Peace and tranquility were never easily obtained. Those who had experienced war and suffering treasured this period, cherishing every moment of calm.
Peace.
Yes, peace.
Those who valued peace would not lightly break it—and this mindset was being carefully observed by those with darker intentions.
Year 2950: An orc squad from Mordor, concealed by dark sorcery, successfully crossed the Brown Lands and the southern wilderness of the Anduin Valley, quietly entering Moria.
Such migrations began occurring with increasing frequency.
They lurked in shadows, secretly living and developing in various dark corners, expanding their numbers.
This time, even the Balrog could not command them.
All bore the Dark Lord's most secure mark branded into their minds.
Hiss.
In northern Mordor, within a dark valley hidden behind mountain barriers, a vicious creature hissed—a sound that made even the guarding orcs panic.
Winged monstrosities emerged from hatching pools, their bodies shaped like twisted dragons with fine scales and spikes along their backs.
"Not bad."
An Uruk-hai pushed aside a trembling orc and stepped forward to inspect.
"This is what Lord Sauron demanded."
He began carefully examining the newly hatched creature.
This strange beast resembled a dragon yet was not one and could fly yet was not a bird. Larger than any bird, smaller than any dragon, its body was completely bare—neither quills nor feathers. Its wings were better described as membranes—leathery skin stretched between sharp, skeletal claws.
Sizzle.
Several drops of saliva fell from the beast's mouth. Where its drool touched the ground, even Mordor's scorched earth visibly blackened further.
Already lifeless, now utterly dead.
The Uruk-hai responsible for beast breeding watched this scene, his eyes widening involuntarily.
So vicious—this was a naturally malevolent species, more purely evil than himself.
Lord Sauron said this creature should be...
"Feed it carrion," the Uruk-hai ordered nearby orcs.
"Yes, master."
Large quantities of rotting meat and bones were brought forth. Upon smelling that putrid stench, the vicious beast seemed to have a switch flipped—it became frenzied, gulping down the vast piles of carrion covering the ground.
Simultaneously, in Nurn, further south in Mordor—the oppressive green region occupying half of Mordor—new fields were developed, cultivated by previously captured human slaves and those provided by southern Haradrim and corsairs.
Orc and Uruk-hai populations began rapidly growing, with beast and troll numbers also increasing daily.
That same year, reinforcement and repair of the Black Tower were scheduled. Many mines and quarries appeared throughout Mordor.
The Far Eastern nations' massive losses from the War of Shadow were slowly recovering. Easterling nobles displayed loyalty to Mordor, annually offering vast resources and treasures.
The Southern Umbar's Eye cult grew increasingly powerful as many youths joined, swearing oaths to the Eye.
As for Khand, caught between these forces, their king's attitude remained ambiguous. Though still annually offering treasures and resources to Mordor, many orders were intentionally or conveniently ignored or simply overlooked.
However, Sauron clearly did not mind the Khand king's passive resistance.
On one hand, he was quite occupied recently; on the other, such a small realm was not very prominent. No matter what, they could not rebel and would be used regardless of their attitude.
Yes, Sauron had not invested much thought into this place that remained firmly in his grasp, whether rebellious or not.
But another place was different.
"Sir, I must warn you—some great nobles have grown suspicious of this place. You must leave."
In military camps along the Harnen River, the commander spoke with careful politeness to the Blue Wizard before him.
"Three days. I must verify certain matters. I will leave on my own after three days."
"I will provide cover for you."
The commander nodded in agreement.
The Blue Wizard—Alatar—sighed, looking north.
"You have helped me again."
The next year, Barad-dûr completed initial expansion with additional defensive fortifications surrounding it.
Black roads connected Mordor's four cardinal directions. The Road of Sauron, abandoned since the Second Age, was repaired, dramatically improving Mordor's overall transport efficiency.
This year, three Nazgûl walked out from the Black Gate, heading straight for Dol Guldur in southern Mirkwood.
Due to attacks years ago by elves and the White Wizard, this place was now extremely desolate—not a single orc remained. Some residual dark power and malevolent aura lingered, so even forest spiders and various small crawlers would not approach.
Of course, no elves or sensible folk would approach here idly either.
Thus the three Nazgûl easily reoccupied Dol Guldur. Evil creatures lurking in nearby mountains sensed their presence and moved closer.
Between 2950 and 2951, Sauron no longer concealed his existence. He openly built various fortifications in Mordor while secretly dispatching three Nazgûl to reoccupy Dol Guldur and establish operations.
However, the latter matter was not publicized.
For certain reasons, once news of Dol Guldur's reoccupation spread, it would likely provoke a particular someone. So the Nazgûl conducted this matter with utmost discretion.
They even refrained from casually striking passing travelers during their march.
After occupying Dol Guldur and recalling surrounding dark creatures, before long this abandoned fortress was rebuilt.
Mordor's power gradually strengthened—improved productivity, enhanced transport efficiency, Black Tower repairs, population growth, plus two additional absolutely loyal strongholds.
***
Meanwhile, on Levi's side—
The Angle Shipyard announced official completion.
Splash.
White waves struck stone walls, leaving glistening water stains.
Ships of all sizes docked at the pier as batches of students boarded in orderly fashion under elven instructors' guidance, beginning their first practical voyage.
Ships advanced smoothly across the water with towers standing behind—fluorite at the summit never extinguishing.
In the broad river's center, a massive shadow passed, nearly covering half the city and completely shrouding the riverside castle.
Before it, even hundred-meter-long dragons would pale in comparison, appearing somewhat small.
This behemoth, larger than dragons and longer than were-worms, was precisely the flagship crafted by Levi's own hands.
"Practice is the sole measure of truth, and also the fundamental purpose of understanding and learning."
Levi stood at the bow, announcing to his citizens the name of Riverside Shipyard's first flagship:
"The Practice."
"Let knowledge become action. Let vision become reality. We hold great purpose—now the means have manifested, and action must follow."