Creating Civilization In My Private Island

Azure wakes up slowly, the familiar sound of birds chirping outside his window. He stretches his arms, feeling the cool air on his skin, and takes a deep breath. As he stands, gazing out at the mini-world domes, Nexus speaks in his mind.

"Host," Nexus begins, its voice calm and steady as always, "a lot has happened in the water mini-world during your rest."

Azure's brows furrow, curiosity piqued. "What happened?" he asks, turning his full attention to Nexus.

Nexus continues, "Kael, the Merlan you've been watching closely, has made significant progress. His village endured numerous attacks from the sea creatures, but after years of relentless battles, the attacks have ceased. Kael has slain every beast that dared to threaten them."

Azure feels a surge of excitement. "So, they're finally safe?"

"Yes," Nexus responds. "But that is not the most remarkable development. Kael has broken through to become a level-1 life form."

Azure's eyes widen, his pulse quickening at the news. "Level-1? That's incredible! How did it happen?"

"Kael discovered a hidden cave within the ocean depths. Inside, he found an energy source that accelerated his cultivation. He didn't keep it a secret—ten other Merlans have also advanced to the level-1 life form stage."

Azure leans against the balcony railing, grinning. "Kael never struck me as someone who would hide something like that. He's too honorable for it."

Nexus continues, "He has also become the leader of his people. Fifty years has passed in their world, and Kael, now over a hundred years old, has built a family of his own. His village has flourished under his leadership."

Azure chuckles softly, shaking his head in disbelief. "Damn, if only I could stay awake all night and watch what's happening in the small worlds."

He sighs, the weight of age tugging at his body as he leans back against the balcony. As an old man, Azure no longer has the stamina he once did. His bones ache, his movements slower, and his mind, though sharp, is not as quick as it used to be. "I don't have the luxury of youth anymore," he mutters, a note of frustration in his voice.

"Indeed, host," Nexus replies, the ever-calm voice resonating in Azure's head. "The limitations of your current state hinder your ability to monitor the worlds constantly. However, once you break through to the level-1 life form, you will regain your vitality and extend your lifespan significantly."

Azure's expression hardens at the reminder. That was his goal all along. To live longer, to gain the strength he needs. But the only way to do that is by relying on the creatures in his mini-worlds to break through first, granting him access to the energy and life force needed for his own advancement.

"Kael's breakthrough is a good sign," Azure says, pacing slightly. "But it's not enough. I need more of them—more level-1 life forms."

Azure turns his gaze to the other dome, where the Vorrans live. His mind shifts to their progress, or rather, the lack of it. "What about the Vorrans, Nexus?" he asks, a trace of concern creeping into his voice. "How are they doing?"

Nexus responds promptly, "The Vorrans are advancing, but at a much slower pace, host. Their world is quite peaceful, and as you know, conflict often drives faster growth. Without any major threats or challenges, they lack the urgency to evolve rapidly."

Azure frowns, walking over to the dome where the three Vorrans' village sprawls in the corner of the land like a lazy, sun-soaked animal. The Vorrans, seem content. He sees them moving about, harvesting crops, building huts, and playing with their young. It's a tranquil scene, almost idyllic.

Azure mutters, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "No wars, no predators, no real danger to push them forward."

"Precisely," Nexus confirms. "Their environment is peaceful, which has allowed them to develop a comfortable lifestyle. But without adversity, their drive to break through remains weak. No one among them has reached a life-threatening situation that would force them to grow."

Azure stands still, deep in thought, his gaze lingering on the peaceful village of the Vorrans. His mind wanders, considering the drastic contrast between the Merlans, who thrived under pressure, and the Vorrans, whose progress stagnates in the absence of conflict. A dangerous thought begins to form in the back of his mind.

Should I create a creature purely for terror?

The thought lingers, unsettling him slightly. Azure has never claimed to be a good person, but he's not entirely bad either. His desire to live longer pulls him toward extreme decisions, and with only one year left before his body succumbs to the passage of time, desperation claws at him.

He runs a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of his mortality pressing down on him. "Nexus," Azure says quietly, his voice low but firm, "can I build another mini-world? Just a small one… for my experiments."

There's a pause before Nexus answers, its voice even and measured. "Host, with the energy gained from Kael and the ten other Merlans becoming level-1 life forms, you should have enough to construct a small world."

Azure feels a spark of possibility light within him. "Good. I don't need it to be large, just enough space for me to craft something… different."

"Are you considering creating a world filled with adversity?" Nexus asks, almost knowingly.

Azure hesitates, gazing back at the peaceful Vorran world. "Maybe. If the Vorrans won't evolve on their own, I need to learn what drives life forward in different ways. I can't afford to wait for nature to take its course. Not with so little time left."

The tension in his voice is clear now. He's caught between morality and necessity, knowing that his experiments could lead to suffering. But at the same time, he needs breakthroughs—he needs to become a level-1 life form, or everything will be lost. His time is running out.