When Myron added Luke and Evan as friends and messaged them for help, Evan was within his Council’s Hall, the Arcane Sanctum, catching up on all he had missed.

  As Evan moved toward the central table, where detailed maps of the surrounding territories were spread out, he felt a growing sense of pride and responsibility. His council had acted decisively and effectively, keeping the Enclave not only functional but thriving.

  “Tell me about the House of Velyndral,” Evan said, looking directly at Alarion.

  “They resisted initially, but the battle was swift, and their leadership ultimately surrendered,” Alarion explained. “Their mages now assist with maintaining our wards, and their infrastructure has been fully integrated. They will not betray us.”

  Cyrion tapped the map with a finger, drawing Evan’s attention to a neighboring territory. “With the Velyndral village secured, our next target lies to the northeast. Intelligence suggests a series of neutral villages that could bolster our food and mana production.”

  Evan studied the map, his mind racing. Every decision here mattered—one wrong step, and the Harmonious Enclave’s future could unravel. “We’ll need more resources to push outward,” he said. “Let’s focus on upgrading the Arcane Sanctum and strengthening our current defenses before we expand further.”

  The council nodded in agreement, their collective trust in Evan palpable. It was a far cry from the doubts he felt in the real world.

  Before addressing Myron's call for help, Evan paused to look around at his council members. They were more than just allies—they were the backbone of his territory, the foundation upon which the Harmonious Enclave had grown.

  “Thank you,” he said sincerely, his golden eyes meeting each of theirs. “For everything you’ve done while I was… away. I won’t let your efforts go to waste.”

  Aelyndris inclined her head, her voice steady with resolve. “We serve not just you, my lord, but the vision you’ve set for us. The Harmonious Enclave’s rise is only beginning.”

  Evan smiled faintly, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “Then let’s make sure it continues.”

  Evan cleared his throat. “I have some optional daily quests that I’d like for us to complete quickly. An ally requires gold, and these quests will reward us with it. I know we need gold ourselves, but helping those on our side, when we can, strengthens us all.” Looking at each of them, he asked, “Does anyone object?”

  The council members responded in unison, “No, my lord.”

  Evan shared the quest list:

  Quest Name: "Crystal Commerce"

  Objective: Refine surplus Mana Crystals at the Crystal Nexus and trade them through the Basic Trade Post.

  Reward: +20 Gold, +10 Mana Crystals.

  Development Impact: Encourages efficient use of resources and fosters economic growth through trade.

  Quest Name: "Enchanted Bazaar"

  Objective: Use the Workshops to craft enchanted tools or minor magical items and sell them at the Marketplace.

  Reward: +30 Gold, +5 Population Happiness.

  Development Impact: Increases economic efficiency and attracts more settlers or travelers to the territory.

  Quest Name: "Mana Brokerage"

  Objective: Assign diplomats through the Council Hall to negotiate the sale of Mana Streams or surplus enchanted crops to a nearby faction.

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  Reward: +35 Gold, +10 Reputation with a faction of choice.

  Development Impact: Expands trade relationships and builds alliances, contributing to long-term economic and strategic advantages.

  Evan looked around. “Does anyone have anything to add?”

  Tharien stepped forward. “Yes, my lord. Upgrading the town center to Level 2 allowed us to gain a workshop capable of infusing mana into ordinary products. After you went to sleep, we recruited Lira, an artisan. I believe we can assign her to the workshop, provide her with Mana Crystals, and craft high-demand items for trade. These can be sold at the Marketplace. All lords of the Radiant Alliance, native or otherworlder, have access to it. Additionally, my lord, I’ve noticed that you otherworlders have your own trading platform. We can sell goods there as well.”

  Evan nodded, impressed. “Great thinking, Tharien. I see you’ve been studying the panel closely.”

  He addressed the council. “Alright, that will be our game plan for today. Let’s make things happen. You’re all dismissed.”

  As the council members left, Evan turned to Tharien. “Coordinate Lira’s tasks and report back when the first products are ready.”

