Leonard stood in Fort Gambino, the headquarters his exploration team had carved out from the ruins of an old medieval building deep in the first sector of Graalis Forest.The staff had worked quickly through the night, clearing debris, reinforcing weak walls, and mounting heavy weapons and automated turrets along the terrace that now swept the treeline with unblinking red sensors.Within hours, the desolate place was upgraded with modern power—bright lights, secure comms, climate control, and every amenity money could buy. Such was the reach of Gambino wealth; they turned wilderness into comfort without breaking a sweat.Leonard stepped into the hall that now served as their situation room, laptops glowing and sensors humming on every surface.The team waited inside. Valery Frost stood near the central table, her tactical vest tight, her eyes sharp and constantly moving. Sophia Harrington leaned against a console, her arms crossed, but she smiled on Leonard's arrival.Abigail hovered

While the engineering group stayed behind for road construction in Primoria, the Graalis forest exploration team entered Secundus for an advance survey. There was an immediate change in the micro-climate and weather as they crossed the invisible line separating the two ranges, carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves.Ancient trees stood closer together here, their trunks wider and darker, as if guarding secrets older than the hills.Leonard rode at the front on his heavyweight Yamaha all-terrain bike, the engine growling low as it chewed through the uneven trail. Behind him, the rest of the team followed in two armored jeeps, their tires kicking up wet leaves and soft earth with every turn.The deeper they went, the more the forest seemed to close in around them like a living thing that didn't appreciate visitors intruding on its territory. Every shadow seemed to move, and every sound carried a hint of danger.The team knew they were now in the more dangerous part of the

Leonard reached the cliff's top quite easily without breaking a sweat. He spent a few minutes looking for any dangers, be it carnivorous wildlife or loitering humans. It was safe.A tiny waterfall's mist cloud was visible ahead of him. That was likely the qi reservoir they were looking for. The air up here was cleaner, carrying the fresh scent of pine and wet stone.The view from the top was breathtaking, with the forest stretching out like a green ocean below. Birds called in the distance, and the waterfall's sound was soothing after the chaos below.Now he peeked over the edge to look at Aquilla. Only five minutes had passed since he began climbing, but she must already be restless. She was a coming-of-age teenager after all.Leonard was surprised to see Aquilla was missing! Where did she go? He had surveyed the place, and no harmful entities were found. The forest seemed to have swallowed her whole, leaving no trace of her presence.He called out her name softly, but only the wind

Benny Ogden barely ever left his luxurious trailer. He was the leader of the Ebony timber mafia gang, known for his greed and ruthlessness.The obese man lounged on a plush couch, his massive frame taking up most of the space. His eyes were half-closed in pleasure, his thick fingers drumming on his belly.Benny had built this empire from nothing, clawing his way up through blood and fear. Now he enjoyed the fruits of his labor.Benny took another grape from a woman's fingers, his lips brushing her skin. She smiled, but her eyes were empty. They all had empty eyes. Boring. Unlike the Greek tribal women of Tertia. The trailer's door flew open, and his lieutenant, Carl, burst inside, looking bruised and bloody, making the women flinch.Carl stumbled in, his face a mess of dried blood. His uniform was torn at several places, and he was breathing hard.Benny's eyes snapped open, his dreamy poise vanishing in an instant. The women froze, sensing the shift in atmosphere.The big boss sat up

Ahead were hundreds of troops of the Ebony mafia gang. They were all armed with guns of different calibers, including rocket launchers. The sight was intimidating.Rows upon rows of hardened criminals, their faces scarred and cruel, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight. They looked like they had been waiting for this moment, hungry for violence.Benny Ogden was leaning against the open roof of his trailer, his massive body draped over the edge like a lazy king. "Who the hell are you idiots?" he bellowed, his voice carrying across the field."This is my land. If you come peacefully and hand over the tribal girl, I might be merciful. I am in a good mood today. Don't make me change it."Iris clenched her jaw and opened her mouth to reply, but Leonard cut her off with a calm, clear voice. "I am Leo Gambino. This is not your land. It is mine by legal right. The entire Graalis Forest belongs to me now.""You have looted and smuggled its resources for years. Surrender right now, and the wo