As the mass of people closed in, Keel's stomach sank. His village—if it could even be called that—had been created a mere fifteen minutes ago. The rush of hundreds of refugees was overwhelming.
"This is... really abnormal," he muttered, eyeing the surge of people. He had no plan for this.
The crowd stopped within shouting distance, the scene was what one would expect, nervousness filled the air, as whispers could be hard from every direction. Keel took a deep breath, radiating his usual authority and assurance
"Silence! I know you're hungry, scared, and confused," he called out, his voice steady despite the chaos. "For now, I need everyone to line up by your talents."
In Axion, people were ranked by their talents, ranging from Grade F to Grade A and above:
Grade F: Basic laborers, minimal skills.Grade E: Advanced laborers, supervisors.Grade D to C: Craftsmen, soldiers, merchants—individuals with specialized abilities.Grade B to A: Rare, highly skilled individuals, often influential.
As the refugees organized themselves, Keel noted the majority were Grade E, with several D, C, and B individuals scattered throughout. Then, one figure stepped forward from the crowd—a Grade A.
Inspect:
Name: Alex Dung
Age: 57
Level: 78
Loyalty: 60% (Neutral)
Race: Human (1st Evolution, Mortal)
Class: Governor (Growth)
Title: Refugee, Wanderer
Zone: Ironhold Ridge
"You used to govern?" Keel asked, his tone cautious.
"Yes, my lord," Alex replied with a bow. "I was the magistrate of a border city near the Berserker Empire. Sadly, we were forced to flee. Fate has brought us here."
Keel hesitated. A Grade A Governor could manage these 200 refugees with ease.
"I'd like to see your talents in action," Keel decided. "Organize these people, assign work, ensure food, and make sure everyone has a place to sleep before nightfall."
"It would be my honor, my lord."
"Keel is fine," he interjected, already preparing for the next challenge. "I have other matters to attend to."
At the edge of his territory, Keel gazed at the open land before him, the mountain looming protectively at his back.
"I'll need a wall," he thought, settling on a horseshoe design. The mountain would serve as a natural barrier, while the curved walls would provide strong frontal defense and room for future expansion. He even planned to extend the walls slightly up the mountain's sides to prevent flanking.
But as he surveyed the terrain, it became clear: he didn't have enough materials. The necklace's ability to generate resources from kills wasn't enough to build a full wall in a single day.
Dejected, Keel returned to the village. To his surprise, it was bustling with activity.
Over 70 refugees were chopping wood, while others cooked, collected firewood, and constructed simple shelters.
"This is the power of talent," Keel murmured. He approached Axel for an update.
"It's going well, village head," Axel reported confidently. "I've organized temporary teams and even formed a small guard unit of ten men. If you have orders, they're ready."
Keel's face lit up. "Send them to Darius when he returns. Excellent work, Axel."
"As you wish. I've also begun gathering materials for your wall. I'll do my best to have them ready by your return."
Keel nodded in gratitude before heading into the forest to find Darius.
The forest was alive with birdsong and the sound of rushing water. Keel smiled.
This land, though undeveloped, felt full of promise. As he neared the river, a grim sight greeted him: Darius, lying on the ground, bloodied and surrounded by bodies.
Keel rushed to his side. Darius stirred weakly, acknowledging him with a faint grunt.
"What happened?" Keel demanded, kneeling beside him.
Darius's wounds were severe. Bandages wouldn't suffice. Keel clenched his fists.
"I'll need to bring... her," he muttered, the thought filling him with unease. There was no time for hesitation. He stabilized Darius as best he could before opening the portal, bracing himself for a conversation he'd hoped to avoid for years.
Time was running out.
Quickly escaping through the portal, Keel rushed outside, running down the familiar path away from his house. A distance he had walked countless times before, it had never felt this far...
As he continued without hesitation. Keel quickly realized his mistake
"How will I convince her?"
His back quickly became wet from sweat, his breath labored as he swore he'd have to prioritize his health in the coming days.
As he rounded the corner, at the end of his property another house of similar build and standing grazed his vision. He'd have to move quickly up as time was slowly running out. Each second, reducing Darius's chances.
"I'll force her if I have to" Keel muttered as he approached the house at inhuman speeds.
He knocked loudly on the door, as if its very existence offended him. And just as he was about to pull it off its hinges. Someone answered
"Keel, what... what are you doing here?" her mouth hung open, as the bewildered look in her eyes made Keel's heart soften
"I have no time to explain Lyla, I need your help. No questions asked remember?"
Keel's voice filled with desperation as his eyes looked pleadingly at Lyla
"I can't believe you Kyle" Lyla said with a frown and just as Keel figured she'd close the door on him, she said
"Let's go stop the fire"
Relived Keel quickly said
"Don't get scared"
And with those words, the portal once more activated as Keel dragged the dumbstruck Lyla behind him entering in haste
Keel stumbled out of the portal, dragging Lyla behind him. She barely managed to keep her footing as she exclaimed
"Keel!" Gasping, whilst pulling her hands away "Where are we!"
"Later" Keel snapped "We don't have time"
As they quickly ran towards the sound of water, the smell of blood penetrated their nostrils.
Lyla quickly approached the half dead Darius with a look of concern
"Keel! What happened here? He is dying!"