The morning sun bathed Greystone in a warm, golden light as Kaelen stood overlooking the village. The scent of pine and earth mingled with the faint smoke rising from cooking fires. The village was small, its wooden huts scattered unevenly around the rocky terrain, but it was their home. And soon, it would be so much more.
Kaelen's mind buzzed with possibilities. The victory against the Pact scouts had strengthened their resolve, but he knew it was just the first step. Territory expansion, resource management, and strengthening his people—these were all essential before the Lords' War.
He glanced at the system interface hovering before him, crisp and efficient, displaying the current status of Greystone's development.
System Interface – Territory Management
Current Territory: Greystone VillageLand Size: 1 sq kmFood Resources: ScarcePopulation: 152 (including villagers and militia)Available Funds: 35,000 GoldRefund Rate: 470xSystem Points (SP): 21
Build Options:
Expand Hunting Grounds (Cost: 5,000 Gold)
Construct Grain Storage (Cost: 8,000 Gold)
Build Defensive Palisades (Cost: 10,000 Gold)
Train Militia (Cost: 12,000 Gold)
Upgrade Summoning Chamber (Cost: 15,000 Gold)
Kaelen frowned. Food scarcity was their biggest threat. Hunting was unreliable and dangerous, but until they could cultivate crops, it was all they had.
He touched the option to expand the hunting grounds.
Expansion Successful!New Hunting Grounds Area: +2 sq kmRefund: 470 x 5,000 Gold = 2,350,000 Gold (Returned to Inventory)System Points Gained: 50 SPTotal SP: 71
Kaelen felt a rush of satisfaction. The refund system was an incredible advantage, returning vast amounts of gold and boosting his SP pool. With each action, his power and the village's prosperity grew.
"Big brother, what are you doing?"
Kaelen turned to see his little sister, Lyria, standing quietly beside him. Her golden hair was braided neatly, and her bright green eyes sparkled with curiosity. Though only eight, she carried herself with a quiet confidence that seemed beyond her years.
Kaelen smiled warmly. "Just working on ways to help the village survive."
Lyria nodded solemnly. "Can I help too?"
Lyria's class was unlike Kaelen's necromancer powers. She was a Verdant Warden, a rare hybrid class combining nature manipulation and protective magic. She could coax plants to grow rapidly, heal the wounded, and create barriers of living vines.
Unlike undead summons, Lyria's abilities were rooted in life and growth, making her a natural counterbalance to Kaelen's necromantic arts.
"Of course," Kaelen said. "Your skills will be crucial. We'll need your healing and barriers when the battles come."
Lyria beamed.
Quest Update
Quest Title: "Sibling Bond Strengthened"Objective:
Assist Kaelen in expanding and fortifying Greystone.
Use Verdant Warden abilities to support village growth.
Train alongside Kaelen to improve synergy.
Reward:
100,000 Refund
5 System Points
Special Resource Package: Healing Herbs, Fertile Seeds
Kaelen sent Lyria on a scouting mission, encouraging her to gather resources while practicing her Verdant Warden skills. She returned within hours, carrying bundles of rare herbs and fertile seeds.
Together, they planted the seeds near the newly expanded hunting grounds.
Days passed with steady progress. Villagers learned to work the land with Lyria's guidance, and Kaelen trained his militia in new tactics.
The refund system kept providing resources, creating a virtuous cycle of expansion.
Elara often joined the training, her illusions boosting morale and confusing enemy scouts who dared approach.
One afternoon, a stranger arrived at the village gates — a woman with raven-black hair and piercing blue eyes. Her confident stride and sharp gaze made her presence known immediately.
Kaelen stepped forward, curious.
"I'm Seraphine," she introduced herself. "A mercenary skilled in blade and strategy. I heard of your rise and wish to offer my services."
Elara exchanged a glance with Kaelen.
Seraphine's presence was unexpected but welcomed. Her expertise in combat would bolster Greystone's defenses, and her straightforward nature intrigued Kaelen.
For the first time since arriving, he felt a flutter in his chest.
System Notification
New Companion Joined: Seraphine (Mercenary)Bonus: +10% Militia Attack PowerRelationship Status: Neutral
Kaelen made a mental note to get to know Seraphine better.
As the village settled for the night, Kaelen reviewed the system shop once more.
His current SP allowed for upgrades in strength, intelligence, and new skill purchases.
He decided to invest in the "Undead Commander" skill, which increased the damage and coordination of his summoned undead by 15%.
Kaelen looked at Lyria sleeping peacefully beside him.
"No matter what happens, we'll protect this village. Together."