Day 4.
Sector Cleared: 21%.
Refinery output stable.
Defense Grid Phase I fully operational.
Energy reserves holding at 64%.
Daniel stood inside the command chamber as the system panel updated.
Then—
A soft chime.
Not loud.
Not dramatic.
Just clean.
▣ COMMAND AUTHORITY UPGRADE
Authority Tier: 1 → Tier 2Personnel Capacity: 1 → 20Drone Retrofit Access: UnlockedGround Security Blueprint: UnlockedBarracks Construction: Available
Daniel blinked once.
"…That was smooth."
Snow replied calmly:
"Growth metrics justify increased authority."
Aris stepped forward respectfully.
"System Lord, internal patrol capacity is now advisable."
Lyra nodded.
"Unknown tech components remain in quarantine. Security presence recommended."
Daniel crossed his arms.
"How many?"
Snow projected a formation layout.
"Recommended formation: Sector Enforcement Unit."
▣ SECTOR ENFORCEMENT UNIT – MARK I
Composition:
• 5 Industrial Security Troopers• 20 Combat-Modified Drones• 1 Tactical Support AI Node
Role:
• Patrol cleared sectors• Protect refinery & research• Rapid response to anomalies• Boarding defense capability
Daniel studied the blueprint.
Not massive.
Not overwhelming.
But disciplined.
He nodded once.
"Approved."
Energy dipped slightly as fabrication began.
The drones assembled five armored suits from refined alloy and polymer composites.
Moments later, five figures materialized from controlled summon integration.
They stood in a straight line.
Helmets under their arms.
Uniform armor with embedded interface panels.
The lead stepped forward, placing a hand over his chest.
"Unit Leader Kael Vorn. Sector Enforcement Unit reporting for duty, System Lord."
Daniel nodded.
"At ease, Leader Vorn."
The other four mirrored his discipline.
No arrogance.
No casual tone.
Pure loyalty.
Aris observed them carefully.
"Posture acceptable. Discipline strong."
Kael replied calmly:
"We exist to serve the domain."
Lyra adjusted a control display.
"Combat drones integrating with their neural interface."
Twenty drones descended, repositioning into tactical formation around the five troopers.
Snow's voice flowed through the chamber:
"Hybrid enforcement operational."
Daniel stepped closer to Kael.
"You understand your role?"
"Yes, System Lord."
"You are not conquerors."
"No."
"You are guardians."
Kael nodded once.
"This sector will remain under your control."
Daniel allowed himself a faint smile.
"Good."
Hours Later
The Enforcement Unit began structured patrol routes.
Drones moved ahead in scout pattern.
Troopers followed with controlled spacing.
Defense Grid sensors synchronized with their neural HUDs.
Sector Cleared: 23% → 24%
Snow reported:
"Internal security layer stabilized."
Daniel stood beside Aris overlooking the patrol.
"No battles yet."
Aris replied respectfully:
"Preparedness prevents panic."
Lyra's voice echoed from the research lab:
"Unknown component analysis continues without interference."
The system panel updated again.
Personal Level: 2Body Strength Tier: 0 → 1 (Enhanced Reflex)
Daniel blinked.
"…I leveled?"
Snow replied calmly:
"Sustained leadership under expansion pressure triggered mild Adversity Engine response."
He flexed his fingers slightly.
Reaction felt sharper.
Clearer.
"…Nice."
Then—
The sensor panel flickered.
The faint signal from Day 3 pulsed again.
Slightly stronger.
Still outside the boundary.
Still distant.
Kael's voice came through the channel.
"System Lord. Perimeter stable."
Daniel looked at the signal.
"Maintain patrol."
Snow concluded softly:
"Growth acknowledged. External variable unchanged."
Daniel folded his arms.
"We keep building."
The refinery hummed.
Patrols moved.
Industry expanded.
And Day 4 ended not with war—
But with readiness.