“Hello everyone. Thank you for coming on such short notice. I’m Bennett Arnott, the new City Lord.” Ben spoke with a booming voice, filling the hall.

“He’s the City Lord?”

“He’s so young!”

“He looks a bit like a thug with those tattoos.”

Whispers filled the hall as people assessed the City Lord. Ben was wearing his usual sleeveless black t shirt with black pants. His golden hair was started to get long and outlined his handsome face. His golden eyes seemed to see through everyone there and gave off a domineering attitude.

With everyone’s eyes on him Ben gave a calm smile. “First things first,” Ben turned towards the five strongest people Henry brought, “you five are probably dissatisfied with this. So let's fight. You can all come at me at the same time.”

A cocky smile formed on Bennett’s face as he taunted them. Ben knew he needed to establish his power in front of everyone and these five were the way to do that.

“Arrogant!” A tall red headed man stepped out. His body had rippling muscles with steel plate armour covering his chest and gauntlets covering his hands and forearms.

Colton Lvl 55

Flame Warrior

“I’ll be enough to defeat you myself.” he said as red fire covered his hands and arms.

“Duke.” Ben said raising his right arm. The tattoo started to move before turning into a shadow. The shadows turned into a huge 2m tall 4m long black wolf.

Everyone had a different reaction. The trades people took a couple steps back in horror as the hunters drew their weapons, ready for battle. The man with the red hair and flaming fist eyes narrowed as he stared at the wolf.

“I suggest you all come at me at once.” Ben repeated, “This will be your last chance.”

“Arrogant child.” A lady wearing a green dress spoke. She waved her hand and a tall staff appeared.

Shenelle Lvl 52

Nature Mage

The red haired man, Colton let out a loud yell before charging Duke. Shenelle attacked waved her arm as hundreds of vines appeared out of the floor and shot towards Ben.

A small smile appeared on Ben’s face as the vines surrounded him from all sides. Shenelle smiled in triumph as she looked at the ball of vines.

Her look a triumph turned into shock as she turned around and found Ben standing behind her. Ben gave a small smile before chopping the back of her neck swiftly.

The shock and surprise was still on her face as she fell to the ground unconscious. Ben turned to the last three and said, “Now will you all attack me at the same time. It just might make it interesting.” Ben continued to taunt them.

James Lvl 51

Ranger

Lilith Lvl 50

White Cleric

Lane Lvl 53

Holy Knight

Lilith, the White Cleric, stared at him with intrigue. “My class isn't for battle so I will stand down but I will heal everyone's injuries.” This woman wore a white clerical robe that hid the curves of her body. Her hair was black with dark brown eyes. Her face was pretty but not overly beautiful.

“I won't be participated either.” the Holy knight, Lane replied. He wore a full set of silver armour that gave a faint white glow. He had a long blonde hair that fell down to his shoulders, his blue eyes were clear and piercing and he stood over 2m tall.

James looked at these two in exasperation, “Well I’m not going to take him on alone.” James wore regular jeans and a white t shirt. He was the only one that wasn't dressed in armour with his short brown hair and green eyes.

“AAAAHHHH!”

A painful yell filled the hall. Everyone looked to find the Colton lying on the ground, Duke had a paw on his chest holding him down. When he tried to move Duke started to growl and snapped as a warning not to move.

“You can release him now Duke.” Ben said.

Hearing Ben, Duke jogged over to him and sat down looking. ‘I kicked his ass Master.’

Ben let out a loud laugh, “Yes you did buddy, good job.” Ben petted and scratched Duke’s ears.

The hall was silent as they watched a man pet a giant wolf like he would a cute puppy. James looked at Lilith, “And you thought I was a freak.”

Lilith smiled in response before asking Ben a question, “You can talk to animals?”

“Smart ones.” Ben replied simply, he continued to pet Duke.

Lilith nodded before walking up to Colton, a faint white light came from her hands and enveloped Colton, healing him.

Colton stood up after being healed and looked towards Duke with a little fear before looking at Ben.

“So what your tamed beast is strong? Doesn't me you are.” Not accepting his defeat, he wanted to challenge Ben directly.

“Umm Colton I wouldn't.” James warned him.

“Shut up skid.” Colton snarled at him.

James put his hands up in defeat, but the corner of his mouth twitched threatening to become a smile.

“Come at me peasant!” Colton roared.

Duke snarled at him, ready to kick his ass again but Ben stopped him.

Ben left eyed glowed bright gold as bright blue bolts of lightning covered his body. “Ready when you are ginger.” Ben mocked, making the come here sign with his hand.

Flames covered Colton’s arms as he threw a punch at Ben.

Ben met Colton’s fist with his own. Flames and lightning went everywhere as a small shockwave was sent through the hall.

Colton was sent flying and he crashed into the wall, saliva flew from his mouth as he fell to the floor.

Lilith shook her head in annoyance as she walked up to him and started to heal him again. After a couple of minutes Colton stood back up and stared a Ben.

“What you want another round?” Ben said raising his chin provocatively.

“No. You are definitely stronger than me.” Colton said in defeat.

“Good. Now we can move on to the next matter of business.” Ben said as he returned to the front of the hall.

