The next morning, Aric was rudely awakened by the unmistakable sound of an aggressive flute solo and an aggressiveer** duckfight** outside his window.
> System Notification:
First Dimensional Trade Caravan Incoming!
Realm Nexus unlocked: Inter-Visitor Exchange enabled. Prepare for entry inspection.
Lysara kicked open the door, battle staff in hand.
> "We have guests. Try not to start an interplanetary war. Or flirt."
"No promises," Aric replied, rubbing his eyes. "What's the flute about?"
> "Apparently, the Glimmerfolk announce their arrival with performance art and animal duels."
"…I already love them."
---
[Arrival of the Glimmerfolk & the First Cross-Realm Visitors]
A swirling portal unfolded in the courtyard like an origami door. Through it walked a procession of luminous beings, their skin like living opals, their eyes silver pools of light.
The leader stepped forward and bowed.
> "We are the Glimmerfolk of Astra-7. We heard this place had 'divine pancakes, unstable ducks, and unusually charming world-builders'."
Aric blinked. "Wow. The multiverse has Yelp?"
Lysara pinched the bridge of her nose.
---
[New Feature Unlocked – World Lobby & Communication System]
The system chimed.
> Lobby Zone Access Granted!
World Trade Interface Enabled
Global Chat Channel Active
Create Organizations, Alliances, and Host Events!
A massive, glimmering gate emerged on the edge of his territory—a glowing archway labeled simply: [LOBBY HALL]
Inside, it was like a mall-sized tavern-temple mashup:
Dozens of holographic trade stalls
Guild banners hanging from crystal ceilings
Giant bulletin boards flashing open contracts, party invites, rare item auctions
A job board titled: "Need Help Not Dying?"
The best part?
> Global Chat: @VoidPrince123: "Who's selling Frost Steel and also knows how to flirt?"
@BananaCultElder: "Accept banana, receive favor."
@PancakeGod69: "Join my planet, I have waffles."
---
[Announcement – Event: Tournament of Builders]
Suddenly, a golden tower emerged above the Lobby Hall, blasting a voice into all player minds across the system.
> [TOURNAMENT OF BUILDERS – SYSTEM EVENT]
All realm owners may enter. Build the most powerful, beautiful, or absurd place. Win prizes, unlock EX-tier blueprints, and gain favor from the Hidden Watchers.
Requirements:
Minimum Territory: Town or above
Submission Deadline: 7 days (System Time)
Surprise Round included
Public voting + System Evaluation
> "Prizes include SSS Servant Contracts, EX-level Structures, and... what?"
"A 'Mystery Egg' from the Epoch Before Time??"
Lysara's mouth fell open. "Only the Ancients had those..."
Aric's smile turned wolfish.
"I guess it's time to go full divine architect."
---
[Meanwhile – A New Challenger Appears]
In a crystalline jungle far across the realms, a young woman stood atop a floating continent.
Her name was Selene Voss.
Her class: Architect of Illusions
Her realm: Dream-Threaded Empire (EX-)
Her talent rank: EX
She stared at the announcement with narrowed eyes.
> "Aric Myles... Let's see how strong you really are."
---
End of Chapter 5
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