AT THE SAME TIME
WAENSSA'S/ISABELLA'S POINT OF VIEW:
I clenched my fists and pushed myself to sit up straighter. The rogues watched me cautiously, waiting for my next move.
"Alright." I said, my voice steadier than before. "If we're doing this, I need to know exactly what we're working with."
The red haired woman, who I was starting to think was one of the unofficial leaders here raised a brow.
"And what exactly do you think you're 'doing'?" She asked.
"Fixing this place." I gestured around at the barely-standing huts, the sickly looking people, and the overall miserable state of the village. "This isn't survival. This is barely clinging to life."
The young rogue from before scoffed.
"Yeah? And what do you expect us to do about it? We don't exactly have resources falling from the sky."She asked.
I smiled slightly. That's where they were wrong.
"You might not have resources." I admitted. "But you have people. And people can create things, build things. You just need direction."
The stubbled man beside me folded his arms.
"And you think you can give that?"He asked.
"Yes. But I need to know what's left. Food, water, supplies. Anything that can be salvaged."I said.
There was a pause before the red haired woman sighed. "We'll show you, but don't expect much. You're not the first one to think they can change things."She said.
No, but I was going to be the first to succeed. They took me through the rogue settlement, and I quickly saw just how bad things were. Half the huts were collapsing, patched together with whatever scraps they could find. People were sick, their bodies frail from lack of proper food. They had no proper defenses, if another pack decided to wipe them out, they wouldn't stand a chance. But despite all that, there was something here. Strong hands that had built these weak shelters. People willing to hunt and gather, even if they had little. A will to survive, even if the world had abandoned them.
They weren't beyond saving. They just needed a chance.
I turned to the group following me, my mind racing with ideas.
"Alright." I said. "Here's what we're going to do."
They exchanged wary looks, but at least they were listening.
"We start small." I continued. "First, we fix the water situation. If we don't have a clean source, we find a way to purify what we do have. Second, food. What are you eating now?"
The red haired woman crossed her arms.
"Whatever we can steal or hunt. It's never enough."She said.
I nodded.
"Then we make it enough. There are ways to stretch supplies. And if we can get seeds, we can start planting."I said.
The stubbled man snorted.
"You think we can just farm? We don't have land for that."He asked.
"We'll make land." I wasn't backing down. "And we'll hunt smarter, preserve food better. There are ways."I said.
I could see some of them starting to think about it, considering the possibility that maybe, just maybe, things could change. But one rogue, a wiry man with a long scar across his cheek, narrowed his eyes at me.
"Why?" He asked.
I frowned.
"What?"I asked.
"Why do you care?" He asked, stepping closer. "No one helps rogues. No one gives a damn about us. So why are you?"
I took a slow breath, meeting his suspicious gaze.
"Because the world already decided you're worthless." I said quietly. "And I don't believe that."
A heavy silence followed my words. For a moment, I thought they would laugh, or call me weird. But instead, something shifted in their eyes. Hope. Not much, but just enough.
"Well, damn." The stubbled man muttered. "Maybe you are crazy."
I smirked.
"Maybe."I said.
The red haired woman huffed.
"Fine, 'leader.' What's next?"She asked.
I blinked.
"Wait, what?"I asked.
The younger rogue grinned.
"You heard her. You want to change things? Then change them. You're in charge now."He said.
I had just become the leader of the rogue village. And there was no turning back. A sudden ding echoed in my mind, making me freeze.
"Congratulations! You have achieved the hidden title: Rogue Village Leader. Rewards: Basic Leadership Skills, Increased Influence Over Rogues, Slight Stat Boost in Survival Skills." System said.
I blinked rapidly. Oh… right. This was still a game. The boost was subtle, but I felt it a strange clarity in my thoughts, a steadiness in my body. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make me feel… capable. Mira, the red haired rogue, raised an eyebrow at my sudden silence.
"What, already regretting it?"She asked.
I shook off my shock and grinned.
"Nope. Just thinking about where to start." I said.
"Then get to it, leader."She snorted.
The first order of business was food. The rogues barely had enough to last a few more days. I gathered a small group, including Mira and the stubbled man who I learned was named Riker to go hunting. Some of the younger rogues, eager to prove themselves, joined us.
Mira stretched her arms.
"Let's see if you actually know what you're doing."She said.
"Just watch."I said.
With my system's survival boost, I found it easier to track footprints, spot animal trails, and identify useful plants. I pointed out edible roots and berries, surprising even the more experienced rogues. Riker gave me an approving nod.
"Not bad."He said.
When it came to hunting, the rogues were skilled but reckless. They chased after prey wildly, wasting energy and scaring animals off. I stopped them before they could ruin another hunt.
"You're not chasing them." I explained, crouching low. "You're luring them in. Set traps, use patience. The prey comes to you."I explained.
They looked skeptical but followed my lead. By the end of the hunt, we had more food than usual. Mira crossed her arms.
"Alright, leader. You proved yourself today."Mira said.
"Told you."I said and grinned.
Now I needed to keep going and continue my plan.