The sun hadn't yet broken the skyline when a sleek black transport vehicle rolled through the perimeter gates of Arkbound HQ's new warehouse compound. A single figure stepped out—tall, weathered, focused. Dressed in practical, dust-marked techwear, they had the posture of someone who had built cities with their hands—and lost a few along the way.
Kael Dravik. Former senior engineer at TitanEdge Infrastructure. A ghost in the industry ever since that Org takeover five years ago. Now? Head of Arkbound Construction.
Nyra greeted him personally just outside the logistics bay.
"You came faster than expected," she said, offering a handshake.
"I don't waste time," Kael replied. "Especially not when I'm betting my future on something this insane."
"You won't regret it."
They walked together past the line of parked NEAR units—ten of them, completely idle, polished, and ready. In the distance, surveillance feeds showed Barron Vrax's site humming with activity, NEAR-03 through NEAR-07 tirelessly raising steel structures and pre-cast walls. It was already taking shape—four floors sketched into reality.
"Those your machines?" Kael asked, watching the feed.
"They're ours," Nyra corrected with a grin.
Later That Day: Arkbound HQ – Executive Floor
Inside the glass-lined strategy room, the core team gathered once again. The atmosphere was sharp with purpose.
Kael stood before the table, now officially introduced. Raen remained half in shadow as always, seated at the head.
"So you're the quiet storm behind this whole machine," Kael said, looking Raen's way.
Raen leaned forward slightly. "I don't need the world to know me. I need it to obey the systems I build."
Kael smirked. "Spoken like a real architect."
Raen nodded once, then gestured to Nyra. "Now that we've got the foundation, it's time we build the skyline."
He turned back to Kael.
"We need more projects. Big ones. You and Nyra—get to the business of signing contracts. I want the pipeline full before Barron's 45-day contract ends."
Kael nodded. "Understood. I'll tap old contacts, off-grid operators, and independent city councils. The big fish will come later."
Raen stood.
"In 45 days, a hundred NEAR bots will be operational. Here's how it splits:
50 bots — Construction Division, under your command.
10 bots — Securing Arkbound HQ and new R&D sites.
6 bots — Assigned to each key team member. That includes you, Kael."
Everyone exchanged surprised looks—but approving ones. Even Kael blinked, visibly impressed.
"You're serious about this," Kael said.
Raen's voice was steady.
"This isn't a project. It's a civilization. Let's start building it."