I wake up to the system's quiet ping.
---
[Gold Accumulated: 390]
[Agriculture Research: 2 Days Remaining]
---
The village is breathing now. People move with purpose. The scent of fresh-cut wood and cooking fires hangs in the air. But it's still not enough—we need more people. More hands. More ground.
I open the system and speak:
"Expand the territory."
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[Territory Expansion - 100 Gold]
+5 acres added. Resource potential increased.
New Zone Unlocked: South Creek
Gold Remaining: 290
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The land stretches outward, shimmering softly as trees fade and the boundary moves. A clear stream cuts through the new zone. Fertile land—perfect for the farms coming soon.
Then I move to summon.
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[Summon: Skilled Unit Menu]
Craftsman (Cost: 100 Gold)
Improves building speed and quality.
Herbalist (Cost: 90 Gold)
Boosts healing and potion potential later.
Gatherer (Cost: 80 Gold)
Increases resource yield and locates rare herbs.
---
I select two:
"Summon a Craftsman and a Gatherer."
---
The glow returns—and with it, two figures.
The first is Dren, a sturdy man with calloused hands and a toolbelt. His eyes scan the settlement like he's already redesigning it.
The second is Kaela, lithe, alert, eyes sharp. She crouches and examines the soil the moment she arrives.
"Good bones here," Dren mutters, inspecting a house. "But I can make 'em better."
Kaela stands, brushing dirt from her fingers. "This land's hiding things. I'll find them."
---
[New Units Summoned]
Dren (Craftsman): +20% building efficiency
Kaela (Gatherer): +15% gathering yield, +chance for rare finds
Gold Remaining: 110
---
Work resumes almost instantly. Dren begins reinforcing the older homes. Kaela vanishes into the trees, her movement barely a whisper.
Mira grins as she sees the new additions. "Now it's starting to look like something real," she says.
I nod. It is.
---
[System Update]
Territory: 15 Acres
Gold Income: 80/day
Population: 14
Morale: Good
Happiness: Steady
---