After setting up the new mission, Felix clicked "Publish."
To his surprise, a similar quest appeared in his own interface — apparently, the system had also issued it to him as a personal mission.
The quest description and objectives were identical to those given to the players.
However, the amount of EXP and LMD (Lungmen Dollars) offered to him was significantly higher, likely to reflect the difficulty level.
What truly caught Felix's attention, though, were the titles listed among the rewards:
[Reward: Title – "King of Dawn"]
— Clearly tied to the successful reconstruction of Kazdel's mobile city.
[Reward: Title – "Liberator King"]
— This one, evidently, would be awarded upon the full liberation of Kazdel.
[Reward: Title – "The Founding Father"]
— And this one bestowed upon one who unites the scattered peoples of Kazdel and establishes a new era of stability and governance, laying the cornerstone for a reborn nation.
In the past, Felix had already explained to players that titles could be self-designated — once a player accumulated enough reputation points, NPCs would begin addressing them by that name. For example, years ago, Felix had been grinding his reputation for the title "The Pioneer." After reaching 100%, it became a unique recognition — a title forged entirely by player effort rather than divine decree from the so-called "Gods of the System."
Another type of title was obtained through quests or achievements. For instance, when Felix once released an "Absolute" difficulty mission, the awarded title was [Peerless]. Since multiple players could earn it, such titles couldn't build reputation, but they did appear when scanning others — a subtle yet stylish way to show off without words.
Then there were the truly rare titles — the kind bestowed directly by the system through triggered events or random rewards.
Felix remembered that, in his previous life, a Lupo player from the strategy group had won the championship in the Kazimierz Knight Tournament. For that feat, he'd earned a unique title: [The Rebellious Wolf Knight] — a name NPCs would remember and even mention aloud.
Now, Felix couldn't help but imagine what his own future titles would sound like when spoken by the people of Terra:
"The King of Dawn, the Liberator King, the Pioneer — Felix."
Absurd, yet somehow… fitting.
But as he glanced at his own title bar, he froze.
[King of the Undead] – Progress: 69.14% / 100%
"…What the hell?"
He scratched his head in confusion.
Then, a story from the old forums came to mind — about a player from Yan who worked as a cook. Because he always made extra-spicy dishes, the local NPCs affectionately called him "Master of Spice." Months later, the man discovered he'd actually unlocked a title by that name. The forum erupted in laughter when he shared the screenshot — apparently, if NPCs mentioned a nickname often enough, it became an official title.
Felix rubbed the back of his neck, realizing that the people calling him "King of the Undead" were probably the hostile mercenaries from Kazdel. Still…
He smirked. "Not a bad name. I'll forgive them."
Meanwhile, across the world, every player simultaneously received the system notification announcing Tomorrow's Development's newest main quest. The massive, glowing letters S-Rank Mission filled their screens — dazzling, thrilling, impossible to ignore.
The long-awaited main storyline had finally arrived — and it wasn't just any quest.
It was to Fully Liberate and rebuild Kazdel.
A call to arms. A legend in the making.
For players far from kazdel, If it weren't for the sheer distance and travel restrictions, they might have packed their gear and set out for Kazdel that very night.
To ordinary players, it was a perfect blend of story and strength — progress and passion united.
To veterans and pros, it meant high-tier rewards and deeper progression.
They quickly understood what the new Packa District industrial facilities represented: new weapons, new equipment — and new power.
The Sarkaz sought a home.
And so did the players — a true main city to call their own.
And in Kazdel, they finally saw that hope taking shape.
The dawn of Kazdel was about to bloom — and they believed, wholeheartedly, that it would bloom in their hands.
———
Yan, Lungmen
Even in the absence of Felix and Loughshinny, Tomorrow's Development continued to operate with flawless precision. Anthony oversaw each department with his usual diligence, and Carnelian assisted wherever necessary.
Due to the organization's recent expansion and reform, Loughshinny had been forced to leave for a while — leaving Anthony to manage internal affairs and lighten the load for their absent.
In Lungmen, the number of adventurers had noticeably decreased — something that mildly irritated Wei Yenwu. He hadn't seen Felix in quite some time and, truth be told, was still quietly fuming about the people spreading rumor about Felix and Ch'en. If he ever found Felix again, Wei swore he'd have him hauled back to Lungmen in chains — "for justice," of course.
