The next day, Lucien went to the North Branch. Or rather, to the place that would become the North Branch.
The instant-teleportation array had already been completed by Lilith.
He stepped through the array.
Soon, the North Continent greeted him with wind.
Before him stretched a vast construction field at the edge of a protected valley.
The chosen location was excellent.
To the west rose dark mountain ridges. To the east, long roads curved toward old northern trade routes. Several valleys met here, creating a natural convergence point without pressing too closely against any one major power.
The North Branch was still young compared to Grand Confluence, but it already carried Lootwell's unmistakable rhythm.
Workers moved through assigned lanes.
Lilith's Dawnbirth Anvilheart flashed in the distance as she adjusted the foundations of a central structure.
The wyrms under Vaelcar helped too. Several Liberators directed them from below.
Lucien turned.
