The workers came and went without rest, mixing cement and transporting materials in wheelbarrows. The metallic sound of shovels striking mixed with the constant echo of hammers. The foreman's sharp shouts echoed through the site, giving instructions to ensure each structure was built according to the plans.
Ethan observed the scene in silence. Behind him, like two black towers, stood the Hu brothers. Their mere presence inspired fear. From beneath their face masks, the only visible features were their eyes—two red orbs like blood moons.
The construction chief looked at them with a mix of respect and caution. He was no simple laborer. As a reassigned Vesper, he had been involved in the construction of Omega Zero and the underground base. During the project, he demonstrated outstanding talent. Recognizing that potential, Ethan specifically assigned him to the construction of Stella City. His combat ability was competent, but his true value lay in managing large-scale construction. Ethan had plans to train him as a military engineer responsible for future strategic facilities.
In fact, all Vespers had experience in construction. Omega Zero, being a highly classified project, was built exclusively by group personnel. Most of the technicians currently working in the underground workshop were also reassigned Vespers. The other technicians were former slaves rescued from the black iron mine. They were assigned tasks within the facilities, though with one difference: they were not allowed to leave Omega Zero. Upon their rescue, they were given two options: immediate freedom, or work under contract with strict confidentiality conditions and mandatory residence in the near future.
Returning to the current scene, the construction chief immediately recognized the commander's two personal guards. He was surprised to see the radical change in them: their posture, their aura, the coldness in their eyes… they were no longer ordinary soldiers. It felt as if two predatory beasts were evaluating him.
Even so, his eyes showed no fear, only respect… his gaze landed on Ethan with respect, admiration… and expectation. He knew that if he proved his worth, he might someday receive the same kind of enhancement.
Among the Vespers, the existence of genetic sequences was no secret. Although they were unaware of the technical details and the exact process of their creation, they knew they were related to the demonic beasts being studied by Ethan.
They understood that this path to enhancement had been opened to them by their Commander. Their loyalty was absolute. It stemmed from trust in a leader who not only gave orders but also provided them with power, structure, and purpose.
Ethan nodded slightly as he observed the progress on the ground. He turned his head in another direction and began to walk. The three followed him without averting their gaze.
"Everything is progressing well," Ethan said, without taking his eyes off the plans projected by AION.
They walked together to an excavation section where several teams were working in trenches. To one side, cement blocks, sacks of cement, and rebar were stacked. Near the construction channels, workers were placing formwork and reinforcement structures ready for casting.
"This is a section of the sewage system," explained the construction chief. "Side walls with cement blocks, internal concrete coating, and reinforcement with rebar."
Ethan descended a temporary ramp into one of the technical access points, observing everything closely.
"We're placing access chambers every twenty-five meters, with room for future branches and maintenance," the chief added.
"Perfect. Make sure all joints are sealed, reinforce the exposed edges, and leave visible anchor points at the access areas. This system must withstand moisture and ground pressure," Ethan commented.
And with that, he resumed his inspection.
Some of the workers cast doubtful and curious glances at Ethan. They knew the construction chief well, and several had even seen Officer Wei from a distance on previous occasions. Both held similar internal ranks, so there was no clear superior-subordinate relationship between them. Their interaction was direct and professional.
That's why, when they saw the always strict and severe construction chief speaking in a respectful tone, as if reporting to a superior, many began to suspect immediately who that masked man was.
The workers couldn't help but look at the back of the man with the covered face and golden glasses. From the way the others treated him, they almost certainly assumed he was a high-ranking officer. And when his figure disappeared, murmurs arose.
"Could he be the lord of the city?"
"He has to be. Didn't you see how the construction chief looked at him?"
"And the two who accompanied him? Did you see their eyes? They looked terrifying…"
"Shhh… don't say that."
The noise stopped abruptly when the foreman shot them a glare. His hardened face and the dry tone of his voice were enough to restore order.
"What do you think this is? A tavern? Get back to work. If you have energy to talk, then you can carry double the load."
The workers immediately returned to their tasks without uttering another word.
Along the way, several civilians watched Ethan from a distance, intrigued by his presence. His covered face made it impossible to identify him, but his aura conveyed authority and respect; no one could confirm his identity.
In Stella City, both Ethan and the Vespers and high-ranking officers kept their identities confidential. All wore faceplates as part of operational protocol and rarely showed their faces outside controlled contexts. For most workers and civilians, they were recognizable only by their voice, posture, or uniform.
Naturally, wearing the faceplate all the time was impractical. Over the course of missions and training, most Vespers ended up recognizing their comrades' faces. However, there were strict exceptions: figures like Ye Han, V-12, and other Vespers never removed their masks in front of their peers. Except for Ethan and Shen Bao, who had recruited them, no one knew their real appearances.
That same dynamic was beginning to replicate among the new recruits of the Astralis army. However, in the case of the army and Astralis Security Guard, identity concealment was not mandatory. There was no strict regulation about it, and in many cases, it didn't matter if neighbors, acquaintances, or family knew who they were or what role they performed. Anonymity was not a requirement.
In contrast, for the Vesper units, confidentiality was a formal order. Concealing identity from civilians and external personnel was an obligation.
As he continued walking, Ethan observed the progress of the streets under construction. All of Stella was in constant transformation. With every step, the environment changed.
In front of him, a green area began to take shape. Teams of workers poured fertile soil into segments edged with stone. Some planted ornamental shrubs and young trees, while others spread sacks of fine gravel to outline pedestrian paths. Concrete benches and basic shade structures were being installed, while other workers leveled the ground for future open plazas.
The plans not only included residential zones, industrial complexes, and road axes, but also green spaces, plazas, garden corridors, and recreational areas.
The green zones reduced tension, improved morale, and served as an outlet for a working population.