In the heart of Fort Bone, Atlas and Olivia were deep in conversation, their focus set on how to allocate the 2,000 people who had recently arrived. Soldiers were mixed in with the group, but none held ranks higher than sergeant, which made assimilating them easier. Atlas had promised these people that if they found a military unit to join, they would be free to leave. None of the 2,000 had become citizens, though—that was no longer a free perk. Citizenship had to be earned, just like everyone else in the Fort Bone empire.
Amber strode in confidently, cutting through the tension in the room with a wave of her hand. "We can definitely use all 2,000 people, Atlas," she declared with certainty.
Atlas blinked, surprised by her enthusiasm. "Wow, really?"
Amber nodded eagerly. "In fact, this would be a perfect time for Olivia to go scout some more. I bet those other settlements are scrambling, trying to get rid of refugees. But we can use more."
Atlas tilted his head, trying to grasp the scale of her plans. "How are we using so many people?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Amber didn’t miss a beat. "You've got the walls to defend, which other settlements don’t have. You have crafters working, providing for that army. And you also have adventure teams heading around your empire. They work hard, but they need food, and that means servers. They need a place to stay, so we can expand the inn. That also means housekeepers. They want to drink beer, and even though Alexander and Hank are kicking ass at the Wasted Tavern, it doesn’t hurt to have more servers there."
Atlas nodded slowly as Amber’s words sank in, but she wasn’t done yet.
"And you know Isabella’s opening her restaurant soon. A restaurant/tower that size doesn’t staff itself. We need more hands on deck for everything—from defense to day-to-day operations."
‘Wow,‘ Atlas thought, his mind racing. ‘I had no idea it had gotten so big.‘ He glanced at Amber, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "Can we afford all that, Amber?"
Amber grinned, her excitement infectious. "That’s the crazy thing. The more we pump in for hiring staff, the more money we make. The demand is there, especially with the skeletal horde being taken down."
Atlas leaned back in his chair, absorbing the reality of Fort Bone’s growth. What had once been a small, struggling outpost was now becoming a hub of commerce, adventure, and survival. ‘We really are building something big here,‘ he thought.
---
Ronan and Elara sat together near the outskirts of Fort Bone, still adjusting to the shock of arriving. They had portaled in with the other 2,000 refugees just a few hours earlier, but already, something about this place felt different. The camp was bustling with activity, yet there was a sense of order.
Ronan, his greying hair barely visible under a dirt-streaked Edmonton Eskimo’s ballcap, glanced around the fort’s towering walls. “Can you believe this place? I mean, I watched the documentary ‘bout settlements like this, but seeing it… it’s real.”
Elara, her short-cropped hair catching the firelight, leaned forward, her eyes wide with excitement. "I know, right? It feels so organized. I thought we’d be thrown into a brutalwasteland, but they actually have a plan here. A real system."
Ronan nodded, a grin creeping across his nervous face. "When we portaled in, I thought it’d be a huge scramble. Fight for food, shelter… you know the mad max drill. But this place? It’s different. They’re not just squealin’ by here, they seem to be kicking ass."
Elara’s face lit up, her voice barely containing her hope. "And did you hear about how citizenship works now? It’s not automatic like it used to be, but we can earn it. That means they want us to be part of the empire. Not just warm bodies to fill a quota."
Ronan let out a deep sigh of relief, his body visibly relaxing for the first time in days. "Yeah, I heard. We actually have a chance here. A real chance to be more than just… refugees. I never thought we’d land somewhere that gave a damn about us. Let alone a place this well-organized."
Elara glanced at the walls, her mind racing with possibilities. "And the way they talked about defending the walls, expanding the fort… they’re serious about this. This isn’t just some temporary refuge. They’re building a future, Ronan. We could actually be a part of it."
"Imagine that," Ronan said, a hint of wonder in his voice. "I wonder what it feels like to be part of something bigger. If we get two the hundred tokens to go home at the end of the year, that’d be great."
Elara’s voice softened, but her excitement remained. "Yeah. And even if we don’t I feel like this empire will still keep us safe. And not just that—we can make a real life here. Work, earn our keep, and be citizens. They’re giving us more than just a roof over our heads. They’re giving us a real chance." Back home she had been a convenience store clerk, yet somehow the future here in a post apocalyptic wasteland seemed better?
Ronan smiled at the fire, his hands outstretched to feel its warmth. I was prepared to fight for my life if I was ever portaled but this place… it feels right. I don’t think we’re going to find a better offer."
