Kojima Ren slowly opened his eyes to the soft morning light filtering through the clouds. He lay inside the simple wooden shelter they had built yesterday, his body warm and relaxed. Sylphira was curled gently against his side, her long silver hair spilling across his chest like a silky blanket. One of her arms rested lightly over him, and her breathing was soft and peaceful. The gentle closeness sent a quiet, comforting flutter through his heart a feeling he hadn't known since losing his family two years ago.
Elara's soothing voice bloomed inside his soul, warm and affectionate.
"Good morning, my dear Kojima. You slept so peacefully. The guilt in your chest feels lighter today. Sylphira's warmth helped… and so did I. I love being this close to you."
Kojima smiled faintly and brushed a stray strand of silver hair from Sylphira's cheek. Her golden eyes fluttered open, meeting his with a tender, sleepy smile that made his pulse quicken. She didn't pull away. Instead, she snuggled closer, pressing her soft, warm body against him with quiet affection.
"Master… good morning," she whispered, her voice husky and sweet, meant only for him. "I didn't mean to stay so close all night… but your heartbeat is so calming. May I… stay like this for a little longer? Just us?"
Kojima's cheeks warmed. He nodded, letting his hand rest gently on her back, fingers tracing small circles. "Yeah… it feels really nice. Thank you for being here with me, Sylphira."
She let out a soft, contented sigh and nuzzled closer, her crimson robes shifting against his skin. For a moment, the vast empty sky outside felt far away.
Then the world-wide System announcement rang out clearly.
[Ding! World Announcement: Beginner Grace Period Activated!]
[All starter islands are granted a 7-Day Protection Period.]
[During these 7 days, monster spawns within 1 km of any starter island are reduced by 90%. No PvP attacks or raids may target starter territories.]
[Use this time wisely to build, expand, and strengthen your domain. After Day 7, the skies become fully competitive.]
[Good luck, Players. Survive. Conquer. Ascend.]
Kojima sat up slowly. Sylphira shifted with him but stayed close, her hand resting possessively on his arm, her golden eyes softening only when they looked at him.
Elara's voice was excited yet calm.
"This is perfect, Kojima. Seven full days of safety. Today is Day 1 we should focus on strengthening our core. A single daily gacha roll first, then we build."
Sylphira's expression turned gentle and warm as she looked at Kojima, but her voice carried a hint of arrogance when she glanced toward the empty space around them. "Master, this grace period is beneath someone like you… but I will make sure our home becomes worthy of you. Others can struggle in the clouds. We will rise above them."
Kojima felt a small smile tug at his lips. Sylphira was always so kind and affectionate with him almost clingy in her gentle way but he had already noticed how coldly arrogant she could be toward anything or anyone else. It was strangely endearing.
He performed his one daily gacha roll, guided by Elara's soft advice.
[Ding! 1 daily pull — Servant Banner!]
Golden light exploded across the island, far brighter and more intense than expected thanks to his maxed luck.
[SSS — Vaelor, the Obsidian Demon Butler!]
A swirl of black and crimson mist coalesced into a tall, devastatingly handsome man. He had sharp, refined features high cheekbones, silver-black hair that fell perfectly over one crimson eye, and subtle demonic horns curving back like an elegant crown. His presence radiated quiet, overwhelming power. He wore a perfectly tailored black butler uniform with silver accents, exuding both refinement and hidden danger.
Vaelor knelt deeply on one knee, head bowed in absolute, unwavering devotion. His deep, smooth voice was filled with pure loyalty. "My Master, Kojima Ren. I am Vaelor, your eternal butler. From this moment, my strength, my knowledge, my shadows, and my life belong only to you. I will manage your household with perfection, protect your peace, and eliminate any who dare threaten your happiness. Command me as you wish… and know that my loyalty is absolute and eternal."
Kojima immediately opened Vaelor's status window so he could see every detail.
Servant Status — Vaelor, the Obsidian Demon Butler (SSS)
Level: 5
HP: 620/620
MP: 380/380
Strength: 45
Agility: 38
Vitality: 42
Intelligence: 50
Luck: 28
Race: Obsidian Demon (High-tier demonic physiology grants superhuman strength, shadow manipulation, rapid regeneration, and innate loyalty to a chosen master)
Skills:
Shadow Dominion (SSS) — Manipulates shadows for combat, defense, utility, and perfect stealth. Passive: Creates illusions and shadow barriers that grow stronger when protecting Master.
Absolute Butler Loyalty (SSS) — Passive: Power increases significantly when serving Master's needs. Cannot betray or harm Master under any circumstances. Emotional devotion is unbreakable.
Vaelor rose smoothly, his crimson eyes locked on Kojima with intense, devoted focus. "Master, please allow me to begin serving you immediately. I sense the island is still small and unrefined. I will handle all heavy labor so you may rest and enjoy the day with Lady Sylphira."
Sylphira stayed pressed close to Kojima's side, her arm linked with his. She looked at Vaelor with cool arrogance, her golden eyes narrowing slightly, voice icy. "Hmph. A demon butler… Make yourself useful and don't get in Master's way. Only I am allowed to stay this close to him."
Vaelor bowed respectfully to her without any offense. "As you wish, Lady Sylphira. My role is to support Master's comfort. Your place beside him is unquestioned."
