The morning fog still clings to the ground as I open the system again.
"Expand territory—toward the northwest. I want the Hollow Tree inside our borders."
---
[Territory Expansion – 100 Gold]
+5 acres gained
Point of Interest Secured: The Hollow Tree
Special Terrain Gained: Dense Woodland – can be used for advanced timber, hidden structures, and rare herbs
[Gold Remaining: 30]
---
The invisible boundary hums outward, spreading like veins of golden light into the forest. Trees sway. Birds scatter. And now, the Hollow Tree—massive, dark, and silent—stands at the edge of our claim.
It's ours now. But we're not ready to enter.
Not yet.
---
I turn back to the settlement.
We've got one modern house being built. Enough villagers to support the day-to-day. But I want more than that—I want infrastructure. Something that'll keep this place running long after I'm gone.
---
[System Menu – Construction Available]
Well System (Cost: 50 Gold) – Adds a central water source, improves health
Field Kitchen (Cost: 80 Gold) – Boosts food output and happiness
Workshop (Cost: 120 Gold) – Unlocks crafting tools, building upgrades, and storage
Community Square (Cost: 90 Gold) – Boosts morale, speeds unit cohesion and daily routines
---
"I want the Well System next," I say.
Water first. Stability first.
[Gold Remaining: 30 – Insufficient]
[Queued: Well System]
I'll wait for the day's gold income to kick in.
---
[Settlement Status Updated]
Territory: 25 Acres
Population: 23
Gold Income: 110/day
Current Build: Modern House (50%)
Next Build: Well System
Point of Interest Acquired: The Hollow Tree (Not Yet Explored)
---
That night, Mira joins me by the fire.
"You're holding off on exploring it, aren't you?" she asks, gazing toward the woods.
I nod. "We need water, storage, stability. I won't lead people into mystery without something to fall back on."
She smiles. "That's what makes you worth following."
---
A/N : I am going to fast pace it from now on, I hope you enjoy it