The sun rose over Velmira with a warmth that hadn't been felt in years.
For the first time since arriving, Kenzo woke to the sound of laughter as the children were splashing near the rebuilt well, villagers greeting each other as they emerged from crumbling homes that still stood, barely.
But barely wasn't good enough.
"Alright," Kenzo said, spreading a makeshift map on a dusty table inside the village's broken down meeting hall. "We prioritize rebuilding the housing structures closest to the water source. We'll start with the three largest ones as we can fit multiple families inside each while we expand further."
Akina nodded, already rolling up her sleeves. "And what about the tools?"
Kenzo smirked. "Leave that to me."
He raised his hand, fingers pulsing with blue mana light.
[Recreate: Construction Tools Kit – Tier 2]
Based on modern carpentry and masonry equipment.
Mana Cost: 54
Success.
A full set of hammers, saws, axes, chisels, measuring tools, and even a sturdy wheelbarrow materialized before them.
The villagers gasped, wide-eyed.
Kenzo turned to the stunned crowd. "We're rebuilding this together."
For the rest of the day, Kenzo, Akina, and Rina worked side by side with the villagers, guiding them through constructing proper walls, stabilizing supports, and reinforcing foundations. Rina's bond continued to grow as she comforted the children and organized meal rotations for the workers.
[Bond: Rina – Level 3]
Bonus: Emotional Intuition – Gain minor insight into Rina's thoughts during intimate or critical moments.
By sundown, one of the three major homes had been fully repaired. Kenzo collapsed near the well with a tired but proud grin.
And that's when the scream tore through the air.
"Raiders!" someone shouted. "East side! Armed! Horses!"
Kenzo shot up, eyes narrowing.
He grabbed Akina's hand. "Get Rina and the kids inside the stone storehouse. It's the only thing sturdy enough to hold if it comes to that."
Akina nodded and ran. Kenzo summoned his dagger shards, fingers glowing.
[Memory-Shard Blades – Lv. 2]
Available Memories: 3
Daggers Formed: 9
He stepped out to meet them.
Five men on horseback charged through the field as faces covered, weapons crude but deadly. It was bandits and their eyes locked onto the villagers as easy prey.
But they hadn't expected resistance.
Kenzo launched his blades each glowing with a memory. Akina's tearful laugh. Rina's shy smile. The joy of saving the well.
Nine daggers shot through the dusk like lightning.
Three horses bucked and collapsed. One rider was thrown, clutching his leg where a shard struck. The remaining two dismounted and rushed him.
Kenzo dodged one blade and slammed a foot into the attacker's gut, flipping him over. The second bandit swung wildly until a stone slammed into his skull from behind.
Akina stood there, panting, a bloodied rock in hand.
"You didn't think I'd actually hide while you fought, did you?" she huffed.
The villagers surrounded the remaining raiders, tying them up with rope and shouts of vengeance.
[Quest Update: Defend Velmira – Complete]
Village Safety Increased: +30
New Resource Gained: Horses (3)
New Perk Gained: Village Guard Morale Boost
Later that night, they burned the bandits' flag outside the rebuilt hall.
Kenzo stood in the flickering firelight, arms around Akina and Rina, both leaning against him with exhaustion and pride.
Velmira was still a ruin.
But now, it was their ruin.
And tomorrow, they'd start again.