After organizing Fort Sentinel's army, John knew that adding heavy firepower was the next critical step to ensure the base's protection from large-scale threats.
With the walls upgraded and more soldiers being summoned, the perimeter needed long-range artillery support. John opened the system interface once more and proceeded to install eight artillery encampments strategically around the fort.
Each encampment would house two M777A2 howitzers and two M119A3 howitzers, giving Fort Sentinel a solid blend of long-range and medium-range firepower. The M777A2, with its 155mm shells, could rain devastating strikes on distant enemies, while the M119A3, a 105mm howitzer, provided rapid-fire support for closer engagements.
These artillery units would significantly boost the fort's ability to handle hordes of creatures or enemy forces, giving them the advantage of striking before the enemy even reached the walls.
As John watched the construction unfold, the encampments began to take shape. Positioned at key intervals around the now 4-kilometer perimeter, the artillery would create overlapping fields of fire, ensuring that no angle of attack would be left unprotected.
Each encampment was also equipped with ammunition storage bunkers, protective barriers, and communication links back to the headquarters for precise targeting.
John envisioned how these artillery batteries would integrate into Fort Sentinel's overall defense strategy.
Once operational, they could bombard approaching threats, disrupt enemy formations, and provide essential support for ground units engaging in combat.
Satisfied with the progress, John turned to Walker, who had approached to check in on the ongoing developments.
"Once these encampments are fully operational, we'll have the upper hand on anything that comes our way," John said, his tone calm but resolute.
Walker nodded in agreement, eyeing the artillery guns as they were assembled. "This will definitely tip the scales in our favor, sir."
John took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility but also the strength of the growing fort.
The soldiers around him were trained, the vehicles ready, and now, with the artillery coming online, Fort Sentinel was turning into a fortress capable of standing against the darkest threats beyond the mountains.
"Let's make sure the crews for these guns are trained up immediately," John added, knowing that timing was everything. "We can't afford any delays. We need to be ready for anything."
John accessed the system once more, selecting Training Camps from the construction options. He knew that with the rapidly expanding numbers of soldiers and the need for highly skilled units, training had to be a priority.
Building these camps would not only sharpen the abilities of his troops but also give him a way to prepare the local population to defend themselves should the need arise.
He selected five Level 10 Training Camps and carefully placed them at key points around Fort Sentinel, each camp designed to train soldiers in various disciplines—ranged combat, close-quarters combat, tactical operations, and survival skills.
These facilities would be fully equipped with virtual simulators, combat drills, obstacle courses, and marksmanship ranges, offering his soldiers the chance to master their weapons and tactics. More importantly, the camps would be open to training the local civilians, giving them the skills they needed to fight if necessary.
Once the system confirmed the construction, John watched as the framework of the camps quickly began to take form. These weren't just simple training grounds; they were advanced facilities, each capable of running multiple training regimens simultaneously. The camps would allow for continuous training, with each camp able to accommodate up to 200 soldiers or civilians at a time.
Satisfied with the progress, John turned to find Walker, who was overseeing the artillery drills nearby. John approached him, his expression serious but focused.
"Walker," he called, catching his attention. "I've just authorized the construction of five Level 10 Training Camps around Fort Sentinel."
Walker raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Training Camps, sir?"
John nodded. "Yes, and not just for the soldiers. These will allow us to train the local people too. With the growing number of troops and the potential for civilian recruits, we need to ensure everyone is combat-ready. I want every soldier to be the best they can be—and we need to start giving the locals the means to defend themselves if things go south."
Walker hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice filled with concern. "Commander, are you sure about this? Giving military-grade training to the civilians, especially the locals... it could have some negative consequences. Not to mention, we don't have that many able-bodied people here. A good portion of them are either too young, too old, or simply unfit for combat. And even if we train those who are willing, what happens if they turn those skills against us later?"
