The Command Hall fell silent.
Every pair of eyes turned toward Sam.
Only he could see the blue screen floating before him.
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
Commander...
Kingdom Projects are long-term developments.
Each selection will permanently influence the growth of Base 101.
Sam's expression became serious.
"Show me."
The screen changed.
---
BASE 101
Available Kingdom Projects
1. Military Expansion
2. Industrial Development
3. Agricultural Growth
4. Magical Research
5. Infrastructure
Please choose a project.
---
Sam didn't answer immediately.
Instead...
He looked around the room.
"This decision affects all of us."
"I want everyone's opinion."
Ben spoke first.
"Our army is growing."
"If another World Event starts tomorrow..."
"We'll need more soldiers."
"I vote Military Expansion."
George immediately shook his head.
"I disagree."
Everyone looked at him.
George pointed toward the map.
"We finally have an Advanced Forge."
"But we're already reaching its limits."
"If we expand our industry..."
"We'll make better weapons."
"Better armor."
"Better tools."
"Our entire kingdom becomes stronger."
Doran nodded.
"I agree."
"The forge is ready."
"We're the ones holding it back."
Sam turned toward Zora.
"What do you think?"
She folded her arms.
"Magic."
"We've barely scratched the surface of mana."
"If we're going to compete with the strongest Commanders..."
"We need more than swords."
Leon spoke next.
"I vote Infrastructure."
The room turned toward him.
"Our scouts are traveling farther every week."
"We need roads."
"Outposts."
"Watch stations."
"If we can't move quickly..."
"We'll eventually lose territory."
Kael rested both hands on the end of his Frost Spear.
"I stand with Ben."
"The stronger our army..."
"The safer our people."
Silence filled the room.
Every suggestion made sense.
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
Commander...
There is no incorrect choice.
Each project offers significant long-term advantages.
Sam nodded slowly.
"I know."
He walked toward the large map.
His eyes moved across Base 101.
The farms.
The forge.
The walls.
The homes.
The Training Grounds.
Everything they had built...
Had been possible because every department had grown together.
He smiled.
"I've made my decision."
Everyone waited.
Sam looked at George.
"Doran."
Both men straightened immediately.
"We're choosing..."
A golden light gathered around the blue screen.
"...Industrial Development."
George's eyes widened.
"Commander..."
Sam smiled.
"Our soldiers can't fight without weapons."
"Our mages need equipment."
"Our workers need tools."
"Our future depends on what we build today."
Doran nodded with a satisfied smile.
"A wise decision."
The blue screen shimmered.
---
Kingdom Project Selected
Industrial Development
Beginning Phase One...
---
The entire fortress trembled.
RUMBLE...
Outside...
Citizens stopped what they were doing.
Workers looked around in confusion.
The ground continued shaking.
Blue pillars of light erupted beside the Advanced Forge.
New foundations emerged from the earth.
Massive stone warehouses began taking shape.
Additional furnaces rose beside the original forge.
Cranes powered by mana slowly assembled themselves.
The sound of great hammers echoed across Base 101.
George rushed toward the window.
His jaw dropped.
"...Commander..."
"We're building an industrial district."
Doran smiled proudly.
"And this..."
"...is only the beginning."
Outside...
The people of Base 101 watched in amazement as their kingdom continued to grow.
Far beyond the fortress walls...
The other great Commanders were making decisions of their own.
The race to build humanity's first true kingdom...
Had begun.