Morning sunlight poured over Base 101.
The fortress was already alive.
Soldiers trained across the Training Grounds.
Blacksmiths worked tirelessly inside the Advanced Forge.
The Mage Hall glowed with blue mana as apprentices practiced their spells.
Workers continued expanding homes and storehouses.
The entire kingdom had entered a new era.
The Age of Kings.
...
Inside the Command Hall...
Sam stood before the large map of their territory.
Behind him...
Ben.
Zora.
Leon.
George.
Kael.
Doran.
Each leader had already taken their place around the table.
A moment later...
Rex's voice echoed inside Sam's mind.
Commander...
All department leaders are present.
Sam nodded.
"Let's begin."
The room fell silent.
He looked around the table.
"We have thirty days."
"I want every report."
"Nothing gets overlooked."
Everyone nodded.
Ben stepped forward first.
"The army has reached one hundred sixty-two active soldiers."
"Our veterans are training new recruits."
"The Elite Squad is battle-ready."
He pointed toward the map.
"I'd like permission to begin forming specialized units."
Sam raised an eyebrow.
"What kind?"
Ben smiled.
"Shield units."
"Spear units."
"Swordsmen."
"Archers."
"We're getting too big for everyone to fight the same way."
Sam nodded.
"Approved."
Kael grinned.
"I'll take responsibility for the Spearmen."
Ben laughed.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
...
Leon stepped forward.
"My scouts have finished surveying everything within fifty kilometers."
He placed several markers on the map.
"We've identified three monster territories."
"Two abandoned villages."
"And four resource locations."
George leaned over the table.
"What resources?"
Leon answered immediately.
"Iron."
"Stone."
"Hardwood."
"And..."
He paused.
"A mana crystal vein."
George's eyes nearly popped out.
"Mana crystals?!"
Leon nodded.
"The deposit isn't large."
"But it's there."
George turned toward Sam so quickly he nearly knocked over his chair.
"Commander..."
"I need that mine."
Sam chuckled.
"We'll get it."
...
Zora stepped forward next.
"The Mage Corps now has twenty-seven combat mages."
"We've also begun teaching basic mana control to talented civilians."
Sam smiled.
"So we're preparing the next generation."
"Exactly."
She hesitated.
"There is something else."
"I've been studying your mana since you returned."
Everyone looked toward her.
"It changed."
"It isn't just stronger."
"It feels..."
She searched for the right words.
"...royal."
Silence filled the room.
Sam smiled awkwardly.
"I noticed."
George blinked.
"Royal mana?"
"Is that even a thing?"
Before anyone could answer...
Rex spoke.
Commander...
Recommendation.
Sam responded internally.
"What is it?"
Reveal limited information.
Do not reveal the Hidden Legacy.
Sam nodded.
"I inherited a portion of the Eternal King's authority."
"I don't fully understand it yet."
"But it changed my mana."
No one asked further questions.
If Sam wasn't ready to explain...
They would wait.
...
Doran finally stepped forward.
"The Advanced Forge has reached maximum production."
"We've outgrown it."
George looked shocked.
"Already?"
Doran crossed his arms.
"We need more workers."
"Better materials."
"And another forge."
George slowly smiled.
"I've been thinking the exact same thing."
...
A blue screen suddenly appeared before Sam.
DING!
Everyone fell silent.
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
Commander...
The Kingdom System has finished integrating.
New functions are now available.
A large blue window unfolded before Sam.
BASE 101
Kingdom Rank: Bronze
Kingdom Reputation: Respected
Territory: Expanding
Military Strength: Excellent
Economic Growth: Rapid
Diplomatic Relations:
Base 202 — Allied
Ancient Necropolis — Royal Ally
New Feature Unlocked:
Kingdom Projects
Sam's eyes widened.
"Kingdom Projects?"
Affirmative.
These projects allow your kingdom to specialize and develop unique advantages over other Commanders.
Sam slowly smiled.
"So..."
"The real competition begins now."
Outside the Command Hall...
The people of Base 101 continued building their future.
Inside...
A kingdom had taken its next step.