Several major professional guilds that had previously been stationed in Lungmen were now preparing to move to Kazdel. Initially, they had assumed Felix's visit there was only temporary. But with the sudden appearance of such a monumental main quest, staying behind meant falling hopelessly behind.
Among those preparing to depart was the renowned Dynasty Team from the CN region. Having recently cleared an "Absolute" level mission, they had been alternating between trading routes and contract missions across Lungmen and Iberia. Though they were aware of Kazdel's situation, they hadn't planned to head there — until their coach and captains, Huangtian Houtu, realized what was at stake and declared:
"We're going to Kazdel. Immediately."
If not for that, they might still be chasing lucrative contracts instead of chasing history.
The Dynasty Team's old rivals, the Warrior Team, had already arrived in Kazdel — and even secured the right to establish their base within the mobile city itself. That news lit a fire under Dynasty. Falling behind now could mean forfeiting their shot at next season's world championship.
So, without hesitation, they packed up overnight, bringing along Sheila, a slave maid they had purchased earlier in Kazimierz, and departed immediately for Kazdel.
All across Lungmen, players began preparing for the same journey. Some who had invested in homes or apartment complexes hesitated — after all, they had already come to see Lungmen as their base, their home city. But the countless drifters who still slept on park benches or roadside corners had no such attachments; they simply dusted themselves off and joined the migration, eager for new beginnings.
———
That same afternoon, an explosion rocked a narrow alleyway. Two L.G.D. officers stumbled out of a damaged building, supporting each other, smoke curling from the ruins behind them.
"Damn it!" one of them cursed in rough Lungmen slang. "An Originium bomb—of course it was! You okay, Nine?"
"…I'm fine."
Nine knelt on the ground, her face composed yet distant. She looked up at Officer Ch'en, who hovered beside her with concern, and gave a small shake of her head.
"I fight from range with a crossbow, remember? I wasn't close enough to be hurt."
"…Good."
Ch'en exhaled deeply, sinking against the wall beside her partner. She glanced up at the sky.
"I've already called for backup… thank goodness we both made it out."
Nine's voice softened. "The tension between the Infected and the uninfected hasn't eased at all. If anything, it's only getting worse."
"The deeper we go," she continued quietly, "the more it feels like we're sinking into a swamp. Hatred isn't something that can just be let go… but taking revenge on ordinary civilians? That's madness."
Ch'en gave a low, tired grunt of agreement. She knew exactly what Nine meant. In truth, these kinds of attacks happened two, sometimes three times a month. And every time, the L.G.D. risked their lives responding.
"Tell me, Ch'en," Nine asked softly, her tone weary but calm, "do you still believe the L.G.D. can resolve all of this?"
Ch'en fell silent for a moment, her gaze steady but distant. Then she shook her head.
"…No. Not just the L.G.D. We can't solve everything alone."
She wiped a bead of sweat from her brow.
"Even the rats in the sewers know better than that. If it's only us—then it'll never be enough."
Nine smiled faintly. "Hearing you say that… I think Felix would be pleased."
Ch'en frowned. "Why are you bringing him up now?"
"Because he once made a bet with me," Nine replied with a small chuckle. "He said that one day, you'd see Lungmen's inner workings for what they really are — that you'd stop clinging so tightly to the L.G.D. alone. Ch'en, you've been pushing yourself too hard."
"This is my choice," Ch'en said firmly. "And I don't regret it — not for a second."
She rose to her feet, brushing dust from her uniform, and looked down at Nine with conflicted eyes.
"…Are you planning to step back? You know we need people like you in the L.G.D."
Nine smiled faintly. "The position of Inspection Division Chief doesn't really suit me. As you can see, I've just been following the rules and doing my duty. Saving this city… that's beyond me. I don't have that kind of power — or ambition."
Her voice was calm, even serene. "Ch'en, you've been by my side long enough. I know who you are. The L.G.D. is walking an uncertain path now, and what it needs most… is a firm hand. A leader with iron resolve."
She paused, her tone softening. "Everything you've been working toward — all that you want to change — I've seen it. The title of deputy chief doesn't do you justice. You should be the one standing at the front."
Ch'en Hui-chieh didn't reply. Her lips parted slightly as if to object, but she couldn't bring herself to speak. Deep down, she knew Nine was right. That fire in her heart — that drive to change Lungmen — had always been there.
Still, she couldn't deny how much she valued Nine's company. The woman was more than a superior; she was a friend, a mentor — someone who had taught her about politics, economics, and the balance of power that shaped the city.
