Calvin stepped through the magical doorway, returning to Olympus with Ulrich and his delegation in tow. As they emerged into the bustling central plaza, Ulrich looked around in awe at the gleaming stone architecture and advanced technology on display. Children laughed and played in a nearby fountain as merchants hawked their wares. The scent of exotic spices and roasted meats wafted through the air.

"As you can see, our city has come a long way from a simple camp," Calvin said, gesturing around them. "With our combined resources and knowledge, we've been able to build something greater than any one settlement could alone."

Ulrich nodded, his eyes scanning the orderly streets and towering defensive walls. "I must admit, this is far more advanced than anything Cliff Dwellers has access to. Our walls are little more than piled stones."

"Let me show you what else Olympus has to offer," Calvin said. He led them down the main thoroughfare, lined with stalls selling crafted goods, foodstuffs, and more. As they walked, Calvin pointed out the drone assembly building, training yard, and artisan workshops designed to help citizens gain skills and knowledge.

At the newly constructed medical center, Ulrich marveled at the advanced healing capabilities and medicine on display, "We've lost many to injuries that your physicians would be able to treat trivially," he muttered.

They continued past the barracks where soldiers drilled, through a garden filled with exotic alien plants, and by the towering Library of Eons. Ulrich and his companions stared in awe at the massive structure.

"Truly stunning craftsmanship," Ulrich said. "I've seen nothing comparable in my lifetime."

"We have many talented artisans and engineers who thrive here," Calvin replied. As if to demonstrate, a small drone buzzed by overhead, likely on some delivery or survey mission Calvin thought.

At last, they arrived at the lake, where Amy stood waiting with Durk and his delegation from the Icewatch settlement. Durk's eyes widened as he took in the splendor of the city and the technological marvels around them.

"Welcome to Olympus," Amy said, smiling warmly at the newcomers.

"You have an amazing city here," Durk said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Icewatch has sturdy walls and shelter from the cold, but nothing compared to this."

Calvin led Ulrich and Durk toward a ring of seats around the fire, where the rest of The Council awaited.

"Please, have a seat," Calvin said, gesturing to two open chairs. "We have much to discuss."

Once they were seated, Calvin began. "As you've now seen, Olympus has grown into something far greater than a simple refugee camp. However, we did not create all of this purely for ourselves. Our intention has always been to provide safety and prosperity for as many of our people as possible."

He nodded to Andy, their artificial steward, who materialized beside them "Allow me to provide some context about the larger conflict you face," the android said in his calm, melodic voice. "The Earth, and indeed this entire region of space, has come under the influence of a System Seed, offspring of The System, used to integrate and cultivate civilizations on a path to power and greatness."

Andy went on to explain how the System Seeds provided structure and challenges to force rapid evolution, but could be corrupted by alien forces called the Corruptors who sought to dominate all life. Knox and Void were agents of these Corruptors.

"So you see, the challenges we have faced so far, as difficult as they were, have merely been training for the greater battle ahead," Calvin said, "We must stand united if we hope to oppose the Corruptors."

Ulrich and Durk sat in contemplative silence as they absorbed this new information that put their struggles into an entirely different context.

Finally, Calvin spoke again. "We did not tell you all of this to frighten you. We want you to understand the scale of what we face. Olympus alone cannot hope to stand against the Corruptors. But together, we can ensure our people not only survive but carve out a greater place in the universe. I do not intend for Earth to be some backwater society."

Calvin nodded. "I know you both have reservations, so let me lay out the options before you in full."

He clasped his hands. "The first option is we simply part ways here as friends. You may return through the portal to your settlements as before."

Ulrich and Durk glanced at each other but remained silent, so Calvin continued.

"The second option is a formal alliance between our settlements, where we agree to mutual defense and trade while retaining independence."

Calvin looked to Amy, who added, "We could establish communication networks between our settlements to coordinate resources and information."

"The final option..." Calvin said, "is to join together under the banner and protection of Olympus. Your people would become citizens, with access to all we have built here. In return, we would expect an oath to follow the law of Olympus, and of course, there's a minor tax. The tax does not come out of greed, the resources acquired are used to pay missive rewards to the citizens and will further enhance our capabilities after the tutorial."

Durk furrowed his brow. "And our leadership? Would we become mere beggars in your city?"

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Calvin shook his head. "Not at all. As leaders of your people, you would be welcomed into Olympus as leaders. You would be able to join ministerial positions on the council in support of our goals. Additionally, you would retain authority over your own citizens, in conformance with the Council's wishes. I assure you, everything will be fair and just."

"With the council we've established here, each member represents critical areas of governance," Ian explained. "There is room for more with your expertise."

Ulrich still seemed uncertain. "Yet our homelands would no longer be fully our own. Your word would supersede ours on any matter of law or policy."

"That is true," Calvin conceded. "But consider what Harlon has built here." He gestured to the leader of New Aspen.

Harlon cleared his throat. "When we first arrived, New Aspen was a fledgling camp with simple wooden walls. We faced destruction in the face of the most terrifying monster we've ever encountered. Now, as a minister in the council of Guardians, not only do I retain leadership over the territory of New Aspen, I help oversee training and command of the entire army of Olympus underneath the Seat of Ares."

He placed a fist over his heart. "My authority has grown, not diminished because the scale of our civilization has increased what is possible."

