Calvin awoke early the next morning, even before the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon. He noted that Amy was not in the cabin. Calvin quietly dressed and exited his quarters. The cool morning air helped shake off the last remnants of sleepiness as he looked out over the central plaza. A great fountain in the center was in the final stages of construction and not flowing yet, the pools were empty and tranquil. Aside from a few early risers moving about on errands, Olympus was still at rest. Calvin headed to the firepit near his cabin. He pulled open the base construction options. They would need official council chambers to hold meetings like this in the future. Sitting around the fire was great and all but it didn't really project an official air to these proceedings. He poked through a few options until he found one he liked and called up Andy.

"Hey Andy, could you prioritize the construction of a government building? Here are a few options I've picked out. I'd like to be located near the lake and surrounded by natural features."

"Understood, I'll get started immediately. This shouldn't take more than a couple of hours. I will modify the aesthetic to make it more fitting than the base options."

He nodded his thanks to the administrator as he disappeared. He almost fell into a peaceful meditation while staring at the fire before he was struck by a… sandwich?

He looked up and saw Amy happily chowing down on a breakfast sandwich.

"Got ya some breakfast. Eat up. I figured you'd be up early."

"You're up early too," Calvin said and he unwrapped the piping hot breakfast.

Amy smiled and nodded. "It's a big day. If we can get Ulrich and Durk to sign under our banner, that's two more settlements joining us. And who knows how many other survivors they may have encountered out there?"

"My thoughts exactly," Calvin replied. "I want to make sure they understand this is for mutual benefit, not just us imposing our will."

They discussed strategy until the others arrived: Tank, Ian, Marshall, and Seth. Once assembled, Calvin outlined his plan to appeal to Ulrich and Durk's reason and desire to protect their people, while still allowing local governance. With the council in agreement, they spent some time outlining the plans for Olympus while the Council hall was built.

Andy finally reappeared to let them know the construction was complete. The city was starting to come alive now as sunrise greeted the population.

Calvin and the others followed Andy towards the newly constructed Hall of the Aegis. They stood there for several minutes marveling at the majestic building that now housed the seats of Olympus's government. Angular walls of smooth grey stone rose up three stories, accented by lines of glowing blue light that traced symmetrical geometric patterns. Wide balconies jutted out from the upper floors, granting sweeping views of the surrounding valley and glittering lake beyond.

As they ascended the steps to the entrance flanked by carved obsidian pillars, Calvin noted the building was seamlessly integrated into the natural rock formations rising up behind it. Vines cascaded down the stone cliffs, complementing the Hall's austere façade. Entering beneath a soaring archway, Calvin found himself in a vaulted chamber with a high, domed ceiling. Intricate holograms depicting the groups' previous battles covered the walls and floors.

At the room's center, a large raised circular dais held seven thronelike chairs in a semicircle facing outwards. Each chair bore stylized engravings representing one of the Olympian council members. Calvin circled the room, footsteps echoing off the smooth floors, admiring the craftsmanship before ascending the dais to the central seat marked with the same lightning bolt from the clasp Seth had presented him with.

Sitting down, Calvin rested his hands on the chair's sleek armrests as he surveyed the grand chamber. Tall arched windows flooded the space with natural light. Through them, Calvin glimpsed stone paths meandering through cultivated gardens that surrounded the building. The sweet scent of blossoms wafted in on a gentle breeze. The others took their seats around the dais. They looked like a true council.

Andy appeared at the edge of the dais.

"I hope the structure is to your satisfaction?" the administrator said.

"You kidding me Andy? This is fucking sweet." Marshall said.

The others nodded, agreeing with the sentiment.

"Excellent. There are a few features you may find useful."

Andy waved his arm and a large circular table rose up from the dais, perfectly situated to form to the seats around it. He waved his hand again and brought more chairs up around the table and out around the dais.

"This chamber can be reconfigured to support the number of people participating in the discussion."

In the center of the table, a large holographic map of Olympus sprang into view.

"The base management functions are integrated into this table. The map and Seth's scouting data can be called up from here. More functions can be added as necessary, just speak to me and I can incorporate them."

"Andy, this is awesome." Calvin said.

Calvin smiled, imagining convening the first official council meeting here. He felt certain Ulrich and Durk would be impressed by the Hall's atmosphere. It projected strength, prosperity, and vision - exactly the image he hoped to convey about Olympus as an emerging power. This seat of government demonstrated their capabilities and reinforced that banding together would allow all settlements to thrive.

