The first light of dawn spilled over the shattered ruins, tinting the stone walls gold. The territory, once lifeless and silent, now buzzed with the sounds of movement—kobolts dragging supplies, ghouls organizing tools, and distant hammers striking stone. In the middle of it all stood Kairo, Theo, and Shiri, facing the newest addition to their growing settlement.
"Behold!" Shiri exclaimed with pride, spreading his arms wide. "The new and improved Tier 2 Barracks!"
Theo's eyes widened in awe. "Whoa! This is so cool!" he shouted, running forward to get a closer look. The barracks stood tall and sturdy, its frame supported by thick wooden beams and stone walls reinforced with clay. A slightly slanted roof stretched across the top, with small vents to let the smoke escape. Compared to their earlier makeshift shelters, this looked almost like a proper fortress.
"It took a lot of time," Shiri said, folding his arms with a grin. "But finally—we're done."
Kairo nodded, visibly impressed. "You've done great, Shiri. Finally, we can summon more units." He opened his interface briefly, his eyes lighting up as he noticed the change—
[Unit Capacity Increased: 20—>50]
[Structural upgrade of Tier 2 Barracks successfully integrated0
[Additional summoning slots now available.]
For the first time since their arrival, he felt a small measure of security.
"With this," he murmured, "we can finally form a proper defense if something goes wrong."
Shiri smirked proudly, hands on his hips. "Told you I'd get it done."
Kairo turned toward him with a grateful smile. "You've outdone yourself, Shiri. Thank you."
Shiri lifted his head high, soaking in the praise—until Kairo's tone suddenly shifted.
"But," Kairo said firmly, "this still isn't enough."
He crossed his arms. "There's still a lot more to do."
Shiri gave a weary smile, a drop of sweat sliding down his cheek. "What do you mean by that?"
"The outer wall," Kairo replied. "We still need to build it as planned, remember?"
Shiri groaned. "I did a lot already, give me a break!"
"I know," Kairo sighed. "But we're running out of time."
Shiri groaned, rubbing his sore arms. "I'm a blacksmith, not a builder, Kairo."
Kairo raised a brow. "Then why not let the kobolts and ghouls help you with the wall?"
Shiri sighed heavily. "They're just temporary help. Without my supervision, they'd be useless. Even with your blueprints, they lack experience." He crossed his arms. "So how about summoning those ratmen already?"
Kairo opened the Command Nexus, frowning.
[Experience progress: 80%.]
[Additional 20% required to advance to Tier 3]
"I'm still short—twenty percent more experience to go."
Shiri threw his hands up. "I don't even know what this 'experience' thing is, but you'd better get it fast, because I'm done at this rate!"
Kairo scratched his cheek, smiling awkwardly. "You're right. We really need some good hands for building the territory—and it's about time I reach Tier 3."
Shiri crossed his arms. "Yeah, as fast as you can. So, what do you even need to get this 'experience'?"
"Hunting," Kairo replied simply.
Shiri groaned. "If it's that easy, why haven't you done it yet?"
"Alright, alright, I'm sorry," Kairo chuckled. "I should've focused more on ranking up. Don't worry—I'll handle it soon."
Theo stepped forward eagerly. "If you're going hunting, can I come? It'll be fun!"Shiri sighed. "Fine, but be careful."
Lilian stirred awake inside the small Tier 1 house, sunlight slipping through the cracks of the walls. She stretched and rubbed her eyes, her witch hat drooping over her head as she stepped outside. Spotting Kairo, Shiri, and Theo gathered near the barracks, she yawned and asked, "What are you all doing so early in the morning?"
The three exchanged glances before mumbling under their breath, ("It's already noon…")
Kairo straightened up. "We're going hunting. Want to come along?"
Lilian scoffed, tilting her chin up. "A great witch like me doesn't need to go hunting."
Kairo blinked, unsure what that was supposed to mean. Theo smirked. "Fine then, if you can't handle it, we'll do it ourselves."
Her eye twitched as she adjusted her hat. "Can't handle it?!" she snapped. "Fine! I'll join your little hunt."
As she turned away, she muttered, (Why did I let that idiot get to me?)
Flint suddenly appeared behind Lilian, his heavy footsteps silent until he spoke. "Can I come too, boss?"
he asked calmly. Lilian froze, realizing someone was behind her, and screamed in shock, "Waaah! Don't sneak up on me like that!" Lilian screamed, jumping back in fright.
Theo burst out laughing. "Good one, Flint!" he managed between laughs.
Kairo chuckled too, nodding. "Alright then, you can come with us."
After preparing, Kairo set off with Theo, Lilian, and Flint for the hunt.
As they walked, Kairo wondered if reaching Tier 3 would bring him another vision like before—the giants clashing with dragons, the beast beneath the sea. He sighed, murmuring, "Guess we'll just have to wait and see." They passed through the territory gates, Shiri waving and shouting, "Be careful out there!"
Kairo raised a hand in reply, a small smile forming. As the forest breeze brushed his face, another thought crossed his mind—maybe the potatoes he planted in the ruins had finally grown. "Let's see if I can get some," he said quietly.
While that happen, Amid the whispering woods, Onyx stood motionless, facing a towering beast bound in heavy chains. A crimson stone pulsed at its neck, casting blood-red light across the trees. The air trembled as their eyes met—predator and prey, yet something deeper stirred. At last, Onyx had made his connection with the enemy.
To be continued.....