Three days passed.
Dennis and the soldiers of Base 202 marched without stopping.
Unlike the journey to Base 101...
The return home was quiet.
Every soldier had witnessed the Ancient Necropolis.
Every soldier had seen the impossible.
None of them would ever forget it.
...
Late in the afternoon...
A massive fortress appeared on the horizon.
High stone walls surrounded the settlement.
Watchtowers overlooked the forest.
Soldiers patrolled the battlements with disciplined precision.
Above the main gate...
A large banner bearing the crest of Base 202 fluttered proudly in the wind.
One of the guards spotted the approaching column.
"The Commander has returned!"
A bell rang from the watchtower.
DONG!
DONG!
DONG!
The gates slowly opened.
RUMBLE...
Rows of soldiers lined the entrance.
Citizens gathered behind them.
The moment Dennis crossed the gate...
A thunderous salute echoed through the fortress.
"Welcome home, Commander!"
Dennis smiled.
"It's good to be back."
---
Unlike Base 101...
Base 202 felt like a military fortress.
Training grounds occupied nearly every open space.
Archery ranges echoed with the sound of arrows striking targets.
Shield walls practiced in perfect synchronization.
Supply wagons moved constantly between warehouses.
Everything operated with discipline.
Everything had a purpose.
One of Dennis's officers approached and saluted.
"Commander."
"We've received reports from the surrounding patrols."
Dennis returned the salute.
"We'll hear them in the Command Hall."
---
Minutes later...
The leaders of Base 202 gathered around a large strategy table.
Dennis looked around the room.
"I have a lot to tell you."
One by one...
His officers took their seats.
Marcus.
Captain of the Vanguard.
A broad-shouldered Shield Knight whose armor was covered in battle scars.
Sophia.
Chief Strategist.
Quiet.
Observant.
She never spoke before thinking.
Roland.
Captain of the Rangers.
An expert archer whose scouts had protected Base 202 since its founding.
Helena.
High Priest and leader of the Healers.
Her calm presence had saved countless lives.
Victor.
Captain of the Cavalry.
A lancer who always led the first charge into battle.
Dennis folded his arms.
"I've returned from an alliance expedition with Commander Sam of Base 101."
The room became silent.
Sophia adjusted the map in front of her.
"How strong is he?"
Dennis didn't answer immediately.
Instead...
He smiled.
"Stronger than the rumors."
Marcus raised an eyebrow.
"Even after everything we've heard?"
Dennis nodded.
"He didn't just survive the Ancient Necropolis."
"He earned the respect of its ruler."
No one spoke.
Even Sophia looked surprised.
Dennis continued.
"Base 101 is no longer simply another human settlement."
"It is becoming one of humanity's greatest strongholds."
Victor crossed his arms.
"Then our alliance was the right decision."
"It was."
Dennis looked around the room.
"From today onward..."
"We strengthen Base 202."
"We train harder."
"We expand faster."
"When the next World Event begins..."
"I refuse to let our people fall behind."
Every officer stood.
They placed a fist over their chest.
"Yes, Commander!"
Outside...
The sounds of training echoed across Base 202.
Inside his mind...
A familiar System notification appeared before Dennis.
---
Commander Class Evaluation Complete
Current Class Evolution Available.
Warlord
Requirements Met.
Evolution Available Upon Confirmation.
---
Dennis stared at the glowing screen.
A slow smile spread across his face.
"So..."
"My path has finally appeared."