Morning sunlight bathed the towering walls of Base 305.
Unlike the disciplined fortress of Base 202...
Or the bustling streets of Base 101...
Base 305 possessed an air of quiet nobility.
Stone towers rose toward the sky.
White banners fluttered in the wind.
Soldiers clad in blue and silver armor patrolled the walls with unwavering discipline.
At the center of the fortress...
A young woman stood atop the highest watchtower.
Commander Elena.
Her long silver hair flowed gently behind her.
Her piercing blue eyes overlooked every corner of her kingdom.
Inside her mind...
Her System spoke.
Commander...
Morning report is ready.
Elena nodded.
"Begin."
A blue screen appeared before her.
---
Base 305 Status
Population: 2,943
Army: 287 Soldiers
Elite Knights: 42
Dragon Knights: 12
Kingdom Stability: Excellent
Food Supply: 91 Days
Overall Evaluation: Growing
---
Elena silently reviewed the report.
"So the western farms recovered."
Affirmative.
"And the wounded?"
Ninety-three percent have returned to active duty.
A small smile appeared on her face.
"Good."
Every soldier mattered.
Every life mattered.
A voice called from behind.
"Commander."
Elena turned.
A tall knight approached before kneeling on one knee.
"Sir Cedric."
Captain of the Royal Knights.
One of the first people to swear loyalty to Base 305.
Cedric lowered his head.
"Our scouts have returned."
"What did they find?"
He unfolded a map.
"Several nearby monster nests have become more active since yesterday."
He pointed toward another location.
"And..."
"The System's announcement has spread throughout the region."
"The people are asking questions."
Elena nodded.
"They deserve answers."
Cedric hesitated.
"There is one more report."
He looked directly at her.
"Our scouts have confirmed the identity of the Commander who entered the Ancient Necropolis."
For the first time...
Elena's expression changed.
"You know who it was?"
Cedric nodded.
"Commander Sam."
"Base 101."
Silence.
The morning breeze drifted across the tower.
Elena looked toward the distant horizon.
"So..."
"It was him."
Cedric looked surprised.
"You've heard of him?"
"A little."
"He performed well during the First World Trial."
She folded her arms.
"But I never expected..."
"...that he would be the first to obtain a Hidden Legacy."
Her System interrupted.
Commander...
Updated Regional Rankings Available.
A new screen appeared.
---
Regional Commander Rankings
1. Bjorn
2. Elena
3. Atlas
4. Sam
5. Dennis
---
Elena studied the list.
Her eyes rested on two names.
Sam.
Dennis.
"They're allies."
Cedric nodded.
"According to our intelligence."
Elena smiled faintly.
"Then humanity just became a little stronger."
She closed the screen.
"Cedric."
"Increase training."
"Double scout patrols."
"And prepare the Dragon Knights."
He bowed immediately.
"At once, Commander."
As Cedric departed...
Elena remained on the tower.
Looking toward the endless horizon.
"We'll meet eventually..."
She whispered quietly.
"When that day comes..."
"I hope you're every bit as remarkable as the rumors say."
Far away...
Beyond forests...
Mountains...
And kingdoms...
Base 101 continued preparing for the Age of Kings.
Neither Commander realized it yet.
But fate had already begun drawing their paths together.