100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full? Chapter 525 - Stable

Everything transpired with breathtaking speed.

Yet, instead of being overwhelmed by the velocity, Lootwell learned to move in harmony with it.

A full week passed, and the influx showed no signs of diminishing; in fact, it intensified.

Day after day, more individuals arrived.

Naturally, this influx also brought a greater number of misguided souls.

Those who had witnessed the initial public expulsions conducted themselves with more decorum.

However, those arriving later, having failed to peruse the transmitted notices or heed the warnings, were decidedly less composed.

Lootwell administered its education.

The procedure had become so streamlined that many inhabitants scarcely gave it a second thought.

The manifestation of killing intent on a public thoroughfare.

A flash.

Disappearance.

An individual drifting towards a restricted zone, subtly employing a concealed probing array.

A flash.

Disappearance.

Someone, believing they had identified an undetected path within a transit corridor, attempted to breach a legal boundary using a folded concealment artifact.

A flash.

Disappearance.

By this juncture, the external encampments had cultivated an almost celebratory rapport with public disgrace. Whenever an individual vanished only to reappear beyond the perimeter, a brief hush would typically follow, whereupon at least one voice from the queue would invariably inquire, with an air of academic sincerity, "What transgression did that person commit?"

Astraea, when present, would respond with the same weary patience of an instructor compelled to elucidate avoidable foolishness to students who seemed determined to take notes in the most inept manner possible.

"He was of the opinion that concealed hostility did not constitute a violation if it was emotionally warranted."

Or perhaps:

"She endeavored to ascertain if a token could be duplicated."

Or:

"This individual thought that emitting a murderous glare did not technically qualify as aggression."

That specific instance evoked such robust laughter that even the individual who had been expelled appeared affronted as a matter of principle.

The outcome was straightforward.

Lootwell’s security system no longer felt like an imposition.

It was perceived as an immutable law of existence.

There were simply no practical loopholes.

If one precipitated trouble, one departed.

If one maintained proper conduct, one remained.

This clarity enveloped the domain as predictably as the weather.

Lucien found it unnecessary to oversee every public interaction personally.

He now frequented Lootwell more often, concealed in disguise. Occasionally, Lilith accompanied him. At times, one or two veiled Lunarians joined them.

And while the people of the outer world engaged in sleep, disputes, queued for the Doors, or depleted their fortunes in the marketplace, Lootwell underwent continuous transformation.

Towering edifices emerged.

New public forums were erected.

Transit platforms expanded.

Additional residential towers materialized in districts that had lacked them the preceding evening. Picturesque balconies bloomed where only walls had stood. Market stalls extended their reach. Tranquil gardens appeared between public structures, as if the city itself had decreed that density need not preclude aesthetic appeal.

The most astonishing aspect was the sheer velocity.

For the average outsider, construction signified patience, clamor, exertion, tangled scaffolding, dust, delays, and prolonged periods of vexation.

Lootwell operated differently.

Here, structures simply... materialized.

A merchant hailing from Maereth sought to meditate within a premium lodging facility, having grumbled that the room lacked a sky-terrace befitting its cost.

The subsequent morning, he stepped outside, gazed upward, and discovered that an entire elegant upper platform had been appended to the building overnight.

He stood immobile for a considerable interval before murmuring, "This place is beginning to show disrespect for conventional architecture."

His steward, who had long since abandoned any pretense of shielding his employer from psychological distress, merely retorted, "Perhaps conventional architecture should have endeavored harder."

Such dialogues became commonplace.

Witnessing Lootwell’s overnight improvements had transformed into a novel form of amusement. Outsiders began placing wagers.

What marvel would manifest next? Another spire? A suspended veranda? A new bazaar? An enlarged transit artery? A public space for contemplation? A structure that rendered one’s existing building personally obsolete?

The answers, frustratingly, often encompassed all of the above.

•••

Clara had also been exceptionally occupied.

Lucien had anticipated this, yet even he found the pace somewhat startling.

Within that same week, she successfully engaged additional suppliers from external organizations.

The Dawnblade Order was the first to commit.

This was not unexpected.

They possessed ample prior involvement with Lootwell’s constituents and the campaigns in the West, enabling them to comprehend the value of collaboration. Upon observing the ancient beasts operating openly under Lootwell’s jurisdiction and realizing that the fearsome accounts had not been mere exaggerations by panicked merchants, they wasted no time in feigning the need for further validation.

The soul contracts were finalized swiftly.

Following them was the Scarlet Sect of Maereth.

A few other prominent factions from distant territories subsequently aligned themselves.

Clara exercised considerable discernment in her selections.

Lucien personally gave his approval for each finalized roster, yet he held such confidence in her judgment that the bulk of the actual selection process was completed long before the names even reached his desk.

Those suppliers who met the criteria were granted elevated access privileges.

They were no longer required to endure the wait in queues like common outsiders. Their identification tokens were upgraded to a superior commercial class, affording them expedited passage, secure cargo imports, entry into restricted contract zones, and the freedom of commercial transit within designated trade arteries.

The underlying principle of this system was unmistakable.

Lootwell demonstrated its appreciation for sincere collaboration.

...

Then, on a day that began like any other, a visitor appeared whom Lucien had not anticipated seeing quite so soon.

Vorren.

