Looking up, Ben saw Blue as he used his magic to reduce the portal's ring.
All was going well when some creatures started materializing from the other side. Blue had to use a telekinetic boost to push the creatures back while continuing to wrestle with the portal.
A few Hollow Moon mages must have noticed what was happening and motioned the fairies for a lift. Once they were in the air, they assisted Blue by barraging the inside of the event horizon with a similar spell that was more sustained.
Being freed from multitasking hell, Blue could concentrate all his energy on the portal, which began to shrink before it exploded like a firework, filling the sky with multicolored sparks.
Blue gave the mages and fairies a nod before hovering down into the dust cloud that had formed with all the damage the Chateau had taken. There were a few rumbles as powerful, earth-shattering magic blasts were expelled, causing the fortification to tremble momentarily.
[+600XP, +1MP.]
Strands of magic emerged from the dust like spider legs, contacting various points of the Chateau. Every inch of the fortified structure began to glow similarly to the van’s [Repair] skill when active before the damage began to reverse. Within moments, it looked like the Chateau had returned to its original condition, minus any trace of the infection.
Ben noticed Le’Vieux starting to make his way into the courtyard. He took a few moments to look at the repair work before motioning everyone else to make their way inside. Ben drove inside, parked to the side, and got out before joining the others.
Once Blue arrived there, Le’Vieux asked. “Is it done?”
Blue nodded. “All traces of the enemy from here have been eradicated. I can sense there are still small pockets of the enemy scattered across the Feruslands, but not enough to pose a severe risk.” He glanced towards Quicksilver, “I’m assuming those will be dealt with once your people have regrouped.”
“We will ensure it’s done. We will graciously accept assistance if the Hollow Moon wants to contribute.” Quicksilver replied.
Le’Vieux acknowledged the request. “Consider it done. I will instruct a company of my elite soldiers and knights to make their way to your settlement. It’s the least we can do in return. After all, if it weren't for your people, we would have suffered heavier losses here.”
Quicksilver bowed his head.
“It’s good to see humans and fairies finally getting on with each other.” Blue started, “Maybe this alliance could strengthen us against future transgressions. Now that this debacle is finished, I used the remainder of my power to return this place to its original state.” Turning to Le’Vieux, “You know more than anyone that things can change within an instant. Our enemies may find this an opportunity to take this Chateau from under our noses, so I suggest you elect someone to keep it manned.”
“You don’t have to tell me that twice.” Le’Vieux muttered before turning to Alfred, “Are you ready to return to your duties?”
Alfred looked like that took him aback, and he scrunched his forehead. “Are you being serious? You know I don’t have access to my system anymore.”
Le’Vieux gave Alfred a narrow gaze before crossing his arms. “And you know that the system is not the only way to communicate with your superiors. The mages at the academy will deliver a communication sphere so you can conduct your new duties as Commander of the Trident Fort. This won’t be on behalf of the Hollow Moon but rather the Mesolands. You will be tasked with rebuilding the order from the ground up. I trust you’re more than capable of handling this position. Now, don’t make me change my mind.”
Alfred sighed deeply. “That sounds like one hell of a task, and I doubt I can do it without good people by my side.” He then turned to Ben, adding, “However, one thing is standing in my way. I can only accept it if Ben doesn’t mind me leaving my position at the village.”
Ben waved the notion away. “Ah, don’t be silly. Taking care of the Chateau and rebuilding the order is more important than being a second in command at a mining village. Besides, with things calming down, we should have that place on the right track in no time.”
A smile filled Alfred’s face before he gave Le’Vieux an eyebrow bounce. “That means you’ve got me on board.”
Le’Vieux let out a huff of relief. “Well, I’m glad that’s sorted now.” He looked around at everyone. "Regardless of rank and position, you’ve all done great work here. We fought an impossible enemy and won. Your names shall be remembered eternally once those pesky bards know this. I hope you all don’t slow down your momentum, as much work still needs to get done.”
