Morning sunlight stretched across Base 101.
The sounds of construction echoed from the Industrial District.
Soldiers trained across the expanded Training Grounds.
The Mage Corps practiced in orderly formations.
Everywhere Sam looked...
People were busy.
Not because they were ordered to be.
Because they believed in the future they were building.
...
Inside the Command Hall...
The leaders of Base 101 gathered once again.
A large map of the surrounding territory covered the table.
The mana crystal vein had been marked with a blue flag.
Sam looked around the room.
"We've confirmed the location."
"The only question now..."
"...is how we claim it."
Ben immediately spoke.
"I'll go."
Kael nodded.
"So will I."
George opened his mouth.
"I should come too—"
Doran smacked the back of his head.
"You'll stay here."
George rubbed the back of his head.
"But it's a mana crystal mine!"
"And who's going to finish building the Industrial District if you leave?"
George looked toward the floor.
"...Right."
The room chuckled.
...
Leon stepped forward.
"My scouts have continued observing the area."
He placed several new markers on the map.
"The monsters haven't left the mine."
"They've established patrol routes."
"They're protecting it."
Sam studied the map carefully.
"Any estimate on their numbers?"
"Approximately two hundred."
Ben smiled.
"That's manageable."
Leon shook his head.
"Not quite."
He pointed deeper into the valley.
"My scouts couldn't get any closer."
"Something stronger is inside."
The room became quiet.
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
Commander...
Probability of a regional boss exceeds seventy percent.
Sam nodded slightly.
"So this isn't just another monster nest."
Correct.
...
Sam looked around the table.
"This time..."
"We're doing things differently."
Everyone listened.
"Ben."
"You'll remain here."
Ben blinked.
"...Me?"
Sam nodded.
"You're acting Commander while I'm gone."
Silence.
Ben stared at him.
"You trust me with the entire base?"
Sam smiled.
"I trust all of you."
He looked around the room.
"George."
"Continue expanding the Industrial District."
George nodded.
"I won't waste a single day."
"Doran."
"I want new equipment ready when we return."
The old blacksmith smiled.
"Leave it to me."
"Zora."
"The Mage Corps continues training."
She nodded confidently.
"We'll be stronger when you return."
"Kael."
"Help Ben oversee the soldiers."
Kael struck his fist against his chest.
"It'll be done."
Finally...
Sam turned toward Leon.
"You'll guide me to the mine."
Leon simply nodded.
"I've already prepared the route."
...
Ben suddenly laughed.
"You know..."
"A few months ago..."
"If you left..."
"We would've fallen apart."
He looked around the room.
"Now..."
"We've got people who can handle every job."
George grinned.
"We're becoming a real kingdom."
"No," Sam corrected.
"We're becoming a kingdom that can survive."
Everyone nodded.
They understood exactly what he meant.
...
Inside his mind...
Rex interrupted.
Commander...
Party Management unlocked.
Sam raised an eyebrow.
"Show me."
A blue screen appeared.
---
Party Formation
Current Maximum Party Size: 30
Current Members:
- Sam
- Leon
- Goblin Chief
- Goblin Mage
Additional slots available.
---
Rex continued.
Recommendation:
Form specialized expedition teams based on mission objectives rather than assigning the same personnel repeatedly.
A smile slowly spread across Sam's face.
"Now..."
"That's useful."
He closed the screen.
Then looked toward Leon.
"We leave at dawn."
Leon smiled faintly.
"I'll have the scouts ready."
Outside...
The banners of Base 101 fluttered proudly in the wind.
For the first time...
The kingdom was strong enough to grow...
Even while its Commander was away.