87. The Ones Left Behind

Carlos woke before the morning work bell even his his ears. Waking up early had become a habit now. 

For a few seconds, he did not move. The room was quiet and the bed felt too warm after days of sleeping near ruined channels and old stone roads. Sometimes even basic luxuries felt precious when you didn't have them for a while.

He got up and looked at the conquest portal on the side of the territory and took a deep breath. 

By the time he reached the training ground, the new combat summons were already moving under Kaia's orders. The two Shield Militia held a line without letting their shields drop. The new Archer hit the target twice from the eastern tower. One of the Slimes finally landed a Water Shot, while the Bearkin carried wall braces like they weighed nothing.

They were not ready for a Hellbound conquest. But Carlos could see they were ready to hold a position if someone gave them clear orders.

He looked toward the Domain Portal.