Rumble!
The very Sea God's Palace shook as if struck by tectonic shift.
The transformation of the Aquabyss Domain was immediate and profound. Though Aegis couldn't see the full extent of the upgrade yet, he could feel that his previously small territory had expanded significantly.
The energy here also became denser; he could feel the thick, potent magic pulsing through the water and air.
After the upgrade was complete, Aegis checked the system panel.
[ Island Name: Aquabyss Domain (Divine) ]
[ Stage: 2 ]
[ Range: 10,000 sq. meters ]
[ Passive Traits: Hydro-Regeneration ]
Next Stage Requirement: 3 Sky Crystals + 20 Followers.
The requirements for the next stage were high, but he believed the expansion was worth it. He could now host more followers, though he reminded himself to be careful about including more Fire Elementals, as they struggled in the water without constant magic support.
"Is it over this time?" Aegis asked, looking up at the now-quiet Upper Sky.
Naida nodded gracefully, her silver hair shimmering in the upgraded light of the domain.
"Yes, Your Grace. The first wave has been thoroughly repelled."
The three little girls' eyes lit up as they saw the carcasses of the Sky Predators floating in the outer reaches of the domain.
"Sister Naida, Sister Naida! We want meat-meat!" they shouted, jumping around in joy.
Their instincts as Phoenix descendants were already demanding the high-protein, high-energy fuel of fallen predators.
Aegis left the children in Naida's care, letting her manage the harvesting of the "Elite Drake" and its minions. He sat on the steps of his Divine Palace and opened the Global Chatbox to see how many had survived.
Global Chatbox (Post-Invasion):
[Survival_Mother]: I... I lost my eldest son. The barrier broke in the last ten seconds. Does anyone have medicine?
[EternalWarrior]: My island is now a graveyard. I survived, but my followers are all gone. This world is a nightmare.
[DesertFox]: Phew! I somehow survived, guys. But I'm seriously injured. @Aegis, please send me some water.
[Holy_Emperor]: Plebeian, why do you need water? You should just stop existing already.
[Firestarter]: This Holy Emperor is another madman like EternalWarrior. Maybe they are twin brothers.
[EternalWarrior]: Bastard, why did you drag me into this again?
[ThreeBeautifulPrincesses]: @Aegis, darling, I just saw the announcement. You're really a great man. Do you want to be the husband of us three sisters?
[Perverted_God]: Can I volunteer in place of Aegis?
[ThreeBeautifulPrincesses]: Do you even have a d*ck?
[Firestarter]: Oh damn! These girls have balls of steel. What if our Perverted God showers them with his jizz?
Ding!
[Skylord Aegis Created a listing of Purified Water - 1,000 liters]
[Price: FREE]
The chat, which was filled with wounded warriors, immediately went into a frenzy.
Everyone's finger tapped onto the claim option with mad fervor. Each click was worth 1 liter of water.
It was free purified water. Who would want to miss it?
[Survival_Mother]: @Aegis, thank you, child.
[DesertFox]: Where is that bastard who said our Sea God is greedy and selfish?
[EternalWarrior]: He is just showing off.
[Firestarter]: Then why don't you show off by giving us free iron ores? I heard you have a literal iron mine.
[ThreeBeautifulPrincesses]: True. Some people just really don't know how to appreciate other's kindness. I bet this loser also snagged some free water as well. Hmph.
Ding!
[Skylord Aegis created a listing of purified Water]
[Quantity: 5,000 liters]
[Price: 5 BC / liter]
[EternalWarrior]: Haha... See? I told you he is a greedy bastard.
[DesertFox]: Shut the hell up. Should he give away his resources for free just because you said so?
[+1]
[+3]
[+55]
There was also some opposition, like Holy_Emperor and many more insignificant figures.
But Aegis cared about no one's opinion. The 1,000 liters he gave away for free were only because he needed to establish himself as a benevolent businessman to maintain future relationships.
Nevertheless, some poor people were genuinely grateful for the free water he gave away since they did not have any BC.
With this listing sold, Aegis accumulated 25,000 BC.
Aegis finally stopped producing water.
He stood up and joined the feast Naida had prepared.
Though he didn't need food, there was no harm in eating the delicacy. It would also remind him that he was also a human with taste buds, so that he did not get arrogant.
"Try this piece, your grace." Naida offered him a plate of roasted meat. The meat was like pork, but its smell was delicious.
His mouth watered as he finally took one mouthful.
His eyes instantly closed as the tender and juicy meat almost melted on his tongue. His usual expressionless face held the joy whenever he ate something delicious.
His satisfied face made Eterna, Flama, Diva, and Naida very happy.
After eating, Aegis brought up the topic.
His face was serious as he glanced at Naida and the little girls, saying:
"Naida, I have decided to take the test of the second trial in the Sea God's Tower tonight."
"Are you confident you can do it, Your Grace?" she asked, her beautiful brows furrowed.
He nodded. "Yes. If I must survive the upcoming invasions, I must receive all the power of the Sea God. I know you don't want to say it, but there's a greater obstacle waiting for me somewhere unknown. The previous Sea God died mysteriously, and maybe I will face the same fate. For this, I would like to prepare myself, because I don't wish to die. Not when this life has shown me a different path of living."
She didn't know why, but at this moment while he was saying this, his chubby face had a strange charm that she had never witnessed until now.
Unknowingly, she leaned closer, and her sweet pink lips pressed onto his cheek.
It was the kind of kiss that one receives only from their beloved person.
As she moved her luscious lips away, Aegis touched his cheek, stunned.
The wet marks of her lips were still felt clearly.
Her eyes were simmering with affection. "Your Grace, you look the most handsome man right now. I'm certain you'll be able to accomplish what others couldn't."