The streets of Base 101 were busier than they had ever been.
From sunrise until late afternoon...
The western gates never closed.
One caravan after another arrived.
Some carried families.
Some brought merchants.
Others escorted skilled craftsmen.
Every one of them carried the same request.
"We wish to join Base 101."
Inside the Command Hall...
Sam stood before a large map of the kingdom.
Small blue markers continued appearing across its surface.
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
Commander...
Population increasing.
Current immigration rate exceeds all previous projections.
Estimated growth over the next seven days... substantial.
Sam folded his arms.
"Can we support them?"
Affirmative.
Current food reserves remain stable.
Housing capacity approaching maximum occupancy.
Recommendation... accelerate construction.
Sam nodded.
"Then that's our priority."
George immediately stepped forward.
He had expected this.
"The Industrial District can support the increased workload."
He pointed toward the map.
"If we expand the northern residential district..."
"...and begin construction on the eastern district..."
"We'll have enough housing for everyone."
He looked at Sam.
"I'll need more builders."
Sam smiled.
"I think that's about to solve itself."
George laughed.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
Across the room...
Doran placed several glowing Mana Crystals on the council table.
"The first shipment has already arrived from the Mana Crystal Valley."
Blue light illuminated the room.
Every captain looked toward the crystals.
"They're even purer than I expected."
Doran carefully picked one up.
"Tomorrow..."
"The forge begins."
Kael grinned.
"I've been waiting for that."
"So have I," Runa replied with a smile.
Leon remained silent.
But even he glanced toward the crystals.
Ben stood next.
"The Vanguard has accepted over two hundred former soldiers from nearby villages."
"They're disciplined..."
"But inexperienced."
He smiled.
"They'll become soldiers of Base 101 soon enough."
Mira nodded.
"My healers are treating every newcomer."
"Many have lived without proper medical care since the System descended."
She looked around the table.
"They're exhausted."
"But..."
"They finally feel safe."
Zora stood.
"The Mage Corps has begun identifying awakened individuals among the new arrivals."
She looked toward Sam.
"There are more talented people out there than we realized."
"Many simply never had a kingdom capable of training them."
Sam nodded thoughtfully.
"Then we'll give them that opportunity."
Runa crossed her arms.
"The Archer Corps has begun evaluating new recruits."
She glanced toward Leon.
"And thanks to the Shadow Scouts..."
"We've already identified several excellent trackers."
Leon gave a slight nod.
"They'll make good scouts one day."
Runa smiled.
"I knew you'd steal some of my recruits."
Leon answered without changing expression.
"I prefer to think of it as recruiting talent."
Several captains chuckled.
Kael couldn't resist joining in.
"At least leave me a few."
"If both of you keep stealing everyone..."
"The Spear Corps will have nobody left."
The room filled with laughter.
Even Sam smiled.
Moments like these...
Reminded him why they fought.
The laughter faded as Leon stood.
His expression became serious.
"I have another report."
The room immediately quieted.
"The Shadow Scouts have expanded our patrol range."
He unrolled a new map.
Several locations had been marked in black.
"We've confirmed multiple abandoned settlements."
"Most show signs of monster attacks."
"But..."
He pointed farther east.
"One settlement wasn't abandoned."
Sam looked up.
"Explain."
Leon took a slow breath.
"My scouts observed organized patrols."
"Disciplined formations."
"Well-maintained walls."
"They're human."
The room fell silent.
Ben spoke first.
"Another kingdom?"
Leon nodded.
"We didn't approach."
"They haven't detected us."
"Yet."
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
Commander...
Reconnaissance data matches previous unidentified activity.
Probability of an organized human kingdom... ninety-eight percent.
Sam looked around the table.
"What do all of you think?"
Ben answered first.
"If they're human..."
"We should talk."
Zora nodded.
"Knowledge is always better than ignorance."
George smiled.
"Trade could benefit both kingdoms."
Doran folded his arms.
"And if they have resources..."
"We may have something they need."
Kael grinned.
"If they aren't friendly..."
"We'll deal with that too."
Mira shook her head with a smile.
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that."
Runa looked toward Leon.
"Can your scouts guide us there?"
Leon answered immediately.
"Yes."
Sam became quiet.
He looked at the map for several long moments.
The world...
Was growing larger every day.
Finally...
He made his decision.
"We'll establish contact."
No one objected.
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
New Kingdom Contact Mission initialized.
Primary Objective: Establish diplomatic relations.
Secondary Objective: Evaluate military strength and leadership.
Sam looked toward every captain gathered around the table.
"This isn't a military campaign."
"It's a diplomatic mission."
Ben smiled.
"Understood, Commander."
Leon rolled up the map.
"I'll prepare the route."
As the meeting came to an end...
None of them realized...
The kingdom Leon had discovered...
Would become one of the most important allies in humanity's history.
Far beyond the borders of Base 101...
A woman in silver armor stood atop a fortress wall.
A crimson cape fluttered behind her.
She looked toward the western horizon.
Unaware...
That another Commander had just begun searching for her kingdom.