As we approached the decaying asphalt road leading to the downtown area, we fell into an uneasy hush. Anticipation hung in the air like fog as we sized up the imposing stone wall looming ahead. Towering at least twenty feet high, it cast a foreboding shadow over the remains of the downtown area outside its walls. Most buildings had been cleared away, leaving only decayed remnants behind.

The formidable gatehouse, twice the height of the wall, guarded whatever secrets lay within. As we walked through the gatehouse tunnel, metal portcullises loomed at both ends.

I glanced at Emily, eyes widening in awe. "Look at this place. It's like a medieval fortress. How much stone did this take?"

Emily nodded, glancing around as we emerged from the tunnel. "Impressive. Must have systemized half the old brick buildings downtown."

Inside the walls was a bustling hub of activity. Systemized buildings lined the streets, housing businesses like a tannery and blacksmith. Among them stood towering apartment buildings, their windows peering down on us, dwarfing the walls themselves. How many people lived here?

At the heart stood a small castle where the old county courthouse once stood. Made of stone and wood, it radiated authority and power. Unlike the deputy, the guards at the entrance wore looted armor, eyeing us coolly as we approached.

The deputy's expression was stern as he offered to escort Sarah alone to the Squire. Sarah refused to go without us. “Hanna, Cade, come with me. Everyone else, be alert but don’t cause trouble.”

Eager as always, Mark interjected, “I’m coming too. My expertise could help.”

The deputy’s patience wore thin. "The Squire expects only her. An entourage wouldn't look good."

Sarah eyed Mark before facing the deputy. it didn’t look good for the Squire’s people to see cracks in our unity. She bobbed her head, “Understood. Just us four. We’re a team, after all.”

Mark muttered just loudly enough, "Now, that’s what I’m talking about. Watch how it’s done sweetheart.”

Mark's condescension made my blood boil, but I held my tongue as Hanna stepped forward, glaring at him. "We just want to meet the Squire and sort this out. We'll keep quiet and do what's needed."

Sensing opportunity, Mark smirked and leaned toward the deputy. "Hope you're ready for some hard truths. The Squire should hear what we have to say."

The deputy glared coldly. "Watch yourself, boy. Disrespect won't be tolerated here. You’d do well to remember there aren’t any System resurrections.”

As we followed the deputy, satisfaction at Mark's cowed expression mixed with apprehension about the looming meeting with the Squire.

I wondered if “Squire” was a self-styled title or granted by the System. Sarah, sensing my unease, murmured, "I know what you're thinking, Cade. Is this Squire legit or just another self-appointed ruler?"

I nodded gratefully. "Hard to say. But we're about to find out."

The deputy opened the heavy wooden doors to reveal a large hall. Despite in fine clothes available from the system store, for those with money, the Squire looked unkempt, with an overgrown beard and receding hairline.

"My deputy said you were excavating inside my manor. Explain yourselves," he demanded, a glint of curiosity in his tone.

Sarah met his gaze defiantly. "We didn't see any boundaries. What's a manor, anyway?"

The Squire gestured to a table map. "My manor covers the central town, including your excavation site."

Examining the map, we saw the walled village at the center of a larger marked area extending eastward.

Mark pointed, tone skeptical. "Your manor seems to be missing some land, Mr. Squire."

The squire sent him a withering glare. "When I became Squire, I claimed available land. There are other villages scattered around the remains of our old town, and we’re discussing alliances.”

Curious, I asked, "What were the requirements to become Squire?"

Leaning against the table, the Squire made a gesture as if swiping something from his vision, eliciting a smirk from me. "Some of us founded a village after the System came. I became mayor when my boss died to a hobgoblin. When the village hit level four, I got a quest to start a manor and became Squire."

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He turned to Sarah thoughtfully. "As Squire, I’m responsible for everyone here. That means securing resources within our borders."

"We're trying to survive too," Sarah replied evenly. "We sought resources to protect our people, just as you protect yours."

The Squire raised a hand. "Nonetheless, these resources are ours now." His tone hardened before softening slightly. "I’m no tyrant. Return what you took, or let’s negotiate payment."

Before Sarah could respond, Mark interrupted insolently, "We didn't know this was your area! Besides, we did the work excavating. We won't hand over anything for free."

I muttered angrily, "Shut up, you fool!"

"Let's not get hostile," Sarah said diplomatically. "We want to compromise. We understand the resources’ value but need them too."

The Squire contemplated her words. "I appreciate your willingness to find common ground. Return to your village leadership and pass along my offer for joining our manor. If you’re close by, I’d consider the matter settled.”

