The next day, Neverport was a whirlwind of activity as an unexpected influx of people flooded into the village.
Becca had her hands full, meeting with dozens of new arrivals hoping to settle in. Her eyes burned with exhaustion, but she pushed through, knowing the responsibility that rested on her shoulders.
The monthly tax from the Heavenly Army loomed on the horizon, and rumors had already begun to spread—whispers of a man from Neverport who had defeated their soldiers with ease.
The villagers were torn between hoping King Kurtis would send reinforcements or placing their faith in this mysterious defender.
By day's end, over a hundred people had moved in, turning the once-quiet village into a bustling hub.
The sudden surge in population caused friction among some citizens, frustrated by the crowded streets and noise. Yet, there were those who showed compassion, offering food, coins, and a semblance of hope to the newcomers.
Housing quickly became an issue. With no place to stay, many were forced to sleep outside the village in makeshift tents.
Becca took charge, allocating plots of land to each family—spots that would eventually become their permanent homes.
Amidst the chaos, four new businesses sprang to life: a blacksmith, an armorsmith, a team of carpenters, and, to Becca's surprise, an exotic dance parlor that quickly gained popularity among the locals.
Vender and a newly arrived buildmaster from Sungalepore worked tirelessly to ease the housing crisis, promising to have more structures up within the month.
Their combined efforts brought a glimmer of hope that Neverport could withstand the sudden growth.
---
While Becca handled the influx, Axel faced a different challenge.
A group of Gearwork citizens— once prisoners from Sungalepore—had arrived under the watchful eyes of armed soldiers. Chained and lined up like cattle, their arrival stirred unease.
Axel, after observing their condition, made a swift decision.
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The men were assigned to work in the mines or on construction crews to serve out their sentences.
However, mothers and children were spared from labor and allowed to set up tents by the beach, eventually they will be given proper homes.
Among the Gearwork was the shipmaster from Sungalepore, accompanied by his son.
Surprisingly, he was eager to stay and work in Neverport set sail on sea. With housing still scarce, they made themselves at home aboard the vessels, turning the boats into temporary shelters.
---
Meanwhile, preparations for the raid on the farm, where the captured monsters and artificial rings were held, were well underway.
Axel took to the skies, riding the wind with Ivy by his side, both cloaked in invisibility by her magic. From above, Axel surveyed the farm, his angel magic revealing critical details.
There were a handful of magic users scattered across the grape fields—individuals who had undergone limb transfusions.
The household had a rainbow like glowed at a certain room where the rings were held, and beneath the main house, Axel sensed them—forty monsters imprisoned below.
The guards were lightly armored but well-armed, wielding swords and axes. Axel noted their patrol routes and studied the island’s layout carefully:
South: Dense forests provided excellent cover but were far from the house, meaning fewer guards but a longer approach.
East: An open expanse offered little cover but came with a terrain advantage, ideal for a swift attack.
North: The most heavily guarded and closest to the house—a risky but fast route.
West: The grapevines stretched in neat rows, offering a slow but stealthy approach.
Timing would be critical. Whether they struck during the day or night would drastically affect the raid's outcome. Axel lingered in the skies, observing every movement until he was confident in his plan, then returned home.
---
Later, by the training grounds near the beach, Axel gathered his three enforcers—Denji, Trevor, and Victor—for a strategy meeting.
Axel leaned forward, his gaze sharp. "What approach do you think we should take?"
Denji was the first to speak, his tone calm and measured, "We go quiet. There's too much at stake if we rush in blind. Free the monsters, retrieve the rings, and once the primary objectives are secured, we can clean up whatever’s left. We leave the boats by the forest so it wouldn't get scene."
Trevor nodded in agreement but added his own twist. "If we're going stealth, then we strike at night. The Watchers will blend into the shadows perfectly. I suggest we have them sabotage the enemy first—disable their defenses, create distractions. Meanwhile, the Blades will remain stationed near the house, ready to attack once we give the signal."
Victor crossed his arms, his voice steady and confident, "The Keepers and I will wait until everyone’s loaded in. If we're not facing overwhelming numbers, we'll hold the line and ensure we make it out alive."
Axel smiled, satisfied with their input. "In a couple of weeks, we move. Make sure your divisions are ready. We have limited space on the boats, so we'll need to be selective. Three Watchers, six Blades, and seven Keepers will be enough for this mission."
The men nodded, understanding the gravity of the task ahead.
"That’s all for now," Axel concluded. "Meeting adjourned."
As they dispersed, the air was thick with anticipation.