The new reality of the refuge was slowly settling in. At first, the influx of new inhabitants was a challenge.
They had to learn the rules of the place, respect the spaces, help with maintenance, and, most importantly, understand that they were now part of something greater than just survival.
As Nexha walked through the refuge, he saw these changes happening before his eyes. The first days had been chaotic, with fear and distrust in the air, but little by little, those who arrived began to integrate. The once-tense atmosphere gave way to calmer voices, shy smiles, and eventually, a sense of belonging.
Krahs, with his firm presence and experience, naturally assumed the role of leader without difficulty. After all, he had plenty of experience in it. He coordinated resource distribution, organized tasks, and established clear rules to maintain order.
His authority gradually became unquestionable, but it was not imposed through fear—it was earned through respect. Those who arrived soon realized that under his leadership, the refuge prospered.
Zhaelor, who naturally came and went from the base the most, became the gatekeeper. His vigilance ensured the refuge remained secure. He not only protected the entrance but also regulated who could leave and enter since not everyone could open the gate. His imposing presence brought a sense of security to everyone, and even those who arrived feeling uncertain soon learned to trust him.
Lilay quickly won their trust. With his charm and ability to captivate with words, he soon became a favorite among the new inhabitants.
He helped break the ice, integrate newcomers, and make sure no one felt out of place. His natural gift for forming bonds brought a new warmth to the refuge, making it not just a safe place but also a welcoming one.
Nexha arrived early at the construction site, watching as new houses took shape before his eyes. Before he could begin his work, Krahs approached and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
— Did you sleep well? — he asked with a calm, warm gaze.
Nexha nodded, offering a small smile.
— Better than before. The strange man hasn’t appeared in my dreams for a while.
— That’s good, Nexha.
Krahs didn’t seem completely convinced, but he let out a sigh and gave him a light pat on the back before heading off to coordinate other tasks. He knew Nexha wouldn’t back down, so he simply made sure he wouldn’t overdo it.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Now, he needed to ensure there was enough space and food for everyone, with careful planning and the help of those willing to contribute.
Nexha started building circular houses made of bamboo and moray algae. At first, he worked alone, but little by little, Lilay brought more and more people to help. Unlike the old structures, these new homes had more space and two floors, designed with better planning than the previous ones. They were made to be functional—after all, merfolk weren’t too demanding when it came to housing. Being able to provide a safe home for more people warmed Nexha’s heart.
But the most important detail was the roof. Nexha turned the top of each house into a rice field. At first, the older merfolk found it strange, but their prejudice against rice seemed to disappear when they realized it was the first food they ate upon arriving. This created an inexplicable fondness for rice among them.
After a day of work, Nexha swam to the platform and climbed up. Even though he was a bit tired, he calmly cooked portions of rice for everyone, and it didn’t take long before the delicious aroma filled the air.
As the sun began to set, everyone gathered around the platform. It had become a tradition to share a meal and talk at the end of the day, strengthening their bonds. The platform, covered with piles of recently harvested rice baskets, was more crowded than usual, making it harder to find space to sit.
However, no one seemed to mind. The full food stock was a symbol of security, and seeing it filled everyone with a sense of relief and happiness. What was once just a grain burdened with old meanings now represented a future of stability and community.
With full stomachs, everyone returned to their homes to rest. Nexha swam calmly among the houses before heading back home.
Over time, more houses appeared, transforming the refuge into a vibrant underwater village. The moray algae bamboo intertwined to form sturdy and harmonious structures, their soft colors blending with the blue of the ocean. Cleaner fish and colorful-shelled snails became more abundant. The merfolk no longer found them repulsive; instead, they seemed to love the snails' bright shells and the "kisses" of the cleaner fish. They even brought small corals, as if cultivating tiny gardens near their homes for these little creatures to live in when they weren’t swimming around—making the place more welcoming and inviting.
Bioluminescent lucky crab shells were added to the houses, softly illuminating the environment and creating a sense of home even in the vastness of the sea. Nexha swam toward his house, happy to see his village growing.
He lay down, content, on his soft algae bed when, strangely, an alert rang in his ear.
{Congratulations! Your monthly salary has been deposited! Check your shop to see the changes.}
Nexha let out a yell upon hearing that—his salary had finally been deposited into his account.
— Nexha!!
Hearing Krahs, he immediately went silent. He opened the shop before sleeping, only to smile upon seeing his money in his account. His eyes sparkled as he read:
((Shop)/) (\MD 3,605/)
Welcome to the shop, user! Here, you can buy whatever you need for your world conquest. Look at all that shiny money. (?^-^?)
-
Food/Medicine
-
Slaves
-
Abilities
-
Magical Items
-
Miners
-
Animals/Pets
-
Plant Materials
-
Accessories
-
Clothes/Armor
-
Technology
Nexha clenched his fists in happiness. Everything around him had changed drastically in just a month and a half—but not for the worse. Little by little, everything was moving in a direction that, for now, seemed like the best possible path for him.