Isaac moved toward the next building.
His steps were steady as the sound of reporters’ chatter echoed through the hallway.
The double doors ahead opened to reveal a large meeting hall filled with rows of people sitting below the podium.
Flashing lights greeted him immediately.
Camera shutters clicked one after another the moment he entered.
The noise was constant, and almost rhythmic.
He didn’t seem intimidated in the slightest. If anything, he had a calm, friendly smile. He remained composed as he walked up to the stage.
A long table stood at the center of the podium.
He took his seat while Priscilla stood quietly behind him, her tablet ready.
Vale took a position near the edge of the platform, hands clasped behind his back.
Ruby hadn’t come, saying that she wasn’t suited for this kind of event.
The other leaders—representatives from the top three universities—soon took their seats beside Isaac.
Their expressions carried a mix of eagerness and respect, perhaps even a little wariness.
When everything was ready, Isaac stood up.
His image was being broadcast across the entire city, displayed on every public screen and terminal.
The hall quieted, the only sound left being the faint hum of the recording drones hovering near the ceiling.
"All of you have already heard about the governor’s wrongdoings," Isaac began, his voice calm but firm. "What he did was unacceptable. For decades, we were suppressed without even realizing it. He used our city and its people for his personal gain. That ends now."
The crowd shifted.
Cameras zoomed in.
"From this moment on, we move forward on our own terms. Humanity has been freed from manipulation. And we will rise. We will soar through the skies."
He paused for a brief moment, letting his words settle before going on.
"After the governor’s departure, the leaders of humanity gathered and came to a decision. It was agreed that I, Isaac, who hold the inherent right to become a Lord, will take charge of Fortified City 50."
He looked at the rows of reporters.
"You don’t have to worry. I intend to handle my responsibilities properly. In fact, I bring good news."
The crowd leaned forward.
"The city’s size has expanded by nearly twice. That means more housing space, new sectors, and more opportunities. We’re also opening large-scale job postings immediately. Anyone who signs up will receive wages, food, and housing support."
A low murmur spread through the room.
Even some reporters looked surprised.
"The expansion has already made the air richer in mana. Those of you who can sense it know what I mean. This is only the beginning.
"From here, we’ll build a city that stands as a symbol of what humanity can achieve."
He spoke with a clarity that made even his simplest words sound convincing.
Every sentence came out smooth, deliberate, and confident.
The university leaders sitting beside him exchanged glances.
His fluency, his timing, the way he knew exactly what needed to be said, all of it was captivating.
Isaac smiled faintly before continuing. "From now on, our government will be known as Imperium Aeternum. It will be a unified Super Guild that manages all aspects of this city.
"From security to research, from housing to trade, everything will come under one system.
"From today, we stand as one."
Applause broke out, growing stronger as people began to clap more confidently.
One of the university leaders, the old man from Pioneer University, leaned toward the microphone.
"Isaac’s words speak for all of us. We support his leadership fully. Humanity needs unity, and he’s offering exactly that."
The others added similar remarks, praising the new order and showing open support.
When the event ended, the hall buzzed with noise again.
Reporters shouted questions, cameras flashed, and assistants moved quickly to escort Isaac out of the building.
Outside, the air felt cooler. Isaac exhaled softly.
"Vale," he said, glancing at his secretary. "Start working with Priscilla. I want job enlistments posted for workers who’ll build the city’s outer walls.
"As for the new houses that appeared after activation, allocate forty percent to homeless applicants who take the jobs. Give them free housing as part of their employment."
Vale nodded, listening carefully.
"For the remaining sixty percent, put them up for rent at standard rates. We’ll use that revenue for our future endeavors."
He paused, then added, "Also, I want all previous guilds dissolved. Mix their members randomly into new teams under the city’s command. They’ll handle public security in the new sectors."
Vale frowned slightly. "And their payment?"
"They’ll receive compensation and one mana potion vial per month, along with benefits."
Vale blinked. "One vial each month? Most awakeners can’t afford even one in a year."
Isaac nodded. "Exactly. It’ll keep them loyal. Once word spreads, we’ll have more volunteers than we can count."
Vale couldn’t argue with that logic.
Isaac turned to Ruby, who had just entered from the side door.
"Ruby, I want you to monitor these awakeners. Some will abuse their power if left unchecked. If anyone uses their strength to harm civilians, report them directly to me."
"Understood," she said.
Back in Professor Catherine’s office, Isaac sat down again and began sorting through reports.
The room was filled with quiet mechanical sounds from the floating drones that recorded everything for documentation.
A short while later, Freya entered.
She looked quite pleased.
"The reaction is changing in real time," she said, placing a data tablet on the desk. "Public sentiment’s improving. People are putting up banners with your name already."
Isaac raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised. "That quick?"
"Yeah," Ruby said, arms crossed as she leaned against the wall. "The lower districts barely managed to survive day by day. Word about your new crops and their quality has been spreading for some time already. And now that you are giving it for free along with housing, and jobs, it’s more than they ever got under the governor."
Isaac nodded slowly. "That’s good. Keep watching the situation. I want updates every few hours."
Freya left soon after, and for a while, silence filled the office again.
Then, without warning, a dark mist began swirling in the middle of the room.
It grew, expanding outward until two figures stepped through: Celia and Leora.
"Why are they making so dramatic entrance? They could’ve teleported outside," Ruby muttered under her breath.
Celia ignored the comment and placed a document folder on Isaac’s desk.
"All the top guilds have been transported at the entrance of the tutorial dungeon. They’re waiting for your command to begin. As for the potential rewards, these are the main ones," she said.
Isaac opened the folder.
The names gleamed in neat script: Aether Glass, Binding Crystals, Titan Metal Shards, Arcane Bricks, Administrative Core.
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Almost half the materials we need can be obtained from this dungeon alone."
Leora nodded but then spoke up. "There’s a level limit. Only awakeners up to level forty can enter. The Champion rankers won’t be able to join."
"That’s fine," Isaac said. "We don’t have many Champions anyway. Most of our forces will still qualify."
He paused.
"But there’s another problem. It’s a hell-difficulty dungeon. The odds of the entire team being wiped out are... almost guaranteed."
"That’s right," Leora agreed quietly.
Isaac leaned back in his chair, thinking for a moment. Then he stood. "Celia, you’re coming with me."
She blinked, taken aback. "Huh? Me? Where are we going?"
"I am going to clear the dungeon. That’s where you are coming," he said, then explained. "We’ll enter the dungeon ourselves first. I’ll take a small group of awakeners with us.
"They will map the dungeon and observe my run. Once they’ve seen the layout and understand the mechanics of the tutorial dungeon, they’ll build a strategy for the rest of the teams."
He glanced at the others.
"That way, we can minimize the casualties. The first attempt from me will set the foundation."
Vale frowned. "You’re taking my sister into a hell difficulty dungeon? Do you even know how dangerous those are?"
Isaac turned to him. "Vale, I know what you’re thinking. Come with me for a second. I’ll show you something."
The way he said it left no room for argument.
Vale looked at him for a second, then nodded to let Isaac show him what he wanted.