The sound of clapping greeted Mathew as he walked up to the podium. He smiled and waved. Both Agnox and Cherry were with him. Each standing to either side of him.

He scanned the crowd and mentally noted those who were clapping with a forced expression of cheer. He knew the kind. A forced smile, but eyes that beamed into his own. Those were the ones trying to fit in for some reason.

There were several. In a crowd of a couple hundred, it was less than he expected. There were notable groups that sat with arms crossed. Those Mathew wouldn’t worry about. If they were brave enough to visibly look unpleasant, then they wouldn’t do anything outlandish here and now.

“People of Blue Oaks. I am so happy to see so many of you yet again. Both new and repeated faces. I hope this meeting will help answer questions that have been unanswered for many of you with what is going on in the world and the future that we can expect.”

“As many of you have experienced, recently the first World Quest happened upon us all. It took shape of a World Dungeon. Three levels of increased difficulty and challenge claimed many lives. However, it was also the fiery forge that caused us to grow stronger.”

“Please understand this isn’t the last of the challenges we will face. We are still in the beginning of what The System has in store for us. It’s been a long four months, and we have about two whole years ahead of us until its games are finished with us directly.”

Several heads nodded in understanding, and a few others shouted in agreement or cursed at The System.

“First, I want to address plans moving forward of what everyone can expect. There will be at least three more World Events that I know of. The first will be a challenge of skill once this current phase ends. Each person will be able to declare a skill to enter a challenge for. Note this isn’t a System Skill, but something you are good at. Swordsmanship, Cooking, Hiding, Running, and so many others could be something you go for.”

“It is suggested you go for a single event, go for the minimal rewards and leave. The reason is that the high chance for death the higher you go in these challenges, much like the World Dungeon.”

Mathew held up a hand as some people shouted in displeasure. Nobody liked being told what to do, even if it was meant to save their lives.

“I understand. I am not here to tell you what to do. I am saying the same advice I was told. If you want to push too far and die, that is your own prerogative. However, those that do survive, and bring glory and fame to Blue Oaks will be rewarded.”

“The other events will be announced in time as I do not know their details personally, but one of them I do know is declaring who is the leader of the world. My goal is to have Blue Oaks be a global entity. One nation on this planet under one ruler: Me. If you like how I lead, how you are treated, how things are, then you should help to continue to spread our power.”

Reactions at this were plentiful and varied. Disgusted that Mathew was going to declare himself leader and others were glad that he was going to do it.

Mathew had to shout loudly. The crowd was in a delicate state of emotions, so he refrained from using any of his power to quiet the crowd. “We need someone who actually wants the people of Earth to survive. Someone who cares about what it means to be human. Because I care about each and every one of you, I am here to show you how I do that.”

At those words, several people walked onto the stage. The crowd was still in an uproar. Mathew waited to talk for a few minutes as the crowd quieted down. Mathew was surprised nobody ran out to challenge him directly. He assumed either they had no real way to challenge him or they were afraid he would kill them if they did. Both were correct assumptions if anyone had them.

“Behind me are several outstanding citizens of Blue Oaks. Each of them has done something that progressed Blue Oaks forward in power. From defending what is ours from enemies, to saving lives. From creating armor to creating a new type of food. Each of these people are an example of how we should strive to live.”

“This is what each of you should value as members of Blue Oaks. To better each other and society. Don’t assume you don’t matter. Everyone here started the same. Scared and alone in a gray void with a blue screen with numbers. It’s not too late to start putting yourself forward and doing great things.”

“Just like this wonderful man here.” Mathew put a firm grip on Zack’s shoulder. “He has put himself on the front lines as a tank. To protect others. I remember when we were both not even Level 5, and he carried around a riot shield. Using it to bash wolf heads to the side so others could kill and gain levels.”

“Now, he puts himself forward as a smith. Trying to find ways to protect people for when he is not there himself. He discovered a new crafting method of using Mana Cores as a power source for enchantments. This brought upon a reward for all crafters from a powerful entity. How about we all give a round of applause for his outstanding duty.”

Claps and hollars of support echoed out from the crowd. Cheers from certain sections were audibly louder. Even a few spells and guns were fired off into the air. At that, Mathew had to reign in the crowd. Guards started to yell and point at the offenders.

“Please, no spells or guns. I know we are all excited, but I would rather not burn anything down or damage something.” Mathew spoke loudly into the microphone.

Mathew started to hand out rewards and announced various feats of recognition. People were a bit more reeled in, but a few spells were still shot off into the air. Swords, armor, manuals, and for one person keys to a private kitchen were given out.

“As those of you with more keen eyes can tell, the majority of these rewards look similar in makeup. Their style is similar but not made by anyone here on Earth. That is because Blue Oaks has their first ally, and they are not from Earth.”

“A faction known as Black Snow has realized our potential and agreed to work with us. Providing information, resources, and an open trade market. Soon, a new building will be constructed known as a Universal Trade Hub. Sadly, with The System’s restrictions, we can only trade with allies. Seeing as we have one ally, it’s obvious who we can trade with.”

“I should warn you, members of Black Snow are not human. They are a race known as Lost Souls. A people who have forsaken their soul, a core part of themselves. There are both benefits and faults in doing this. I am forced to share all information in doing this to yourselves. This information will be made public to all.”

