Among Monsters (Tensura)

Chapter 29: Ecosystem Expansion

James sat at the small wooden table in the inn's dining room, slowly eating his breakfast. His thoughts were occupied with the work that lay ahead. 'The forest's ecosystem is done now; it's time for the plains and lake... I'll start with the plains first,' he thought. The food was simple but filling, the warmth of the bread and eggs comforting against the cold air that had crept into the inn overnight. The sounds of the morning hustle outside, with merchants preparing for the day, added to the ambiance, but James couldn't quite focus on the city's bustle.

Once he finished his meal, he gathered his things, securing his pouch of coins, and then set out. The path from the inn led him toward the forest near Dwargon, where his work would continue. The forest had been a success, and now he turned his attention to creating a sustainable ecosystem in his plains and lake. The first step was the plains.

For the small, eternal plains area within his Sovereign's Sanctuary, James needed species that could adapt to open grasslands. He began with the insects, knowing they would lay the foundation for everything else. First, he captured pollinators like bees and grasshoppers, which would support the grasses and flowering plants. Without them, the flora wouldn't stand a chance. Then came the detritivores—dung beetles and ants—critical for decomposing waste and maintaining soil health. Lastly, he added the predators, like dragonflies and ladybugs, which would help control the smaller insect populations that could otherwise spiral out of control.

Once the insects were in place, he moved on to the animals. He started with grazers, like rabbits and small antelope, species that would graze on the plants, encouraging growth and nutrient cycling. Burrowers came next—moles and ground squirrels—vital for aerating the soil and providing prey for other animals. Then, he added their predators: foxes, wildcats, and small wolves to keep herbivore numbers in check. Finally, he captured rodents like mice and voles, which were crucial for food chains and seed dispersal. After a short, 20-minute break to collect his thoughts, he moved on to the plains' birds.

He began with the insectivores, larks, and meadowlarks, birds that would help keep insect populations balanced. Then came the seed dispersers, doves, sparrows, and finches, which would spread seeds and aid in plant diversity. He finished with the predatory birds—hawks and falcons—important for keeping small mammal populations under control. With the birds settled, he paused again, taking a moment to appreciate the balance he had created. The plains' ecosystem was complete.

Now, it was well into noon, and James wanted to ensure he finished with the lake before nightfall. For the medium-sized eternal lake, he would need a range of aquatic and semi-aquatic species to support a balanced aquatic ecosystem that would contribute to the surrounding land areas as well.

First, he started with the aquatic plants and algae. Submerged plants like water lilies, pondweed, and duckweed would provide shelter for fish and help oxygenate the water. Algae, too, was essential; a moderate level would help feed various organisms and contribute to the lake's food chain.

With that, he moved on to insects and small invertebrates. Water beetles and dragonfly larvae were vital predators for smaller aquatic invertebrates, helping keep their populations balanced. Snails and freshwater mussels helped clean the water while serving as food sources for fish and birds. He even considered mosquito larvae—though not desirable in large numbers, they could provide sustenance for fish. He then moved to fish and amphibians. Small fish, like minnows and perch, would serve as food for larger fish, birds, and other predators. Larger fish, such as bass and trout, were necessary to control the smaller fish populations, maintaining balance in the ecosystem. Frogs and toads, essential for insect control, were prey for both birds and fish.

After another brief 20-minute break, he focused on the birds. Waterfowl like ducks and geese would graze on aquatic plants and serve as prey for larger predators. Wading birds, such as herons and egrets, would keep fish populations in check. Finally, he added the predatory birds, ospreys and kingfishers, who would help maintain the balance of the fish population.

Now, it was time for the mammals. Semi-aquatic mammals like otters and beavers would help with fish control and add to the biodiversity. Beavers, in particular, could shape the environment by building lodges and dams, creating a more dynamic landscape for the lake. With the lake ecosystem complete, he took a moment to appreciate the work he had accomplished. The plains and lake were now ready.

The next day, as he reflected on his work, James realized something important. 'Since this is the Tensura world... it wouldn't make sense if I don't add magical creatures to my Sovereign's Sanctuary,' he thought. Adding magical creatures would bring a second layer to his ecosystem, one that blended the natural with the fantastical.

He started with magical insects and small creatures. Magic beetles, small beetles that glowed faintly and released a tiny amount of magicules, would attract other magical creatures while serving as a natural light source at night. Mana butterflies, which fed on ambient magicules and pollinated plants, would enhance the growth of magical flora. Spirit fireflies, insects infused with weak spirit energy, would emit a soft light, creating a calming effect on the creatures around them.

Once the magical insects were taken care of, he moved on to magical animals. He captured mana deer, which naturally gathered magicules in their bodies, making them valuable for their meat and hides. Mystic rabbits, with a mild magical resistance, produced meat that had a slight restorative effect. These rabbits were quick and elusive, providing a challenge for hunters. Wisp foxes, with an affinity for illusions, could disappear into the mist or create illusions to evade predators, adding a unique challenge to the ecosystem.

He moved on to magical birds. Feathered fae birds, small, intelligent creatures that could mimic sounds and control wind magic, would serve as scouts for the lizardmen. Magic-eating owls, which fed on low-level magical creatures, would help control the magical populations. Mana hawks, capable of absorbing magicules to enhance their vision and speed, would hunt smaller magical creatures, ensuring balance in the ecosystem.

The final step was to add a mythical creature to his forest. 'It would be how, when Rimuru arrives, and he has his Tempest Wolves,' James thought. He chose sprite wolves, creatures that could phase in and out of sight, making them excellent hunters. These wolves would form packs and serve as guardians of the forest, helping the lizardmen if they were tamed or respected. Capturing them was difficult, but James was determined.

He added mana wisps—small floating orbs of magical energy that hovered near magical flora and creatures. These wisps would help nurture the plants and serve as companions for the animals and lizardmen, though they were harmless. Finally, he added magical flora to complete the ecosystem. Lumina trees, with bioluminescent leaves that glowed faintly at night, would provide natural lighting. Mana moss, which absorbed excess magicules, would prevent dangerous magic buildup. Whispering vines, with soothing sounds when rustled by the wind, would calm the creatures of the forest.

With the magical layer of the Sovereign's Sanctuary complete, James could now rest, knowing he had added a new dimension to his realm. Tomorrow, he planned to start adding magical creatures to the plains and lake.

End of chap.