The first rays of dawn stretched across Base 101.
The fortress was already awake.
Smoke rose from the chimneys of the Industrial District.
The rhythmic sounds of hammers echoed from the Advanced Forge.
Soldiers filled the Training Grounds long before sunrise.
Workers pushed carts loaded with stone, lumber, and iron through the busy streets.
The entire kingdom had begun preparing for the Age of Kings.
No one intended to waste a single day.
---
Inside the Command Hall...
Sam stood before the large territorial map.
A single blue marker rested northeast of Base 101.
The Mana Crystal Vein.
Leon entered first.
"The scouts are assembled."
A moment later...
Ben.
Zora.
George.
Kael.
And Doran entered the hall.
Sam looked around the room.
"This expedition will be different."
"We're not taking everyone."
"We're taking only the people needed to complete the mission."
Everyone nodded.
That was how kingdoms operated.
Not every battle required every leader.
---
Sam looked toward Ben.
"While I'm away..."
"You're acting Commander."
Ben remained silent for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"I won't let Base 101 down."
"I know."
---
"George."
George immediately straightened.
"The Industrial District doesn't stop."
George grinned.
"It'll be bigger by the time you get back."
Doran crossed his arms.
"It had better be."
George laughed nervously.
"No pressure..."
---
"Zora."
She stepped forward.
"The Mage Corps will continue training."
"I'll also begin researching mana crystal applications."
Sam smiled.
"Excellent."
---
"Kael."
The Frost Spearman rested his spear against his shoulder.
"The Spear Corps will continue daily drills."
"When you return..."
"They'll be stronger."
Sam nodded.
"I expect nothing less."
---
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
Commander...
Expedition Party Ready.
A blue screen appeared.
---
Party Formation
Leader:
Sam
Members:
Leon
Goblin Chief
Goblin Mage
Eight Elite Scouts
Party Size:
12 / 30
Party Bonus Active
Reconnaissance Efficiency Increased
Movement Speed +10%
---
Sam studied the screen.
"So this is Party Management..."
Affirmative.
Specialized parties improve mission efficiency.
Sam smiled.
"I can see why."
---
Outside...
The massive gates of Base 101 slowly opened.
RUMBLE...
The expedition stood ready.
Eight elite scouts adjusted their cloaks and equipment.
Leon inspected each of them.
"No unnecessary risks."
"If you're discovered..."
"Retreat immediately."
The scouts answered together.
"Yes, Captain!"
Behind Sam...
The Goblin Chief stood silently with its massive weapon resting across one shoulder.
Beside it...
The Goblin Mage gripped its staff as blue mana flowed around its hands.
The people of Base 101 gathered near the gates.
Children waved excitedly.
Workers paused to watch.
Even the soldiers not assigned to the expedition stood at attention.
Ben stepped forward.
He extended his forearm.
"Good hunting."
Sam clasped it firmly.
"Take care of the kingdom."
Ben grinned.
"Don't make me regret trusting you."
George laughed.
"And don't come back without that mine!"
Even Doran smiled.
"Bring me mana crystals."
"I'll show you what a true master blacksmith can create."
Zora raised her staff slightly.
"We'll be waiting."
Kael struck his fist against his chest.
"Safe travels, Commander."
Sam looked at each of them.
This kingdom...
Could stand on its own.
That was the greatest proof of how much they had grown.
He turned toward the open gates.
"Move out."
The expedition began marching.
The people of Base 101 watched until the last scout disappeared into the forest.
Then...
The gates slowly closed behind them.
RUMBLE...
---
Hours passed.
The familiar roads disappeared behind them.
The forest became denser.
The sounds of civilization faded away.
Only birds and the rustling of leaves accompanied their march.
Leon suddenly raised one hand.
"Halt."
The entire party stopped instantly.
He climbed onto a large boulder overlooking the terrain ahead.
After carefully scanning the distance...
He looked back at Sam.
"We're here."
Sam climbed beside him.
The sight before him stole his breath.
An enormous valley stretched across the landscape.
Towering blue crystals erupted from the earth like giant pillars.
Pure mana shimmered through the air.
The entire valley glowed beneath the morning sun.
It was breathtaking.
Then...
Sam noticed movement.
Hundreds of monsters patrolled between the crystal formations.
Unlike ordinary monster nests...
They moved with purpose.
Some guarded narrow paths.
Others marched along organized patrol routes.
Every approach to the valley was protected.
At the very center...
A colossal figure slowly walked among the largest mana crystals.
Even from this distance...
Its presence could be felt.
Inside his mind...
Rex's voice became unusually serious.
Commander...
Regional Boss detected.
Analyzing...
...
...
Analysis failed.
Sam narrowed his eyes.
"So even you can't identify it."
Negative.
Threat level... High.
A slow smile spread across Sam's face.
He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Good."
"I was hoping this wouldn't be easy."
Far below...
The colossal figure suddenly stopped moving.
Then...
It slowly turned toward the cliff.
As if it had sensed their arrival.