Helen, inspired by Allistor’s planning and enthusiasm, called out, “Group hug!” and pulled them all together for a moment.  Andrea laughed, and Dean blushed for some reason.

They chatted about details for a few more minutes, then rejoined the others in the food court. After checking to confirm whether the population was sufficient, Allistor decided to go ahead and pull the trigger.  Several folks had wandered off to explore, so Allistor shouted to be heard by everyone up and down the promenade.  “Okay, everybody!  Hold onto something. I’m about to upgrade this place!”

Allistor pushed the button to complete the Citadel transaction.

A thunderous gong shook the entire building, followed by the expected golden light, and a chorus of trumpets and chimes.   The ground shook violently under their feet.  On Allistor’s interface, golden fireworks were flashing in bursts here and there, and a message in fancy silver lettering appeared.

World First!  Baron Allistor has constructed the first Citadel on UCP 382!

Congratulations, Baron Allistor!  May you rule long and wisely!

Next was a second message in normal text that appeared after the first one had faded.

You are the first on your world to successfully gather the noble title, land, resources, and people to enable the creation of a Citadel. The creation of your world’s first Citadel has earned you a unique set of rewards. First, your title of Baron has been upgraded to Viscount.  Your Citadel will receive complimentary upgrades to its perimeter defense, communication, and morale bonuses.  In addition, your Citadel will be fitted with a Teleportation Hub, and licenses for up to six substations free of charge.  During the Stabilization period, the Hub will only connect with others located on your world.  Lastly, you have been granted a Library.  This is a rare and valuable collection of knowledge that exists nowhere else on your world.  Protect it well.

When Allistor blinked away the notifications and looked around, everyone else’s eyes were still vacant.  He waited a few moments until Andrea focused on him.

“Oh, shit,” was her first reaction.

“I know; that was awesome!” Allistor held out a fist for bumping.

She obliged, but she corrected him.  “Sure, awesome Citadel, woohoo.  But that first thing, it was a world notice.”

Allistor’s enthusiasm left him as Helen and Dean listened in.  He faintly heard Bjurstrom somewhere behind him echo Andrea’s sentiment.  “Oh, shit.”   All the gamers in the room knew what a worldwide announcement of an achievement like this mean.  They’d just had a big red target painted on them.   It happened in games all the time.  A guild would reach the top ranking on a server, and other guilds would immediately begin planning to take them down.

In this particular case, why struggle to create a citadel of your own if you could just take one from the other guys?

As Andrea explained it to Dean and Helen, Allistor’s shoulders slumped.

“Well, shit.”

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

The Citadel