Cherreads

Chapter 18 - Accelerating Growth

The village is buzzing with energy. With the addition of Roran, Mira, and Elder Magnus, I can feel the weight of progress in the air. But we're not just going to sit here and wait for growth—we're going to accelerate it.

I turn to the group, my thoughts already moving forward. "We've got work to do," I say, my voice firm. "We need to expand and build faster. We'll need Roran on guard duty, Mira will start working on larger buildings, and Elder Magnus will oversee the land's well-being. As for the rest of us, we'll continue to work, to build, to gather."

Aric, still standing watch over the land, approaches from his position. He's been vigilant, and now it's time for him to join the effort. "I'll help with the expansions. Let me know where to direct the men."

Lira, who has been tirelessly gathering resources alongside me, smiles at the sight of the new arrivals. "With more hands, things will go much faster," she says, eager for the next phase.

I nod, turning my focus back to the system interface. It's time to make decisions that will keep the momentum going. The gold from our previous expansions is slowly trickling in, and we need to keep that process moving forward.

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[Mission: Accelerate Settlement Growth]

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I pull up the building window. The 20 houses are complete, but there's so much more to do. We need additional structures—workshops, markets, and even defensive walls. The village is growing at an incredible rate, but with Roran guarding the land and Mira's building expertise, it will speed up even faster.

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[Gold Earned]

Gold Per House: 30 Gold

Total Gold Earned from Completed Houses: 600 Gold

Gold Available (from growth): 150 Gold

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[Expansion Options]

1. Market Place (300 Gold)

Boosts local economy, earning gold passively over time.

2. Workshop (200 Gold)

Increases production of goods—wood, stone, and tools.

3. Defensive Wall (500 Gold)

Provides defense for the settlement against potential threats.

4. Resource Gathering Teams (200 Gold each)

Boosts resource gathering efficiency (wood, stone, and food).

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I take a moment to consider. The gold we earn from our progress so far is not much, but it's enough to accelerate the next stage. The Market Place will give us passive income over time, allowing the gold to come in steadily. A Workshop will increase production, and more Resource Gathering Teams will ensure that we can expand even faster.

I look at Mira. "Let's start by building the Workshop. We'll need it to keep up with the demand for materials."

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[Building Progress]

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With the decision made, Mira starts working on the Workshop right away. Her hands move with skill, organizing the building plans and gathering the materials needed. As she works, I can see the gold begin to trickle in faster. The village is starting to feel like a well-oiled machine.

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Meanwhile, Roran has already set up his guard post at the edge of the settlement. His sword is always ready, and his eyes scan the horizon for any potential threats. He doesn't speak much, but the way he moves and watches speaks volumes. The defenses are already stronger because of him, even without actual walls yet.

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I glance at the gold total once more. It's increasing at a faster rate now, thanks to the workshop being built, and I can see the potential.

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[Gold Earned]

Gold from Houses: 600 Gold

Gold from Market/Workshop (Passively): 150 Gold

Total Gold Earned: 750 Gold

Gold Available: 750 Gold

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[New Expansion Options]

With 750 Gold in hand, the choices for expansion are numerous. The Market Place is now operational, generating steady income as we work. The Workshop will be completed soon, allowing us to increase our production even further.

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[Mission Status]

Completed Structures: 20 Houses

Active Units: 6 (Aric, Lira, Roran, Mira, Elder Magnus, Darius)

Gold Available: 750 Gold

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We now have enough to expand further, but it's clear that the next move should be more resource gathering teams to increase efficiency and ensure we're never short on the materials we need. With Elder Magnus keeping the land healthy, Roran ensuring safety, and Mira guiding the building, we can now focus on the essentials: growth and sustainability.

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[New Units Summoned]

Resource Gathering Team (Wood) x2: 400 Gold

Resource Gathering Team (Stone) x1: 200 Gold

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As I watch the construction of the Workshop and the activation of our new resource gathering teams, I feel a surge of satisfaction. The foundation has been laid, and with this new growth, our settlement will only continue to flourish. The gold will keep coming in, and the expansion will keep pushing forward.

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I turn to Roran, "The walls are coming soon, but keep watch. We've got the gold coming in, but that won't stop the dangers out there."

He nods silently and sets back into his position, ready to defend.

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I glance at the horizon, a sense of pride building in my chest. The village is no longer just a dream. It's a reality. And it's just the beginning.

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