Calvin rose from his seat, eager to explore the rest of the grand building Andy had constructed for them.

"Shall we take a tour?" Andy asked.

The group voiced their agreement and followed the administrator down the wide steps leading from the central dais.

Their footsteps echoed through the vast chamber as Andy led them along one wall. Intricately detailed murals depicting historic battles covered the smooth stone. Holographic details sprang from the images, recreating ghostly scenes of ancient combat.

"These recordings are drawn from the Aetherian archives," Andy explained. "They showcase pivotal moments that shaped their history."

Next, Andy showed them a row of polished wooden doors with gilded handles.

"Beyond these doors lie administrative offices and meeting rooms for conducting official business."

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At the end of the hall stood an elegant archway leading into a bright atrium. Sunlight streamed in from an ornate glass ceiling. Circular alcoves along the walls held marble statues of each council member.

"A nice touch," Calvin remarked, admiring the craftsmanship of the statues.

They passed through the atrium into a grand library. Rows of bookcases stretched up three stories. Floating drones zipped along the shelves, retrieving and replacing leather-bound tomes.

"Every piece of knowledge recovered from Earth and discovered in the tutorial can be found here," Andy said.

Marshall plucked a book off a shelf and flipped through it.

"Very nice. Any comic books in here?"

Andy simply looked at him, confused.

Beyond the library they entered a richly furnished lounge, complete with plush couches that surrounded a crackling fireplace.

"Make yourselves comfortable here during recesses," Andy offered.

At the back of the lounge, a spiral staircase led up to the second level. They emerged onto an interior balcony that looked down on the central chamber. Another mural wrapped around the balcony, this one showing Olympus in its early days.

Andy guided them along the balcony to a set of double doors leading outside. Pushing them open revealed a wide stone terrace flanked by gardens. At the railing, the group took in the sweeping vista.

From this height, all of Olympus was laid out before them. Citizens bustled purposefully along tidy streets below. In the distance, sunlight glittered off the waters of the lake. Beyond the walls, lush forests and mountains stretched to the horizon. Seeing their city thriving so, Calvin was filled with pride in how far they'd come.

"Andy, this is really good work. Could you inform Ulrich and Durk that we are ready for them? Accompany them here. Have someone bring food and drink as well. We'll meet them in the main chamber."

Within the hour, Ulrich and Durk arrived. Calvin welcomed them and summoned some additional seats around the table laden with all manner of food and drink.

Calvin acknowledged Ulrich and Durk seated around the council table. The time had come for their decision on whether to unite their settlements under Olympus's banner. Calvin folded his hands on the table.

"Gentlemen, have you decided on our proposals?"

Ulrich and Durk exchanged a glance. Ulrich cleared his throat.

"Yes, after much consideration, we've decided that joining together is the wisest course. Your city is far more advanced than either of our settlements. We wouldn't be able to build or defend anything close to this scale on our own."

Durk nodded in agreement. "Aye, after seeing all you've built here, it's clear that banding together makes us all stronger. We'd be fools not to join forces when there are great threats still out there."

Calvin smiled, pleased that they were both in agreeance. "Excellent. This is great news. Now we can focus our efforts on building a prosperous future."

He called the display onto the table, showing a copy of their charter.

"This charter outlines the terms of annexation. Your settlements will retain local governance, but unite under Olympus's banner. We'll provide security, technology, infrastructure, and access to resources. In return, we'll coordinate goals and taxation to support further development."

Ulrich and Durk looked over the charter. They discussed a few points with Calvin to clarify details. Once satisfied, they both signed.

"Welcome to Olympus." Calvin said with a beaming smile. He stood to clasp arms with each of them.

"Here here!" Tank heartily concurred, raising his glass.

Glasses clinked around the table as they made the joining official. Calvin felt a swell of optimism for the future.

"Now, let's discuss how you'd like to be involved going forward. We were hoping you could serve as government ministers, overseeing departments that utilize your expertise."

Ulrich and Durk expressed interest in the proposal.

"I have experience organizing hunters and patrols," Ulrich offered. "Perhaps I could serve under the Seat of Ares?"

Calvin nodded. "That sounds like a perfect role. We could definitely use your experience overseeing defenses and scouting. Tank?"

"Sounds good to me. Thank you."

Calvin turned to Durk. "What area would you like to focus on?"