  Tharien bowed slightly in acknowledgment before leaving the Arcane Sanctum.

  Evan headed to the Town Center to gather more information from the administrator. As he walked, he marveled at his territory and the bustling activity of the people going about their work. He noticed some unfamiliar faces and realized they must have come from the recently conquered territory.

  Upon entering the Town Center, he spoke politely, “Good morning. Did Tharien recruit anyone yesterday after the Town Center was upgraded? By the way, I just realized I never asked—what is your name?”

  The administrator smiled warmly. “Good morning, Lord Evan. My name is Sylla. And no, your steward did not recruit anyone since the Town Center was upgraded.”

  Evan hummed thoughtfully. “Nice to meet you, Sylla. My apologies for not asking earlier. Will I still be able to recruit for the missed days? And how does it work? Do I still get to recruit the three people from Level 1, plus the new recruits from Level 2, or does it change entirely?”

  Sylla’s smile deepened. “You are able to recruit a combination of both levels, and the number increases with each upgrade.”

  Evan nodded, absorbing the information. “I see. Thank you for clarifying. Could you recruit yesterday’s and today’s people for me, please?”

  Sylla inclined her head gracefully. “Very well, my lord.”

  The air around the fountain at the heart of the Town Center began to shimmer, the water pulsing with a soft, golden glow. The recruitment process unfolded with a hypnotic rhythm as figures began to materialize from the light, one by one.

  Level 2 Recruits: Sylla gestured to the first group of new arrivals—a family unit of High Elves stepping forward with measured grace.

  Family 1:

  Six adults, including two builders, a healer, and three general laborers ready to assist in resource gathering or construction.

  Four children followed behind, their wide eyes taking in the Enclave, symbolizing future growth and stability.

  Family 2:

  Six adults, consisting of a mana harvester, two herbalists, a weaver, and two militia trainees.

  Three children skipped behind them, already chattering excitedly about their new home.

  Sylla turned to Evan with a knowing smile. “Each family brings both skill and potential. They will strengthen the Enclave’s foundation.”

  Next, the fountain’s glow intensified, producing eight individual recruits.

  Single Units:

  Mana Crafter: A meticulous artisan specializing in infusing magical properties into tools and weapons.

  Runeslinger Initiate: A promising novice eager to develop magical combat skills.

  Spellthread Weaver: A skilled worker capable of producing enchanted fabrics for trade or defense.

  Scout: A swift and observant tracker adept at exploring and mapping nearby territories.

  Sentinel Trainee: A budding protector trained in defensive tactics.

  Crystal Appraiser: An administrative recruit skilled in evaluating and managing mana crystal resources.

  Herbalist Apprentice: A young recruit ready to assist in cultivating and processing healing herbs.

  Forager: An energetic laborer focused on food collection and sustainable resource gathering.

  Level 1 Recruits: The fountain shifted again, dimming slightly as three more figures emerged—single units from the previous recruitment tier.

  Single Units:

  Militia Member: A sturdy High Elf trained in basic combat, ready to join the defense forces.

  Builder: A skilled laborer prepared to expand the Enclave’s infrastructure.

  Runeseed Planter: A specialist adept at planting and cultivating magical flora to bolster mana reserves.

  Crystal Harvester: A diligent worker specializing in extracting mana crystals from enchanted deposits.

  Treasurer: A meticulous administrator overseeing the Enclave’s financial and resource records.

  Runeseed Cultivator: A magical agriculturist dedicated to growing high-yield, enchanted crops.

  As the recruitment cycle concluded, the light from the fountain dimmed, and the newly arrived High Elves stood in neat rows, their faces a mixture of awe and determination. Sylla turned back to Evan, her voice calm and confident.

  “These recruits represent the Enclave’s growth, my lord. With their skills and dedication, your vision will continue to flourish.”

  Evan studied the recruits, pride swelling in his chest. “Welcome to the Harmonious Enclave,” he said, his voice steady. “Your roles will be assigned shortly, and together, we’ll make this territory a beacon of strength and harmony.”