Three days had passed since Pablo's forge began operating.
The rhythmic clang of hammer striking steel had become a new sound echoing throughout Noaterra. Thin trails of smoke occasionally rose from the workshop's chimney, while several residents selected by Laina watched Pablo's every movement with eager curiosity.
Before long, the first sample weapons were finally completed.
Although their supply of iron remained limited, Pablo refused to waste a single piece. With the remaining metal, he forged farming tools, household utensils, and various simple implements that had long been difficult for the settlers to obtain.
Noah personally distributed the finished tools to the people.
As he watched the gratitude on their faces, he became even more convinced that metal would not only strengthen Noaterra—it would transform the lives of its people.
Before Laina and Arcer departed for the Orc and Goblin settlements, Noah invited Lee and Laina to his study.
There was something important he wanted to discuss: the future of Noaterra's mining system and the management of its ever-growing population. Several families had even welcomed children since settling there.
Opening his notebook, Noah looked at the two of them.
"What do you think we should do next?"
Lee was the first to answer.
"I think you should create ten guardians with strength equal to Leon's."
Noah frowned slightly.
"Ten?"
"Isn't that a bit excessive?"
Lee slowly lowered the hood of her cloak and met Noah's gaze.
"I know how powerful Lucia is."
"But Lucia will never leave your side."
"As for Leon, he still has the responsibility of collecting gemstones and coins across Magnora."
She then gestured toward the window overlooking the settlement.
"Before long, the mining caravans will have to travel through Terrania Forest and Herkalus Forest."
"They'll spend days transporting valuable resources."
"Without escorts, they'll become easy targets."
After a brief pause, she continued.
"If you truly want to build a civilization worthy of recognition from the other kingdoms, then prove that Noaterra can protect its people through a strong system—not by relying solely on extraordinary individuals like Lucia."
"If your kingdom depends too much on one person, the other kingdoms will only see you as a threat. They'll fear that one day you might change your mind and invade them."
Laina nodded in agreement.
"I share Miss Lee's opinion, Master."
"When the guardians aren't escorting mining expeditions, they can be stationed throughout Noaterra as permanent defenders."
"That way, we won't have to force our people into becoming soldiers, especially when they're still focused on building their new lives."
Noah fell silent.
His eyes drifted toward the window once more, watching the settlers work tirelessly throughout the village.
Slowly, he jotted a few notes into his notebook.
"All right..."
"I think you're both right."
Closing the notebook, he continued,
"But for now, let's wait until your journey is complete."
"If our agreements with the Orcs and Goblins succeed, then we'll begin preparing our mining system."
Before the conversation could continue, someone knocked on the door.
Arcer stepped inside with a broad smile.
"Master, Laina."
"Everything is ready."
"We can leave whenever you give the word."
Noah stood and followed them outside.
The moment he stepped in front of the village hall, however, he stopped in his tracks.
Standing in the courtyard was a creature unlike anything he had seen before.
It wasn't as large as a Horsina, but its body was far more agile. Its head resembled that of a dragon, crowned with a pair of short horns, while two folded wings rested neatly against its back. Greenish scales shimmered beneath the sunlight, and its eyes held an unusual intelligence.
Noah stared at it in amazement.
"What is this creature?"
Arcer smiled proudly.
"It's called a Dragonus, Master."
"I captured it last night."
He gently stroked its neck, and the Dragonus let out a low, contented rumble.
"The journey to the Orc and Goblin settlements is incredibly long."
"A Dragonus can run faster than nearly every known beast of burden."
"Only a Pinix is faster."
"With one of these, our trip will be much shorter."
Noah nodded quietly.
The longer he lived in Magnora, the more incredible creatures he encountered.
Smiling at Arcer and Laina, he said,
"Then be careful."
"There's no need to rush."
"The most important thing is that both of you return safely."
"We understand, Master," Arcer and Laina replied in unison.
Around midday, the two of them departed from Noaterra.
The Dragonus sprinted swiftly along the forest trail cutting through Terrania Forest, while Noah remained standing before the village hall, watching until they disappeared beyond the trees.
A new journey had begun.
Meanwhile, back in Noaterra...
The wheels of a growing civilization continued to turn, slowly but steadily, toward the future.