Ethan reached the construction site at dawn feeling a mix of determination and anticipation. The Magic Apartments now stood tall enough that its second floor balconies caught the early sunlight turning the mana lines into ribbons of soft silver. Workers arrived yawning and stretching but every one of them smiled when they looked at the building. Pride was settling into their bones. They were not just laborers anymore. They were shaping something that would change the entire region.

Today Ethan wanted to strengthen the core of the building. They had frames and rooms but the hallways floors and structural supports needed to be reinforced so the building could last decades. The beastfolk workers gathered around him as he explained the goals. They would reinforce the second floor platforms install inner wall panels and complete the stairwells. They also needed to begin carving the ventilation mana channels that would keep rooms warm in winter and cool in summer.

The mage stepped forward holding a leather pouch full of runes and crystal dust. He explained that ventilation runes usually required an experienced enchanter but with Ethan’s design they could combine mana channels with natural airflow to create a hybrid system. Ethan nodded appreciating that magic and engineering could work together. The workers listened with interest even though they barely understood the details. They liked that the building would feel comfortable through every season.

Work began with reinforcing the hallway floors. The workers laid wooden planks across the beams while Ethan kneeled down checking every angle. He tapped each plank listening for hollow sounds that indicated weakness. When he found one he swapped it out for a sturdier piece. The mage followed behind carving mana traces along the edges. When the runes activated the floor glowed faintly. Ethan stepped on it testing the bounce and stability. It felt solid. Strong. A hallway worthy of long term living.

Next came the inner walls of the second floor. Workers moved in sync carrying polished wooden panels decorated with faint carvings. Ethan had designed the carvings to channel mana lights upward so the glow would remain soft and warm. The mage carved small patterns that guided airflow through the walls. The workers pressed each panel into place with smooth confidence. Ethan felt like he was watching a crew that had mastered an entirely new building style in just a few days.

As the morning progressed the building felt more alive. Mana lights shimmered along the beams. The walls hummed faintly with flowing energy. Workers walked through hallways that now looked almost complete. A group of curious villagers entered the first floor asking if they could tour the building. Ethan allowed it and the villagers gasped as they walked through the glowing hallways. One elderly woman touched a mana light and whispered that she had never seen a home so gentle and bright. Ethan felt warmth in his chest. Homes were meant to feel like protection. Even in this world.

Around midday Ethan shifted the focus to stairwell reinforcement. Staircases were essential because they carried weight and needed to be stable for decades. Ethan guided the workers as they added angled supports under each step. He explained weight distribution in simple terms. One worker asked why the steps needed such precision. Ethan explained that in a multi level building even small structural weaknesses could cause collapse. The beastfolk understood immediately. They took extra care securing each step.

While workers hammered supports the mage carved a narrow mana line down the middle of the stair frame. When activated it glowed blue and created a soft light along each step. Ethan tested the stairs walking up and down slowly. Each step felt solid and safe. The small line of glowing mana made the stairwell feel welcoming even in low light. It was the kind of detail that made residents feel secure.

In the afternoon a group of city knights arrived again. They looked less suspicious this time and more curious. The lead knight asked Ethan what his intentions were for the building. Ethan answered honestly. He wanted to provide safe housing for citizens and adventurers. The knight looked at the glowing walls and nodded. He admitted that the city had long struggled with overcrowding inside the walls and Ethan’s project might help. The knights inspected the structure but found no issues. They simply told Ethan to maintain safety for workers and left without trouble. It felt like a small victory. Acceptance was beginning.

Work continued as workers installed the second balcony. This one faced the open field and provided a clear view of the forests beyond. The breeze flowed through it making the wooden railings creak softly. Ethan leaned on the railing testing it carefully. The structure felt firm. Once completed it would be one of the most desirable rooms on the floor. He imagined future tenants leaning here after long days watching the amber sunset wash across the fields.

By late afternoon the communal area needed finishing touches. Workers installed a row of beams across the ceiling and the mage carved a rune cluster that controlled multiple mana lights. When activated the communal area shifted into a warm green glow that spread evenly across the room. Ethan walked through the space imagining adventurers talking sharing stories polishing weapons and laughing. He wanted the room to feel safe social and warm. A central place for connection.

Toward evening Ethan and the mage inspected every completed part. The second floor felt solid from one end to the other. Mana lights glowed steadily in both hallways. Rooms stood lined and structured. The communal area radiated calm energy. It was progress beyond what Ethan expected.

Ethan sat on the balcony as the sun dipped low. He watched birds fly across the sky leaving streaks of gold behind them. He took a long breath and felt proud. This building was no longer just an idea. It was a landmark rising over the fields. A symbol that even a single person could reshape a world.

He whispered quietly Tomorrow the roof begins. Tomorrow the Magic Apartments reach their full height.