Fifteen days had passed since Ardyn's Exploration Fleet sailed into uncharted waters.
The Grand Strategy Hall was alive with activity.
Floating above the table — the 3D holographic map updated in real-time as new seas were charted, islands mapped, and resources scanned.
Then it happened.
> [System Notification]
Seawarden Scout Ship - Horizon Star has discovered an uncharted island.
Island Designation: Virelia
Estimated Land Size: 200,000 km²
Status: Uninhabited — Untouched for Centuries
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Virelia Island — Overview
Terrain: Mountainous Core, Vast Rainforests, White Sand Beaches
Resources: Abundant Freshwater, Rare Flora, Potential Gold and Crystal Veins
Wildlife: Undocumented Species Detected
Ancient Ruins: System Indicates Unknown Civilization Presence
---
Ardyn's eyes gleamed.
"A perfect candidate for our first overseas claim," he said.
General Kaine leaned forward.
"If ancient ruins exist, there could be lost technologies or relics."
Victoria added.
"Securing this island early will set a precedent for our legitimacy as a rising power."
---
[Quest Update: Virelia Island Claim]
Objectives:
1. Establish Forward Base Camp
2. Conduct Environmental & Security Survey
3. Investigate Ancient Ruins
4. Construct Initial Infrastructure (Port, Housing, Resource Extraction)
5. Raise Caelora's Flag to Finalize Ownership
Rewards:
Virelia Becomes Sovereign Territory
Unlock Ancient Technology Research Path
Bonus Resource Generation
Failure Condition:
Loss of Expeditionary Force or Hostile Takeover
---
Preparations for Departure
Ardyn personally assembled the Virelia Expedition Force.
Key Members Included:
Commander Selene (Military Lead)
Dr. Lyselle Marin (Environmental Specialist)
Captain Alric Dane (Navigator)
500 Elite Pioneer Troops
1,000 Workers & Engineers
Prefabricated Modular Base Equipment
---
[System Bonus: Expeditionary Package]
Rapid Deployment Structures
Defensive Turrets (Auto-build)
Medical Field Stations
Portable Power Generators
---
Departure from Caelora
As the fleet set sail, crowds gathered along the shores of Caelora.
Flags of blue and gold — the colors of the newly designed Caeloran Kingdom — fluttered in the wind.
Ardyn stood atop the Royal Command Tower.
"This is more than a claim," he thought. "This is destiny unfolding."
---
Arrival at Virelia
Days later, the Expedition Force reached Virelia.
Dense fog covered the island's coast — thick mangrove forests stretched inland, untouched by civilization.
Commander Selene issued orders.
"Secure the beachhead! Establish perimeter defenses!"
The modular base began construction at record speed — system technology deploying walls, power grids, and observation towers within hours.
---
The Mystery of the Ruins
While the base stabilized, Dr. Lyselle led a small exploration team inland.
They discovered massive stone structures — covered in moss, partially buried in the earth.
The architecture was unlike anything from Terra Magna's known history.
Then — the system reacted.
> [System Notification]
Ancient Ruins Identified — Virelia Civilization: Unknown Era
Optional Quest: Investigate & Restore the Ruins for Potential Technological Rewards
Dr. Lyselle's voice came through the communication line.
"Your Majesty... we've found something incredible."
---
Nightfall — Virelia Base Alpha
As night descended, the expedition camp glowed softly with light.
Ardyn, receiving reports from the command center back in Caelora, leaned back in his throne.
"The future grows larger with every island we claim."
But the system issued a final warning.
> [Incoming System Notification]
Alert: Unknown Naval Presence Detected Approaching Virelia Waters
---
Enemies were already moving.
Rival island factions?
Mainland powers?
Pirates?
Ardyn's eyes sharpened.
"Let them come. Virelia will be ours."