Chapter 165: Development of the City
Life on Lein Island went on as usual. Everyone carried out their activities like any other day—parents went to work, children attended school, and the Hunters embarked on missions. Everyone was busy with their respective routines.
Even Lein and the core members of the alliance were immersed in their own efforts to strengthen themselves. Far off on other islands, home to the alliances of major nations, progress continued as they focused on development. Cities were being meticulously built and managed with care and professionalism.
Humanity, preoccupied with themselves, enjoyed the power they had gained from the system, boasting, killing each other, and fighting amongst themselves. Yet, what they failed to realize was that the transparent barrier protecting the realm they inhabited was nearing its breaking point.
Lein was currently in the city lord's chamber, reviewing the developmental data of the City of Life and the island as a whole. Together with Nita by his side, they carefully read through several sheets of reports spread out on the table.
"Has the three-year school trend been implemented yet?" Lein asked Nita beside him.
"Yes, big brother. According to several experts, three years of school is enough for general education. If anyone wants to become an academic, they can continue on to higher education. Otherwise, they are strongly encouraged to learn life skills," Nita explained clearly to Lein.
Lein listened casually, occasionally nodding in agreement. He supported shortening the time spent on basic education, given the state of the world today; humanity had to adapt.
Lein continued reading the papers in his hand, which detailed the number of schools and students on his island. One sheet indicated that the City of Life, directly managed by him, had the highest number of schools and students, followed by Elen's City of Peace.
"Oh, speaking of Elen, has she found her father yet?"
Seeing Elen's City of Peace mentioned in the report reminded Lein of the girl. That shy girl was one of the core members of his alliance. Her timid nature and being the youngest member of the alliance left a strong impression on Lein.
"Not yet, brother. I visit occasionally and help her manage her city," Nita replied.
Aside from Laras, Nita often visited Elen's house to play. If she considered Laras her older sister, then she viewed Elen as her younger sister.
Lein leaned back in his chair, his gaze shifting to the reports piled on the desk. After discussing education with Nita, his thoughts started to turn to other equally important aspects, such as infrastructure development and the island's military strength.
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Among the scattered reports, various topics were covered, from city construction and tourism sectors to defense and the number of active troops. Each of these aspects played a vital role in humanity's survival, preparing for any future threats.
Lein picked up one of the construction reports placed on top. The data showed significant progress in building.
"Construction in the main city is proceeding according to plan. Three new districts have been completed, and 1,200 new houses have been added. Occupancy rates have also increased by almost 15%," Nita explained while looking at the report in her hand.
Lein nodded. "What about the defense towers?"
Nita quickly grabbed the relevant report. "The defense tower project has reached 80% of the overall target. We now have 500 new towers equipped with long-range sensors and automated defense systems. A special team is also reviewing additional upgrades to complement the defense system with the latest advanced technology we've acquired."
Lein paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the other details in the report. "Good… But make sure they do it right."
Then, he turned to the report on tourism. "How's the tourism sector?"
"Since reopening, the tourism sector has seen a sharp increase, especially in Elen's City of Peace. Visitors are drawn to the natural beauty and the relatively peaceful environment," Nita reported.
Lein smiled slightly. The City of Peace indeed offered a tranquil atmosphere, vastly different from the bustling City of Life. Elen's peaceful nature seemed to manifest in her management of the city. But then, something else caught Lein's attention. The numbers on the next report made him pause for a moment.
The number of Tier-2 rulers.
"The number of Tier-2 rulers…" Lein muttered as he skimmed through the figures in the report. "This can't be right…"
Nita looked at him, confused. "What's wrong, brother?"
Lein shook his head, still trying to process what he was reading. "The number of Tier-2 rulers has almost reached 50,000. How did this happen in such a short time?"
Nita frowned, equally surprised by the information. "Hmm, maybe the price of silver badges is too low? Or perhaps other rulers are selling them at cheaper prices?"
Lein carefully closed the report, his gaze still contemplative. "That could be it. The system they've acquired might be greater than we initially thought. With this many Tier-2 rulers, humanity has amassed great power, but also a significant risk."
"A risk?" Nita asked.
"If this many have reached Tier-2, that means more will aim for Tier-3. And we both know that advancing to Tier-3 isn't just about power, but ambition. Those who are unprepared could cause new problems—both inside and outside the alliance."
Nita nodded in understanding, her face serious. "We need to be ready for the consequences of this growth."
"Exactly," Lein said, placing the report down. "We need a new strategy. The size of our forces is impressive, but we also need to ensure they remain controlled, disciplined, and loyal. There's no room for error."
He then picked up another report detailing the number of troops. "What's our total active force right now?"
"So far, we have 150,000 active troops spread across the island. Most are stationed in the main city and the outer cities as border guards. Meanwhile, reserve forces continue training at our bases," Nita explained.
Lein thought again, calculating everything he had heard. With this rapid growth in power, they needed to be more prepared than ever. There was a greater force forming behind the scenes.
"We need to move faster, Nita. I'll call all the core members for a strategic meeting soon. We must devise our next steps before things get even more complicated."
Nita nodded firmly. "Understood, brother. I'll arrange everything."
Lein looked once more at the reports. Behind all these numbers and data, he knew something far bigger was looming on the horizon. Something that couldn't be faced with physical strength alone.