Elara nodded, her eyes flickering with determination. "We’re definitely not leaving this chance on the table. We’re staying, and we’re going to make this work. We finally found it—our chance."
They sat quietly for a moment, both lost in thought. Around them, Fort Bone bustled with new arrivals, but Ronan and Elara didn’t feel like outsiders. They felt like they were on the verge of something real—something worth belonging to.
‘‘‘
The 280 new soldiers stood in formation just outside the main gates of Fort Bone. Their posture was disciplined, but the uncertainty hung thick in the air as they waited for their sergeant to speak. They had been portaled in with the rest of the refugees, but their situation was unique—trained fighters dropped into an unknown world. Some whispered about breaking off, forming their own unit, but Atlas had made it clear that wouldn’t fly.
Sergeant Major Wren, a grizzled man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward. His stern expression softened as he scanned the faces of his soldiers—people who had fought beside him, who looked up to him for direction. But this wasn’t like anything they’d faced before.
"Listen up," Wren’s voice rang out, cutting through the murmur of the group. "I know this isn’t where any of us expected to end up, but we’re here now. And we had a long talk with Atlas—the leader of this place. We’re not forming our own unit. We’re not taking over. That’s the deal, and we’re gonna stick to it."
The soldiers exchanged glances, a few frowning but nodding their understanding. Wren continued, his tone firm but not unkind. "Atlas offered us options. We’re free to stay and become adventurers, join teams that go out and explore, or join the empire’s army. Or, if we don’t want that, we’re free to leave and try to find a larger military unit to join. We’re not prisoners here, but we can't cause problems."
One of the younger soldiers, Corporal Jacks, raised his hand hesitantly. "Sarge, what if we want to stay but… we don’t want to be adventurers? Is there another way we can fit in?"
Wren nodded, having anticipated the question. "Yeah, there is. They’re building something big here, bigger than just an army. There are jobs in the fort—logistics, security, training. You can contribute in other ways if fighting ain’t for you anymore. But we all follow their rules. They’ve got a system here, and if we play our part, they’ll treat us well."
A murmur ran through the group. The idea of settling down in one place was foreign, but it wasn’t without its appeal. A gruff voice from the back called out, "And if we want to leave? What then?"
Wren crossed his arms. "You can leave. Atlas said if we find a bigger military unit, we’re free to go. No one's holding us here. But safety is not guaranteed. The world out there—it’s dangerous, and there’s no telling what’s waiting beyond these walls."
Silence settled over the group. The soldiers had heard about what life on the outside was like—dungeon spawn, constant fighting, endless battles for survival. The walls of Fort Bone were starting to look pretty good in comparison.
"Look," Wren said, his tone softer now. "I know this isn’t the life we signed up for. But we’ve got a chance here to rebuild. To find something new. We don’t need to be soldiers forever. You’ve fought long enough. Maybe now’s the time to live."
The soldiers were quiet, each absorbing the weight of his words. Some seemed unsure, but others were beginning to relax, their faces showing a glimmer of hope.
Private Diaz, one of the newer recruits, spoke up. "I’ve been thinking… maybe being an adventurer wouldn’t be so bad. If it means staying somewhere safe and having a purpose."
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Wren smiled slightly. "That’s the spirit. Look, we were all soldiers on Earth. If you want to keep fighting, the option’s there. If you want to try something new, that’s open too. But whatever you choose, we’re not breaking the deal with Atlas. He’s giving us a chance, and we’re gonna respect that."
He let his words hang in the air for a moment before finishing. "We’ve been through hell together. Whatever you choose, I’m with you. But don’t forget—this place could be a fresh start for all of us. Let’s not waste it."
The soldiers stood a little taller, their doubts fading as Wren’s message sank in. They had a choice now, something they hadn’t had in a long time. And for the first time in years, that choice didn’t feel like obligatory service—it felt like a future.
‘‘‘
POV : FORT BONE
Olivia stood back, watching the refugees interact, her heart swelling with pride. She had seen countless portal arrivals, witnessed the tense moments of uncertainty that always followed, but today felt different. There was an ease to it. These people—2,000 souls from another place—were settling in not with fear, but with quiet resilience.
The people might be different. The words might be slightly different. But the conversations all seemed the same.
There was no panic. They weren’t running. They were settling in, and that shift made all the difference.
She marveled at how well-prepared they were. The people of Earth had clearly done their part, preparing the refugees with steady hands. And the welcome at Fort Bone? Impeccable. Not a single hitch.
