NOVEL'S EXTRA: I Will Die at the Peak-Chapter 80: Planning [2]

Ravien had spent four hours contemplating the city layout. His mind was exhausted, but at last, useful ideas had begun to take shape. He sipped the last drop from his cup and glanced over the papers again. His eyes were fixed on the plans, but his mind was already wandering those streets.

This is exactly how it should be, he thought.

His fortress would be placed at the heart of the city. The wide open spaces around it were entirely dedicated to military purposes: monster creation, troop training, emergency preparations... Everything would be managed from a central point, and roads would extend from there to the rest of the city like veins — just like a heart nourishing the body.

The large lands behind the fortress were designated for agriculture and storage. The city would be sustained from this zone, ensuring quick access to essential resources in times of need.

On both sides of the city, residential zones would be established. One for the common folk—laborers, craftsmen, and merchants; the other for warriors, strategists, and those who invested in knowledge.

Access to this second district would not be granted to everyone—living there had to be a privilege.

Ravien had already started thinking about a rank and entitlement system. Even if everyone didn’t start equally, they should have the chance to rise.

Anyone who generated value for the city should enjoy better living conditions. This system would pull even the common people into a competition, giving every individual a goal to strive for.

I must separate the ordinary from those who benefit me, he thought.

Competition keeps things alive. The winner must always be rewarded.

He slowly stood up, placed his cup on the table, and walked to the window. Outside was gray; the sky was veiled in mist, and the landscape was pale and dull.

His mind drifted back to his former world. Military discipline, the justice-punishment system, the operation of authority... He was seeking ways to turn all that experience into a more solid order here.

Of course, he would write his own laws—but not just yet. First, the city had to be established, the system had to begin functioning. Everything would fall into place with time.

He also planned to divide the city into three main layers:

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First Layer: The Central Fortress

Ravien’s people—his first followers and those who directly benefited him—would live here. A system filled with privileges, but still just.

Second Layer: The Middle Ring

This zone was reserved for various races and skilled communities. Ravien expected that, over time, other species—especially the intelligent and capable—would come into contact with the city.

Therefore, this layer had to be open to different cultures, yet remain controlled enough not to conflict with the central structure.

Third Layer: The Outer Ring

At the outermost part of the city, Ravien’s monster units and warriors would be stationed. This wasn’t just a military garrison, but also a defensive border. It would be the first to respond to danger and protect civilian life within the city.

---

(POV: Ravien)

The idea of the city is now clear in my mind. I know what kind of order I need to build and how to lay the foundation. But settling the plan in my head isn’t the end of it. I don’t want to act right away, because I practically have nothing yet.

I haven’t even found a proper carpenter. Haven’t met anyone who understands construction. I can do some sketches on my own, but honestly, in my past life, I didn’t even build a shed. Everything is lacking.

That’s why I don’t want to drag this project alone. For now, I’ll just keep gathering resources. I’ll collect whatever I need, one by one. I won’t rush. There’s a long road ahead.

Today, I remembered Lacrima city. Maybe there are people there who could be useful to me. Artisans or even ordinary laborers who work just for money... doesn’t matter.

But first, I need to gather information about that city. Who rules it? How powerful are they? What’s their army like? Is their defense solid? If I learn enough, I might open some doors—through force or diplomacy. Both manpower and resources could come from there.

I sat back down. The tip of the pen had cracked, ink bled across the paper. A faint growl escaped my throat.

"This is the second pen that’s broken... I can’t even get a decent pen anymore. Whatever..."

Creating my own army won’t be easy—I’ve known that from the start. The wolves might’ve helped if I hadn’t killed them all.

There’s really only one option left: creating monsters.

But right now, I can only create low-level creatures—and they’re too weak to be of any real use. Just a waste of energy.

Timmy is slowly increasing my capacity by using my energy; that way, I can expand my limits without needing to bring any physical being into existence.

For now, the smartest move is to focus on transferring my energy to Timmy and expanding my capacity field.

Once I hit the right threshold, creating powerful monsters won’t just be possible—it’ll be inevitable.