Kojima felt a gentle warmth at how protective Sylphira was being. He gently squeezed her hand, and she immediately softened, leaning her head on his shoulder with a sweet smile meant only for him. "Master… you're too kind even to new servants. But I will make sure no one disturbs our time together."
Elara's voice chuckled warmly in his soul. "Sylphira is quite possessive of you, isn't she? It's cute. Vaelor's loyalty is already absolute he will be a perfect addition. Let's use him to expand the island today."
With Vaelor's superhuman demonic strength, the work progressed smoothly and quickly. Kojima activated Aerial Dominion Authority to merge the small drifting fragment eighty meters east. The two pieces fused with a low rumble, expanding the island to 120 square meters and providing fresh wood, stone, and a small sky-crystal vein.
Vaelor moved like a shadow, efficient, powerful, and utterly focused. He lifted massive stones effortlessly, arranged them into sturdy fences, and cleared debris with precise shadow tendrils. All the while, he kept glancing at Kojima with devoted eyes, ready to adjust anything at a single word.
"Master, is the height of this wall comfortable for you?" Vaelor asked, voice smooth and respectful. "If you prefer it lower so you can see the gardens better, I will remake it instantly."
Kojima nodded appreciatively. "A bit lower on the garden side would be nice. Thank you, Vaelor."
The demon butler bowed deeply. "Your wish is my command, Master."
While Vaelor worked on the heavy construction, Sylphira stayed glued to Kojima's side. She helped with the gentler tasks using her controlled flames to precisely cut wood and shape stones but mostly she stayed close, resting her head on his shoulder or holding his hand. Every few minutes she would nuzzle closer, whispering softly only for him.
"Master… having Vaelor here means you don't have to work so hard. You can just relax with me. I like it when it's just us like this… warm and close."
Her voice was sweet and affectionate, completely different from the cold arrogance she showed when speaking to Vaelor. Kojima felt his heart melt at her gentle possessiveness. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her a little closer. Sylphira let out a happy little sigh and pressed herself against him more tightly, her soft curves fitting perfectly.
Elara whispered lovingly, "Your touch makes her so happy, Kojima. She only shows this gentle side to you. It's beautiful."
By midday, the new Eternal Spring Fountain blueprint from yesterday was fully integrated. Clear water bubbled up in the center, surrounded by the expanding garden patches. Vaelor prepared a simple but elegant lunch using fresh ingredients, serving Kojima first with flawless grace before stepping back respectfully.
Sylphira fed Kojima small pieces of fruit with her own fingers, her golden eyes locked on his with tender affection. "Open wide, Master… Let me take care of you today. You deserve to be spoiled."
Kojima accepted with a soft laugh, his cheeks warm. The icchi closeness felt healing her gentle care, the way she only softened for him, made the old guilt feel distant.
Vaelor watched with quiet devotion, his handsome face calm. "Master, your happiness is my greatest reward. If there is anything else you desire more space, better furniture, or simply more time alone with Lady Sylphira I will arrange it perfectly."
In the afternoon, Vaelor continued expanding the living area. His shadow manipulation created elegant supports and even a small shaded pavilion section. Every action was perfect, every movement efficient, and his loyalty shone through in the smallest details adjusting the angle of a bench so Kojima would have the best view, or creating a soft shadow cushion for comfort.
Sylphira, meanwhile, stayed almost glued to Kojima. She sat in his lap at one point while they rested by the fountain, her arms around his neck, whispering sweet nothings only he could hear. "Master… I don't like sharing your attention… but Vaelor seems useful. As long as he knows his place and doesn't interrupt our private moments, I suppose he can stay."
Kojima chuckled softly and stroked her red hair. "He's here to help us build a home. And you… you're special to me."
Sylphira's cheeks flushed with happiness. She leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek, lingering there with soft warmth. "Then I'm happy… I want to stay like this with you every day."
As evening approached, the island already looked noticeably better fences completed, garden expanded, and a comfortable shaded area taking shape thanks to Vaelor's tireless work. Vaelor knelt before Kojima once more as the sky darkened.
"Master, Day 1 is nearly complete. The island is safer and more comfortable. Tomorrow I will continue building whatever you desire. For now, please rest. I will stand guard so you and Lady Sylphira may enjoy your time together undisturbed."
Sylphira smiled arrogantly at Vaelor. "Good. Keep watch from a distance. Master needs his peace with me."
She then turned back to Kojima, her expression melting into pure gentle affection. She pulled him toward the shelter, snuggling close as they prepared for the night. "Master… let's sleep together again tonight. I want to feel your warmth and hear your heartbeat. Only you make me feel this way."
Kojima held her gently, the icchi warmth of her embrace chasing away the last traces of loneliness. Elara's voice wrapped around his soul like a loving hug. "Today was a good start, Kojima. Vaelor is already proving his worth, and Sylphira's feelings for you are deepening beautifully. Rest well. Tomorrow is another gentle day of building our home."
As night fell over the floating island, Kojima lay with Sylphira curled affectionately against him, her soft whispers of care filling the quiet space. Vaelor stood silently in the distance, a handsome, powerful shadow guardian, utterly loyal and ready to serve.