Her gaze swept over the group, catching sight of the Earth’s children playing their songs confidently at the front, their songs welcoming and joyful. Behind them, the disciplined Portal Crushers moved with a silent grace, always ready but never overbearing. The diplomats drifted between the clusters of refugees, their soft smiles and calm words diffusing any sparks before they could ignite. ‘How could things have gone so smoothly?‘
And then there were the mini faeries. Olivia expected them to cause at least a little drama with their high-pitched voices and flitting wings. But no, instead of fear, they brought smiles. The sight of them spinning through the air, laughing, and chattering made even the most hardened refugees relax.
"Wee! Wee! Wee!" they squealed, high on sugar. Olivia couldn't help but laugh at the memory of handing out those little bags of rock sugar to the refugees. Now, the faeries danced around, drunk on sweetness and joy. ‘That had been a good call.‘
‘This is how a portal integration should go,‘ Olivia thought, feeling a warmth spread through her chest as she patted herself on the back. She had pulled this off, made something beautiful out of the mess the Red Fairy had thrown at them.
She let out a breath, determination settling in. 'I've got to go talk to the diplomatic corps and really thank everyone for the job they've done.'
‘‘‘
During the night’s celebration, as the sounds of merriment mingled with the hum of conversation, Will sauntered over, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“I think this might be a good time for us to unveil the first performance of the attack on the skeleton horde. The newcomers might like it.”
Amber perked up, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “Oh, that’s a good idea!”
Without wasting a second, they made their way to the Grand Theater—a towering structure built with gleaming stone, adorned with massive pillars at the entrance and glowing runes along the walls. The sheer size of it was impressive, its vast hall capable of seating hundreds. Crystal chandeliers hung overhead, sparkling like stars, and banners from past performances decorated the walls. The grand stage, a massive platform of polished wood, seemed ready to tell epic tales. The playhouse had been upgraded due to its popularity in Bonetown. It was no longer a tiny cramped barn.
Inside, the crowd buzzed with anticipation, filling the cushioned seats in neat rows. Naturally, the Portal Crushers and their leadership sat in a private, elevated balcony, looking down on the scene like royalty. They had the best view in the house, of course. The citizens who’d managed to snag a seat shelled out their precious mana coins for the experience, eyes wide as they waited for the show to begin.
The newcomers? They were flat broke, but as a gesture of goodwill, each had been given a free ticket to the grand event. Not everyone could squeeze into the first show though. Those who made it inside felt like they’d won the lottery.
As the lights dimmed, the curtains swept open, revealing actors dressed as mighty warriors, brandishing weapons and striking heroic poses. The battle was reenacted with dramatic flair—over-the-top sword fights, skeletons collapsing in spectacular fashion, and plenty of exaggerated bravery. Every ‘CLANG‘ of swords and ‘THWIP‘ of crossbow bolts were met with cheers and applause. The newcomers, though seated in the farthest rows, were just as swept up in the action as everyone else.
Outside, those unlucky enough to miss a seat pressed against the entrance, trying to catch a glimpse or a muffled cheer from within. Inside the theater, it was a full-blown hit. The people who made it loved the show.
‘‘‘
Like a Kurosawa film, the play opened with a dark, almost haunting mood. A heavy drumbeat echoed through the Grand Theater as the curtain lifted, revealing the dark horizon—Fort Bone looming in the distance, shadowed by the skeletal army approaching. The actors portraying the skeletons moved in a unified, jerking fashion, their tattered costumes flapping like old bandages as they marched forward, relentless. The audience sat on the edge of their seats, completely immersed.
Then, the scene shifted to the decadent Celestial Empire, where the actor playing the emperor lounged lazily on an overstuffed cushion, surrounded by concubines and dancers in garish costumes. He delivered his lines with exaggerated arrogance, waving his hand dismissively as he said, “What does it matter what happens to those westerners over in Fort Bone? We’re fine in the Celestial Empire.” The crowd let out a mixture of boos and laughter as he leaned back and ordered more food, the absurdity of his disinterest playing out to perfection. The over-the-top acting of the emperor’s greed and detachment made it clear: the Celestial Empire had no interest in Fort Bone’s fate.
Next came America United, portrayed with an almost comedic roughness. The fake Jed Lawson swaggered onto the stage, his boots thudding dramatically with each step, whiskey bottle in hand. The crowd chuckled as he threw his arm around the fake Olivia, who pleaded for his help. With a lazy wave, he slurred, “Shoot, I got my whiskey, my beer, my women,” eliciting laughs from the audience. Then, as he coldly turned away, adding, “I don’t got time, none of it, for you guys,” the theater echoed with a collective groan. Even in the darkened theater, you could feel the tension as the audience's dislike for Lawson bubbled up—he represented everything Fort Bone had to overcome.