“This can not be stressed. Do not start rumors. I, Mathew McGonald, am not forcing you to do anything. I’m not suggesting it, I’m not condoning it, and I’m not even doing it myself. Black Snow is looking to spread its ways of life, and as part of our agreement, I am sharing this information. As a reminder, anyone can become a member of Blue Oaks. We do not limit ourselves to the race of humans.”

Mathew turned and gestured to Agnox. “Many of you recognize my familiar, Agnox. An Infernal Imp who is bound to me. He recently ranked up and is now Apprentice Ranked. He is a citizen of Blue Oaks as are a few other non-humanoid creatures. Several members of Blue Oaks have made friends within the Dungeon. Two of which are similar to Agnox here. Bonds or simply something more.”

At that, Mathew gestured toward Cherry. “This is Cherry. A Dryad. She is also bound to me. Many of you who work our farms have interacted with her as have a few of our medical professionals. You will treat her like you do Agnox like you do anyone else who is part of our growing city.”

Mathew didn’t let the murmurs continue for long. Cutting them off. “Speaking of our City, there are some changes many of you have noticed. Primarily the new Golem Guard Force. These are a reward I received for placing third in the World Dungeon. I picked a reward that benefited Blue Oaks over myself. Trust me, I had several options, and I could have just not given back to the community, but I have and forever will.”

“I want us to thrive, to do well. To succeed in surviving this catastrophe that was forced upon us all. However, others wish to prey on others. Take advantage of them. Recently, one of our Dungeons was attacked and was attempted to be taken from us.”

That caused several outbursts of anger and confusion. “The Dungeon many of you use to gain materials to craft, to sell to crafters for money, to train and grow stronger in. Others wish to take it from us. They didn’t ask to use it. They didn’t bother to try and buy it. They just walked in and tried to take it. If not for luck, it would have been taken. One of our own Blue Oaks citizens was brave enough to fight off those who wished to steal from us.”

Mathew let the crowd stir with this. He wanted an emotional response. He chose his words carefully, telling a mostful truth. He didn’t know exactly why they wanted to steal the dungeon, but it was obvious as to the perks of doing so.

“So, once we discover the group that tried to steal from us, what do you want me to do with them?”

Various shouts of punishments were listed. “Kill them!”

“Arrest them!”

“Steal from them!”

And many others shouted.

Mathew had his own plans, but yelled out to the crowd, “Should I punish them, or should we let them off with a warning?”

A loud response “Punish them” was yelled out.

“There is no law anymore, so how do we punish them? Do we take the law into our own hands? Do we not care about law and order? What do you, people of Blue Oaks, say?”

Someone jumped from the crowd and landed in front of everyone. A woman Mathew guessed. She had a butch haircut, but the body figure and large breasts were dead giveaways as to their gender. “You used to be a lawyer didn’t you?”

Everyone was quiet, listening to what she was saying. Mathew nodded, “I was. A divorce lawyer. I didn’t deal with criminal law at all.”

“You made a law saying everyone gets their day in court. I say we give anyone involved with stealing our Dungeon the same privilege. Sure, they are not one of us, but we are better than they are. We will even let their own people be the jury. In a court case, and if they are found guilty, we punish them. Show them that we are better than they are.”

Mathew smirked. “Oh, this is going so much better than I could have planned. I was going to suggest something similar.” He memorized her face to talk to this woman later.

“How do the people of Blue Oaks feel about this? If you agree, say so.” Mathew asked calmly to the crowd.

A loud responding ‘yes’ shouted. Mathew waited for everyone to mostly calm down. “Anyone object?”

A much quieter ‘no’ was shouted, but Mathew could tell the majority would win this one. Simply because he wanted them to. Mathew nodded, trying to put on a face of feeling for those that said ‘no’. “I understand those who disagree, but I feel this is the fairest way to handle what will happen. There is a reward for those who find the offending zone. Go and find those who wronged us, and I will ensure they are brought to justice.”

Just as Mathew was about to leave, a chant started to grow louder. “Death to Thieves!”

“Death to Thieves!”

“Death to Thieves!”

Mathew entered a tent that had its entrance guarded by five guards. Mr. Melton smiled and gave Mathew a thumbs up. “Mat. How did you do it? I thought you almost lost the crowd when you talked about becoming a world leader.”

“Timing, pacing, and paying off people to be examples.”

“You paid off the woman that jumped out from the crowd?” Mr. Melton asked.

“No, I didn’t. I paid people off to do nothing and convince people to listen and wait.” Mathew sat down and summoned a cup of tea from his personal storage. He took a long sip of the herbal tea. “It’s too perfect. Who is she?”

“No clue, but I’ll get my informants to find out for us. She can be useful.”

The summoner nodded in agreement. “I couldn’t agree more. Now, we sit back and wait until someone finds the other zone.”

“What, you are not going to help find them?” Mr. Melton asked.

“I have more important things to focus on. My job isn’t to find them. Besides, I couldn’t do anything anyways. The people want a trial. So, we have to find them. Scout them out. Develop a plan. Then once we capture those we deem as those who should be tried, we do so.”

“I don’t like the whole trial idea. It seems…barbaric.” Mr. Melton grumbled.

“Better than pitchforks, torches, and mob mentality. We keep a sense of order this way. I have a connection to The Council. Hopefully, I can use it somehow. Even with my new Profession being , I think there is something to it. Doing this feels right.”

“So we just sit back and wait. You don’t plan on doing anything to help?”

“I plan on focusing on my own progression. I have rituals to create, spells to practice with, and other projects I can focus on.”