The people flooded into the Hall without being summoned. Wordless understanding passed between them like wildfire.None of them knew exactly what had happened, but all felt it:The Core had awakened, and with it, hope.
At the front of the hall stood Elandor, eyes shimmering with emotion as he raised his hand to quiet the murmuring crowd.
"The Gods," he began, voice strong and clear, "have heard our cries. They have not abandoned us. This morning, a girl came to me… a stranger, yet something in her eyes told me she was no ordinary visitor. She said only one thing—that she would save us all."
He paused, letting the silence weigh heavy.
"And she has. Look around you! The land breathes again. The rivers run. The forest sings. She has restored the Core! Without her, we would not be standing here with light in our lungs and strength in our hearts."
The crowd murmured, eyes wide with awe.
"She is not just a savior… she is a queen sent by fate itself!"
As if summoned by his words, a flash of light burst at the entrance of the hall.
Athena blinked as she materialized in front of the doorway, startled by the noise. Her eyes scanned the massive crowd in disbelief—the same empty hall she had passed that morning was now overflowing. People lined every corner, pressed into the hallway, faces full of hope and reverence.
She took a hesitant step forward, still trying to process it all, when she heard Elandor shout behind her:
"And there she is! Our savior—our queen!"
On any ordinary day, the people might have scoffed or hesitated. But after years—generations—of suffering, they were starved for miracles. They were desperate to believe, and now, belief bloomed like wildfire in their hearts. If someone told them a newborn had restored the land, they might've believed that too.
One person bowed low. Then another. And another.
"Long live the Queen!" they began to chant, over and over, until the hall trembled with it.
"System can you amplify my voice and make me sound...not Like a child."
[System: Sure 10 Development coins for an hour]
"Deal"
She cleared her throat and raised a hand. The crowd quieted instantly. Her voice, when she spoke, was calm but powerful.
"People of this land, I did not come here to rule. I came because I saw a place in pain, a people burdened with chains and silence. I came because something deep inside me whispered that this place could be more than just a forgotten island.
"I have renamed this land... Eldora. A new name for a new beginning.
"From this day forward, we will live by our own rules—not those of ancient kings or cruel systems.
There will be no slavery here.
No nobles.
No castes or crowns dividing us.
Here, we are all equals.
We will build together, live together, and rise together.
To Eldora!"
"To Eldora!" the crowd roared back in unison, their voices echoing like thunder.
Somewhere in the crowd, Kael watched her, a strange smile tugging at his lips. So this is why she left, he thought.
After the speech, Athena quietly dismissed the gathering. The people filed out, talking excitedly, joy lighting their faces for the first time in what felt like forever.
They didn't just feel hopeful anymore.
They felt free.
As the crowd began to disperse, Kael broke away from the flow, making a beeline for her.
"Eira!" he called out.
Athena paused, turning slowly at the sound of that name. He caught up to her, eyes searching.
"Actually," she began softly, "it's Athena now. Athena Grant."
Kael blinked. "Grant?"
She nodded. "I've decided to be someone new. Maybe it's because of the memory loss, maybe because of… everything else. But I want to start fresh. I want to build a new version of myself, someone I can actually be proud of." She met his gaze. "Let's leave the past in the past, brother."
He was quiet for a moment, expression unreadable. Then he gave a small, thoughtful smile.
"Fine then. I'll be Kael Grant now too."
A real smile tugged at her lips.
"Fine. Then I accept you as my brother from now on."
"Your Highness," he said with exaggerated formality, giving her a half-bow and a playful smirk.
She rolled her eyes, amused. "Go home, Kael. I have things to do."
"Yes, yes… Your Majesty," he teased as he turned and walked off.
Just then, Elandor approached, pausing a short distance away and bowing slightly.
"Your Highness."
She sighed, still unused to the title. "Please… it's fine, just Athena."
Elandor smiled faintly but didn't correct himself.
"Let's talk in my office," he said, gesturing toward the side hallway.