Ian nodded in agreement. "The resources you would gain access to are immense. With our library and workshops, your people could learn and create like never before. And they would be safe behind Olympus's might."

Calvin could see the gears turning in Ulrich and Durk's minds as they considered the council's words. There were great benefits but also a sacrifice of autonomy that gave them pause.

"I know it is not an easy choice," Calvin said gently, "Take your time to discuss it amongst yourselves and with your advisors. We can reconvene tomorrow. The tutorial is coming to an end soon. We hope to integrate as many settlements as possible before that time."

Ulrich nodded slowly. "I believe that would be best. You have given us much to ponder." He stood, followed by Durk.

"We thank you for your hospitality and will consider your offer with the gravity it deserves," Durk said.

Calvin clasped arms with them both. "I look forward to our next meeting. A portal to your settlements will open in just under two hours. You're free to return to your settlements or remain here in guest quarters. You'll be able to inform your citizens if you decide to stay, and there's room to bring them over for a tour if you'd like. While you're here, explore the city. Food and drink will be covered by the Council. We ask that you act respectfully toward our citizens, there will be zero tolerance for any crime. I don't expect that will be an issue though, just needed to be said."

As Ulrich and Durk were led to guest quarters, Calvin and the council sat in contemplative silence around the fire. Tank should be returning any time now.

----------------------------------------

Tank emerged into a dense, humid jungle. The chatter of birds and insects filled the air, along with an underlying sense of danger. Reaper and six soldiers armed with blades and spears fanned out behind him, weapons at the ready.

A shout rang out nearby, followed by panicked yelling. Tank gestured and the squad moved swiftly between the massive tree trunks toward the commotion. They soon came upon a ragged band of humans fleeing through the underbrush, pursued by an enormous mass of chittering, multi-legged creatures.

"Ambush formation!" Tank barked. The soldiers immediately took up positions, forming a line across the monsters' path. As the tide of skittering bodies drew near, Tank hefted his massive cannon. "Steady... "

The horde was nearly upon them when he opened fire. Deafening blasts erupted as Tank unleashed the punishing devastation of his cannon. Dozens of creatures exploded into chunks from the barrage. Those behind, scrambled over the remains, undeterred.

Tank continued firing, sweeping his cannon in wide arcs. Each thumping round kicked up dirt around him. Beside him, Reaper picked off individual targets with pinpoint shots from his rifle. The smell of ichor and gore filled the air as superheated rounds punched through exoskeletons.

More creatures emerged from the underbrush, mandibles clacking. They scuttled rapidly up the trees toward the soldiers. "Switch to melee!" Tank ordered.

Tank bashed an insectoid creature with his cannon, pulverizing its carapace. He stomped another underfoot, then fired point blank to obliterate a mass of bugs that were about to pounce. The soldiers battled relentlessly, their weapons slick with ichor.

The horde's numbers dwindled under the onslaught. Tank triggered his Overdrive Cannon. A devastating beam of energy erupted, sweeping across the battlefield. The remaining creatures blackened and burst apart.

Tank lowered his smoking cannon as the last insectoid creature fell lifeless to the jungle floor. His soldiers moved among the smoldering corpses, ensuring there were no survivors.

A ragged and exhausted band of humans emerged hesitantly from the brush. Their clothes and armor were torn, and their faces streaked with dirt and fear. One man with a spear stepped forward.

"Thank you for saving us," he said breathlessly. "We'd all be bug food if not for you and your men."

Tank nodded. "What happened here?"

The man shook his head grimly. "It's been a nightmare. Two days ago, this massive bug queen spawned near our settlement with tens of thousands of these things. They swarmed us... so many died..." His voice broke.

"We tried to fight but there were too many. They destroyed everything, burrowed right into our homes." The man looked back at the twenty or so other survivors. "This is just a scouting party. There are thousands more coming this way as we speak."

Tank's expression hardened. This was worse than he thought. "You said you had a settlement near here?"

"Just a few miles west. Or at least, what's left of it." The man sighed. "We've been on the run since trying to get clear of those monsters."

Tank thought for a moment. He activated the portal grenade, manifesting a glowing doorway. "Come with us. We have a stronghold that can keep you safe."

The survivors looked at each other uncertainly.

Tank turned to Reaper. "Get these people through the portal, now!" Reaper began ushering the ragged group toward the shimmering doorway.

One by one, the survivors disappeared into the portal. Tank scanned the jungle warily as the last few entered. In the distance, he could hear the skittering and snapping of mandibles growing louder through the brush.

"Time's up, let's move!" Tank bellowed. He fired a wide blast from his cannon into the jungle to stall the approaching horde. Then he stepped backward through the portal after his men.

Tank addressed the stunned survivors. "You'll be safe here. We have food, medical aid, and solid defenses."

A young woman holding a crying child looked up at him with red-rimmed eyes. "But... how? Where are we?"

"Welcome to Olympus," Tank said. "I'll explain more soon. For now, let's get you folks some food and rest."

Tank guided them into the city. He caught sight of Amy as she headed over to greet them.

Her eyes widened at the band of survivors behind him. "What happened?" she asked, rushing over.

Tank quickly updated her on the situation as Amy helped usher the survivors toward a place to rest. Marshall triaged the wounded and got them to the infirmary. While the injuries weren't too bad, everyone had taken their fair share of bumps and bruises. Coupled with the exhaustion from constantly running from bugs, they were in pretty poor shape.