The grizzled captain stroked his beard thoughtfully. "My people are mostly laborers and builders. I imagine we could aid expanding infrastructure and improvements."

"You'll fit right in on the Council of Creation. Welcome aboard." Seth said.

They spent some time outlining responsibilities for the roles. Once finished, Calvin had Andy update the governmental registry to list their new ministers.

"We'll want to keep leadership in place to handle local affairs at your settlements as well. They can coordinate with appointed representatives here in Olympus."

Ulrich and Durk agreed with the plan. "We'll return home today and meet with our people to see who wishes to relocate here versus staying locally. It may take a day or so to sort out the logistics."

"Of course, take the time you need. Be aware, the tutorial is ending soon. We want to have this all wrapped up by then. We can send some administrators and soldiers along to help facilitate the transition and open portals back here as needed." Calvin offered.

"Unless there's anything else to discuss, we can conclude today's council session."

No one raised any further points.

Calvin stood. "Thank you all for your time and wisdom. Let's reconvene tomorrow once Ulrich and Durk have had a chance to relay the developments to their people. Andy, have Asher meet us up on the balcony to talk about the dungeon core."

The group exchanged parting pleasantries before dispersing from the hall. Ulrich and Durk left to gather their things and prepare for the journey back through the portal.

Walking up the steps to the balcony alongside Amy, Calvin felt deeply satisfied with the meeting's outcome. With two new strong settlements on board, they were building a force that could provide meaningful stability, order, and justice.

Calvin leaned against the balcony railing, gazing out over Olympus as he waited for Asher to arrive.

"It's quite the view, isn't it?" Amy said, joining Calvin at the railing.

"It really is," Calvin agreed. "Everything we've worked for is right here in front of us. And after today's meeting, it's only going to keep growing."

Amy nodded, smiling. "I'm proud of what we've accomplished together."

They enjoyed the companionable silence for a few moments before the sound of footsteps announced Asher's arrival. Calvin turned to greet the newcomer.

"Asher, thank you for meeting with us."

"Of course, Aegis." Asher inclined his head respectfully.

Calvin smiled. "Please, just Calvin is fine." He gestured for Asher to join them at the railing.

"I wanted to discuss the inert dungeon core we recovered and get a better understanding of your capabilities with it."

Asher's face lit up at the mention of the core. "Ah yes, a fascinating item. With the proper coaxing, it could become the heart of a thriving dungeon."

Calvin nodded. "That's exactly what I'm hoping you can help us with."

"I've gained skills that allow me to nurture these dungeon cores, helping them mature into fully realized dungeons. The process does take time and resources."

Calvin leaned forward with interest. "You'll of course have access to whatever resources you need. Andy will provide you those resources. How much time are we talking?"

"To start, the core will require a steady influx of elemental essences attuned to its abilities," Asher replied. "Earth, air, fire, water - these will nourish it and stimulate expansion. Given care and feeding, it should take under a week."

Calvin thoughtfully stroked his beard. "Does the quality of the essence matter?"

Asher nodded. "I believe so. From what I understand, more powerful essences will both speed up the formation of the dungeon, and also increase its tier, granting access to better challenges and rewards."

Calvin withdrew a behemoth essence from his pouch. "How about something like this?"

Asher's mouth hung open. "That, is incredible. You have more of these?"

Calvin chuckled. "We have thousands. Get with Seth, he's got them squirreled away in his shop. I'll let him know you're coming."

"What are the limits of the dungeon? Do you know of any?"

"That I'm not sure. I only have access to my initial skills in the class. I've been reading through the books in the library though, It stands to reason that as my class progresses, my capabilities with the dungeon will progress too. If I had to guess, if I keep feeding it resources, it should keep growing." Asher said.

"Excellent. Please get started on it right away. I'd like to have this set up soon after we get back to Earth."

Asher bowed his head. "Thank you, Aegis for this opportunity."

"Just Calvin." he said shaking the man's hand.

"One last thing," Calvin added as Asher turned to depart. "Have Andy assist you in identifying optimal sites to locate dungeon entrances, we'll want them secure within our borders."

"Of course. I will start preparations right away." Asher headed off, brimming with excitement.

Calvin watched him go, then turned back to enjoy the view. The sun was climbing higher, promising a beautiful day. And now they had set in motion a project that could become a great asset for Olympus. Feeling optimistic about the future, Calvin put an arm around Amy as they looked out over their city together.