The sun had barely broken over the horizon of Border Town when the metallic ring of tools striking rock began to echo from the North Slope. Roland's plan to erect a defensive barrier in record time was already in motion, with foundation excavations advancing in a steady line intended to connect the mountains to the Redwater River.
In the castle courtyard, William finished an intense sequence of squats and jumping jacks. The cold morning air formed small clouds of vapor with every exhale. He ignored the thermal discomfort, focusing instead on how the flow of mana reacted to physical exertion. After finishing his set, he cracked his neck and tapped the empty air, causing the blue interface to shimmer before his eyes.
His gaze swept quickly across his attributes but paused on the [SHOP] icon, which remained grayed out and locked.
"What's the deal with this system?" William thought, frustrated. "We already saved Anna, unlocked magic, and Arthur gave Roland the economic roadmap. What's left to get this shop open?"
He wondered if, once active, the shop would allow him to purchase items from his old world. The idea of trading rustic medieval food for a fast-food combo or getting a pair of noise-canceling headphones seemed like a distant dream. But above all, he thought of utilities: flares, LED flashlights, or perhaps tactical gear that could complement his Teleportation. If he could bring modern technology to support Roland's science, Border Town wouldn't just be protected—it would be invincible.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead with his shirt collar, William looked toward the improvised laboratory in the gardens. He knew that while the workers dug the foundations, the true industrial "magic" was happening there. Roland and Anna were immersed in the chemical process of burning cement.
The process was meticulous: limestone was exhaustively crushed into a fine powder, then mixed with clay and iron ore, resulting in a malleable slurry. After high-temperature firing and the final mixing with gypsum, the cement was ready for use in the foundations Karl van Bate was already preparing.
William decided to walk over to the lab. Upon arriving, he found Anna focused before a test furnace. Her orange hair was tied back, and she held her hand outstretched, controlling the flame temperature with a precision that defied any thermometer that could possibly exist in this era.
"Still turning stone into dust, Anna?" William asked, approaching with a casual smile and leaning against a wooden pillar.
Anna didn't take her eyes off the fire. Her expression was one of absolute, logical seriousness.
"The Prince says the consistency of the paste depends on the uniformity of the heat. If the temperature fluctuates, the cement won't have the strength needed to hold back the beasts."
"You take this very seriously," William commented, watching the glow of the flames reflected in the witch's blue eyes. "You know, where I come from, giant machines do what you're doing with one hand. But you... you make it look easy."
"It's not about being easy," Anna finally replied, ceasing the fire and looking at him with her usual frankness. "It's about being useful. His Highness gave me a purpose that the gallows never would. If these stones can save the people of the town, I will burn them until nothing remains but dust."
William let out a short laugh, realizing that for Anna, pragmatism was the highest form of gratitude. He thought about trying another one of his pick-up lines, but her aura of focus made him hesitate. For now, the work of construction—both of the wall and of his own skills—was the only thing that truly mattered to ensure everyone survived the months to come.