The next morning, Henry woke with a tinge of pain in his neck. Blinking away the sleep from his eyes, he realized he was still in his office, slumped over a pile of papers rather than in the comfort of his bed.

“I can't believe I slept at my desk,” Henry muttered to himself, rubbing the back of his neck in disbelief. He straightened up and glanced around, noticing the clutter of documents, reports, and his scribbled agenda from the night before. His body ached from the uncomfortable position, but there was no time to waste.

“Awake already?” Heather's cheerful voice broke through his thoughts as she walked in, carrying a steaming cup of coffee.

The rich aroma filled the room, lingering pleasantly in his nostrils, and Henry felt a small smile tug at his lips. Few things could lift his spirits like the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.

“Treat that carefully,” she chuckled, seeing the contentment spread across his face. “That’s our last cup for a while.”

Henry’s smile faded into a frown. “We’re out of coffee?”

Heather nodded, her expression turning more serious. “We’re running out of a lot of supplies, actually. Philip and Phoebe sent me a list of essentials we're low on. Cassian sent one too.” She handed him a thick stack of papers.

Sighing, Henry flipped through the six-page list. "If Travis hadn’t left during the convergence, we could’ve contacted the Mythical Guild to trade. Without the Trading Post, Cassian and the merchants can’t purchase replacements.”

“I know,” Heather agreed, gently rubbing his back. “That’s why your trip to the Twilight Order is so important. You need their help to establish new trade routes. Come on, let’s eat breakfast and then we’ll leave. I’m running low on alchemical supplies too."

As they made their way outside, the early morning air was cool, carrying with it the acrid scent of smoke and the faint, metallic tang of blood. The town bore the scars of the recent battle, the new moat was filled with a bloody crimson hue. Despite this, the townspeople moved with resolute determination, their spirits buoyed by their hard-won victory against the manticore and its monstrous horde.

Even after the chaos since the convergence, life in Woodhaerst continued with a surprising semblance of normalcy. Arthur and the farmers diligently worked the fields, planting and harvesting crops. Sean could be seen at the mill, grinding grain into flour, while his wife Lidia baked fresh bread that filled the air with a comforting, familiar aroma. Molly and her daughters wove clothing and rugs with nimble fingers, and Brand methodically butchered meat at his shop. Hunter patrolled the forests, bringing back game, while Nathan and the loggers cut down trees, and Marcus sawed lumber in the sawmill. Oscar tanned hides with practiced efficiency. At the Sleepy Coyote Inn, Phillip and Phoebe served meals and brewed the last of their beer, maintaining a semblance of hospitality in the wake of hardship.

Henry felt a sense of pride swell in his chest as he watched his people go about their daily tasks, undeterred by the recent trials. They trusted him, looked to him for leadership, and he was determined not to let them down. His journey to the Twilight Order was not just for resources but also for reassurance—for himself and for the people of Woodhaerst. He knew the town’s survival depended on the alliances he could forge and the strength he could muster.

As Henry and Heather walked to the jump gate, he took one last look back at the town, its walls still holding strong despite the recent onslaught. He felt a surge of determination to secure the supplies and support they desperately needed. The portal, shimmering with a soft, ethereal light, stood inside fortress, a reminder of the connection they still had to the outside world.

“Lord Brown,” Captain Joseph and Sergeant Ulysess’ saluted, bowing slightly. “Have a safe trip, sire.”

Henry nodded, appreciating their efforts. “You’ve done well. While I’m away promote the soldiers who did well and bolster the ranks with new refugees. When I return, we’ll take care of those pirates.”

Captain Joseph and Sergeant Ulysses exchanged a glance, both understanding the gravity of Henry’s decision. “Yes, sire,” Captain Joseph said, his voice resolute.

With that, Henry and Heather stepped into the gate, feeling the familiar, disorienting sensation as the world around him shifted. When the sensation subsided, Henry found himself once again standing on the rocky outcrop overlooking the Twilight Order’s headquarters.

The stark beauty of the island, with its jagged cliffs and dense forests, was a sharp contrast to Woodhaerst’s landscape of gentle plains and running river. He quickly made his way along the winding path that led to the grand building at the heart of the complex, his thoughts racing as he considered how best to present his case.

As he approached the entrance, the robed figures of the Twilight Order members greeted him with respectful nods. They recognized him as a member of the family, the respected son of the founders.

“Lord Brown,” one of the robed figures said, stepping forward to greet him. “Welcome back to the headquarters. I’ll let the leaders know you arrived.”

Henry nodded in acknowledgment, his expression serious. “Thank you. Please lead the way.”

