The battlefield still reeked of blood.
Crows circled overhead, drawn by the scent of death.
The villagers, though victorious, were exhausted.
Some had minor wounds—scratches, bruises—but they had won.
They had defended their home.
And now, they faced a new question.
Above, the young man stared at his system interface.
The latest message was still floating in front of him.
"New Feature Unlocked: Civilization Expansion!"
"Would you like to expand your territory?"
He frowned.
"Expand? How does that even work?"
A new menu opened.
Option 1: Annex Nearby Land (Free)
Option 2: Establish a Second Settlement (3 Creation Points)
Option 3: Assimilate Defeated Tribes (2 Creation Points)
He still had 4 Creation Points left.
His fingers hovered over the third option.
"If I assimilate the remaining enemy warriors, I can increase my population..."
But there was a risk.
What if they revolted?
What if they refused to submit?
He needed to think carefully.
Back in the village...