John paused, considering Walker's words. It was a valid concern. Training civilians came with risks. Giving them the tools to defend themselves could just as easily give them the means to cause problems down the line if trust or loyalties shifted. And in a world as uncertain as theirs, nothing was guaranteed.
"I've thought about that, Walker," John finally said, his tone measured. "I know it's a risk, but we're dealing with bigger threats out there. We need every hand we can get. The locals may be fewer in number and not all combat-ready, but we can't afford to ignore their potential. Besides, this isn't just about arming them—it's about giving them a sense of control over their lives again."
Walker nodded, but there was still a trace of doubt in his expression. "I understand that, sir. But what if they're not ready for the responsibility? These people have been living in fear for so long... some of them might not be able to handle what comes with wielding that kind of power. And if even a few of them go rogue, we could be looking at internal conflicts when we're already dealing with external ones."
John understood the gravity of what Walker was saying. It wasn't a matter of just handing people weapons and hoping for the best. Training had to be paired with discipline, loyalty, and a clear sense of purpose. But John also knew that if they didn't empower the locals, they risked leaving them defenseless in a world where survival was anything but guaranteed.
"I hear you, Walker," John replied, his voice firm but calm. "We'll be selective. Only those who truly want to help and are willing to commit to Fort Sentinel's cause will receive the training. We'll ensure they understand the responsibility that comes with it—this isn't just about teaching them to fight. It's about integrating them into our system, giving them a place in our defenses. And I'm not expecting them to be frontline soldiers. We can train them in support roles, basic self-defense, and survival."
Walker looked thoughtful, still cautious but understanding John's reasoning. "I suppose that makes sense, Commander. We don't need to turn them all into soldiers. But giving them enough knowledge to survive—and maybe assist us in other ways—could strengthen our position."
John nodded. "Exactly. We start small, with a focus on defensive training. They don't need to know advanced tactics, just enough to hold their own and protect their families. And those who show real potential, we'll bring in closer, maybe integrate them into specialized units down the line. But we always keep it in balance. The camps are designed to push our forces forward, not create unrest."
Walker exhaled, nodding his agreement. "Alright, Commander. I trust your judgment. I'll keep an eye on the situation and make sure the process stays under control. If anything starts to look off, I'll report back immediately."
"Good," John said, resting a hand on Walker's shoulder. "We're in this together. We'll take it one step at a time, and if anything needs adjusting, we'll handle it. For now, our priority is making sure Fort Sentinel is as strong as it can be—inside and out."
With that, the two men parted ways, Walker heading to oversee the preparations for the first wave of training while John continued to plan the fort's ongoing development. There was much to be done, but with every decision, every upgrade, John felt they were one step closer to securing their future.
Just as John was about to step into the command center, a sudden chime echoed from his system interface. The holographic display flickered to life in front of him, and a notification appeared in bold letters.
[⚠️ Notice: Your Intention to Incorporate Natives has been Received!]
John's eyes narrowed as he quickly opened the alert, curiosity piqued by what it could mean. The system continued:
[Unlock Additional Add-On!]
John felt a wave of anticipation as he read the options:
1. Modular Buildings
Allow construction of military-grade prefabricated buildings.
Cost: 1,000,000 Points
John paused for a moment as he stared at the new notification. The offer to unlock Modular Buildings for the price of 1,000,000 points was tempting, especially considering the rapid growth of Fort Sentinel. His recent projects—upgrading the walls, constructing barracks, and summoning more soldiers—had significantly expanded his influence. Now, with over 2,900,000 points, he could easily afford this new feature.
For a moment, he stared at the notification, weighing the potential of this new feature. Modular buildings would greatly accelerate Fort Sentinel's development. The cost was steep—1,000,000 points. It wasn't a sum John could ignore. But he knew the long-term benefits would far outweigh the price.
Prefabricated structures would enable faster deployment of essential buildings, especially for civilian use, and could even be transported to other locations.