Hauxwell slapped Le’Vieux on the back. “I bet you can’t wait for those bards to sing your name with such romantic tones. Let's share a drink before we all go our separate ways.”
Le’Vieux turned to Blue and shrugged.
Blue shook his head slowly. “I’ll leave you to this unnecessary drinking and meet you once you’re back at the Hollow Keep.” He then opened a portal and stepped through.
Once everyone was ready, a small group of knights was left to guard the Chateau before the rest made their way to Robynhill.
Ben almost choked on his drink.
“You can’t be serious, he’s not even from the Mesolands!” Arthel exclaimed, shaking his head.
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Ben put the tankard down on the bar table and held his chest to recover, taking some breaths to clear his throat. The entire story of what had happened at the Chateau had been explained, and once Alfred's new position had been revealed, the entire inn entered a deafening silence.
Le’Vieux motioned with his hand for the innkeeper to calm down. “Yeah, you’re right about that. But he’s the only person, apart from Hauxwell, who has experience running a fortified keep.” He motioned to Hauxwell, “This old coot wants nothing more than to pull his cows' udders and plant vegetables.”
Hauxwell smiled and nodded. “My days running around for military orders are over. My dream is to focus on my family and build the farm back to where it was. We’ll need the produce when more people start flocking back, unless you want them all to go hungry and start rioting. Don’t get me wrong, I will still support Alfred and ensure his men are adequately trained.”
“Indeed, he’s right about that. With the news of our victory, the people of Meso who left as refugees to the Hollow Lands will return. They will need places to stay and jobs to support what remains of their kin.” Le’Vieux explained.
“Well, that makes sense. We’ll soon have the marketplace cleared and new stalls built so people can start trading goods like they used to.” Arthel explained before turning to Ben, “I don't suppose you could take some in?”
Ben nodded. “We could always use more hands at the mine. I have an idea to create an industrial textile factory that will need a few workers. However, it will produce so much that we’ll need to export many goods beyond the Ferus Delta River.”
Le’Vieux gave Ben a thumbs-up. “In the coming weeks, I’ll meet with the leaders of the other orders and formulate a new trade plan to ease restrictions.” He finished his drink before standing up. “Truly, I want to thank you all for your bravery. You’ve made even the most honorable knights proud of your work. Now, while the rest of you enjoy yourselves, I must return to my commanders and make my way to the Hollow Keep.”
Everyone raised their tankards and cheered Le’Vieux before taking a sip. Hauxwell got up and embraced his friend, bidding him a heartwarming farewell, before Alfred did the same. Le’Vieux then waved everyone goodbye and left the inn.
“Always great to see happiness within these walls,” Arthel muttered with teary eyes. He then turned to Jerry. “What's the story with you then?”
Jerry shrugged. “You know, it’s always the usual with me. I will send word to my family and get them settled in the new workshop. We’ll be ready for full-scale production in no time. I’m sure Alfred and Quicksilver here would be more than willing to buy off me once I’ve got a decent stockpile.” He then turned to Ben, “Speaking of which, I’m itching to return to work. Shouldn’t we be heading back to the mine?
Ben nodded, “Aye, we should. I bet they all want to know the battle’s outcome.”
Arthel let out a huff. “Well, you'd better not be acting like strangers. Be sure to come by here once in a while, otherwise I’ll be getting all worried about all your sorry backsides.”
Ben finished his drink and got up. “I’m sure we will.” He turned to Hauxwell and Jerry, “Come on, I’ll give you both a lift back. I think Quicksilver and his warriors have that covered, seeing they can fly.”
Alfred patted them all on the back. “I’ll return to the Chateau and get things started there. I’ll send you all word when I’m ready.”
Everyone exchanged farewells before Ben, Hauxwell, and Jerry started their journey to the mine.
When Ben arrived at the mine, Hauxwell and Jerry thanked him for the lift before returning to their respective abodes. With some daylight left, Ben knew most village folk would still be working their shifts in the mine. But before heading down there, he took a moment to glance around the builder's progress.