In Elandor's office, Athena settled into the wooden seat opposite his desk. Her eyes were already scanning the room, but her thoughts were elsewhere.
"First things first," she began. "I need to see how much money we actually have."
Elandor sighed, folding his arms. "Not much, I'm afraid. Like I said before—we've been constantly raided over the years. The treasury is nearly empty."
"How empty?" she asked, raising a brow.
"A few silver coins at most."
Athena gave a slow nod, pretending to understand… but inside, she was already asking the System for help.
System, what's the currency structure here?
> [SYSTEM]: 100 copper coins = 1 silver coin. 100 silver coins = 1 gold coin.
Therefore, 10,000 copper coins = 1 gold coin.
Athena's lips twitched. Yep. They were broke.
She leaned back thoughtfully. "Have you ever searched the forest for hidden caves or anything unusual?"
Elandor blinked, confused. "No… why?"
"Maybe the raiders hid their loot somewhere on the island. You never know. Caves make good hiding spots."
Elandor's eyes widened as the idea clicked. "Of course… the island is vast. That would explain why we never found anything after they left." He looked at her with awe. "As expected from the daughter of a god…"
Athena stared at him blankly. He really did fall for it didn't he?
She waved it off. "Appoint Rain and a few others. Have them start searching the forest for any hidden spots. I have a feeling this island was more than just a base. It may have been their treasure vault too."
Elandor nodded briskly. "It shall be done."
"Next… farming," she said.
Just then, a glowing notification appeared before her eyes:
> [New Mission Unlocked!]
"Let the Earth Bloom"
Grow your first crops to awaken the land's blessing.
Rewards:
100 Development points
+10% Reputation
Unlock "Agricultural Upgrade"
You have received:
Basic Knowledge of Farming
Spring Agriculture Starter Pack:
Wheat Seeds (x200)
Potato Tubers (x150)
Cabbage Seeds (x100)
Carrot Seeds (x100)
Broad Bean Seeds (x80)
Onion Bulbs (x60)
Herb Bundle (Mint, Basil, Thyme)
Rare Medicinal Herb Seeds (x5) – Name: Unknown
Athena smiled faintly, eyes gleaming.
"What's a farmer's average pay here?" she asked Elandor.
He tilted his head. "Depends on the season, but usually just a few copper coins a day."
"Put up a notice. I want farmers—whoever's willing to work—to be paid ten copper coins a day."
Elandor choked. "T-Ten? Your Highness, that's way too much!"
"It's fine," she replied smoothly. "Our wealth will grow soon. We need people willing to work—and fast."
"…If you say so," he said, still blinking.
"I assume you were going to suggest buying seeds from a nearby island?" she added, glancing at him.
"I was, yes," he admitted.
"No need. I came with heavenly seeds," she said with a serene smile, lifting her chin slightly. "A little parting gift from my father."
Elandor blinked again, nodding with reverence. "Of course. In that case, I'll leave it to you."
As Elandor left to post the farming notice and assemble a search party, Athena remained seated, fingers drumming lightly on the desk. Her mind was already racing ahead.
System, she called inwardly. Open the Map.
> [MAP ACTIVATED]
A glowing, semi-transparent layout of the island expanded in her vision, hovering in midair. She could zoom in and out with a thought, rotate the terrain, and even filter landmarks.
Let's see… I want a large open area… far from the residential zone… with good soil, a stream nearby, and peace and quiet.
She filtered the map accordingly. Immediately, several areas dimmed while a few lit up faintly in green. One particular zone caught her eye.
Nestled in the northeastern part of the island was a wide, slightly sloped valley. The area was secluded, surrounded by trees that would serve as a natural windbreak. A stream curved gently along one edge, sparkling like a silver ribbon in the light.
Athena's lips curled into a smile. Bingo.
The area was large enough to house not just crop fields but animal pens, herb gardens, and maybe even greenhouses in the future.
"This will be the heart of Eldora's agriculture," she murmured to herself.
She pinged the location on her system map for future reference and stood up.