The four survivors were already sitting down at the table when he arrived. Alex and Adam were very friendly, talking to everyone and making jokes. Chuck and Ben's father seemed to be getting along as they were conversing amongst themselves. Lola was still cold and distant as she sat at the table not talking to anyone, her scarves still covered her face.

Lily glared at Ben as usual, her eyes dancing back and between him and Cloey. Her eyes narrowed as she saw Cloey's red face, thinking he did something shameless to Cloey.

Ben ignored her as usual, sitting down next to Cloey and Kathy. Grayson was still down south fighting zombies with the other generals so he was absent from the supper.

Even James had shown up for supper, lucky for Ben he sat next to Lily refraining her from giving Ben the death stare.

Cathy quickly went to the kitchen and started to bring out large portions of food for everyone. After the food was served everyone quickly dug in. Topics ranged from what Ben experienced on his trip to what the newcomers did before the system came.

The twins were only 19 and were only a year out of high school, they had just started their new jobs when everything went to s.h.i.+t. Chuck owned a small sporting goods store in the city while Lola didn't answer.

Kathy saw that Lola was antisocial and immediately made it her mission to get her to talk. Relentlessly asking her questions and offering her more food, she even switched places so she could sit next to Lola.

The meal pa.s.sed and everyone was full and content.

"So what are your guy's plans now?" Ben asked them.

The twins looked at each other before giving a small nod and looking at Ben. "We would like to join your warrior division." Alex said calmly.

Ben smiled and nodded his head, he wouldn't turn down strong warrior's for his army. Turning his gaze towards Chuck, the middle aged man seemed to be contemplating on what to do.

"I wish to see the mage division before joining." Chuck said, not saying yes or no.

"That's fine." Ben said.

Looking at the final person, Ben felt like this would be difficult. This woman was anti social and didn't seem to like human interaction. Ben and Lola locked eyes, her green eyes seemed to see through Ben.

"None of your divisions are a good fit for me." she said slowly, not breaking eye contact.

"How about you join the Shadows then?" Ben said with a smile.

"Shadows?" she asked curiously. She wasn't the only one, many people looked at Ben in confusion.

Knowing Deke was close by, Ben called out, "Deke."

Out of a shadow in the corner of the room appeared Deke. He was dressed in all black with his white hair neatly combed.

"Everyone this is Deke, Patriarch of the Night clan and leader of the Shadows. He has been my right hand since I too over the city. He controls intelligence gathering." Ben introduced Deke to everyone.

Lola's eyes suddenly s.h.i.+ned, she quickly got up from her seat and kneeled in front of Deke.

Deke looked down at her curiously, "Do we know each other ?" he asked.

She shook her head, not looking up. "No leader but I was part of your organization. Bronze level a.s.sa.s.sin from the New York branch. I was in Canada finis.h.i.+ng a mission when the system was placed." she explained.

Deke nodded his head understanding. His family employed a.s.sa.s.sins from all over the world, it's normal for him not to know a low level a.s.sa.s.sin like Lola.

'Well that's a nice coincidence.' Ben thought. With Lola working with the shadows, he would have another powerful a.s.sa.s.sin in his ranks.

"Looks like you have gotten stronger. Come with me, I will test your rank." Deke said as he slowly walked out of the room. Lola got up and followed him out.

After this everyone retired to their rooms, unfortunately Lily grabbed Cloey and dragged her to her room. Ben glared at her as they walked away, he went off to his room to sleep.

The next morning, Ben left the mansion and strolled around the city. The markets were full with people bargaining with each other while hunters were selling beasts parts to craftsman. Ben even saw a couple dwarves from the Iron Mountain Clan bargaining with some hunters. After a few minutes the two parties seemed to come to an agreement and traded goods.

Ben approached the dwarves, seeing him the dwarves jaws dropped and they quickly panicked and gave a deep bow to him.

"City Lord!" they said in unison.

"No need for that. Stand up." Ben said dismissively.

The two dwarves stood up but still kept their heads down, afraid to offend him.

"You two were not this pa.s.sive when you were forcing me to drink in the forest." Ben smirked at them, he recognized the two of them because they were the ones who kept toasting him.

Hearing Ben, both their faces turned red.

"Hahaha I thought so. I need you to tell your leader that I will be stopping by your compound sometime today if that's alright." Ben said.

"Of course City Lord. Clan leader will be delighted to have you visit." they said respectively.

"Sounds good. Next time don't be so formal." Ben smiled as he walked away.

Ben continued to walk around, visiting shops and buying some gifts for his mom and Cloey. He visited Emma at her store and asked for another set of armour since his was destroyed up north. He also went to Ulfric's shop but found the place empty.

Ben made his way to the Iron Mountain Clan's compound to see how the forging of weapons with the Blue Meteor Iron. At the entrance of the clan stood two dwarf guards.

"Please inform clan leader Hal that Ben is here to see him." Ben told the guards.

Hearing his name, the guards eyes widened. "You may go in City Lord, CLan Leader is waiting for you." the one guard said letting him pa.s.s while the other guided him.

Thanking them, Ben headed into the compound. Forges and smelting furnaces were everywhere and being used by the dwarves. The guide led him to a large building that had smoke billowing out of its chimney.

Going inside Ben saw Hal hammering a sword out of the Blue Meteor Iron they had harvested from the cave. What surprised Ben was that Ulfric was standing beside Hal, a.s.sisting him when he needed it.

Ben didn't dare disrupt them and calming watched the process.

Two hours had pa.s.sed before Hal and Ulfric took a break. Looking up they finally noticed Ben sitting there.

"City Lord! How long have you been there?" Hal asked, ashamed he hadn't noticed him.

"Not long Hal. How are the weapons coming along?" Ben lied not wanting him to feel bad.

"We have made around 1000 swords and s.h.i.+elds from the Blue Meteor Iron but we are getting faster and more efficient with the metal now so production should speed up." Hal reported, he knew that this number was low and could barely arm a portion of Ben's army.

"That's fine, keep up the good work. What are you doing here Ulfric?" Ben asked, looking at the old man.

"Learning. Never too old to learn youngster." Ulfric said shortly.

Ben smiled at his shortness of words. Suddenly words flashed across his line of sight.

[First invasion begins in 5 days. Prepare yourselves.]

Ben stood there stunned for a second before taking out his communication jade.

'Deke tell the three divisions to head back now. Tell everyone of importance to meet me in the mansion in 10 minutes.' Ben sent a quick transmission before putting the jade back in his storage s.p.a.ce.

He then told Hal to head to the mansion.

'It's finally beginning.'