After months of hard work, Claw Island was finally complete. The imposing stone walls protected the heart of the settlement, and the watchtowers rose against the sky, providing a clear view of the ocean and the neighboring islands. The fortified gates were a show of strength, ready to withstand any threat that might arise.
The island's fortifications were designed to resist both land and naval attacks. The walls, built from volcanic stone blocks, stood over ten meters high and were reinforced with towers every fifty meters, allowing archers and marksmen to cover vast areas. The moat around the main gates made any direct assault difficult, while the ballistae were strategically positioned to stop enemy ships before they could approach the coastal defenses.
Edmund's fortress, built on the highest point of the island, was a masterpiece of engineering and strategy. Its halls were spacious, with a grand meeting chamber where leaders and commanders planned for the future. The chambers were carefully decorated with tapestries and banners symbolizing the new order established by Edmund and his followers. The outer walls were reinforced with a second defensive ring and narrow firing slits, creating multiple layers of protection.
The weapons and cannon workshop was fully operational, with skilled blacksmiths producing swords, spears, and ammunition. The shipyard, now expanded, allowed for the construction and maintenance of warships equipped with the best artillery available. Coastal defenses were strengthened, with elevated platforms for cannons and strategic positions for archers. Additionally, outposts were built across the island, enabling sentries to detect any threats before they reached the gates.
The village within the walls was thriving. The houses were well-built, the granaries were full of grain, and the cultivated fields ensured food self-sufficiency. Small stone-paved streets connected the settlement, allowing for an efficient and secure organization for its inhabitants. Life on the island was no longer just a struggle for survival but a promise of a prosperous future.
Edmund, alongside Kieza and Voss, stood atop the fortress, looking out over the city they had built. They knew that challenges still lay ahead, but now they had a strong foundation to face them. Claw Island was no longer an improvised refuge—it had become a bastion of power and a symbol of the determination of its people.