The next morning, the village of Velmira was buzzing again this time, not with the warmth of a festival, but with something more serious with military presence.
Captain Velra and her three Crescent Pass Patrol officers were led through the village's main street. Children peeked out from windows. Adults paused their rebuilding efforts. Even the older villagers straightened their postures. The presence of trained warriors was rare here, and the entire town could feel it.
Kenzo guided the small squad toward the village's newly established longhouse originally intended for administrative use, but now doubling as a central meeting hall.
As they entered, Marella had already prepared refreshments, and Akina had taken the initiative to line the long table with maps and old scouting reports, showing the layout of the forest, roads, and previous bandit paths.
Captain Velra removed her gloves and armor helm, placing them respectfully aside.
"You're clearly not an amateur," she said, gesturing to the maps. "This village is more structured than some border towns."
Kenzo shrugged modestly. "I played a lot of games about kingdoms and empires in my past life. Turns out, it gave me a head start."
She arched a brow but didn't press further.
"Let's talk protection," Kenzo continued. "You're here because of what you saw. What I want is a formal defense alliance with Crescent Pass with mutual aid in case of attack, access to your patrol routes, and in turn, Velmira becomes a key resource hub for the region."
Velra didn't answer right away. Instead, she leaned forward, studying him. "Most men build villages for peace. You're planning for war."
Kenzo's voice was quiet. "I'm planning for survival. And survival means preparation."
She cracked a smile. "Good answer."
Terms of Alliance
Velra laid out her own parchment. "If you're serious… here's what it would take."
Velmira would house a small outpost of Crescent Pass soldiersthat's starting with two rotating officers and a scouting party. Velmira would send monthly resource reports and threat logsto Crescent Pass HQ. In exchange, the patrol would offer military support, include Velmira in regional strategy briefings, and recognize Kenzo as the de facto governor of the village.
Marella spoke up, glancing at Kenzo. "It's fair. And if we can earn the patrol's trust, more support might follow."
Kenzo read over the terms carefully. Then he signed the bottom.
"Done. Welcome to Velmira."
Velra extended a firm handshake across the table. "Then consider us your shield."
[New Alliance Formed: Crescent Pass Patrol – Affiliated]
[Velmira Defense Rating +30%]
[Civic Influence Gained]
Growing Bonds of Trust
Later that day, while the Crescent soldiers helped set up their barracks and walk the perimeter, Kenzo stood outside with Akina and Rina, watching the sun fall behind the trees.
"You really think this alliance will hold?" Rina asked, arms folded.
"I do," Kenzo replied. "Velra's sharp. She wouldn't have offered if she didn't think we had something worth defending."
Akina gently nudged his side. "Now people who once feared stepping outside after dark are starting to believe in tomorrow."
Rina smiled. "It's because of you."
Kenzo looked at them both as his devoted, his village, and now his army slowly growing.
"This is just the beginning, but we'll protect what we've built together."