"You're really planning to step back, then?" Ch'en asked quietly. "But your combat ability is top-tier. It'd be a waste to confine you to paperwork."
Nine tilted her head slightly, her expression relaxed. "Hmm… I hadn't really thought about it that way."
Then she gave a small, knowing smile. "You know, Felix once invited me to join Tomorrow's Development. I've been thinking about taking him up on that offer."
Ch'en frowned, torn between irritation and reluctant understanding. Her feelings toward Felix were complicated, to say the least — but she had to admit, Nine joining his organization might not be a bad move. At the very least, it would keep her in Lungmen, where they could still meet from time to time.
Nine rose gracefully, adjusting the long crossbow strapped to her back. A quiet sigh escaped her lips.
If it hadn't been for Felix's training, she thought, I'd still be using close-range blades… and in that explosion, I'd probably have taken the full blast.
Maybe even become Infected myself.
After that thought crossed her mind, Nine couldn't help but sigh softly.
If she ever became infected, she would have no choice but to leave the L.G.D. They simply wouldn't tolerate an Infected among its ranks—especially not someone in her position. How could they allow a contaminated person to hold such authority?
If that day ever came, Nine figured she might as well join Tomorrow's Development. After all, that organization made no distinction between Infected and non-Infected. For now, though, she was still healthy, with plenty of fight left in her body and time on her side. She understood the situation clearly—and rather than cling to her seat of power, it would be wiser to hand the opportunity to Ch'en, who still had connections among the higher-ups and the determination to make change.
The next day, Nine submitted her resignation to the upper management.
Wei Yenwu remained silent for a long moment before summoning her to his office for a private conversation. They spoke for about ten minutes. When it was over, he quietly approved her resignation.
When Nine removed her L.G.D. uniform, she did so with calm composure. As her colleagues gathered to see her off, their voices filled the hall with reluctant farewells.
In Lungmen, Nine had always lived alone. As a woman of Yan descent, her parents still resided far away in the capital, Baizao, and throughout her years in the L.G.D., their only contact had been through exchanged letters. Now that she had resigned, perhaps it was time to go home for a while—to see them in person again.
As for Felix, she believed that once she joined Tomorrow's Development, finding him wouldn't be difficult.
Summer was nearly over.
Standing before the Tomorrow's Development headquarters, Nine gazed across the street at the familiar L.G.D. building. Having already made her decision, she felt a weight lift from her chest. After so many years of diligent service, she had risen to the position of Chief Inspector as an ordinary terran—and that, she thought, was enough. From here on, she would continue her work alongside people who shared her ideals.
Her steps felt light—almost buoyant.
Meanwhile, the players' steps were anything but slow. They hurried toward Kazdel with almost feverish enthusiasm. The land they once called worthless now felt like home. Even a dog wouldn't abandon its own kennel, after all. The Kazdel region had become the most vibrant topic on the forums; even players who hadn't joined the campaign visited daily just to see what was happening there.
Back in Lungmen, Anthony had naturally heard about the personnel changes. During this period, Tomorrow's Development had been absorbing a large number of adventurers and recruiting skilled professionals from various fields. As a senior member of the organization, Anthony was well aware of where the Pioneer was and what he was doing.
Anthony feels that he is not quite an ordinary man—at least, not in his own eyes. Though he hated to admit it, he had never lived a truly ordinary life. His years in prison had nearly destroyed him.
Continuing as he once had would only lead to ruin. These days, Anthony lived like a normal person—eating, working, and sleeping as others did, despite the high salary he earned.
Through the events unfolding in Kazdel, Anthony had found a new sense of admiration for his boss, the Pioneer. To think—a Sankta who chose to save the Sarkaz people. What kind of conviction did that take?
"Anthony, there's someone I'd like you to meet."
Carnelian's voice came through the phone, calm and deliberate. Closing the folder on his desk, Anthony rose to his feet and made his way toward the factory.
Inside, the engineers and workers of Tomorrow's Development were busy as ever, hammering, assembling, and refining components. A few engineers from Victoria and Leithanien were deep in discussion with professors from Tomorrow's Development's own Institute of Science and Research, their voices blending with the steady rhythm of metal on metal.
They studied the blueprints spread before them, then lifted their heads to gaze up at the colossal framework taking shape before their eyes—the skeleton of a massive vessel.
If this land-based carrier could truly move across the land, it would be nothing less than a mobile city—and a fortress bristling with firepower.