The battlefield remained silent.
The last emerald particles drifted into the morning sky where the Emerald Behemoth had vanished.
Thousands of soldiers still stood outside the northern walls of Base 101.
No one moved.
No one wished to break the moment.
Then—
DING!
A brilliant golden screen stretched across the heavens.
It covered not only the battlefield...
But every kingdom...
Every Commander...
Every survivor in Eastern Aetherra.
The ancient voice of the System echoed across the world.
---
WORLD NOTICE
Second Regional Guardian Defeated.
Guardian Key Acquired.
Hidden Objectives Fulfilled.
Calculating Rewards...
---
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke calmly.
Commander...
The rewards have begun.
Golden windows unfolded before Sam.
---
Commander Reward
Commander: Sam Martin
Level Increased!
Level Increased!
Level Increased!
Strength +20
Constitution +20
Dexterity +20
Intelligence +20
Mana +40
Free Stat Points Awarded: 40
---
Another screen appeared.
---
Title Upgraded
Guardian Key Bearer
Effects:
• Guardian monsters recognize your authority.
• Ancient mana affinity increased.
• Hidden locations react more strongly to your presence.
---
Sam slowly nodded.
"So every key makes me stronger..."
Rex answered immediately.
Affirmative.
The Guardian Keys are more than keys.
They are fragments of ancient authority.
---
Another notification appeared.
---
Kingdom Reward
Base 101
Kingdom Reputation Increased
Military Morale Increased
Construction Speed +15%
Mana Crystal Production +20%
Kingdom Prosperity Increased
---
Cheers erupted once again.
"Commander!"
"We did it!"
"Our kingdom is getting stronger!"
---
Nearby...
The Goblin Warlord King was surrounded by brilliant blue soul flames.
Its enormous body radiated tremendous pressure.
---
Goblin Warlord King
Level Increased!
King's Resolve Improved.
Guardian's Oath Improved.
---
The mighty undead struck its fist against its chest.
"My strength..."
"...belongs to my Commander."
---
The Goblin Archmage's ancient staff shimmered with emerald light.
Mana gathered around the floating crystal above its staff.
Its soul flames burned even brighter.
---
Goblin Archmage
Level Increased!
Crystal Dominion Advanced.
Arcane Legion Advanced.
---
The undead mage slowly bowed toward Sam.
"My Commander..."
"I continue to grow."
---
Leon smiled beneath his hood.
"Looks like we're all getting stronger."
The eight Shadow Scouts quietly nodded.
---
Not far away...
Kael finally lowered his Frost Spear.
Now that the battle was over...
The pain throughout his body returned all at once.
Several cuts covered his armor.
Blood slowly ran down one arm.
Before he could take another step—
"General."
Kael turned.
Mira was already standing beside him.
Golden healing mana gathered around her hands.
"You pushed yourself too hard."
Kael laughed softly.
"I've had worse."
"You always say that."
Warm golden light surrounded his shoulder.
The wounds began closing almost instantly.
Kael looked toward Sam in the distance.
"Shouldn't you check on the Commander first?"
Mira smiled without looking away from her work.
"Commander Sam has Heal."
"He'll take care of himself."
Her hands continued moving with practiced precision.
"But you..."
"...need a medic."
Kael smiled.
"I guess I can't argue with that."
Nearby, several members of the Spear Corps exchanged amused glances.
Their usually fearless General looked strangely awkward.
---
High atop the wall...
Runa watched the scene with a faint smile.
"They'll figure it out eventually."
One of her archers blinked.
"What, General?"
Runa simply shook her head.
"Nothing."
---
Master Doran slowly approached Sam once more.
His eyes remained fixed on Emerald Soul Reaver.
"...Commander."
"I'd like permission..."
"...to study the weapon."
George immediately stepped beside him.
"And I want to study the battlefield!"
"The mana here is unlike anything I've ever seen!"
Sam laughed.
"I had a feeling you'd ask."
"You'll have all the time you need."
Both craftsmen smiled.
Already...
Ideas were racing through their minds.
---
Inside his mind...
Rex interrupted.
Commander...
The army awaits.
Sam looked toward the northern gates.
Thousands of soldiers...
Human and goblin alike...
Were watching him.
Waiting.
He slowly raised Emerald Soul Reaver.
Its emerald runes shimmered beneath the morning sun.
A smile crossed his face.
"Everyone..."
"...let's go home."
The answer shook the battlefield.
"YES, COMMANDER!!"
The massive northern gates of Base 101 slowly opened.
RUMBLE...
RUMBLE...
For the first time since the battle had begun...
The victorious army marched home.
At their head...
Walked the Commander of the Silver Kingdom.
Behind him...
Three legendary undead.
Four newly evolved Generals.
And an army that no longer marched as survivors...
But as conquerors.
Far beyond the Emerald Wildlands...
Hidden beneath roots older than recorded history...
Two emerald flames flickered inside an ancient throne room.
A deep voice echoed through the darkness.
"Two Hearts..."
"...have returned."
Ancient eyes slowly opened.
"And the bearer..."
"...comes ever closer."
The darkness fell silent once more.