After a series of brutal battles and strategic operations, a fragile peace settled over the human settlements. But this calm was deceptive—three of their most vital leaders, Nour al-Din, Kim, and Ethan, remained unconscious, their bodies battered and broken.
One day, as Niloufar monitored their conditions, she noticed a subtle movement from Nour al-Din. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Despite his crushed bones and severe injuries, the warrior stirred—awakening after just a single week. His iron will had once again defied the odds.
Upon regaining partial strength, Nour al-Din assumed command from Carter, who gladly stepped aside to focus on his strange experiments. Nour al-Din immediately turned his attention to expansion. He knew population numbers were dwindling due to war and declining birth rates, even before Carter's marriage incentives. Worse yet, other settlements hadn't fully supported the central empire.
Acting as the empire's regent, Nour al-Din sent emissaries to eleven neighboring settlements, offering them a choice: join peacefully or face war. Four agreed to join outright, while two negotiated terms for partial autonomy. Three, however, prepared for battle.
Nour al-Din mobilized the army, equipped them with advanced gear, and besieged the defiant settlements.
For nine days, they were surrounded—cut off from food and water. At last, unable to endure the siege, the settlements surrendered and signed terms dictated by Nour al-Din himself.
The empire now spanned sixteen settlements, unified under one banner. Nour al-Din launched educational missions and supply campaigns to uplift the newly acquired territories, bringing them in line with the more developed core cities.
Meanwhile, Ethan recovered and resumed his role as military commander. He launched raids against the Dog Empire, liberating enslaved human villages and converting them into thriving settlements. The empire soon grew to include eighteen cities with Ethan's additions.
Peace followed—but not for long.
Kim finally awoke from his coma. "Ugh… finally," he muttered, stretching with a mix of pain and relief.
Nour al-Din immediately called a council. Kim, Ethan, Carter, and Sam gathered to assess the current situation. Carter's expression was grim.
"Where is Adlof?" he asked. "He vanished deep inside the Dog Empire months ago. I fear he may be dead—or worse, transformed into a monster. If he turns against us, we could be in serious danger."
Before anyone could respond, the entire base shook violently. A section of the wall shattered, debris flying as something massive broke through.
"What in the—?!" Kim shouted.
Nour al-Din and Kim leapt into action, drawing their swords—ready to defend the stronghold. But as the dust settled, a familiar voice rang out.
"At last!" It was Adlof.
Kim blinked in disbelief. "Wait… you broke through the wall?! Do you know how long it took us to build that? Sam's gonna kill us!"
Nour al-Din gave a tired smile. "Now's not the time to worry about that. Welcome back, Adlof."
Without a word, Adlof stumbled toward Carter, eager to report what had happened. But before he could say a word, he collapsed mid-step.
"Adlof!" everyone shouted, rushing toward him.