The army of Fort Bone took the stage. Dressed in mismatched bone armor, weapons gleaming under the spotlight, they stood bravely before the skeletal onslaught. The battle scenes were a spectacle. Actors flung themselves across the stage in dramatic sword fights, the CLANG of metal ringing out as they slashed at the invading skeletons.
The choreography was wild and fast-paced—bodies collided, shields were lifted, and the actors portraying the sons and daughters of Fort Bone fought with desperate energy. Mini faeries swarmed around, yelling, “Fight! Fight! Fight!” Their tiny wings buzzed frantically as they zipped between the combatants, narrowly avoiding the chaos, before flying off to report to the witches.
The audience sat at the edge of their seats, a wave of tension surging through them. Yet amidst the fear, there was pride—raw and undeniable. The stage lit up as new recruits, portrayed by younger actors, hesitated at the edges of the battle. Their faces were painted with uncertainty, their movements faltering as if frozen by the enormity of the fight before them.
But then something shifted.
The actors portraying the veterans roared commands, their voices cutting through the din like fire. “Stand tall! Defend Fort Bone!” The younger actors seemed to draw courage from the shouts, their hesitation replaced with steely determination. They rushed forward, clashing with the skeletons as the crowd erupted in cheers.
The stage became a kaleidoscope of motion. Shields slammed into skeletal warriors with resounding thuds. Swords slashed through the air in graceful arcs. The recruits, once unsure, fought with a desperate kind of energy, their attacks gaining strength as they found courage in one another.
Amid the spectacle, the scene became more than a performance. It carried a heart-wrenching mixture of hope and desperation. Even as the odds loomed impossibly bleak, unity flickered like a fragile flame, growing brighter with every step the newcomers took toward their shared purpose.
By the end, the crowd roared, their pride swelling as they watched the defenders march forward, standing as one to protect their home.
The ending was dramatic. It showed the army of Fort Bone valiantly defending the smaller settlements, yet still close to losing. The patriotic closing song was then played by musicians in the orchestra pit.
Brave sons and daughters of Fort Bone
(Verse 1)
We’re trying to survive, it’s hard, but we’re trying to thrive,
The armies of the Skeleton Horde are closing in, alive.
They're creeping close, and we feel the fear,
Crushing hopes and dreams, they’re almost here.
(Chorus)
We’re trying to survive, hold on and stay alive,
With the weight of the world, we fight to stay revived.
The armies are moving strong, but they can’t do it without us along,
New recruits tremble and shake, but their spirits stay bold and strong.
(Verse 2)
The Celestial Empire just laughs and laughs,
They feast on our misery while we face the aftermath.
America United, they’re oh so near,
But they won’t lend a hand; they’d rather drown in beer.
(Chorus)
We’re trying to survive, hold on and stay alive,
With the weight of the world, we fight to stay revived.
Our only hope lies in our brave sons and daughters true,
They’ll fight for fort bones hope, they'll see us through.
(Bridge)
The shadows loom large, but we refuse to yield,
With courage in our hearts, we will not be concealed.
Together we stand, united as one,
We’ll face down the darkness until the battle’s won.
(Chorus)
We’re trying to survive, hold on and stay alive,
With the weight of the world, we fight to stay revived.
The armies are moving strong, but they can’t do it without us along,
New recruits tremble and shake, but their spirits stay bold and strong.
(Outro)
We’re trying to survive, we won’t let hope die,
With fire in our souls, we’ll reach for the sky.
Our brave sons and daughters will fight for what’s right,
Together we’ll conquer, we’ll stand and we’ll fight!
‘‘‘
By the time the curtain started to close, the audience was on their feet, clapping and cheering. A powerful mix of emotions rippled through the theater—pride for Fort Bone, disgust at the selfishness of the Celestial Empire and America United, and a deep connection to the sacrifices of their own people.
Alexander, as usual, grumbled from his VIP seat, “It really is a shame that the actor that plays me isn't as good-looking.” His comment was met with a chorus of chuckles from those nearby. Isabella, predictably, rolled her eyes, her lips twitching in an amused smirk. Even she had to admit the play had been a hit.
The crowd left the theater buzzing, replaying their favorite moments. Despite the heavy themes, the play had managed to capture the spirit of Fort Bone—resilience, bravery, and a touch of humor amidst the overwhelming odds. People exchanged excited whispers as they filtered out, talking about how the battles to defend the empire had filled them with an increased sense of patriotism.
‘‘‘
