Aberdeen City, many years prior
Garan looked at his Althea excitedly buying her camping gear. She looked almost as excited as when she entered her first seed store many years ago.
She had just entered college years earlier than her peers and he still felt she wasn't ready to go on this excursion.
This was the first time she'd ever be so far from him and the family. When he was gone, he at least knew the family was there and she was safe. What was this now?
However, Garan knew he wouldn't be able to stop her. Mostly, he couldn't bear break her heart by stopping her from doing what she loved simply because he felt uncomfortable.
"What about this? You may think that you know more than others because you were often in the forests when we were in the orphanage, but I'm telling you now that there are many more dangers in forests than you think—especially the one you're going to."
The orphanage was located in one of the few green cities, Aberdeen City, but there was no way they would be able to occupy such prime real estate (as all areas near forests and greeneries were). So the young Althea always had to walk kilometers to get to the forests every day and forage.
He couldn't help but remember that time she got kidnapped with Ansel. He felt his heart beating so loudly in nervousness that it felt like it was escaping his rib cage.
In any case, despite her 'experience' in going to forests, it was not enough for him to feel reassured.
The forest was too near the city, it wasn't very big and was actually relatively urbanized. This meant that wildlife wasn't as dangerous as it could be.
This was very different from the place she was heading towards. They'll be heading to a legitimate jungle jointly protected by the three countries that abutted it.
She looked at him, her large emerald eyes staring, and he could only heave a sigh of defeat. "I will take you camping this weekend and I will teach you all that you need to know."
"WOW! Thank you, Garan!" She yelled embracing him. He flushed but managed to gather himself and smiled as he felt her warmth, patting her head.
His eyes heated up a bit but he knew she was too young. He dared not move forward right now. Instead, he could only serve as her big brother, guarding her in any way he could.
He separated the two of them and he held her shoulders so they could meet eye to eye.
"Preparation is key to minimizing losses. Whether it is resources, time, or… life.
"No matter what: You must always prepare well."
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Altera Village, Present
[3 days of Protection Period]
After days of work, it was finally the morning of the upgrade.
All she had to do was wait for the notification to be triggered, which would likely be exactly 3 days since the new citizens from Bright and Vismont people officially settled in the territory.
After all, the population count was apparently counting the same group of people, not just visitors that passed by. This was fine, as it gave them more time to prepare.
Instead of waiting for another hour or two, however, she decided to summon the NPCs in the lounge again, for some final ironing out of the details.
"My Lord," They said, nodding as she went to her seat.
"We will be upgrading soon," she told them, tone a bit heavy. "Tell me if there are still major problems and I will defer it." The last time, she was allowed to defer for 100 hours, it was likely to be the same this time.
The NPCs shook their heads. It was Rowan who spoke this time.
"They are only small issues, milord. Deferring would mean we will face the mob along with the lifting of the protection period."
She nodded and smiled. It was fortunate that they were here. She wouldn't know what to do if she were as clueless as she had been going in this strange new world.
"Well, then I will upgrade as soon as I receive the notice. Everyone will assume the tide will appear within a couple of hours."
"Yes, milord!" They said simultaneously, and she nodded.
"Now, tell me the progress of our territory so far." She said, looking at Brenda and Clutch, who seemed like ansty children itching to tell her something.
Rowan's procurement team had been extremely effective. They had already returned with tons of iron, the people in the smithing said they could finally provide weapons to all the guards.
In terms of raw materials, anyway.
"Speak."
The two grinned. "Just last night, old Clutch and I upgraded to level C."
Both were a bit teary and were bowing a bit. "This is all thanks to you and your people milord."
This surprised the other NPCs, as upgrading was extremely difficult for those with an Occupation. How long had they been here?
But this territory was so magical, so in the end they weren't that surprised after all.
"This is due to your hard work," Althea smiled. "Then join Hardy in creating iron tools now," She said, knowing that they had only been helping out and learning the past few days. "The surplus can be sold in your shops."
This meant that the people, not just the guards, would have access to the iron weapons. "Yes, milord!"
"Is there progress with our other assignment, Clutch?"
This made the smile on the old man's face freeze, and he bowed a bit in shame. "No, milord, so far I haven't been able to integrate the effects of the plants. I apologize."
"It's fine. It's a long shot, anyway. Keep working on it in your free time."
Clutch's shoulders slumped in relief and guilt. "Yes milord, I will do my best."
Speaking of raw materials, she turned to look at the redheaded soldier.
"Rowan," She said, "I hope you have already called everyone back by now."
"Yes, milord. As of this morning, no Alteran civilians are outside the territory."
As for visitors, since the announcement of an imminent beast tide a couple of days prior, almost no one traveled to the territory. They had also sent messengers to the three Lords (since none of them had upgraded their centers to level 3) to stop anyone who wished to visit at this time.
Of course, there were still a few brave souls who still went.
These people had studied the territory as thoroughly as they could, determining it was actually the best time to move in. It would be such a pity to miss this chance to gain strength, money, and contribution!
The Protection Period was ending soon and even they, the small citizens, had to prepare for their future.