Chapter 11 – "Welcoming the Lost"
Reinhardt sat in his new palace, staring at the map of his growing land.
The city had fortifications, a thriving market, a barracks, and even the Grand Academy. But there was a glaring issue—the population was too small.
[Current Population: 458]
Even with the infrastructure in place, they simply didn't have enough people to truly grow.
Reinhardt sighed and leaned back. "What's the point of a kingdom if there's no one in it?"
[New Mission: Expand the Population!]
Goal: Increase population to at least 2,000.
Reward: Unlock [City Advancement Perks] + Additional 500,000,000 SP.
Hint:Seek out those who have lost their homes… they will find you.
Reinhardt's eyes narrowed. "Lost their homes?"
Suddenly, Gerrick burst into the room, looking concerned.
"My lord! Scouts have spotted a group of refugees heading toward our city! Hundreds of them!"
Reinhardt's eyes widened. "Hundreds?"
"They look exhausted… but some seem well-trained. They're survivors from fallen villages and war-torn regions!"
Reinhardt stood up immediately. "Gather the warriors. We're going to meet them."
The Arrival of the Refugees
At the city's entrance, Reinhardt and his warriors stood ready.
A long line of ragged men, women, and children approached, their eyes filled with fear, exhaustion, and hope.
Some bore weapons and armor, clearly battle-hardened veterans. Others had staves and robes, likely mages from fallen academies.
One man at the front, an older swordsman with graying hair, stepped forward.
"You are… the lord of this city?" he asked warily.
Reinhardt nodded. "And you are?"
The man placed a fist over his chest. "I am Aldric, a former knight-captain. We come from villages that have been destroyed… some by war, others by bandits and monsters. We have nowhere to go."
A murmur spread among the people behind him.
Reinhardt scanned their faces. These weren't just ordinary peasants.
Knights and mercenaries stood among them.
Mages clutching grimoires held back their power.
Craftsmen carried whatever tools they could save.
Elara whispered beside him, "This is an opportunity, my lord."
Reinhardt nodded. Then, he stepped forward and addressed them.
He looked at the tired, desperate people and spoke loudly.
"You've all lost your homes. I won't pretend to understand your pain. But hear me now—that suffering ends today!"
The crowd stirred, uncertain but listening.
"This city was built from nothing. It was a land of the forgotten, just like you. But now? It's a place of strength!"
Reinhardt gestured to the tall walls, the new homes, the thriving market.
"I won't turn you away. If you want a new home, stay. If you want work, you will have it. If you want to fight, I will give you purpose!"
The crowd's uncertainty turned to hope.
"Join me, and you will never have to run again!"
Silence hung in the air for a moment.
Then, Aldric dropped to one knee.
"If you will have us, my lord… we are yours."
One by one, the others followed, swearing loyalty.
Elara, watching from the side, smiled softly.
"…You truly are something else, my lord."
System Notification – Population Growth!
[New Population Count: 1,203!]
New Occupations Discovered:
Knights (Former warriors looking to serve again)
Battle Mages (Mages trained for combat)
Artisans (Blacksmiths, masons, and crafters)
Scholars & Teachers (Potential instructors for the Grand Academy!)
Reinhardt's eyes lit up. "That's more like it."
Building for the Future
With over 700 new people, housing was a problem.
He opened the System Shop and purchased:
100 new houses (100,000 SP each)
A public bathhouse (50,000,000 SP)
A hospital (100,000,000 SP)
A larger marketplace (75,000,000 SP)
The people watched in awe as the structures materialized before them.
"This is… impossible," one of the refugees muttered.
Aldric turned to Reinhardt. "What are you, my lord?"
Reinhardt smirked. "The man who's going to change this world."
The Grand Academy – Gaining Instructors
With skilled mages and knights among the refugees, Reinhardt officially assigned instructors to the Grand Academy.
[New Instructors Added!]
Aldric – Swordsmanship Instructor
Marielle – Battle Magic Instructor
Doran – Tactics & Strategy Teacher
Elara adjusted her glasses. "Now we can truly begin training the future warriors of this land."
Reinhardt nodded. "Let's make legends."
As night fell, a scout rushed into the palace, out of breath.
"My lord! A noble army is marching this way!"
Reinhardt's eyes sharpened. "How many?"
"At least 500 men. Their banner belongs to Count Varell."
Elara frowned. "He must have heard of our growth and wants to challenge us."
Reinhardt cracked his knuckles. "Good. Let's show them what our new city can do."