The robed figure guided Henry and Heather through the grand halls of the headquarters to a waiting room. They didn’t have to wait long for Moon to arrive.

“Welcome Kappa Ursae Majoris and Heather, it’s so nice to see you both so soon again. What is the reason for your visit?” Moon asked leading them to his office.

The office was richly decorated with dark wood furniture, soft lighting, and walls lined with ancient books and scrolls. Moon sat down behind a familiar rustic oak desk.

“Is that one of mine?” Henry asked assumed.

“It is. In fact, all our office furniture came from your Iron and Oak company. It’s the family’s way of supporting you,” Moon shrugged.

“I appreciate your support.” Henry said thankfully. “When I return, I craft a personal item for you and Sun.”

Moon nodded appreciatively, but hastily urged the meeting onward, “So, the reason for your visit?”

“Two reasons really,” Henry’s expression grew grave. “My towns are growing out of goods and supplies. With the convergence, we are in dire need of trade partners.”

“That maybe, but Ironwood and Woodhaerst are predominantly self-sufficient. Don’t your towns trade with each other?” Moon asked curiously. “The only goods you don’t trade back and forth are luxury goods. I also imagine you’re having trouble selling your extra produce.”

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“More or less,” Henry agreed.

“In that case, we are happy to act as an intermediary. “We’ll happily purchase your crops, beer, wine, and other goods,” Moon agreed nonchalantly, handing him a card of procurement agent in the comptroller’s office.

Henry felt a wave of relief wash over him at Moon’s words. With the order operating as a distribution center, his town could now sell across the world. Thanks to the order, Henry now had access to a global market.

“And your second reason?” Moon sighed

“To connect the jump gates with cities. Several people want to leave Woodhaerst and Ironwood to search for their missing family members.”

Moon exchanged a glance with Henry, before pressing a button on his desk. Soon an assistant knocked on the door and entered ready to take notes.

“Tell Sun, Kappa Ursae Majoris is here, and he may help us with our problem,” Moon informed the assistant.

“We may have a collective problem,” Moon began, his tone serious. “The Sapindaceae and Fagaceae kingdoms are on the brink of war, and we have been mediating their negotiations to prevent a full-scale conflict. These two kingdoms are powerful, and their war would have far-reaching consequences, potentially destabilizing the entire region.”

“The nearest region to our headquarters,” Sun sighed entering the office.

Henry frowned, “How can I help?”

“Both kings are heirs to a once united empire. When the emperor died, the sons divided the empire into two kingdoms. The kingdoms are located north of here, along the former southern French coastline. The old imperial city is a strategic stronghold. The negotiations have been delicate, but the situation is volatile. We’re doing everything we can to prevent bloodshed, but it’s a challenging balance. The Sapindacea and Fagaceae kingdoms are powerful, and their conflict threatens to destabilize our entire region. The Twilight Order is attempting to broker a peace, but it’s proving difficult. Both sides have deep-seated grudges, and neither is willing to back down,” Sun explained.

“Why not get involved and conquer both when they are defeated?” Heather asked.

“It’s our policy to not get involved in a country’s political affairs,” Sun clarified.

Moon added, “Plus governing a kingdom requires lots of resources. Resources the Night or Daylight could use against us. By maintaining our neutrality, we can safeguard our resources to defend and provide aid.”

“Are you saying the Night and Daylight Orders govern countries?” Henry eyes widened in surprise.

“Yes, they each control a kingdom. But let’s return to our communal problem,” Moon advised cryptically.

Sun looked at Henry with a serious expression. “The kings have sieged the Grand City, the old imperial capital, unwilling to let the other control the imperial throne. Between the war and kings’ incessant bickering is causing the old imperial capital city to suffer from starvation. We need you to visit the city as our ambassador to deliver a message. While you’re there we’ll give you food and medicine to hand out to the churches. You could also take this opportunity to discuss linking jump gates with the city administrator.”

“I’m sure your people would appreciate gaining access to Grand City. The old city is a large metropolis, and from there they could begin to explore the new world,” Moon added approvingly.

Henry thought before agreeing. Walking into a sieged city, surrounded by two warring kingdoms, sounded like a fast way to die. Unlike in the game, he only had one life. There was no respawning after death. On the other hand, the adventures were likely to mutiny if he did not find a way to link the jump gates to another city. He was strong, but not strong enough to fight off over 200 adventures.

“Fine, what do I have to do?” Henry hesitantly accepted.

