Chapter 150: Start of the Prepration [2]

A translucent system screen appeared directly in front of Edgar.

The familiar blue interface hovered silently in the air.

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⟨Fortress Wall Upgrade⟩

Choose an Upgrade Path:

1. Increase the height of the Fortress Wall, making it more difficult for enemies to cross.

2. Install retractable spikes throughout the wall that can emerge at random intervals when enemies attempt to climb it.

3. Increase the height of the wall and coat its exterior with an extremely smooth surface, making it almost impossible to climb.

---

Edgar stared at the three options for several seconds. ’The first option would be simple.’

A taller wall would make it harder for ordinary Nightmares to reach the top.

However, that wouldn’t necessarily stop stronger creatures.

’The second one is interesting.’

Hidden spikes could surprise enemies attempting to climb the walls, but Edgar wasn’t sure how effective they would be against creatures that could simply tear through stone.

His gaze eventually settled on the third option. ’The third one gives me both height and climbing protection.’

It wouldn’t make the wall impossible to breach, but it would force enemies to find another method of attacking.

Considering the Nightmare Tide he was expecting, making the walls harder to climb seemed like the most practical choice.

Edgar finally reached toward the third option. "Upgrade."

The moment he confirmed his choice, the system responded.

A thousand White Nightmare Stones suddenly flew out from the warehouse.

The stones rose into the air like a swarm before moving toward the Fortress Wall.

Several workers stopped what they were doing and stared at the strange sight.

The White Nightmare Stones struck the walls one after another as they cracked and flooded the wall with white liquid.

BOOM!

The pale light immediately spread across the entire structure, and the old stone walls began glowing.

Then their surface suddenly turned into a strange liquid. The walls didn’t collapse. Instead, the stone itself began changing shape.

The entire structure stretched upward as its foundations expanded.

The towers grew taller, while the outer surface became increasingly smooth.

The rough stone gradually transformed into a polished material that reflected the faint light of the surrounding area.

Edgar quietly watched the transformation as the walls continued rising until they were significantly taller than before.

Their surfaces were so smooth that even Edgar doubted someone could climb them without special equipment.

Finally, the light faded, and the Fortress became completely silent again.

Edgar looked over the upgraded walls. "...Much better."

The new structure looked far more imposing than before.

If a Nightmare tried climbing it now, it would have almost nothing to grip.

Edgar nodded with satisfaction. ’At least that gives us one less thing to worry about.’

He turned away from the wall and began walking through the settlement.

It wasn’t long before someone familiar caught his attention.

A young figure was patrolling near the outer section of the Fortress.

Edgar slowed his steps. ’Wavin.’

The boy was still noticeably pale, as his skin looked almost unhealthy under the grey light, and his movements were slower than usual.

Edgar walked toward him. "Wavin."

The young man immediately turned around and saluted.

"My lord."

Edgar looked him over carefully. "Are you still feeling unwell?"

Wavin hesitated before answering.

"...Yes." His voice sounded weak. "I don’t feel much better than before."

Edgar’s expression remained calm, but suspicion quietly formed in his mind.

’That’s strange.’

Wavin had been feeling this way for too long.

And now, with the strange events surrounding the Fortress, Edgar couldn’t completely dismiss it as ordinary sickness.

Still, he didn’t let his thoughts show on his face. "You should take some rest."

Wavin immediately saluted again. "Yes, my lord."

He turned around and walked away as Edgar watched him disappear among the workers.

There was something wrong, but he just didn’t know what.

Before he could think further, a familiar voice suddenly came from behind him.

"You smell like Hera."

Edgar froze before he slowly turned around.

Semele stood several steps away with a bright smile on her face.

Edgar immediately took a step backward. "...Why are you always appearing behind me?"

Semele ignored the question as her smile became even wider. "So, what did you do with the girl?"

Edgar’s expression became tired. "That’s none of your business."

Semele placed both hands behind her back and leaned forward slightly.

Her crimson eyes were filled with amusement.

"Oh?"

Edgar didn’t answer as Semele slowly straightened herself before giving him a mysterious smile.

"Well, whatever you did, be careful."

Edgar frowned. "Careful about what?"

Semele’s smile widened. "Getting the girl pregnant."

"..."

Edgar stared at her without saying anything.

Semele seemed completely satisfied with his reaction.

After enjoying his silence for several seconds, she casually changed the subject.

"There was quite a bit of unrest among the Nightmares last night."

Edgar’s expression immediately became serious. "What do you know?"

Semele didn’t answer directly. Instead, she gave him another mysterious smile.

"I know many things."

"That’s not an answer."

"I know." She casually turned around.

Edgar watched her carefully as Semele stopped after taking a few steps.

"Just remember something." She glanced over her shoulder. "People who are close to you aren’t necessarily your allies."

Edgar’s eyes narrowed. "What are you implying?"

Semele only smiled. "Be careful, Edgar."

With those words, she continued walking away.

Edgar remained where he was, watching her disappear into the settlement.

"...That woman."

He sighed quietly before turning toward his house.

There were already too many strange things happening.

The Nightmare Tide, the message about the King’s Bride, Wavin’s strange condition, and now Semele’s warning.

Edgar had barely taken a few steps when he suddenly felt something pull against his consciousness.

His expression grew blank. ’...The Soul Network.’

The sensation was faint, but unmistakable.

Someone was trying to communicate with him through the network.

Edgar stopped walking as the signal came from somewhere far away. He immediately recognized the location.

’The subsidiary Fortress near the Han River.’ His eyes narrowed. ’Did something happen there?’

Edgar took a slow breath before closing his eyes.

His consciousness began sinking into the Soul Network.

Whatever was happening there, he needed to find out immediately.