Legendary Extraction: Kingdom Builder in a Ruined World
Chapter 46: New Subject.

Chapter 46: New Subject.

After the group passed through the dome barrier and stepped into Elias’ territory, it didn’t take long before they were noticed by a few of the inhabitants nearby. As always, the moment they saw Elias, their heads lowered in deep bows and respectful greetings rang out around them.

"Welcome back, Lord Elias."

"Greetings, Lord Elias."

Elias gave them a slight nod in return but didn’t stop or slow down.

However, the moment their eyes landed on the woman walking behind him, the mood shifted. Their expressions changed from respect... to shock and unease.

Murmurs began to spread among them in low, cautious voices.

"...Isn’t that her?"

"Why is she’s here? Why would Lord Elias bring her?"

"I don’t get it. What is Lord Elias thinking?"

Their faces twisted with mixed emotions—confusion, fear, even a hint of anger. Though Raya had once been one of them—a slave like the rest under Kael—they didn’t view her as an ally. Not anymore.

After she broke free from Kael’s control, Raya hadn’t just attacked the slavers or the guards. She’d attacked everyone—guards and slaves alike. Some had died that day. Others were left injured. She hadn’t seemed to care who was in her path. Friend or foe, it didn’t matter. All she left behind was chaos and destruction.

And now, here she was... walking calmly into their new home at the side of Lord Elias. The sight stirred unrest in many hearts.

Why was she here? That question burned in everyone’s minds but no one dared speak it aloud, but the air filled with whispers like drifting smoke.

"She shouldn’t be allowed here."

"I still carry the scar from what she did..."

"Lord Elias must have his reasons... right?"

No one could understand it. But whatever they were thinking, Elias didn’t offer any explanation. He kept walking, with Vael and Raya silently following behind him.

---

Soon, they arrived in front of the storey building. Standing just outside, upright like a disciplined soldier, was Garrett.

The moment he saw Elias, he gave a deep bow.

"Lord Elias. Welcome back."

Elias nodded once. "Garrett. Come with me."

Without hesitation, Garrett stepped into place beside him.

They entered the building. Their footsteps echoed softly through the quiet hallway. The old wooden floor creaked beneath their boots as they passed by two doors. Elias stopped at the third and pushed it open.

Inside was a simple room. He walked in and sat on a chair beside a plain wooden table.

Vael and Raya stood silently behind him, while Garrett took his place across the table, hands neatly behind his back.

Elias leaned back slightly. "How has the territory been while I was away?"

He didn’t expect any problems. The dome barrier was still up, and the people here wouldn’t dare cause trouble. Still, it was routine to ask.

Garrett gave a small nod. "Everything’s been peaceful, my lord."

"Good."

But Elias noticed a flicker in Garrett’s eyes—his glance briefly shifted to Raya.

His lips tightened. Then, after a short pause, he asked carefully, "...My lord, this woman...?"

Elias gave a faint smile. "Her name is Raya. She’s now a resident of this territory."

Garrett’s brows lifted in disbelief. "She... she’s staying here?"

The confusion in his voice was clear. Of all people... her?

A chill ran down Garrett’s spine as unease settled deep in his chest.

Elias noticed the tension and calmly said, "Relax, Garrett. There’s no need to worry. Raya and I have come to an agreement. She won’t be causing any trouble."

Garrett nodded slowly. The unease in his eyes didn’t disappear completely, but he trusted Elias.

If Lord Elias said it was under control... then it was.

"Understood, my lord."

"Good. Spread the word. Let the others know that she’s now part of the territory. There’s to be no conflict."

Garrett bowed again. "I’ll see to it personally."

"Good. You’re dismissed."

Without another word, Garrett turned and walked out of the room, the door closing quietly behind him.

---

Elias let out a soft sigh and shifted his gaze toward Raya.

"Looks like the others don’t like you very much," he said casually.

Raya’s expression didn’t change. "I don’t expect them to."

"That’s because you attacked them," Elias replied.

"I did," she answered bluntly. "They were enemies. Everyone from the other races—aside from the Arcane—are enemies."

Elias tilted his head slightly. "Hmm. Let’s hope that mindset won’t become a problem here. I wouldn’t want you turning on my people."

Raya simply nodded.

Elias gave her a look. "Good. Still, you should be careful when dealing with them. Fear is a heavy burden. If you stir it too often, things can turn ugly."

"I understand, Lord Elias. But you don’t need to worry. I don’t enjoy unnecessary interaction. I prefer solitude. I have no desire to ’socialize’ with lesser beings."

Elias sighed again. "...As long as it doesn’t lead to trouble."

After a short pause, he added, "You’ll be staying here. Pick any of the ground floor rooms. Make yourself comfortable."

Raya bowed her head slightly. "Understood. Thank you, Lord Elias."

With that, she turned and walked out quietly, heading to find her own space.

Another issue dealt with—for now.

Elias leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes briefly, then stood and made his way upstairs.

His clothes were soaked with dried blood, sweat, and dust. With a tired grunt, he removed them and stepped into the makeshift bathroom on the upper floor. A carved wooden tub filled with clean water waited for him.

As he sank into the warm water, a wave of relief swept over him. His sore muscles relaxed almost immediately.

Once he was done, he dried himself off, changed into fresh clothes, and headed back to his room.

There was still work to do.

---

Later, he and Vael went outside and sparred until the sun began to dip below the horizon.

The air echoed with the sounds of swift movements, soft blows, and the occasional grunt of effort. Elias pushed himself hard—physically and mentally—trying to process everything that had happened throughout the day.

This world... it was far more dangerous and complicated than the game back on Earth had ever revealed.

And he was only scratching the surface.

There were still countless mysteries out there—things even he didn’t understand. That fact bothered him more than he liked to admit.

By the time the last rays of sunlight faded, Elias collapsed onto the grass, breathing heavily as he tried to catch his breath.

Vael stood nearby, still as ever.

The battle earlier had been a wake-up call.

There were too many powerful beings. Too many unknown threats.

And if he didn’t grow stronger... he’d be swallowed whole by the chaos that loomed over this world.

---

Eventually, night fell.

Elias joined the others for a quiet dinner. Nothing fancy—just warm bread, some roasted meat, and clean water.

After eating, he returned to his room, lay down on the bed, and let the silence of the night settle in.

Sleep came easily.

---

Morning came.

Golden sunlight filtered through the open window, warming the room with a soft glow.

Elias stirred as the sun’s rays touched his face.

Then came a familiar voice—light and cheerful.

"[Good morning, Master.]"

Elias smiled lazily. "Good morning to you too, Alia."

A brief pause followed before her voice returned, gentle and thoughtful.

"[By the way, Master... I’ve been thinking.]"

Elias raised an eyebrow. "Thinking?"

"[Yes. You’ve said you wanted to stop me from accessing your thoughts, right? I believe Raya might be able to help.]"

That made Elias pause.

His brows furrowed as he processed what she said.

She was right. If anyone could help with a solution to mental intrusion or soul-bound access—it would be an arcane being.

Despite getting used to Alia and the system poking around in his thoughts constantly, it still grated on him. The lack of privacy. The vulnerability of it.

He’d simply grown numb to it.

But now?

A solution might actually exist.

Elias slowly sat up, a grin forming on his face. "You’re right, Alia. That just might work. Thanks."

"[Hehe~ I’m always here to help, Master!]"

He chuckled lightly. "That you are."