Entering the base the dwarfs were surprisingly working their hardest to get the base strengthened to ready for a potential siege.

Forger Hot worked at the kiln making batch after batch of blazing hot ingots. He didn’t spare a moment as he filled the crucible once again and put it back into the fire. On his side Blood Mage, Vlad was talking with Rune Smith Ajan about the designs Urist had given to them.

Rope Makers Ormila and Urmom were moving their hands as fast as they could on the rope as if their lives depended on it. The commoners Usbain and Fatty were working hard lifting rocks to the walls and helping finish the wall. The dwarfs that joined their base today were also helping out in carrying dirt and rocks in buckets to help.

And overseeing everything was Uria at the center setting out the commands that Urist had given to her. Urist felt something warm in his heart seeing everyone work hard not slacking in the face of his half baked warning.

The first to notice the expedition team was the Earth Mage Thar who was cladding the wall with rocks and soil before hardening.

“Hey the boss and everyone are back!”

This drew the rest of the dwarf's attention to which they stopped what they were doing and looked at Urist and co. with expectation. Seeing this Urist could only feel bitter and hang his head low, “I was correct. Everyone, gather around Saera and she will break the news to you.”

They dropped what they were doing and surrounded Saera to listen to her report. As they listened to some of them frown, others became pale and a few even excited. The one that had excitement plastered on his was the Blood Mage, Vlad.

Catching his expression Urist rolled his eyes inwardly. No doubt he’s thinking of how much blood he’s going to be able to play with.

Of those scared out of their minds were the commoners since they didn’t know how to fight. Everyone else mainly frowned at the news not knowing what to say to this bombshell thrown at them.

While everyone was thinking, Urist jumped up to the finished part of the wall and readied himself.

As the leader of this group, he had to inspire them to keep morale high. “We still have time to prepare and finish our defenses! Even if the rats eat the seeds it will take the time to grow. At most I feel we have three days before the first wave descends upon us. If we work hard we can finish the wall and get our defenses operational.

“From now on will be splitting into teams. Team one will be the expedition team that’ll gather bamboo seeds, set traps and learns about the current rat population to which I will lead. Team two will be the smithing team, I want you to finish making the spears and maces for our defenses the one to be in charge of the production will be Forger Baikm.

“Team three will be working on finishing the wall and strengthening it; the twins Elana and Thar will be in charge of this. Team four will be the warriors that will be training together and to understand each other Unicy will be overseeing you. Team five will be dealing with base related utilities; such as food, water, clothing, and fire-related duties. Team five’s leader will be FireKeeper Uria and she will also be the one in charge of the base when I am out on an expedition.

“Remember everyone, as long as we prepare and ready ourselves; we will win, crush, and live to see another day. If you agree with me show me your battle cry!”

Everyone eyes by now had become excited and raised a hand into the air and yelled at the top of their lungs, “OOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!”

With a smile, Urist swung his hand into the sky, “Now go forth! And get ready, for we shall give those rats hell!”

The dwarfs broke up into their groups and got to work leaving the expedition team alone. General Unicy left the group to train up the warrior's teamwork. At that time Urist turned around and faced his expedition team which consisted of Fisherman Rat, Herb Maker Uroa, Warrior Elrish, Magic Tamer Reaver, Wind Mage Emu, and The Meatsheid Fatty.

Seven members in total for the expedition team.

It wasn’t exactly the number he wanted to use for going outside, but it would have to do for now. He could summon more dwarfs to get the work done faster; only the points were a strategic resource that he couldn’t use carelessly.

Although he thought that he had splurged on some useless things such as how to make magic items. He regretted doing that even now, just the thought of wasting those points made him angry. Feeling he couldn’t dwell on such things anymore he chased away such thoughts and started speaking to the awaiting expedition team.

“Alright, you guys take a break for an hour and come back to this spot. When you come back we will be gathering bamboo seeds in hopes to cut down on the food the rats can eat.”

Everyone nodded their heads and dispersed leaving him alone. Only he wasn’t alone when the expedition team left Uria popped up next to Urist.

“You're shameless, going out and endangering yourself. While leaving me here to manage the home. You know how to get under a girls skin.”

He could see that she was really angry at him for dumping all the responsibility onto her shoulders. I can’t blame her as I’m really acting selfishly for taking all the outside danger onto myself.

“I’m sorry Uria, you're pretty good at ordering everyone around so I thought it made sense. If there's anything I can do to make it up for you just tell me.”

When he said that he felt his skin crawl at Uria smiling expression.

“Anything I want huh? Then I will give you my conditions.”

“Name them!”

She put her hand in front of his face and put up one finger.

“Number one you cannot die before me!”

“I don’t expect to die and I won’t let you die so that's acceptable.”

“Number two, you don’t push me out of your bed anymore!”

He gritted his teeth at her response and nodded his head.

“Alright fine! Anything else?”

Putting a finger on her lips Uria looked thoughtful for a moment before her smile widened.

“The last request I have is I want a hug!”

“Eh? That’s it?”