Three days pass like a dream. The Hall of Records towers now at the heart of the settlement, a smooth blend of stone and timber with a pointed spire that reaches toward the sky. It's not flashy, but it feels important. Like something ancient and alive is just waiting to be unearthed.
The system hums louder than usual in the back of my mind. Then—a pulse.
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[System Notification]
Hall of Records Complete.
Research System Unlocked.
New Interface: [Research Tree] Activated
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I step inside the building with Elder Magnus beside me. The walls are bare for now, but he's already lining the interior with scrolls, parchments, and slabs of etched stone. A quiet place—where ideas will become power.
A glowing blue grid opens in my mind as the system unveils the Research Tree.
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[Research Tree - Tier 1 Options]
1. Construction Efficiency I (5 days)
Buildings cost 10% less materials and build 20% faster.
2. Basic Agriculture (4 days)
Unlock farms and food production. Improves morale and growth.
3. Weapon Crafting I (6 days)
Unlocks basic weapon crafting at the Workshop. Swords, spears, and bows.
4. Currency & Trade (7 days)
Enables barter system, opens potential for future trading posts.
5. Unit Training I (6 days)
Allows units to level up through effort, not just summoning cost.
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I stare at the options. Each one leads down a different path—growth, economy, military, or mastery. But we can only pick one for now.
Magnus speaks, his voice low and measured. "The foundations we build now decide the height of our reach. Choose wisely, my lord."
I take a breath. Then I choose:
"Start research on Basic Agriculture."
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[Research Started: Basic Agriculture - 4 Days Remaining]
Benefits: Unlock Farms, Morale Boost, Steady Food Supply, Faster Growth Over Time
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Mira's already outside sketching blueprints for farm plots the moment I announce it. Lira is smiling, probably thinking about fresh vegetables instead of dried rations. Even Aric looks relieved.
I glance toward the Hall again, feeling the gravity of it settle in. We're not just building huts anymore.
We're building a future.
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[System Update]
Projected Gold Increase (Post-Agriculture): +25/Day
Growth Boost Incoming
Unlockable: Advanced Farming (Tier 2)
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