The bald-headed defector from the Stillness expedition stood before him, wearing the distinct expression of a man who had been validated by reality frequently enough to view it as a business associate rather than an adversary.

Lucien regarded him with a steady gaze for a moment.

Then, he let out a chuckle.

Vorren smirked.

"Young Lord."

"That title sounds remarkably convenient, coming from someone who once refused to follow me without delay."

Vorren gestured with his hands, displaying an unashamed ease.

"I informed you previously. Your path was fraught with peril. I merely stated I would join you once all was tranquil."

Lucien crossed his arms.

"And now you have arrived."

Vorren nodded, his demeanor turning entirely serious.

"And now I am here."

Even Oblivion had failed to alter the course of his instincts.

That much was readily apparent.

He now recalled Lucien because Lucien had employed Nihility to dismantle Oblivion’s influence. Given that he was set to become an integral part of Lootwell, there was no longer a rationale for keeping him in the shadows.

Lucien examined him with renewed attention.

Vorren possessed utility.

Considerable utility.

A man capable of discerning danger. A man attuned to the scent of opportunity. A man prepared to advance towards the latter and retreat from the former at precisely the opportune moment.

Lootwell had a definite need for individuals such as him.

"You possess an optimistic outlook," Lucien remarked.

Vorren offered a smile.

"No. I am pragmatic. This place is brimming with future potential; I could not justify being anywhere else."

Lucien found that response highly agreeable.

A few nearby officials exchanged surprised glances. Lucien offered no elaborate explanation, for it was unnecessary. Vorren's peculiar talent had already demonstrated its worth repeatedly, and Lucien favored having him close at hand—to be observed, consulted, and heeded when the future began to emit unsettling signals once more.

Vorren himself appeared almost relieved.

"As anticipated," he stated.

Lucien's eyes narrowed slightly.

"As anticipated?"

Vorren nodded, his shamelessness shining brightly.

"I had a premonition that this discussion would unfold favorably."

Lucien remained silent, observing him for two full breaths.

Then, he chuckled once more.

"Indeed. You will integrate seamlessly here."

•••

The subsequent significant undertaking commenced shortly thereafter.

It was time for Kael to embark on another departure.

This particular expedition would diverge from preceding ones. The objective now extended beyond mere cargo transport; it involved establishing enduring civilizational anchors. These included outposts, maintenance hubs, recognized commercial centers, and future support points linked by teleportation.

And, inexplicably, as was always the case, an operation that should have appeared as a serious logistical endeavor bore a striking resemblance to a grand tour.

Luke and Cienna were part of the contingent. Midas, Augustus, Leo, and several others who still harbored a keen desire to explore more of the vast World chose to accompany them as well.

The members of the Silvermine remained behind on this occasion, contentedly occupied with Maxim and Ellen’s newborn.

Sebas and Elunara also joined the journey.

The Five Beacons of Light had reached an age that necessitated Elunara's near-constant attention.

When Lucien, with genuine good intentions and not a trace of mischief, suggested that Sebas might consider starting a family upon his return, the reaction was instantaneous.

Elunara, who habitually wore a placid expression as if it were a permanent affront to excessive emotion, actually blushed.

Sebas looked as though he had been subjected to a surprise celestial-level assault.

Luke erupted into laughter. Cienna reached over and grabbed him by his collar before the unfortunate man could further disrupt the moment.

Lucien smiled and averted his gaze, lest his own amusement become too apparent.

He found that atmosphere quite pleasing.

This endeavor should have been purely business.

And it still was.

However, the individuals involved derived enjoyment from their tasks, and that held significance. He harbored no desire to construct a civilization so devoid of joy that every essential mission felt like a funeral procession in more festive attire.

Following this, the guards were designated.

Lucien had recently allocated more time to reconnect with the ancient beasts with whom he had yet to establish a contract.

The examples of the Titan and the Behemoth had served their purpose exceptionally well. While a sense of pride persisted among the prisoners, the distinction between baseless pride and the instinct for survival had begun to crystallize in their minds.

When Lucien approached them once more, those who remained harbored no lingering illusions regarding the practical implications of outright

Elgor, the Riftmane Chimera, now embodied the Law of Rupture.

Thalmyr, the Tidemother, became one with the Law of Undertow.

Kharovel, the Ashwing Eagle, was infused with the Law of Scorch.

Vhorak, the Stoneblood Colossus, integrated with the Law of Foundation.

Selachrys, the Moonlight Serpent, fused with the Law of Distortion.

Lucien felt a surge of satisfaction.

These five additional ancient beasts were not just for safeguarding Kael's prospective branch expansion. They were a declaration.

Lootwell's deliveries weren't mere merchants.

They were potent manifestations of inevitable outcomes.

The eventual departure occurred without fanfare.

While the group discreetly departed via managed pathways, the vibrant activity within Lootwell remained completely undisturbed.

To any observer from the outside, the city presented an unchanged appearance from the previous day.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

And precisely therein lay the strategy.

Lootwell's growth was most effective when its crucial movements appeared organic.

Additional resources flowed in. Awareness of Lootwell expanded among more people. Competing sects recalibrated their future plans to accommodate it. New prospects emerged. Subtle influences extended their reach.

Gazing upon the palpable radiance of the domain, Lucien understood with profound, personal contentment that this marked merely the outset.

Lootwell had ceased its struggle for mere survival.

It was now mastering the art of propagation.