The Metal City, or rather the project being developed by the Fuller family, had grown considerably in recent months.
In just a few months, the land now under Casey's supervision had grown from a population of just over 100 people to 1,800.
It now had a central square, a train station, three administrative buildings, 10 commercial buildings, and 50 residential buildings.
With six blocks built up, the place already looked more like a small town than the camp Vicente had passed over a year ago.
Many of the original workers had moved their families to Vicente's Metal City. But with the arrival of the trains in the area, the place had grown even faster as the men of the Fuller family realized the opportunities they would have there.
Even without Vicente's request or order, several of his subordinates sent people from their families to this place. Not only was it a place they knew would be safe, but the opportunities for the first arrivals would be great.
The first to start their business there would have a great chance of financial success!
So the city had gained a significant population, even considering the short time since it had been built.
This place was capable of supporting a city larger than Millfall, but it would need many workers and new residents.
Vicente was aware that he would need support from outside his family to continue progressing in the area at the rate he needed to have his site ready for Nina's awakening.
After that, The Purification would take place, and all the defenses of those preparing for such a calamity would have to be ready.
Although it would take some time for the worst of the disaster to reach the south of the continent, it would be interesting to be prepared for its consequences from the beginning of the crisis.
To do this, Vicente would need the support of the province's wealthy men, which he could only achieve by proving the value of his Metal City and how he could complete it in time.
A presentation would be necessary!
...
As soon as Vicente gave his order to Eve, she left his office to start preparing the invitations for the presentation event in the Metal City.
Meanwhile, Vicente remained in his office with Sarah.
"How's the monster situation in the province?" He asked the black-haired woman in front of him.
"They are appearing more and more in our area," she said solemnly. "Last month, we had to deal with groups of goblins, ogres, and cyclops. But if the situation continues to deteriorate, it's likely that we'll soon encounter more special creatures.
Lamias and other creatures may appear here soon."
Prisiche heard this from the chain around Vicente's neck, and of course, she liked what she heard. That was what she needed.
Vicente didn't want to help Lamia in the short term to have a body compatible with her. But having a body for her to use in the future might make things a little easier for him.
"Keep an eye on it for me. If any particularly notable monsters appear, I'll take action against them myself. Let's not risk our men against creatures that defy common sense." He ordered.
...
Later that day, Vicente met Nova in a local restaurant, something they did several times a week.
Seeing his wife again after a day's work, Vicente was soon eating with her and chatting about the day's events.
She told him what she had done that day. Her routine was constantly changing, so Vicente was always learning new things.
Recently, the army began a major reshuffling throughout the kingdom, with promising soldiers being called to the capital and experienced individuals with less potential being sent to less prominent cities like Saltstar City, Ironcrest, and so on.
Although Nova was very talented and strong for her age, she had been ordered to stay in Saltstar City for the time being.
Vicente wasn't surprised to hear her words. The king obviously knew about their relationship, so he helped Vice by letting Nova stay close to him.
Noticing this, he said to her. "I think you can proceed to the 4th stage without any further reservations. The king is unlikely to call you to the capital now."
"That's good. I'd rather be with my family if the worst comes to the worst." She smiled at him.
"Hmm, but I think you'll be called to the capital after Nina's awakening. So I want you to hunt your fourth pentagram as soon as you advance one level."
She narrowed her eyes. "Why?"
"You will stay in the kingdom while my group goes hunting for pentagrams. I need someone strong and influential to help Nina and Eve."
Vicente intended to leave Bart with the most names in his family. But he intended to take Casey, Sarah, Rory, and Onyx with him. He also had Lina and Layla in mind.
So Nina could only count Eve and Bart among those Vicente trusted the most, which made him wish there was someone else.
Nova was that person!
"I see... You want me to stay." She muttered, a little annoyed.
"It will be dangerous. I don't want you to risk it. Besides, the king might make things difficult for us. So I'd rather you get a nice green pentagram in the kingdom and stay here to help the family.
I intend to return in time to join the state's defense against the enemies that might come from the north. So it'll be quick. We won't be away for long."
He smiled as he took one of her hands. "When we resolve everything here, we'll get married and have a child."
A smile broke out on Nova's pretty face as her heart began to beat faster.
She bit her lip and nodded affirmatively, liking these plans very much.
...
Vicente's next few days in Saltstar City would be uneventful until it was finally time to present the Metal City to the nobles and rich men of the province!
He would leave the city with a group of local nobles nine days before the scheduled event, to which Eve had sent invitations to all the nobles and rich men in the province.
Some of them would have to travel the traditional way, by carriages and beasts, but several individuals would leave their cities in the last few days, as they already had train lines at their disposal.
Though Vicente had not yet begun to offer passenger service, his trains could carry a little over 40 people per trip, considering the seats in the two cars that housed the train engines.
Anyone could use Vicente's trains as they pleased as long as they paid for it.
Thus, several people from Millfall would leave the city one day before the event, knowing they wouldn't be late.
Finally, the day would come for the presentation of Vicente's most important project!