Sun and Moon exchanged a look of approval. “Thank you, Kappa Ursae Majoris. Your commitment is appreciated.” Sun smiled warmly. “Here is the letter. Give it to the priestess at the Church of Demeter. We believe your connection to the church might help us expedite the negotiations.”

Moon, who had been sitting quietly, stood and approached Henry, “Thank you for your help. Don’t worry about the other matter, we’ll handle things in your absence. Why don’t you visit your parents before you leave.”

Henry hesitated for a moment, then nodded. Visiting his parents had not been part of his original plan, but Moon’s suggestion made sense. He hadn’t seen them in a while, and with the uncertainty of the upcoming mission, it might be a long time before he could visit again.

"Alright," Henry agreed, "I'll visit them before I head out."

Heather smiled at him, her eyes softening. "It’ll be good for you, Henry. You’ve been carrying a lot on your shoulders lately."

Henry managed a small smile in return. "Yeah, maybe you’re right."

With that, Henry and Heather left Moon's office and made their way through the winding corridors of the Twilight Order's headquarters. The halls were quiet, save for the occasional whisper of a robe brushing against the floor or the soft murmur of distant conversations. The calmness of the headquarters was a stark contrast to the chaos that awaited them outside in the world.

As they approached a secluded wing of the headquarters, the path led them to a quiet garden where Henry’s parents had their private quarters. The garden was lush, filled with vibrant flowers and trees, a small haven of tranquility within the imposing structure of the headquarters. It was a place Henry often visited as a child—a place that always felt like a small piece of home.

They found his parents sitting together on a stone bench beneath a willow tree, enjoying the serene beauty of the garden. His father, tall and with a commanding presence even in repose, was speaking softly to his mother, who listened with a gentle smile on her face. They both looked up as Henry and Heather approached, their faces lighting up with warm, welcoming smiles.

“Henry, Heather,” his mother greeted warmly, rising to embrace them both. “What a pleasant surprise! We weren’t expecting you.”

“Hello, Mother,” Henry said, returning the embrace before turning to his father. “Father.”

His father stood, clasping Henry’s shoulder firmly. “Son, it’s good to see you. I hear you’ve been busy.”

Henry chuckled softly. “Busy might be an understatement. But it’s good to be here, even if just for a moment.”

They spent a short while catching up, talking about Woodhaerst, the challenges of leading a town, and the growing tension between the Sapindaceae and Fagaceae kingdoms. Henry’s parents listened intently, offering advice and words of encouragement, their wisdom and experience shining through in every word.

His father’s face grew serious as Henry explained his upcoming mission. “Walking into a besieged city is no easy task. You’ll probably be followed by both kings’ spies as soon as you arrive.”

“We know,” Henry replied, his voice steady. “But I want to do right for these people.”

“Same, I can’t imagine missing my family. I don’t know what I do, if my parents didn’t move to Woodhaerst before the convergence. Even my mother and father are thinking about leaving to look for the rest of my family.” Heather added.

Lindsey placed a gentle hand on them, “Henry, Heather, we understand. But you need to take care of yourselves. You don’t have to carry all this weight alone. Henry, maybe it’s time you appoint some city advisers to help deal with all this stuff.”

“Henry, I think your mother is right. Without the A.I. helping you, managing two towns on your own is difficult. You haven’t even visited Ironwood since the convergence,” Heather said supportively.

“I’ll think about,” Henry groaned, knowing that was another thing to add to his growing agenda. Hugging his parents, he motioned Heather it was to go.

His father nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Stay safe, son. And remember, no matter what happens, we’re always with you in spirit.”

Henry and Heather left the garden and made their way back to the central hall where the jump gates were located. The tension from earlier had not entirely left him, but there was a renewed sense of purpose in his stride, a determination that had been bolstered by the visit to his parents.

As they approached the portal leading to Grand City, Henry turned to Heather. “Are you ready for this?”

Heather gave him a reassuring smile. “With you…always.”

Taking a deep breath, Henry stepped forward, Heather close beside him. The shimmering light of the portal enveloped them, and with a final glance back at the headquarters of the Twilight Order, they stepped through, leaving behind the calm of the headquarters for the uncertainty that awaited them in Grand City.

The sensation of the jump gate was familiar yet disorienting, a rush of light and sound that seemed to pull them through space itself. When it finally subsided, Henry found himself standing in a different place entirely—a bustling city square filled with people, vendors, and the distant sounds of conflict. The Grand City loomed around them, a mix of grandeur and decay, where remnants of its former glory stood alongside signs of the recent siege.

Heather looked around, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and apprehension. “Welcome to Grand City,” she murmured, echoing Henry’s own thoughts.