This was crucial since the system's current structure-building capabilities, except for defensive walls, were restricted to Fort Sentinel and could not be deployed outside its boundaries.
The ability to construct and relocate these facilities would be a game-changer, expanding their influence while ensuring the safety and development of civilians beyond the fortified base.
After a minute of deliberation, John confirmed the purchase of the modular buildings add-on, reducing his points to 1,900,000. The investment was substantial, but the potential it unlocked was invaluable.
Prefabricated structures would change the game, allowing them to build more efficiently and, for the first time, beyond the boundaries of Fort Sentinel.
John took a deep breath as he looked out toward Havenbrook, the growing residential area outside Fort Sentinel.
While the town had a solid defensive perimeter, the people who had taken refuge there were still living in tents since their arrival.
Now that he had access to modular buildings, it was time to provide better living conditions for the civilians and soldiers alike.
He opened the system interface and summoned the prefabricated units. These durable, versatile buildings could be configured for multiple uses—housing, kitchens and more.
John selected a design that would provide comfortable, insulated homes for the people of Havenbrook.
Once the system materialized the prefabs, John wasted no time. He called in a team of soldiers and ordered them to haul the modular units onto the waiting HEMTT vehicles.
After loading the prefabricated units, John decided to accompany the soldiers transporting the modular buildings. He wanted to ensure everything went smoothly and show the civilians that their needs were a priority.
As they arrived in Havenbrook, he was struck by the sight of the tents dotting the landscape, a reminder of the temporary nature of their current living situation. Gathering the people together, John stood on a makeshift platform to address them.
"Attention, everyone!" he called out, his voice firm yet encouraging. "I have exciting news! We are about to begin the construction of permanent homes for you all. These prefabricated buildings will provide better shelter and a sense of security for our community."
A murmur of excitement spread through the crowd as they heard his words.
"But before we can lay the prefabs," John continued, "we need to prepare the land. This means we'll be doing some landscaping, setting up proper drainage, and building roads to ensure easy access. This is a team effort, and I need your help to make this a reality."
He paused, gauging the crowd's reaction. "I know it won't be easy, but together, we can create a safe and thriving Havenbrook. I urge everyone who is able to join in this effort. We will not only build homes but also strengthen our community."
With a renewed sense of purpose, the locals began to discuss how they could contribute. John felt a swell of hope as he watched the people rally together, ready to transform their temporary refuge into a lasting home.
As the locals busily packed their belongings in preparation for the transformation of Havenbrook, John took a moment to assess the scene. There was a palpable energy in the air—a blend of anticipation and determination.
John quickly grabbed his radio and contacted the dozers and graders. "This is Commander Stryker. I need all available dozers and graders to head to Havenbrook immediately. We're starting land preparation for the new housing units. Over."
Within moments, he received a confirmation from the operators. "Roger that, Commander. We're on our way."
He then turned to Company D, which had already been briefed on the development project. The soldiers were eager to contribute, understanding the importance of creating a safe and livable environment for the civilians. "Company D, I need you to assist with the preparations. Coordinate with the operators and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Let's get this done efficiently."
"Understood, Commander!" Lieutenant Natalie "Sledge" Wells replied, rallying her platoon to begin organizing the troops for the task ahead.
...
The lead dozer, its massive blade gleaming, pushed forward steadily. Its operator, a seasoned veteran named Sergeant Thomas "Bulldozer" Garcia, expertly maneuvered the controls, guiding the machine with precision. He scraped away the overgrown vegetation and debris that had accumulated over time, carving a path through the rugged terrain. Each pass of the dozer was methodical, and it took several minutes to clear even a small section of land, the machine's immense size dwarfing the surrounding landscape.
Behind it, the graders moved in to refine the work. Their long, adjustable blades glided across the surface, shaping the land into gentle slopes and creating drainage ditches that would channel rainwater away from the planned housing sites. The noise of metal scraping against earth formed a steady rhythm, punctuated by the occasional shout from the crew as they communicated back and forth.