I stomped Mark’s foot as he started to retort. Sarah stepped in front of him. “We’ll take your offer back for discussion.”

Mark glared at me the whole trip back with the excavator.

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The council chamber glowed softly from the suspended mana globe. Despite the gentle light chasing shadows away, exhaustion hung heavy, weighing us down. We slouched around the polished table, half-eaten System food forgotten, struggling to stay alert. But there was a lot on our plate and I’m not talking about plates of food. It promised to be a long night.

Wesley's weary eyes met each of ours before he began. "Thanks for all your effort collecting stone. We've made a lot of progress on the dungeon's surrounding walls, and we should finish before it respawns. Now, Sarah, let's hear about this squire fellow."

Exhaustion and determination colored Sarah's voice as she recounted the encounter. "That pompous Squire thinks he can claim the whole town! He's trying to squeeze the other villages that have sprung up since the System arrived. It's infuriating."

Hanna sighed heavily, shoulders sagging. "I'm tired of these power-hungry pricks trampling us," she grumbled bitterly.

Wesley's gaze showed equal parts fatigue and resolve. "We won't let anyone walk over us. Our decisions will benefit us, and we'll make them together. But first, rest a couple days. After that, Sarah, if you're willing, lead a group east to search for survivors."

Sarah ran her fingers through her hair contemplatively. "I can do it if needed. But Cade might be ready for more responsibility. It could be good leadership experience for him."

Wesley's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really, Cade? Do you feel ready to lead?"

My voice wavered with nervous excitement. "Y-yeah, I think so. If Jay and Hanna join me."

Jayden grinned wearily. "Hell yeah, count me in. Can't let you have all the fun."

Hanna rolled her eyes playfully. "More like someone responsible should keep you two from blowing stuff up." Her wink assured she was teasing.

Wesley regarded me thoughtfully. "In just three weeks, you've really grown, Cade. You're stable in combat now. The System made you an adult at fourteen, and you've risen to it."

Wesley gave me a measured look. "Alright, Cade. You know Brian Wallace, right?"

I nodded, recalling the name. "Yeah, one of the neighborhood dads before the System."

"Good. Brian's a combat medic like Matt. He has experience. Ask him to join you, and send any questions my way. The fifth member is your choice. Changing the subject, did you find anything in the system’s help files about this squire thing?"

Excitement rose as his words sank in, but Wesley's question brought me back. "Right. About the titles...I've researched manors. We need a level four village with two hundred people. It's a big task but not impossible."

Sarah added scornfully, "Colt McCallister had it easy as mayor. No town council limiting his power."

I nodded. "According to the help files, a manor comes with a minimum area of two square miles. It's not systemized like a village, but the System recognizes it as your territory."

Wesley leaned heavily, exhausted. "Imagine what we could do with two square miles..."

Eagerly I added, "There's more! Three allied villages with two hundred forty people unlocks a quest to go from Squire to Knight. That expands the manor to four square miles. Help files were vague about further promotions. I guess we’ve gotta unlock the manorial system first."

Sarah's eyes blazed with determination. "There's our solution. We can level up and make our own manor, without bowing to Squire McCallister. Forge our own path."

Barely awake, Jayden mumbled agreement. "We've poured our blood, sweat, and tears into building this place. We don't need some System-upgraded noble thinking he can dictate our future."

The conversation soon took a darker turn as we addressed a pressing issue. Sarah crossed her arms, frustration flickering in her eyes. "Mark's been nothing but trouble since the Squire meeting. We can't let his selfishness drag us down anymore. We need to deal with him."

Weariness and resolve colored Sarah's face. "Mark's lack of commitment and disregard for others is unbearable. If this continues, he'll just keep causing problems. Problems that could get someone killed."

Hanna leaned forward angrily. "If I have to deal with him again, someone will be coming back in a body bag. And it damn sure won't be me," she spat with disdain. "It's high time we put him in his place."

Jayden agreed firmly, "I'm tired of his arrogance and entitlement. Everyone needs to contribute, not just a few. If Mark won't step up, it's time for him to go."

Wesley nodded solemnly, exhaustion lining his face. "I'll talk to him, make him see reason. But Cade, if he tries to force his way into your group, don't hesitate to refuse him. Send any problems my way."

Relief washed over me, knowing Wesley would handle Mark. But part of me knew I should be able to address such issues myself. Still, I simply nodded. "You got it. I'll send him your way if he causes trouble."

As the late meeting ended, we left with a shared purpose—to grow our village and confront Mark.