The golden screen stretched across the heavens.
Its brilliant light illuminated every corner of System World.
Every Commander...
Every Base...
Every survivor...
Stopped what they were doing.
No one dared look away.
---
WORLD EVENT
Initializing...
Calculating Commander Progress...
Calculating Territory Expansion...
Calculating World Stability...
Please Wait...
---
Inside the command hall...
Sam and Dennis remained silent.
Neither Commander spoke.
Inside their minds...
Their Systems quietly analyzed the incoming announcement.
Ben looked between the two of them.
"They're talking to their Systems."
Leon nodded.
"They both have that look."
The officers waited patiently.
---
The screen flickered once.
Then...
The words changed.
---
WORLD EVENT
The Trial has entered Phase Two.
New World Features Unlocked.
---
A murmur spread throughout Base 101.
"Phase Two?"
"What does that mean?"
George scratched his head.
"I don't think I like the sound of that."
---
The next notification appeared.
---
FEATURE UNLOCKED
Regional Trade Network
Commanders may now establish trade agreements.
Trade Routes increase resource production.
Protected caravans generate Trial Points.
Destroying hostile trade routes is permitted.
---
Dennis raised an eyebrow.
"So..."
"We can finally trade properly."
Sam nodded.
"That'll help every growing Base."
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
Commander.
Trade will become essential as Bases continue expanding.
However...
Trade routes may also become targets.
Sam understood immediately.
Every caravan would need protection.
---
Another notification appeared.
---
FEATURE UNLOCKED
Commander Reputation
Your actions will now influence how survivors and neutral settlements view your Base.
Rescuing civilians...
Keeping promises...
Honoring alliances...
Or conquering other Bases...
Will shape your reputation.
---
Mira smiled.
"So people really will hear about Base 101."
George laughed.
"After all these supplies..."
"I'd say they already have."
---
The sky flashed once more.
This time...
The golden letters turned crimson.
---
WARNING
Corruption Zones are expanding.
All Commanders are advised to strengthen their territories.
---
Silence.
Ben slowly tightened his grip around his shield.
"So the monsters are getting stronger too."
Inside Sam's mind...
Rex answered.
Correct.
The Trial is accelerating.
---
One final notification appeared.
Unlike the others...
This one listed names.
---
REGIONAL TRIAL STANDINGS
1. Bjorn
2. Elena
3. Atlas
4. Sam Martin
5. ???
---
Greatest Trial Point Increase (Past 24 Hours)
1. Sam Martin
---
The soldiers erupted into cheers.
"Commander!"
"We earned the most Trial Points!"
Dennis laughed.
"I knew bringing supplies home would count for something."
Sam simply smiled.
"We're still fourth."
Dennis shook his head.
"Only you would hear good news and immediately think about climbing higher."
Ben couldn't help but laugh.
"That's our Commander."
---
The golden screen slowly faded.
The fortress returned to normal.
For only a moment.
George suddenly slammed both hands onto the command table.
"Enough waiting."
"We've got enough resources to upgrade the Base again."
Every captain looked toward Sam.
George pointed toward the glowing Base interface.
"It's time to choose our next facility."
Leon folded his arms.
"The Watchtower."
"We need to see danger before it reaches our walls."
Zora calmly spoke next.
"The Magic Research Hall."
"Our mages need stronger spells."
Ben didn't hesitate.
"Barracks Expansion."
"We need a larger army."
Mira smiled softly.
"The Farm Expansion."
"A growing population needs food."
Doran crossed his arms.
"The Advanced Forge."
"Good weapons win battles."
Kael rested the Frost Spear against his shoulder.
"A stronger army deserves stronger equipment."
Runa nodded.
"I agree with Leon."
"If we see the enemy first..."
"We decide the battlefield."
The room grew quiet.
Every officer had made a compelling argument.
Dennis chuckled.
"I'm glad that's your decision and not mine."
Sam stepped toward the glowing Base interface.
Inside his mind...
Rex spoke.
Commander...
Every option offers long-term benefits.
Choose carefully.
Sam slowly raised his hand.
His officers watched without blinking.
His fingers hovered over the glowing choices.
Then...
He made his decision.