Chapter 63: The Next Upgrade [Bonus Chapter]

    Sylvana strode through the bustling streets of the capital. As she passed, people paused, their conversations halting as their gazes shifted toward her. Some whispered, others moved aside, creating a noticeable gap around her.

    A vendor spoke to his companion, "That''s the one who caused a scene earlier, isn''t it? The one who rode on that monster?"

    Another whispered, "She''s terrifying. Did you see the size of that beast? The moment I saw it, my life flashed before my eyes!"

    A mother hurriedly pulled her child closer, her voice trembling, "S-Stay close to me, don''t go near her."

    Sylvana caught sight of the mother shielding her child and paused, her green eyes softening as a fleeting look of sorrow crossed her face.

    She then mumbled to herself, her voice barely audible, "The emperor was right... If I''d brought Tebltan here, it would''ve caused outright panic."

    She exhaled deeply, her gaze trailing to the cobblestones beneath her feet. Memories of her people flashed through her mind—desperate faces, tears streaming, and cries of despair as their home burned under the invasion.

    Her hand clenched at her side. "Never again," she whispered.

    "I''ll never let anyone wear that expression again."

    Suddenly, a voice called out from above. "You there! Brown-skinned mage!"

    Sylvana''s head snapped upward. Hovering above the street was a man with fiery orange hair and piercing green eyes, dressed in emerald-green robes embroidered with golden runes. He descended slowly, carried by wind magic, until his boots touched the ground before her. The air stilled as the crowd watched in silence.

    The man straightened, his intense gaze locking onto hers. "You are the one who left earlier with a silver wolf, I believe?"

    Sylvana''s eyes narrowed, a spark of green mana appearing in them. Her voice was tense as she spoke. "I am. What is it to you?"

    The murmurs among the crowd grew louder.

    "Isn''t that Tower Master Lucien Eldregarde?" a woman gasped.

    "Why would he confront her?"

    "Do you think he''s here to capture her for what happened earlier?"

    "She did cause a commotion. Maybe the emperor sent him to handle her?"

    As Sylvana heard their words, her mana began to swirl faintly around her, causing the air to vibrate with energy. Her gaze turned fierce as she raised her voice to the crowd.

    "I am a mage who serves directly under His Majesty. The actions I took earlier were to prevent what I thought to be an attack on this city. I advise against making baseless accusations."

    The crowd fell silent.

    Lucien took a step closer, his expression calm but curious. "Is that so? Well, I have no intentions of offending you," he said.

    Sylvana''s stance relaxed slightly, but her guard remained up. "Then why are you here, Tower Master?"

    Lucien hesitated for a moment, then, to Sylvana''s shock...

    He dropped to his knees.

    Bowing his head low until it almost touched the ground, he spoke with an earnest yet desperate tone.

    "Please, take me in as your apprentice, mighty Archmage. I am willing to do anything!"

    The crowd gasped.

    Sylvana''s brows rose, her intense mana calmed instantly from shock as she stared down at the man before her.

    "W-What?" she stuttered, caught completely off guard.

    ---

    Arkanos rode his steed through the dense woods, the leaves above casting dappled shadows over the trail.

    ? Benefits of Upgrade to Rank C: ?

    Capacity increased to 20,000 knights

    Enhanced training grounds with advanced illusion magic combat simulations

    Improved sleeping quarters with better amenities

    Upgraded equipment storage for specialized armaments ?

    ? Proceed with the upgrade? ??

    Arkanos folded his arms, thinking for a moment before he responded.

    ''System, instead of simply increasing the number of rooms, I want the existing ones expanded. Make them more spacious and grand. Equip them with better furniture and more luxurious amenities suitable for knights of higher rank.''

    The system responded.

    ?? Command acknowledged. Revising upgrade parameters... ??

    The text on the screen shifted, reflecting the changes Arkanos had requested.

    ?? Revised Upgrade Plan: ?

    Room Expansion: Existing quarters will be doubled in size to accommodate comfort and grandeur.

    Enhanced Furnishings: Installation of superior bedding, crafted furniture, and advanced storage compartments.

    Aesthetic Upgrades: Stonework polished to a high sheen, inclusion of banners and decor reflecting the empire''s insignia.

    Facilities Enhancement: Dining halls and recreational areas improved for relaxation and morale-boosting purposes.

    ? Additional Requirements for Customization: ?

    +100 upgrade points cost

    +100 units of refined stone

    +150 units of reinforced iron

    +100 units of exotic wood

    ? Proceed with revised upgrade plan? ??

    Seraphine noticed the emperor was standing still for a couple of moments and became curious. "My lord, aren''t you going to step inside?" she asked.

    Arkanos glanced at her, then smiled briefly as he said, "In a moment, Seraphine. It''s time for another... upgrade."

    Upon hearing his words, her eyes widened slightly as she asked, "Do you wish to—"

    "Indeed," Arkanos replied calmly.

    His lips curved in a faint smirk as he reviewed the revised upgrade plan. It was exactly what he wanted.

    He gave his command. ''Proceed.''

    The system''s response came immediately, glowing brightly.

    ?? Upgrade confirmed. Points deducted. ?

    ? Commencing upgrade of the barracks... ??