I sometimes stop and think...

Is this really worth it?

Building a city, then trying to expand it...

In the end, isn’t all this just to make my name reach a little further?

In a way, it’s all just a tool.

But then, another thought enters my mind.

I’m the one building this city from the ground up.

I’m the one drawing the plans, taking the steps.

Good or bad—every outcome will be the result of my decisions.

And that thought is oddly comforting.

I’m not completing someone’s half-finished legacy.

I’ll live in a place I built with my own hands.

Maybe that’s where the real satisfaction lies.

A system that belongs to me, with all its flaws.

I got lost in useless thoughts again. Now’s not the time to let my mind wander. The only thing I need to do right now is clear: stay quiet, observe, and continue collecting the resources I need.

Until I find a way to rapidly increase my strength and build my own army, I must give in to nothing. No emotions, no past, no dreams.

Once my power is properly established, there will be no reason to stop.

I won’t slow down.

I won’t turn back.

I’ll keep moving forward, without pause.

Lands, fortresses, cities...

One by one, I will take them all.

I won’t show mercy. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

I won’t forgive.

Whoever stands in my way...

Will either kneel,

Or be crushed beyond recognition.

---

Ravien had now shaped most of the city’s general layout. The main structure was clear in his mind, though there were still dozens of details to consider. Even so, for now, it was enough. He took a deep breath, leaned back, and stared blankly at the ceiling for a while.

Below the fortress, Asogi was making his third round with a bone-made cart. He had been hauling wood from the forest since early morning. So far, he had brought back over 150 solid tree trunks and was still going.

To the left of the fortress, the neatly trimmed logs Juuhra had carefully pruned were stacked in order. Their lengths were matched, bark partially stripped, prepared for future use.

The other side was still untouched—a chaotic heap of branches, leaves, and broken pieces. When the wind blew, dry leaves rustled against each other.

---

Azenike sat alone in his dimly lit study. The desk in front of him was piled high with documents, all filled with financial records of the city. Ink stains and hastily scribbled notes stood out among the papers scattered across the dark wooden surface.

Just then, a sharp, high-pitched chime from Dolvano echoed through the walls. The crystal chandelier hanging overhead trembled as if shivering. Azenike raised his head slightly, furrowed his brows, and put down his pen.

"Who the hell is calling at this hour?" he muttered, with slight annoyance.

He got up and walked over to the special communication rod mounted on the wall. Using his fingers, he checked which of the small holes on the system was vibrating.

Once he found the correct one, he placed the crystal into its socket and waited for the voice from the other side.

"Amon? I’m really busy right now. What is it?"

The voice that responded was muffled, but serious.

"Azenike... I called to warn you. We had previously sent a ten-man special recon team to the Sout Region."

Azenike’s brow furrowed. Amon rarely involved himself in these matters directly.

"And? What happened?" he asked, his tone sharpened with focus.

Amon’s voice now carried a cold, vacant edge.

"The team reached the region but was killed immediately after arrival. We received no message.

Not a single trace was left behind. This only points to two possibilities: either monsters from the outer world are now on land... or the source of the old destruction is still lurking there, waiting."

Azenike’s throat went dry. The tension creeping through him gathered as beads of sweat on his forehead. He loosened his collar slightly and spoke in a low voice.

"If the monsters didn’t get there... then what’s the remaining possibility?"

Amon’s voice returned to normal, but a faint trace of anxiety lingered beneath it.

"We’re not sure. But there’s only one likely scenario: a high-level creature must have reached that area long before us and taken control of it. That’s why you need to be cautious. I had to inform you. We’ll talk again."

The connection ended. Azenike stood still for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts. He couldn’t wait any longer. This was far more complex and dangerous than he had imagined.

"It’s time to hire Nepesis... It’s going to be expensive, yeah," he muttered. "But directly intervening in this mess would have cost much more."

He gently placed the documents back on the table, then walked heavily toward the door.

____

(A mysterious voice: "26 hours remain until the coming of Kheret, Goat of God.")