The sun had long since climbed past the mist-drenched trees of Bogwater when Levi stirred from his rest.

A full morning of peace a rarity now that Bogwater was no longer a quiet swamp village tucked from the world. It was growing. And so was he.

But even in growth, fear lingered.

Levi sat at Mae's old table with parchment laid flat before him.

In one hand, a small reed quill; in the other, a half-eaten swampberry. Hes starting to get used to the berries. The Cheat Engine file lay dormant, pulsing ever faintly, though he had long learned not to look too closely. Today, he wanted to experiment.

With each line of script and scratch, he attempted to rename his assets. "Gold" became "Silver Stag." "Meat" was retitled as "Lizard Meat," and "Berry" became "Swampberry." "Cheese" became "Hard cheese" "Bread" now turned to "Hard Bread".

A test, small but meaningful trial.

He whispered the changes aloud, committing them like a prayer, and focused. A slight hum pulsed from beneath his skin, and then a flicker.

He opened the inventory screen.

Silver Star: 1.

Swampberry: 10.

Lizard Meat: 1.

Hard Bread: 1.

Hard Cheese:1.

The names held.

Levi leaned back, breathing out in quiet relief. If he could manipulate the names, maybe he wouldn't lose it all if he made a mistake. Maybe he wasn't as powerless as he'd feared.

Then came the knock.

Jory entered without waiting for a word, boots thick with bog mud and his brow raised in mild judgment. "You talk to yourself more now."

Levi smirked. "And you eavesdrop more. We're growing together."

Jory folded his arms. "You're not scared anymore. Not like before. What's changed?"

Levi stood slowly and walked toward him. He placed a hand on Jory's shoulder.

"I haven't changed that much," Levi said, voice soft but sure. "I merely grew up, friend. And I know one day you will as well."

Jory opened his mouth, but said nothing. Just nodded, and that was enough.

That afternoon, the old men sent for him. Levi arrived to the hall at the heart of Bogwater where Mae, Harwin, and a handful of the village heads gathered. The door closed, and a small scroll was laid before him.

"From the Neck," Mae murmured, "carried by hand."

Levi unraveled the scroll carefully.

The seal was simple, but unmistakable: a black lizard-lion coiled on a green field, The sigil of House Reed.

The message was short. A formal recognition.

House Reed knew of Bogwater now, and more importantly, accepted its survival.

They spoke of the dangers of the Neck, of travelers needing guidance, of dangers both natural and not. How some bandits down site walk in the kings road.

And then they welcomed trade. While some were given eternal rest.

Levi swallowed hard. Trade and Bandits.

This was it. Permission. Legitimacy. A door creaked open.

But with that door came responsibility and the danger with it.

He looked around the room, at the faces of the village rough, tired, hopeful.

People were still coming. Refugees, wanderers, craftsmen. Bogwater was becoming more than a settlement for lost people.

And it needed to be safe.

"We need walls," Levi said, rising to his feet. "made of stones. Strong ones and i can give them. Watch towers at least enough to keep watch in all sides of ours.

A proper caravan ready to leave in two to four moons(months) time. We can't afford to wait while other merchants gain coin any longer."

There were murmurs, nods, and the slow kindling of resolve.

Levi stepped outside after the meeting, swamp winds brushing across his face.

"We'll build this together," he whispered to himself. "Stone by stone. Step by step."

And for the first time, the weight on his shoulders felt lighter than it had in days.