in perfect unison:

"Debatable."

I groaned. "You guys suck."

Alma just laughed, shaking her head as she took one last glance at the disguised mansion. "Well… I guess this means I live in a floating castle now."

I wrapped an arm around her waist, smirking. "Our floating castle."

She rolled her eyes but leaned into me anyway. "You're ridiculous, Aiden. But I love you."

I grinned. "I know."

Still being a demon king huh…

—----------

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