I stand there for a moment, staring at the glowing screen, trying to decide.
Summon Unit—it feels like such a small decision, but the weight of it lingers. I could summon a worker, someone to gather resources and help with the building. But no. I need someone to protect what I have. I need a guard.
The idea settles in my mind. I tap the option for the guard.
---
[Summon Unit: Guard]
Cost: 50 Gold
Unit Type: Guard (Human)
---
The system flashes, the gold disappearing from my count.
A sudden gust of wind sweeps through the clearing, and the ground beneath me shakes. The air feels thick with energy, and for a moment, I feel like the world is holding its breath.
Then, it happens.
A figure materializes before me, stepping into existence from the shimmering blue light. A man. He's dressed in light armor, a sword at his side, and he stands tall, looking around as if he's been placed here for a reason.
---
"Who...?" he begins, his voice rough as if he's just waking up. He looks at me, confusion crossing his face. "Where am I? What is this place?"
I stare back at him, equally confused. "You're... a summoned guard. I, uh, summoned you."
His eyes narrow as he takes a step closer. "Summoned? By who?"
"By me. I—" I pause, trying to make sense of the situation. "I'm trying to build something here, a place, and I needed help. A guard. You."
The guard looks around again, sizing up the area, then his gaze settles on me, a flicker of understanding in his eyes.
"So... you're the one who summoned me." He nods, more to himself than me. "I see. What do you need, then?"
"I need protection," I say, finally feeling a sense of direction. "I don't know what's out there, but I can't do this alone. I'll need someone to guard the shelter, maybe scout the area. Make sure nothing surprises me."
The guard gives a slight bow, a gesture that feels oddly natural for him. "I will protect you, then, Sovereign. I swear it."
I nod, feeling the weight of this new responsibility settle in. With the guard by my side, I can focus on expanding further, building something that can withstand whatever comes next.
---
[Guard Summoned: 1 Guard (Human)]
Gold: 0
New Mission: Expand Shelter Further or Explore Nearby Territories
---
The system updates, showing the guard now standing beside me, ready for whatever comes next.
"Thank you," I say to him, feeling a strange sense of gratitude.
The guard gives a half-smile, though there's a quiet, almost distant look in his eyes. "It's what I'm here for."
---