Chapter 157: Will’s Awakening

“I just haven’t been able to find anyone with ranching skills who is willing to move to the undeveloped lands. I’m sorry, Will.” “No, Letty. I’m just grateful that you looked for me. What with family and other ties, there aren’t many people willing to head out to the frontier.”

We’ve been recruiting settlers even in the Cardiff Earl’s territory, but we’re having trouble gathering people. The Fairchild Margrave territory is currently enjoying such a booming economy that no one wants to leave.

The labor shortage for the development of the southern undeveloped lands is serious. For example, even if I want to expand the ranch, I can’t do it if there are no workers to man it. The undeveloped lands have a strong reputation as a remote, empty wasteland where monsters roam free, so I suppose it’s only natural. I couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

My plan was to advance development from the north of the undeveloped lands, building pioneer villages along the way until we reached the Crosspoint. But at this rate, I don’t know how many years it will take.

It is predicted that once the World Tree is moved out of the Elven barrier, it will become a target for monsters. Considering the defense system and supplies, it would be better to have several towns and villages between the Fairchild territory and the Leyline Crosspoint.

Using Production Magic and Earth Magic makes building a village much faster than in my old world… but that doesn’t matter if there’s no one to live in them.

I’ve heard that the World Tree won’t suddenly grow large just because it’s been moved to the Crosspoint. Still, I want to resolve the abnormal weather as soon as possible, and the monster offensive is intensifying. To suppress the power of Darkness, I want to move the World Tree to the Crosspoint as quickly as possible.

At this point, I think the best I can do is prioritize maintaining the roads to the Crosspoint and building minimal supply outposts along the way. I suppose I’ll settle for building a solid defense base only around the location where the World Tree will be moved.

Sigh… even so, road construction requires manpower. The Production Skill is quite versatile, but even it can’t create actual people. Just as I was agonizing over this, something burst inside my body. Could this be…?

When I looked at my hands, they were glowing. It seems I have indeed awakened. I wonder what kind of magic I’ve become able to use this time?

I can tell it’s a magic that will help resolve the labor shortage. It seems a purified Mana Core will be the key. Also, I feel like I have to be near the World Tree.

Since it’s lunchtime, I’ll go to the Elven forest after I eat. I happen to be eating with Theo and Oliver today, so I told them about the fact that I seem to have awakened and that I’m heading to the Elven forest.

“Master’s new magic? I’m looking forward to it.” “A magic that helps with the labor shortage? How intriguing.” Both seemed interested, so they decided to come along to the forest.

Today’s lunch was Pasta Genovese. It was a fragrant dish using plenty of sweet basil. The scattered pine nuts provided a nice accent.

After lunch, I headed to my room with the two of them. I still can’t use Teleportation Magic in public. I had Theo and Oliver grab onto my clothes and teleported to the Elven forest.

“Lord William, welcome.” “I’m sorry, Elder. To intrude so suddenly.” “No, no, you are always welcome.”

“Actually, it seems I’ve awakened.” “Oh, congratulations! Since Princess Flora awakened as an Apostle, I thought you would be awakening as well.”

“Thank you. It seems to be a magic that will help with the labor shortage, but for some reason, I felt I had to be near the World Tree.” “Ho, then you are surely being called by the World Tree.”

“I wonder if that’s it. At any rate, I would like to visit the Garden of the World Tree.” As I walked through the village with the Elder, Luna also came out. “Welcome, Lord William. Oh, Theo and Oliver-san are with you too.”

“Sorry for the sudden intrusion, Luna. I want to see what kind of magic Master awakens to.” “I was also curious about Lord William‘s new magic. I took the liberty of coming along.”

“My, you’ve awakened? Congratulations!” “Thanks, Luna. I think it’s a magic that will lead to the resolution of the labor shortage.” As we talked, we arrived before the giant tree that leads to the hidden sanctuary.

Usually, the Elder chants the spell before the tree, but… “I will chant the spell this time.” “Oh, so Luna is going to chant it this time?”

“Yes, I can’t keep relying on Grandmother forever.” When Luna chanted the spell, an entrance appeared in the giant tree. “You’ve grown, Luna.” When I expressed my admiration, the Elder also smiled happily at Luna.