Morning comes with a warm breeze and birdsong.
[Gold Accumulated: 190]
[Agriculture Research: 1 Day Remaining]
The settlement is alive—workers cutting, hauling, hammering. Aric is patrolling quietly. Kaela returns with her satchel full of herbs and roots, while Dren is already helping rebuild the central square with smoother paths.
But the flow of progress needs to grow faster. We need more.
---
I open the system again.
"Expand territory."
---
[Territory Expansion - 100 Gold]
+5 acres added
New Zone Unlocked: East Clearing (Plains, good for farms and housing)
Gold Remaining: 90
---
The land stretches again—grassy, open, and flat. Perfect. And now, the people.
---
[Summon Menu: Common & Skilled Units]
Common Villager – 50 Gold
Skilled Laborer – 80 Gold
Scout – 70 Gold (unlocks basic exploration paths and map fragments)
"Summon one Common Villager and one Scout."
---
The familiar light appears. A woman steps forward with calm eyes and simple clothes—Yula, a baker's daughter. She smiles warmly and walks straight to Mira to help with housing prep.
And then the scout.
He's tall, lean, and quiet. Wears a hood. His name is Rye, and he doesn't waste words.
"I'll map what others don't see," he says, eyes already scanning the edges of the forest.
---
[New Units Summoned]
Yula (Villager)
Rye (Scout): Can uncover hidden terrain and special landmarks, increases resource node discovery
[Gold Remaining: 0]
---
The settlement now buzzes with nineteen souls, each doing their part.
Aric, watching from the gate, turns to me and says, "They believe in this. In you."
I don't respond right away.
I just watch the people, and for a moment—I believe in me too.
---
[Settlement Status Updated]
Population: 19
Territory: 20 Acres
Gold Income: 100/day
Morale: Strong
Happiness: High
Special Zones: South Creek, East Clearing
Active Units: 2 Combat, 5 Skilled, 12 Villagers
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