The weather was growing colder with each passing day. Ice crystals formed on the well's stone rim, and the water below had turned so frigid it sent shivers through anyone who dared to draw from it.
"Come on and freeze already," Levi muttered, staring at the stubborn liquid that refused to turn solid.
But while the water hadn't frozen, the residents were about to. That morning, passing by the vegetable garden, Levi spotted a resident shivering violently as he harvested corn. The poor man would work for a few minutes, then abandon his task to huddle by the nearest bonfire, warming his numbed fingers before forcing himself back to the frozen stalks.
Many people were trapped in this miserable cycle. They seemed to have no warm clothes to speak of.
"This isn't good," Levi said, already turning toward the warehouse to check for warming materials.
But before he could take more than a few steps, the community representative Old Vide approached him, his breath forming white clouds in the bitter air. His purpose was identical to Levi's: finding ways to keep the residents from freezing to death.
"Sir, we would like to request some wool or leather to make clothing that can get us through this winter," Vide said, his voice steady despite the cold.
"Approved without question."
The warehouse had been storing massive quantities of both materials for months, more than enough to clothe two hundred people twice over.
"Take as much as you need. As I always say, no need to save, but don't waste either. Take according to need."
"Take according to need?" Old Vide repeated the phrase thoughtfully as Levi opened the public resource chest permissions for him.
Having tackled countless tasks for Levi and helped manage the territory's growing complexities, Old Vide's reputation had long since reached Resident status. This allowed him to access the public chests Levi had strategically placed throughout the settlement.
From an outsider's perspective, it appeared as though Vide had earned enough favor to be granted access to the lord's magical tools. This visible reward system made other residents work with renewed vigor, their eyes gleaming with possibility.
The residents could normally use wool and thread to sew basic garments, but winter was approaching fast, and their crafting speed was painfully slow. In the end, Levi had to step in, batch-crafting identical winter clothing for the entire settlement.
Three types of equipment materials could provide cold resistance while remaining relatively affordable: leather, wool, and warg fur. The latter two hadn't originally been in his crafting options but were added after he'd encountered and processed the corresponding materials.
After solving the immediate survival crisis, Levi watched the constantly increasing supplies and the growing reputation points floating above the residents' heads. It was time to plan the next advancement levels.
Fifty reputation points could elevate someone to Practitioner status, unlocking better tools and specialized workstations. At this level, residents could choose specific professions and learn to craft specialized items.
For example, a tailor could use a loom for highly efficient textile work. Although the loom in the game could only create banner patterns, here it could serve its proper historical function.
Residents' career choices weren't random selections. They had to first truly learn and understand the craft before they could formally take up the profession. This created a natural, healthy growth path that prevented people from advancing beyond their actual abilities.
From visitor to resident was the process of gaining citizenship, from resident to practitioner was learning specialized crafts, and beyond that lay advanced specializations and continued development.
"The territory's development is thriving," Levi said with satisfaction.
Just when everything seemed to be running smoothly, the residents had stable lives, and the territory's resources were growing steadily across all sectors, an unexpected visitor arrived.
Gandalf.
It hadn't been many days since the two had parted ways. After escorting Bilbo safely home to the Shire, Gandalf had immediately turned around and traveled straight back to Levi's domain.
The city gate rose with its familiar grinding sound. Looking at the efficiently operating mechanism, Gandalf nodded approvingly. "Your gate here is finally no longer decorative," he observed while walking inside.
"My intuition tells me something significant has happened here."
"Some things have indeed changed."
Levi walked alongside the wizard, gesturing toward the bustling settlement. "I've recently taken in some subjects and established a proper faction."
"After all, such a large place should have people living in it; otherwise, it would be too quiet and empty."
"That makes perfect sense."
Gandalf studied the working residents with an appraising eye. "These people's ancestors very likely originated from the Kingdom of Rhovanion, sharing the same bloodline as the people of Rohan. That golden hair is the clearest evidence."
"Choosing them as subjects is wise. This bloodline is brave and possesses a rebellious spirit. In critical moments, even their women will take up weapons and join the fight."
"And their faces are all honest, with no evil people among them."
As he spoke, Gandalf suddenly stopped walking, as if a crucial detail had just struck him.
"Wait, did you just say you established a faction? Are you certain you mean faction, not simply a new territory?"
"That's exactly right."
"By the Valar!" Old Gandalf drew in a sharp breath, his eyes widening.
"I've heard no word of this news. Let me guess, it was established just in the last two days, wasn't it?"
"Correct. Including Dale, I've decided to call all territories collectively the 'Free City-States.'"
(TL NOTE: Is this better than the Free Cities?)
"Lord of the City-States, Levi Stonecraft," Gandalf muttered, testing how the title sounded.
"Well, it certainly fits your style."
He accepted this monumental development immediately and without question.
Having spent so much time with Levi, the wizard had learned to expect the impossible. Never mind establishing a new faction. Even if Levi suddenly conjured up a living dragon the next moment, Gandalf wouldn't be truly surprised.
No, no... thinking about it, that would still be quite absurd and unlikely.
"The people here look remarkably prosperous and energetic. It makes me deeply curious about how you manage them."
"That would be quite troublesome to explain properly."
Levi shook his head and, under the curious gazes of several residents, invited Gandalf into the castle for a private conversation.
He took the initiative to ask: "What do you plan to do next? Continue adventuring and traveling the roads?"
"Adventuring... yes, I do plan to visit some specific places."
Gandalf's expression grew serious. "Levi, I suspect the Great Enemy's ring didn't flow into the sea as others believe. It might still exist somewhere in Middle-earth, just not yet returned to its true master's hands."
"What leads you to such a conclusion?" Levi asked with genuine curiosity.
After all, most members of the White Council agreed with Saruman's confident assertion that the ring had been washed into the sea by the Anduin River.
Logically, even if Gandalf harbored doubts about Saruman, he should still conform to many of the White Wizard's established views.
"My premonition," Gandalf answered simply.
"I always feel this matter isn't as simple as it appears. Sauron's power shows unmistakable signs of recovery. Ever since our escape from Dol Guldur, I've been feeling quite uneasy about the future."
"Soon, I plan to continue investigating the Anduin valley and the surrounding regions. Perhaps there will be some clues hidden there."
A wizard's premonitions were always worth taking seriously.
"Well then, I wish you success in your search."
After speaking, Levi also gave Gandalf a small request:
"By the way, if you encounter refugees or people who can't make a living on the road, you can guide them to come here. Roadside Fort is large and can accommodate many more people."
"Of course, this matter isn't urgent. Just do it when convenient."
The main approach was gradual, organic development.
"I'll help you with this gladly."
Gandalf nodded in agreement.
"There's one more thing."
Levi's tone suddenly grew more serious. "Gandalf, in my personal name, I want to ask you to do something, something that might or might not happen in the future."
"If I die someday, could you please bring my body back to my territory?"
Gandalf raised an eyebrow and studied Levi with a meaningful expression, as if trying to read the thoughts behind such an unusual request.
After a long moment, the wizard nodded solemnly.
"I can, of course I can. After all, we're friends, aren't we?"
"If such a day truly comes, I'll find a way to honor your wish."
"Even if by then I'm no longer in this world myself."