Most of the area around the makeshift camp had been cleared, with sticks in the ground where the foundations for the regular dwellings would be placed. Ben figured they would want to start getting paid soon and made a mental note to get that sorted once Har returned from his current delivery run.
Turning to face the mine entrance, Ben made his way inside before entering the warm glow of the foreman’s office, where he found Finn working through some papers.
“Master Ben!” Finn exclaimed, jumping up. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. We were worried that you and Jerry had been gone so long that something bad might have happened. The sky started getting dark up top before it cleared up.”
Ben raised his hand. “Ah, it’s a long story that I’ll have to tell you over the campfire sometime. I think it’s safe to say the danger is gone.”
Finn’s face filled the largest smile Ben had seen in ages before he asked, “That’s good to hear. Does that mean people start returning here?”
Ben nodded. “Of course. We’ll be over our heads with the new arrivals that should start pouring in soon. We must be prepared to receive them and increase production to provide more jobs. Le’Vieux has promised us some new trade agreements so we can sell our goods across the Canrich Kingdom. We will be taking this mine to a whole new level of success. Which brings me to an important question: how have things gone on the third level whilst I’ve been away?”
“Surprisingly, it’s been great. You’ll be happy that the third level has proved fruitful for high-quality ore. There have been a few discoveries of other minerals that contain traces of silver and gold, which can be exploited once the new mining shafts have been reinforced. I have a feeling we’ll start making some big money soon.” Finn explained. He then looked around and scratched his head. “Where’s Sir Alfred?”
“I had a feeling you’d be asking where he’s at. Le’Vieux put him in charge of the Chateau, which means he’ll be rebuilding the Meso order from the ground up. You don’t have to worry. With things calmed down, we should be able to keep things running smoothly. I think I’ve got something in mind that could keep people busy when they arrive here.” Ben replied before explaining how the industrial textile factory would work.
“That sounds like an interesting idea. I’ve never heard of a factory before, but the way you’ve explained it to me, I hope it gets us back on top.” Finn nodded.
Ben let out a long yawn as fatigue started to take hold of him. “Excuse me, I’m tired and should get some rest before I pass out. Thank you for all your hard work, Finn. You’ve made me proud of how far you came from when we first met. Keep it up and you’ll soon be running your mine one day.”
Finn became teary-eyed before grinning. “I wouldn't have been able to achieve any of this without you taking a chance on me. I should be thanking you for everything.”
Ben waved the motion away. “Ah, you’re too kind, kid. Anyhow, I’m heading up. I’ll see you tomorrow when I’ve got more energy.” He gave Finn a wave before returning outside.
The sun was almost touching the horizon, and thus Ben made his way to the back of the van before dropping onto the bed and drifting off into a much-needed slumber.
End of Book 1 Stats
Name: Benjamin Bailey
Titles: Owner of the Bailey Mine
Level: 11 (1208/3000XP)
Skill points: 4
HP: 50/50
SP: 50/50
MP: 150/150
Currency:
Copper Penny: 10/12
Silver Shilling: 15/20
Gold Pound: 26
The Bailey Mine: 150 GP
Active Vehicle: Valkyrie, Level 3
Bull Bar Mk.1, Armor Plating Mk.1, Off-Road Tires, Fuel Efficiency Mk.1, Off-Road Drivetrain
Class: Mechanical Mage, Level 3
Class Skills: Repair Mk.1, Refuel Mk.1, Kunai Outburst Mk.1, Exponential Mass Mk.1
Profession: None
Profession Skills: None
Faction: Order of the Hollow Moon
Faction Rank: Knight Lieutenant II
Faction Skills: Basic Training
Vehicle: Valkyrie, Level 3
Type: Camper
Condition: 100%
Fuel: 100%
MP:200/200
Power: 140HP (Mechanical)
Mass: 2168 kg
Armor Rating: 99
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