“Hunters and trades people I need you end this stupid feud and start buying from each other.” Ben addressed the two groups.

Murmurs broke out between the two as they looked at each other is scorn.

Ben’s voice grew cold, “This isn't up for discussion.”

Ben’s cold glare scanned both groups. “Another thing, I will be placing a minimal level that every citizen has to reach. In 30 days I want everyone in this city to be level 30.”

Protest broke out immediately broke up throughout the crowd.

“That’s impossible!”

“Get real, not possible.”

“Enough.” Ben’s cold voice rang out. He turned to the hunters, “You will be in charge of bringing new people out in wilderness for experience.”

One of the hunter leaders stepped forward, “When we hunt we put our lives on the line. You expect us to risk our lives taking care of rookies?”

“Yes.” Ben said simply.

“You can't be serious.” the man’s expression grew dark.

“I am serious. Do you honestly think that these peaceful days will continue? Do you think that sooner or later we won't be attacked by a horde of zombies or beasts or even other humans? Do you think these walls will protect us from these dangers? They won't. We have to protect ourselves. I'm not saying that we all need to become warrior's and fight but I expect everyone in the city to be able to protect themselves!” Ben’s voice grew the longer he talked, ending with him yelling in the end.

The room was silent. No one could argue with what Ben had said. This moment of peace wouldn't last. Whoever started the system treated it like a game and their lives were worth nothing special.

Ben took a deep breath before he continued, “This will only be temporary. I plan to create an army to train the citizens.” Ben looked over at the five people Henry brought. Shenelle had woken up and was staring furiously at Ben.

“These 5 will are going to help me create 5 different divisions in this army.” Ben flashed a smile towards them as they stared at him in shock.

“They will be recruiting at a later date. Well that's it for now. Thank you all for coming, remember hunters and blacksmiths you are to start selling to each other. The price will be the same as the system,” Ben let out a cold smile, “and I will know trust me.”

After a bit of grumbling everyone cleared out except Ben’s family and the five strongest.

“I don't remember agreeing to helping you create an army.” Colton said dissatisfied.

“You agreed when Duke handed you an ass kicking.” Ben said throwing him a sidelong glance.

“You-!” Colton sputtered before Lilith started giggling.

“What plans do you have for us then?” James asked calmly.

“Five divisions each with a their own specialty.” Ben said looking at each of them. “James I want you to find other people with classes similar to yours. You will be a smaller division in charge of scouting the area around the city. Lilith I would like you to create a healing division. My mother is a healer and she made me realize how important they are. Lane, you will be responsible for defensive soldiers. Your division will be this city’s shield and in turn you will be our sword Colton. You will lead the vanguard.” Ben stopped and stared at these last two. Colton was easy to read, a hot headed warrior with something to prove but Lane was different. Ben wasn't able to see through him but felt he could still trust him somewhat.

“You are free to recruit whoever you see fit. He’s some gold to start you off.” Ben gave the remainder of his gold to them.

“What about me?” Shenelle asked, pouting.

“I am not too sure.” Ben said in serious thought, “Do you think there is enough mages to create a divisions?”

Shenelle gave it some thought. “Maybe not a large one but our fire power will be unmatched.” she said confidently.

“Okay do it. It will be up to you five to recruit your forces. If you need anything just ask.” Ben said dismissing them. The five gave a quick nod before heading out of the room, leaving just his family.

“Dad can tradespeople level up by increase their trade skill level?” Ben asked.

“Yes. I gained 5 levels when I went from Beginner to Basic in blacksmithing.” Joe answered decisively.

“Good. Spread the word that I want all tradespeople to be a minimal of basic level in their trade.” Ben gave the order.

Joe nodded before leaving the room as well.

“Grayson I want you and Allana to join the first group of hunters. Bring Duke with you to ease the pressure on the hunters because of the rookies.” Ben said giving Duke a light pat on his head. “Behave yourself okay?”

Grayson, Allana and Duke left the hall together, thankfully the hall doors were huge so Duke could fit through them.

Cloey and Cathy were the only two left. Ben expression softened, “Mom how are the girls?” Ben had been to busy these last couple of days to check in on them.

“All of them woke up. Though they are traumatised, they should heal over time.” Cathy said with a sad sigh.

“If they want, they can stay in the mansion as maids. This place is too big and needs more manpower to stay livable.” Ben suggested.

“I will tell them.” Cathy said.

“What is your plan mom? Will you join Lilith’s division or continue as a tailor?” Ben was worried about his mom.

‘What if she enters a battle?’ Ben was worried and trying to think of ways to protect her if that happened.

“I will join Lilith. Your speech set fire in my blood and I need to do my part.” Seeing her sons worried expression she laugh and patted his cheek, “Don't worry I will be healing not fighting.”

She left the room, leaving Cloey and Ben alone.

“Do you want me to join that Mage division?” Cloey asked.

“No. I want you beside me always.” Ben gave soft smile grabbing her hand.

A faint blush creeped across her face but she didn't look away. Ben got closer and closer until he was mere centimeters away. Just when he was about to close the distance a loud shriek rang in his head.

*SHRIEKKK!*

Grabbing his head Ben fell to his knees. His left arm started to burn.

The Black Phoenix , Ava, had woke up.