Chapter 24: The Next Upgrade

    Arkanos stood amidst the silent assembly, his presence commanding the attention of all.

    The soft afternoon sunlight filtered through the trees, casting gentle shadows over the rows of gleaming graves.

    He had come to honor the fallen... Just like the system suggested.

    Each tombstone was meticulously crafted, white quartz designed with golden engravings that bore the names of the fallen. Though their bodies rested elsewhere, their essence was immortalized here, a solemn reminder of the price of their valor.

    Placing his hand firmly on his chest, Arkanos stood tall, his voice echoed loudly.

    "Men!" he spoke, his eyes sweeping over the soldiers, knights, and citizens who stood before him.

    "All these graves we stand before were made to honor those who fell in their battle against the mythical serpent. Though their bodies are not here, their noble sacrifices shall be remembered for generations to come."

    He paused for a moment then continued.

    "They did not fall as mere casualties of battle but rose as legends who left behind a legacy. An example for all of us who draw breath today. We owe it to them to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain. We owe it to them to fight, to endure, and to persevere. For the empire!"

    The soldiers and knights around him straightened, their voices a thunderous as they replied.

    "For the empire!"

    Their cries echoed across the clearing, a declaration that carried both grief and resolve.

    Among the common folk gathered, the mood was somber, yet emotions overflowed.

    Women wept quietly, clutching each other for support, while men removed their hats and lowered their heads in respect. A child clung to his mother, whispering through tears, "I want to see Papa again." Another small voice trembled.

    "When will Sister come home?"

    Arkanos''s piercing gaze softened as he looked upon the grieving families. His lips pressed into a thin line, but he said nothing, letting the silence speak the words his heart could not.

    ...

    The strategy room was different when compared to the somber atmosphere of the gravesite.

    Here, it was all about sharp minds, meticulous planning, and the weight of decisions that could shape the empire''s future. @@@@

    Arkanos stood at the head of the grand table, Seraphine and Arvel stood on either side, each of them having a serious expression on their faces.

    Arvel cleared his throat, adjusting the monocle perched on his nose.

    The system responded almost immediately.

    ? ? Fertility Tier: Maxed

    Effect: Effect: Land yields will increase by 300%, ensuring abundant harvests year-round. Crop quality will reach near-perfect standards. Livestock will flourish, and food scarcity will be eradicated.

    Cost to max out fertility: 500 Upgrade Points ? ?

    A look of excitmant crossed Arkanos'' face.

    ''Proceed with the maxed-out upgrade.''

    The system''s confirmation arrived promptly.

    ? ? Maxed Fertility Upgrade in Progress... ?

    Upgrade Cost: 500 Upgrade Points ? ?

    Arkanos''s eyes never left the map as the earth beneath him seemed to respond to the command. A quiet hum filled the room, as if the very soil of the empire was being reshaped by his will.

    Suddenly, a deep tremor shook the ground beneath their feet. The floor vibrated as if something immense was shifting beneath the earth itself.

    Arvel and Seraphine exchanged worried glances.

    "What is happening?" Arvel asked, his monocle rattling slightly as he steadied himself.

    Seraphine''s hand instinctively reached for the hilt of her sword, her eyes looking around the room. "Is it an attack, Your Majesty?"

    Arkanos, however, remained unfazed, his hands still resting on the map. "Calm yourselves. It is... the earth itself responding."

    Outside, the entire city seemed to tremble. Citizens on the streets stopped in their tracks, looking around in confusion and fear.

    A brilliant green light erupted from the ground, pulsing outward from the capital. The green radiance spread in waves, moving like a pulse, illuminating the streets and buildings in its path. The city held its breath, all eyes drawn to the strange phenomenon.

    But just as suddenly as it had begun, the light faded, and the tremors ceased. The streets were left quiet, the only sounds being the murmurs of the confused populace.

    In the strategy room, the system''s voice echoed in Arkanos''s mind.

    ? ? Maxed Fertility Upgrade Complete ? ?