Cursed Empire: Rising against the gods

(Neverport)

It has been two weeks since the events with the druid tribes. Axel and Becca have chosen not to inform people about the deal yet, preferring to demonstrate it instead of making false promises.

The two have been busy improving the village in their own free time.

Axel has formed three teams of five to assist the village. The scouting team is known as the Watchers, the defenders are called the Keepers, and the attacking team is called the Blades.

Becca, on the other hand, had to manage the influx of refugees seeking a home. The village's population doubled from thirty to sixty due to rumors that the nearby demon and orc tribes close to Neverport had been destroyed. If they didn't join Axel's military, the newcomers would start businesses in the village and trade with nearby communities.

So far, three new villages have entered a trading deal with Neverport.

A village of humans called Newmire, a village of humans and monsters called Begument, and finally a village of Demi-humans called Valentine.

It was the next day in Axel's house. He opened his eyes to see Patricia putting on a doll show above him. The two dolls resembled them as a family.

Axel playfully smiled and said, "I thought I was going to surprise you with breakfast. I appreciate the show." After noticing that he was enjoying the performance, she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Axel got up from his straw bed and immediately, Patricia sat on his lap and then rested against his chest while playing with the dolls.

"Have you ever thought about changing your name to Ivy? Your old name holds a lot of negative, and I want this new you to be happy." he said.

Ivy smiled and nodded her head.

Axel tightly hugged her and said, "Ivy is perfect. You are perfect." He then released her and walked towards a wrapped object.

He unwrapped it and said, "Ivy, you deserve nothing but the best." Ivy smiled at Axel who was holding the arm of the daywalker vampire.

(Two hours later)

There was a commotion in town. Both confusion and wonder by the people.

Becca and Axel appeared where they were met by Arthur and two druids carrying three small boxes.

Arthur approached Axel and said, "As promised, the fountain will be set up later tonight. We'll produce more in two weeks, as usual." Both Axel and Becca collected the boxes from Arthur, and Axel made sure to check inside each box before accepting them.

"It's a pleasure working with you Arthur. Do you and your friends want to rest in the village?" Becca offered.

Arthur looked at his teammates who were either hungry or seemed tired of walking. He smiled and said, "We wouldn't mind a drink." As five of them head to a familiar place.

The inn to where it all began. Many people were confused by the fact that there were druids walking in the village but chose not to focus too intently on them.

Becca and two female druids had the opportunity to talk while entering a drinking competition. Arthur and Axel sat together and shared a bottle of ale, "Impressive village you have here." Arthur said.

"Thanks to the news of the demon and orc being defeated by a small village just south of the coast, we have been gaining residents at an alarming rate. Those newcomers have directed us to some villages I was already aware of. Since we had a vast amount of funds to spend, we were able to import some resources and items to Neverport. In addition, our diamond and gold mines have become a primary source of trade. The community has been helping with the expansion, but it is not progressing as quickly as expected. Overall, development has been positive lately," Axel explained, taking a drink from his bottle afterward.

Arthur looked around at the people and said, "I never imagined I would be in a place like this. We druids have always viewed humans as unlawful creatures of nature. Now, we have the opportunity to forge a bond with them." He drank his ale in one gulp.

"And it will only get better from onwards." He said.

Arthur laughed cheerfully before signaling the waitress for another drink. He turned his attention to Axel and said, "That reminds me, Atlas wanted you to investigate a place across the water from here." Axel finished his drink, looking very interested. "You have my attention," he replied.

"There's an island rumored to be owned by a royal family. It's a typical grape farm where wine is produced for the kingdom of Earnest. However, we believe that they have been producing artificial magic from captured nonhuman. We believe that some of the magic is connected to elves and fairies. We would like to ask if you could retrieve the artificial magic that came from those two races, the others you can keep. Those captured can join your village or be sent back to their families. Either way, we will both benefit from this." Arthur explained.

After hearing Arthur's request, Axel took a drink from the new bottle of ale that had been presented to him.

He thought deeply about it. How would he carry out this operation? How many people are needed? The layout of this place? Which family was he dealing with?

And this is the kingdom of Earnest money sources, they will know immediately if something is off. Depending on how much they care, we might be target first...unless we blame another kingdom.

There has been bad blood between Earnest and Steelorids. Axel thought to himself that he can probably profit off this and use it to expend Neverport.

"I believe we can do something, but we need a couple of weeks to prepare. At where we stand, we are underprepared." Said Axel.

The waitress placed Arthur's bottle of ale in front of him. He grabbed the bottle and said, "Take as much time as you need; we won't rush you. Now let's celebrate! To our friends, to our partnership, and the development of this growing village." The two shared a smile before gently clinking their bottles together and continuing to drink.