While the machinery worked tirelessly, Company D rallied alongside the locals, blending military discipline with community spirit. Lieutenant Natalie "Sledge" Wells oversaw the operations, her clipboard in hand as she coordinated the effort with focused determination.
"Platoon 1, I need you to help clear the brush along the eastern edge," she instructed, her voice cutting through the clamor. "Platoon 2, start marking out the drainage lines we discussed!"
The soldiers sprang into action, their enthusiasm tempered by the heat of the day. Platoon 1 grabbed shovels and rakes, carefully picking through the underbrush. They moved methodically, removing small rocks and roots while chatting with local volunteers who had gathered to help. The atmosphere was a mix of hard work and camaraderie, but it was clear that the task was far from quick.
As they cleared the area, they made slow progress. A patch of ground that looked manageable took far longer to prepare than anyone had anticipated. Sweat dripped from brows as they dug and pulled, with breaks taken to drink water and share a few jokes.
"Hey, how about a race?" Private Ethan "Tug" O'Connor challenged his buddy as they both hoisted shovels, but his laugh was met with the reality that the work was exhausting.
Meanwhile, Platoon 2 worked diligently to mark the drainage ditches. They used stakes and bright orange tape, carefully measuring and laying out the paths for the water to flow. This was critical, and they took their time to ensure everything was accurate. One soldier, Corporal Sarah "Link" Grant, knelt to tie off a section of tape, glancing back to ensure the slope was correct.
"Looks good so far, but let's double-check the angles," she suggested, calling over her comrades to assess their progress.
As the dozers pushed further into the earth, the locals worked side by side with the soldiers, their spirits high despite the labor-intensive nature of the task. Families were involved in the process, with children eagerly helping by carrying small stones to a designated pile while their parents engaged with the soldiers.
...
It was noon when John returned to Fort Sentinel, the midday sun casting a warm glow over the bustling base. The air was thick with the smell of food wafting from the mess hall, and his stomach growled in response. He stepped inside, greeted by the familiar sight of soldiers enjoying their lunch, chatting, and sharing stories of the morning's work at Havenbrook.
John grabbed a tray and filled it with a hearty meal—grilled chicken, rice, and steamed vegetables—before settling at a table with a few soldiers from Company A.
Their laughter and camaraderie reminded him of the importance of unity in the face of challenges. As they shared their experiences from the day, John felt the weight of responsibility lift, even if just for a moment.
After finishing his meal, he rose and headed toward the command center, his mind shifting back to the tasks at hand.
The command center was the heart of Fort Sentinel, and he knew that its upgrade was crucial for managing the growing operations in Havenbrook and beyond.
As he approached the command center, he recalled the other structures that required attention: the communications tower and the supply depot.
John accessed the system interface and quickly navigated to the upgrade section. The command center was currently at level 1, and upgrading it to level 10 would enhance their operational capabilities significantly.
The communications tower was similarly important, ensuring reliable contact with all units and civilians in the area. However, it was the supply depot that loomed large in his mind.
He selected the upgrade options for all three structures. The cost was substantial, but with over 1,900,000 points remaining, he could afford it.
There were rewards for completing various upgrade tasks, so he wasn't worried about the costs.
He needed to ensure they had enough resources to support their expanding community, especially with the ongoing development at Havenbrook.
After confirming the upgrades, he watched as a notification appeared, detailing the completion of the upgrades.
"Perfect," John muttered to himself. He understood that the supply depot was essential for receiving and distributing food, equipment, and other critical resources, especially as they ramped up operations in Havenbrook. With the ability to refresh the supply depot's stock for 500,000 points, he knew it could provide Fort Sentinel and Havenbrook with enough supplies for at least half a year.
He was also not worried about food security because his soldiers and the locals had been busy cultivating farmland south of Havenbrook. The fields were now thriving with crops, and they had also integrated domestic animals into the farming system, ensuring a sustainable source of food for the community.