The Town Hall of Astra Nox was alive with voices.
Reeve stood at the head of the table, hands resting calmly, eyes sharp.
"We'll begin by sending formal invitations," he said.
"To selected teams from trusted guilds. Not everyone. Only those with discipline."
Kaelith nodded. "Power without restraint will ruin this place."
Lunareth crossed her arms. "Heaven will be watching the first step closely."
Reeve gave a short nod.
"Then we show them what kind of kingdom we are."
The decision was sealed.
Next, Reeve's voice turned firm.
"One rule. Absolute."
The hall went silent.
"No one in Astra Nox harms humans.
Not today. Not ever."
Even the Orc Lord struck his fist to his chest in agreement.
---
The Day of Arrival
As the gates prepared to open for the world, two powerful presences arrived together.
The Fairy King and the King of Eldmere.
They stood upon the high balcony, overlooking Astra Nox.
"…The Demon King still hasn't moved," the Fairy King said quietly.
Eldmere's King replied, "Which means either he's afraid… or planning something far worse."
Reeve joined them.
"If he moves, he'll face us.
If Heaven moves—same answer."
The Fairy King smiled faintly.
"Then we are aligned."
Eldmere's King extended his hand.
"For balance."
The agreement was unspoken—but absolute.
---
Tsukiyra stepped closer.
"Sir… what about the Fire Elemental God? Ignivar."
Reeve answered calmly, eyes forward.
"Don't worry. Ignivar isn't in the real world.
He remains in Astra Nox—under my protection."
Tsukiyra relaxed. "That's good."
---
The Forgotten Cave
Later, as Reeve gazed across his kingdom, a memory surfaced.
A cave… from the last expedition.
He turned sharply.
"Bring me the best alchemy specialist."
---
The cave was deep. Ancient. Breathing with mana.
"You do your work," Reeve said.
"I'll protect you."
Time passed.
Finally—the alchemist emerged, shaking.
"King Reeve… this place is impossible."
Reeve's eyes narrowed. "Explain."
"There's mana-regeneration grass.
Strength-enhancing minerals.
And the ore…"
He swallowed.
"I broke one vein. It regenerated. Again and again.
Unlimited ore. Endless supply."
Reeve smiled.
"…Let's go home."
---
Emergency Council
The hall erupted.
"An infinite resource site?" Kaelith muttered.
Seraphyne's eyes gleamed. "That alone could rival ancient empires."
Lunareth frowned. "If Heaven learns of this—"
"They won't," Reeve said calmly.
"This cave becomes a classified zone."
All voices agreed.
Reeve turned to the Orc Lord.
"I need your people."
The Orc Lord laughed deeply.
"Do not ask, King.
Command."
Reeve explained the cave.
Guard rotations. Excavation limits. Sealing rituals.
The Orc Lord grinned.
"My warriors will treat it as sacred ground."
---
Alone — With Nyx
That night.
Only Reeve.
Only silence.
"Nyx," he whispered.
"Tell me honestly… am I moving too fast?"
A pause.
Then her calm voice.
> Nyx (System):
"No.
You are moving at the exact speed required to survive what's coming."
Reeve closed his eyes.
"…Then tell me one more thing."
> Nyx:
"Ask."
Reeve opened his eyes, glowing faintly.
"Who is watching Astra Nox right now?"
The air trembled.
> Nyx:
"Multiple observers detected.
Heaven.
Demon Land.
And one… unknown."
Reeve smiled slowly.
"Good."