Morning crept over the settlement, pale and cold. Moss stirred from a restless sleep, his heartbeat thrumming louder than usual in his chest. For an instant, it felt as though something deep beneath the earth pulsed with it—a faint, distant rhythm that wasn't his own. Then it faded, leaving only the sound of early laborers setting up campfires and shifting crates.
By the time Moss reached the square, most of the settlement was already gathered. Soldiers, tradesmen, and civilians had divided naturally into their own clusters. The air smelled of smoke and damp wood. Around the central fire pit stood Rosa, Kain, Varrin, and Serra, ready to turn the night's arguments into decisions.
Kain was first to speak. "The situation's simple. Food is low, construction's slow, and the Empire won't send additional shipments until we show progress. That means we start now—scouting for resources, mapping hunting grounds, and establishing supply routes. Soldiers will lead the expeditions. Laborers and scouts will follow."
Rosa stepped forward. "Healers won't stay behind entirely. Every expedition will have at least one pair, and they'll be guarded. I'm not losing anyone because you think speed is worth more than safety."
Kain gave a curt nod. "As long as they keep up."
Varrin spoke next, his voice calm and grounding. "The Steelhands will handle the logistics—tools, carts, maintenance, and defense structures. We'll send a few of our own with each team to make sure equipment holds. But remember: beyond these walls, even a short walk can turn deadly. We'll need escorts for every route."
A few soldiers grunted their agreement. Even Kain looked mildly approving.
Then Serra adjusted the brass-framed cylinder hanging from her belt, the faint hum of its inner crystal drawing a few curious glances. "My focus will be on studying Aether reactions in the wild. When an Aether beast dies, it dissolves into vapor. This device can collect a portion of that energy before it disperses—temporarily."
"Temporarily?" Rosa asked.
Serra nodded. "The containment isn't perfect. The vapor still dissipates, just slower. It gives us a small window to study or transfer it before it fades completely. If it works consistently, we may find a way to harness Aether beyond the Empire's veil."
Kain's expression hardened. "You're playing with the same corruption that destroyed Ivalice."
"I'm preserving knowledge," Serra countered evenly. "The Empire's fear of Aether has left us blind to how it truly behaves. Out here, ignorance will kill faster than corruption."
Rosa's tone softened, but her eyes stayed sharp. "Just make sure your curiosity doesn't get people hurt."
Varrin interjected before the exchange could deepen. "Then it's settled. Each expedition will have soldiers for defense, laborers for gathering, and healers for support. Serra's team will observe and test her theory. My Steelhands will begin reinforcing the walls while they're out."
Kain crossed his arms. "We'll rotate patrols around the perimeter. No one leaves or returns without report."
Rosa inclined her head. "And my healers will have triage ready in the square. Anyone wounded gets treated before they collapse in the dirt."
The meeting ended not with agreement, but with a tired acceptance. The people began to drift toward their duties, divided yet bound by necessity.
Moss lingered beside Dole, both watching the leaders disperse. Rosa walked among her volunteers, steady and reassuring. Serra fiddled with her device, jotting notes while a few settlers stared in fascination. Varrin gave orders to his workers, already marking the foundation lines for watchtowers. And Kain's soldiers drilled nearby, sharp and efficient.
"Looks like tomorrow's going to be busy," Dole said.
Moss nodded, eyes on the horizon. The morning haze shimmered faintly beyond the wall—like heat or breath.
"Yeah," he said quietly. "Feels like the land's watching us."
His heart gave a small, involuntary flutter. Then it steadied, as if something unseen had turned away.