The morning sun crests over the forest, gold glinting off dew-soaked rooftops. The settlement is awake. Working. Growing.
And it's time to push further.
I call out to Rye, who's leaning against the wooden gate, sharpening a dagger.
"Rye," I say. "It's time. Scout the land—north and west first. Find me paths, resources, anything unusual."
He nods once, no questions asked. "I'll return before dusk," he says, then vanishes into the trees like smoke.
[Scout Dispatched: Rye]
Estimated Return: 6 Hours
Direction: North-West Quadrants
---
Next, I gather Mira, Dren, and Sera by the worksite.
"We're not building huts anymore," I say. "We're going to raise something more... advanced."
They exchange confused glances. I open the system menu and tap the glowing icon labeled:
---
[Modern World Blueprint Catalog - Unlocked]
Basic Modern House (Cost: 100 Gold / Unit)
2 Bedrooms, kitchen, indoor plumbing. Needs wood, stone, metal.
Workshop (Cost: 120 Gold)
Equipped for modern tools, improves build speed and tech crafting.
Field Kitchen (Cost: 80 Gold)
Boosts food efficiency, morale, and hygiene.
Water Tank System (Cost: 60 Gold)
Collects rainwater, filters, and distributes clean water.
---
[Gold Accumulated: 110]
I select the Basic Modern House blueprint.
---
[Blueprint Purchased: Basic Modern House]
Gold Remaining: 10
---
The blueprint manifests in a roll of glowing parchment, which I hand to Mira. She unrolls it, eyes widening as she takes in the diagrams.
"This… this is years ahead of anything I've ever seen," she breathes.
"You'll lead the team. Dren, you're her right hand. Sera, coordinate materials. The rest of the villagers will follow your lead."
They nod, excitement bubbling just under the surface.
"Let's raise a home," I say.
---
[Construction Initiated: 1x Basic Modern House]
Estimated Completion: 1 Day
Requires: Timber, Stone, Metal (in progress)
---
By noon, the work begins. Wood is measured, stone is cut cleaner than ever, and Kaela even finds raw iron along the creek's bend. It's not fast, but it's efficient—organized, modern, human.
The villagers gather near the build site after their chores, watching the process like it's magic.
Because to them—it is.
---