Soon, the two of them gathered all the necessary materials.
Li En began constructing the Worker's Hut.
[Worker's Hut under construction. Time remaining: 7 minutes.]
Next, they needed to solve the food problem—after all, workers required sustenance to be recruited.
Before long—
[Ding! The Worker's Hut has been completed.]
[Successfully built: Worker's Hut. Territory population +4.]
[You can now recruit workers by consuming food.]
[Note: If workers are not fed, they may go on strike or even leave. Please maintain a steady food supply.]
As the golden mist dissipated, a three-meter-tall Worker's Hut appeared.
[Ding! Congratulations, Player Li En! You are the first in the entire server to build a Worker's Hut. Reward: Bread ×20.]
Li En was overjoyed. This was a great reward—now they could recruit workers immediately.
Without hesitation, he initiated the recruitment.
[Recruiting 4 workers. Food consumed: ×20.]
A brilliant golden light flashed, and with a creak, the hut's door swung open.
Out stepped four yak-men—humanoid figures with thick, shaggy fur and curved horns. Their fur was so dense that it partially obscured their eyes, leaving only their left eyes visible.
At the sight, Li En blurted out:
"Holy crap, cows."
The yak-men approached and bowed respectfully.
"Honorable Lord, the Yak-men report for duty."
Li En quickly scanned their stats.
[Name: Minotaurus (Renamable)]
[Level: 1 (0/100)]
[Race: Demi-human / Yak)]
[Strength: 4, Agility: 2, Intelligence: 2, Spirit: 2, Constitution: 5]
[Talent: Polar Adaptation (Cold Resistance)]
[Satiety: 60]
[Loyalty: 60]
...
[Name: Minotauros (Renamable)]
[Level: 1 (0/100)]
[Race: Demi-human / Yak)]
[Strength: 4, Agility: 2, Intelligence: 2, Spirit: 2, Constitution: 5]
[Talent: Polar Adaptation (Cold Resistance)]
[Satiety: 60]
[Loyalty: 60]
...
[Name: Aminos (Renamable)]
[Level: 1 (0/100)]
[Race: Demi-human / Yak)]
[Strength: 4, Agility: 2, Intelligence: 2, Spirit: 2, Constitution: 5]
[Talent: Polar Adaptation]
[Satiety: 60]
[Loyalty: 60]
...
[Name: Ayamino (Renamable)]
[Level: 1 (0/100)]
[Race: Demi-human / Yak)]
[Strength: 4, Agility: 2, Intelligence: 2, Spirit: 2, Constitution: 5]
[Talent: Polar Adaptation]
[Satiety: 60]
[Loyalty: 60]
Li En sighed as he reviewed their information. Unfortunately, none of them were female yak-men—otherwise, he could have used [Intimate Touch] to copy their [Polar Adaptation] talent.
"Let's rename them," he muttered.
He pointed at the yak-man named Aminos.
"You're now 'Zhao Mei' (Seeking Sister)."
Aminos froze, bewildered. Before he could react, Li En continued, pointing at the others:
"The rest of you will be 'Lai Mei' (Coming Sister), 'Pan Mei' (Longing Sister), and 'Nian Mei' (Missing Sister)."
The yak-men exchanged confused glances.
"A-Ah! Lord Li En, you can't do that! The yak-men will be heartbroken!" Shir protested from the side.
[Territory member: Yak-man Minotaurus's Loyalty -1. Current: 59.]
[Territory member: Yak-man Minotauros's Loyalty -1. Current: 59.]
[Territory member: Yak-man Aminos's Loyalty -1. Current: 59.]
"Loyalty, huh…" Li En murmured.
He hadn't paid much attention to this in the past—after all, with [Charm Eye], he could just max it out instantly.
After a moment's thought, he relented.
"Fine, you can keep your original names."
The yak-men collectively sighed in relief.
"Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lady Shir!"
They shot grateful looks at Shir.
[Territory member: Yak-man Minotaurus's Loyalty +1. Current: 60.]
[Territory member: Yak-man Minotauros's Loyalty +1. Current: 60.]
Li En waved his hand dismissively. The loyalty system was something he understood well.
If loyalty kept dropping, managing the territory would become increasingly difficult—even leading to desertions.
Conversely, if it reached 100, members would willingly dedicate everything to their lord.
Without [Charm Eye], he'd have to rely on rewards and incentives to maintain their loyalty.
His gaze shifted to Shir, whose loyalty was indeed maxed at 100.
Noticing his stare, Shir responded with a warm, radiant smile—one that could seemingly melt away the world's cold.
Looking at that familiar smile, Li En made a decision.
"It seems I'll have to focus on raising loyalty from now on."
He then turned back to the workers.
"Minotaurus, Minotauros—you two will gather lumber."
"Ayamino, you'll collect stones."
"Aminos, you're in charge of constructing the Cafeteria, Hunter's Cabin, Dormitory, and Infirmary. If you have time, scout the left and right sides of the territory."
Aminos's eyes nearly bulged out of his skull.
That's enough work for several people! How am I supposed to do all this alone?
Are you trying to bully me, Aminos?!
Just as he was about to voice his concerns, a strange electric current surged through his body.
Suddenly, architectural knowledge flooded his mind. His construction skills improved dramatically, and his body felt brimming with energy.
This is amazing!
He had never experienced anything like it. Now, he couldn't wait to start building.
"Yes, Lord!" The yak-men saluted in unison.
"Remember—if you encounter danger, do not engage. Report back to me immediately. Your safety is a priority."
Li En emphasized this point. In the early stages, losing even a single worker would be a significant setback.
They'd need to recruit more residents through other means later.
"As you command, Lord!" the yak-men chorused.
[Territory member: Yak-man Minotaurus's Loyalty +5. Current: 65.]
[Territory member: Yak-man Minotauros's Loyalty +5. Current: 65.]
Li En's eye twitched. Just like that? Maybe I should work on my speechcraft.
With their tasks assigned, the yak-men dispersed to their duties.
"Shir," Li En turned to her, "you're with me. We'll scout the surrounding territory."
He smirked.
"Let's go find tonight's dinner."
Shir pumped her fist excitedly.
"Yes, Lord Li En!"