The Vanguard and its fleet returned to Vandemir's harbor amidst cheers and celebration. The people lined the cobblestone roads, their voices rising in a triumphant roar as the destroyers and airship docked, their hulls scorched but intact. Aedric stood at the bow of the Vanguard, his coat billowing in the sea breeze, his gaze steady as he stepped onto the pier. Behind him, the prisoners from the Black Tide were marched in chains, a mixture of defeated pirates and skilled craftsmen.
Sebastian awaited him at the pier, flanked by Erwin and Captain Darius. The butler's expression was calm, though his sharp eyes betrayed a hint of approval.
"Welcome home, my lord," Sebastian said, bowing slightly. "Your victory has inspired the people."
"They fought well," Aedric replied, glancing back at the crew disembarking behind him. "And we've gained more than just a battle. The prisoners will be of use, and the spoils will fund the next phase of our expansion."
Erwin nodded. "With your permission, my lord, I'll begin integrating the prisoners. The skilled workers can be put to use in the shipyards and forges. The others… well, the mines could always use more labor."
"Do so," Aedric said, his tone firm. "But ensure they're treated fairly. Loyalty can be earned, even among those who once opposed us."
The Dominion System chimed as Aedric reviewed the status of his growing manpower.
Prisoners Converted:
Skilled Shipwrights: +25
Engineers: +15
Navigators: +10
Laborers: +50
Additional Recruitment Unlocked:
500 Basic Workers (Builders, Farmers, and Miners)
200 Guards (Basic Infantry)
50 Engineers (Advanced Specialists)
New Population Total: 1,850
Aedric's lips curled into a small smile. The influx of manpower would allow him to accelerate his plans for Vandemir's future.
"Sebastian," Aedric said, "organize the shipwrights and navigators under Captain Darius. They'll begin designing our next fleet. The engineers will assist in constructing new facilities. I want the expansion of our capital and the creation of a new coastal city to begin immediately."
"As you command, my lord," Sebastian replied.
Aedric stood atop the balcony of his Small Gothic Manor, overlooking the heart of his growing empire. The city that had risen from the wilderness needed a name—a symbol of its strength and future.
He turned to Sebastian, who stood at his side. "A name carries power. It must be something timeless, something that inspires."
Sebastian inclined his head. "Do you have something in mind, my lord?"
Aedric's gaze lingered on the bustling streets, the Gothic spires of the fortress, and the towering smokestacks of the industrial zone. "We shall call it Eternis Primus—the Eternal First. It will stand as the foundation of our dominion."
"A fitting name," Sebastian said with approval.
The announcement of the capital's name spread quickly, igniting excitement among the people. Eternis Primus became a rallying cry, a symbol of unity and ambition.
Aedric turned his attention to the coastline. The harbor, though functional, was no longer sufficient for the needs of his growing navy and trade network. He opened the System and began designing a new coastal city, one that would serve as Vandemir's gateway to the seas.
City Name: Auralis
A name evoking light and prosperity, symbolizing the dawn of Vandemir's naval dominance.
Using the Arcane Blueprint Projection, Aedric laid out the foundational plans for Auralis. The city would feature:
The Grand Harbor:
A sprawling, fortified port capable of docking dozens of ships.
Equipped with steam-powered cranes, enchanted drydocks, and coastal artillery emplacements.
Trade District:
A bustling marketplace filled with goods from across the seas.
Connected to a network of warehouses and merchant guild halls.
Residential Quarters:
Housing for sailors, merchants, and dockworkers, designed in a neoclassical style with clean lines and functional layouts.
Naval Command Center:
A heavily fortified headquarters for the navy, featuring war rooms, barracks, and observation towers.
Lighthouse of Auralis:
A towering structure powered by steam and arcane light, its beam visible for miles across the sea.
Construction Resources Allocated:
Wood: -5,000
Stone: -4,000
Steel: -3,000
Glass: -1,000
Estimated Completion Time: 4 Weeks
"Sebastian," Aedric said, "assign the engineers and shipwrights to oversee construction. Auralis will be the jewel of our coast."
"It shall be done, my lord," Sebastian replied.
With the coastal city underway, Aedric shifted his focus back to the capital. Eternis Primus had grown rapidly, but it needed structure and efficiency to sustain its momentum.
He opened the Settlement Layout Menu and began mapping out new districts:
Agricultural Zone:
Fertile farmland along the riverbanks, supported by steam-powered irrigation systems.
Crops: Wheat, corn, and medicinal herbs.
Livestock: Cattle, pigs, and chickens.
Industrial Expansion:
Additional sawmills, refineries, and workshops to increase production capacity.
Steam-Magic Foundry for crafting advanced machinery and enchanted tools.
Education District:
A schoolhouse and academy to train future engineers, officers, and scholars.
Connected to the War College, which would focus on military strategy and magic.
Civic Center:
A grand plaza surrounded by administrative buildings, including the Hall of Justice and Treasury Office.
A central monument commemorating the victory over the Black Tide.
Resources Allocated:
Wood: -3,000
Stone: -5,000
Steel: -2,000
Glass: -1,500
Estimated Completion Time: 3 Weeks
Erwin approached as the plans were finalized. "My lord, the workers are eager to begin. Shall we prioritize any specific projects?"
"Focus on the Agricultural Zone first," Aedric said. "The population is growing, and we'll need a steady supply of food to sustain them. Once the fields are operational, shift efforts to the Civic Center."
"As you command," Erwin said.
That evening, Aedric convened a council in the War Room, where his advisors gathered to discuss the next steps for Vandemir's expansion.
"Our immediate focus is stability," Aedric began. "The victory over the Black Tide has bought us time, but it won't last forever. We must prepare for new threats—both from the seas and from the mainland."
"Do you intend to expand beyond the island, my lord?" Captain Darius asked.
"Eventually," Aedric replied. "But first, we need to secure our borders and establish trade networks. Syralis, will the Whalefolk honor their alliance?"
The emissary nodded. "They will. Thal'Zara has already begun sharing maps of the surrounding waters, as well as knowledge of potential allies and enemies."
"Good," Aedric said. "We'll use that information to plan our next moves. For now, focus on fortifying Eternis Primus and completing Auralis. Once our foundations are secure, we'll look outward."
As the meeting adjourned, Aedric returned to the balcony of his manor. The city below was alive with activity, its streets glowing with the light of arcane lanterns. Beyond the hills, the faint glow of Auralis's construction illuminated the coastline.
This was only the beginning. Vandemir was growing stronger by the day, but Aedric knew the challenges ahead would be greater than anything he had faced before. Kingdoms, empires, and ancient powers awaited beyond the horizon.
Clenching his fist, Aedric whispered, "This world will remember the name Vandemir—for all eternity."