After lunch each training group rotated between the three instructors. Isabel was learning archery from Lu Bu while they patrolled the northern wall. Duncan and his squad of knights were learning the basics of controlling the flow of combat along the southern wall. Fitt requested that Alex use Copy Form on Benji's Divine Magic so he could learn the basics of magic manipulation and control. It turned out that Fitt was the harshest teacher of the three. Zoe was content with doing chores throughout the mansion to occupy her time. This left Benji alone yet again to work over his ever growing stack of notes. During the meal Benji was able to settle on a short list of projects that were vital to the future of his kingdom.

First, they needed to find a diverse supply of fruit and vegetable seeds so fields and orchards could be built. The initial solution was to forage throughout the surrounding forest. The idea was quickly dismissed due to the danger of trying to navigate through the dense undergrowth between the trees. Eventually it was agreed that they would use Voyager to return to Raven City to secure the seeds and saplings. In the event that they were unable to find a source they would sacrifice what fresh fruit and vegetables they had.

Skilled labor would quickly become a problem as his capital expanded into the surrounding countryside. The employment system was the most apparent solution for this but the experience required for wages could present a problem as more and more animals were killed. Nobody could guess if birth rates would be accelerated to sustain animal populations and Benji's A.I. was silent when asked. Zoe suggested that she could try contacting friends to see if anyone have appropriate powers to fill their needs but Benji dismissed the idea. Even though he was king he had little control over humans living in his capital. It only took one person to sabotage all he had built so far.

The final problem concerned access to resources needed to add additional buildings and features. Benji could always draw from the various mineral deposits below ground but he didn't want to risk destabilizing the land his home rested on. They could always make trips into town when they were short of materials but that meant dividing their forces between defending the mansion and Voyager. With no apparent solution Benji made a mental note to revisit the problem at a later date.

With a clear path ahead of him Benji decided to go ask if anyone wanted to join him on a trip to Raven City.

Benji walked into the large bathroom where Zoe was busy stocking each stall with fresh towels and toiletries. She was humming a little tune to herself, unaware that Benji had stepped into the room. He watched for a moment before calling out to her, causing her to drop the soap dispensers she was carrying over to stack along the sinks surrounding a wall in the center of the main room.

"I didn't mean to scare you. I was wondering if you wanted to join me on a trip back to Raven City. I need to make a supply run."

Zoe hastily picked up the bottles of soap before dumping them into a nearby sink. "Um, yeah, I'd love to come. Any chance we could go by my dad's hospital? I haven't heard from him since yesterday."

Benji nodded. "Once we get what I need we can go wherever you want. Meet me near the airship when you're ready."  Benji left her to get ready and walked outside.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Once he found them Lu Bu and Miami requested to stay since they were able to defeat mutated animals by themselves if need be and would make up the bulk of the inner defenses. His mother wanted to stay since she was the heir and only person who could operate the kingdom controls when he wasn't there. Duncan and his knights offered cover any gaps left by Lu Bu and Miami.

As Benji walked towards the western wall a stray fireball passed overhead from the deck of Voyager. He had no idea why Fitt decided to train aboard the airship but at least he didn't have walk any further. Now Benji just needed to wait for Zoe. 

A loud chittering noise rang out across the field. The direction of the noise meant that Miami and Duncan's crew were fighting something near the southern wall.  Along the western wall ballista fired their two meter long wooden bolts at unknown attackers.

"Boo!"

Benji stumbled back against the wooden hull of Voyager.  He turned to see Zoe doubled over in laughter. 

"Oh my god, you should have seen your face!"

"Haha, very funny."  Benji shook his head at the girl and walked over to a nearby rope ladder.  "You coming?"

The pair climbed up to the deck of Voyager and witnessed a sight neither expected to see.  Fitt was hovering five meters above the deck with a luminous shield surrounding the boy's small body.  Alex's thin body was drenched with sweat as he knelt upon the deck.  They watched as he took a deep breath and focused on the space between his outstretched hands.  A small flame sparked into existence but soon began to grow into a roaring ball of liquid fire.  Unable to withstand the heat of the flames any longer Alex fired the blazing ball into the air causing it to streak towards Fitt.  A second later the flames impacted against the glowing barrier, the impact causing it to flex inward momentarily.  As the flames dissipated Alex fell forward onto his hands.

Benji and Zoe ran forward to help their classmate.  Zoe used Angelic Voice to soothe his troubled mind while Benji used his Divine Magic to heal the inflamed skin on the palms of his hands.  Fitt, seing his master, floated down to land on the deck and walked over.

You healed a minor injury. You gain 20 experience. (360/1000)

"He works hard, master, but needs to believe in himself more."

Benji looked down at the boy.  "Fitt, he can barely stand.  Is it necessary to push him this hard?"

"Magic must be taken seriously, must be respected.  It is not a plaything."

Benji sighed.  "Very well, Fitt, just promise that you won't go overboard.  We just learned of the existence of magic yesterday."

"It's okay, Benji."  Alex tried to stand and Benji used one arm to steady him.  "I asked to copy his magic."

Benji removed a bottle of water and bag of gummi candy and handed them to Alex.  "You'll need to be rested once we get to Raven City."

"We're going back?"

Benji nodded.  "Yeah, i've got a couple errands to run."

"Whatever you need, bro."

Benji left Zoe to tend to Alex and walked over to the control console.  As the display blinked to life Benji brought up a map of the surrounding area.  Trees were destroyed marking the path that animals had taken to charge towards the thick walls surrounding their new home.  A few button presses brought the engine to life when began turning the four massive rotors.  Once up to speed Benji slowly brought Voyager up above the walls.  After charting a course which would avoid any known human structures, just incase any mutated animals would follow their path towards the city.

As the airship began it's journey towards the city they left behind, Fitt sat down to meditate so he was ready incase any birds tried to attack.  Benji was glad to have the boy and his friends with him.