The Assembly didn't function as much as an Assembly per se. Instead of an exchange of thoughts, Alexis, as the Lord of The Land, laid out the plans that he aims to achieve.
First, the clearing of the surrounding area. With the Kalenberry bushes as an exception, Alexis ordered that the trees that surrounded the place should be cut down in order to make way for houses and farmland to be built. One of the refugees actually tested and attested to the miraculous fact that the soil in this forest could be used for the cultivation of staple crops, fruits, and vegetables.
According to him, it was the first time that he saw an area within the Great Forest that is tillable. The soil is also stable enough to support heavy infrastructures, so simple wooden houses could work. Heck, even stone houses could.
The trees that would be chopped down will be the material that they will use to build those said houses. He was able to judge that because the system identified the tree as a soft living tree that can easily be chopped, but is also considered a hardwood once it dries up. The trees are also sensitive to energy, and can thus be strengthened even further upon the use of magic.
Speaking of magic, despite hearing it a couple of times already, Alexis still hasn't got a single clue how one does it. The only inkling that he has is the detail from Alvert saying that magic is widely used in the west. It has even developed cities to become a type of city called a Magic City, sometimes called a Floating City because of its mystical attributes.
Second. Following the previous topic, the planning of housing and infrastructure came into the Assembly. Without prolonging the discussion, the new member of the settlement, Alvert, stepped forward.
"My Lord, might I volunteer myself to help our humble land plan the layout for its infrastructures? I mean not to brag, but I have some knowledge with regard to city-planning and architecture. I believe I can put myself to use by helping on that part." Alvert explained.
Of course, with someone volunteering, coupled with him explaining his qualifications, Alexis naturally did not refuse. After checking everyone's opinion, Alvert was appointed as the first Minister of Architecture. Immediately, Alvert began drafting his proposals. Alexis also gave him the necessary blueprints such as the Basic House Blueprint, Northern Light Shrine, and Barn Blueprint.
Following that, the issue of the establishment of a force to protect the settlement was brought up. Eight men can do little to nothing when it comes to protecting the settlement, but it is a good start. Coupled with that, crafting spears also became a necessity. Unfortunately, none of the refugees knew how to forge a spear. It would have to be set aside.
Last came the designation of tasks. Of course, despite the absence of weapons, the men were tasked to build and protect the settlement, which they accepted. The women and some children, especially Ruze, volunteered to manage the settlement's agriculture, with some saying that they wish to create farmland already.
After confirming everyone's designation, the gears of the settlement started to spin. First, the men began the chopping of trees. To protect themselves in the escape, the men and women actually brought crude axes with them. To chop off the trees surrounding them, it'll do.
In a matter of three days, the periphery of the cottage was already cleared. After finishing that, Alexis went behind the cottage, then brought out the Settlement Pillar out of his inventory. Expecting a big monument to appear, Alexis braced himself.
Then, with a "monumental" explosion of light, a simple scroll appeared in front of him. "Huh?" Alexis had his mouth gawked.
[Settlement Pillar: A deed that anchors and defines your territory's land. Once activated, the territory will be given a substantial buff.]
"What kind of buff? No specifics?" Alexis asked, but there came no response from the system. Without concrete information, there's no use for Alexis to mull it over. Without wasting any more time, Alexis said in his mind, "Use!"
[Settlement Pillar used. Please choose a pillar to anchor your settlement.]
Alexis rubbed his chin as he pondered deeply. After a while, he looked at the cottage in front of him. It was the structure that stood here even before he was transmigrated. It seems understandable if he chose this one as the pillar. With that in mind, Alexis firmly chose the cottage as the Settlement Pillar's anchor.
[Settlement Pillar completed. Assessing… You can now choose to upgrade the building over time.] "Hmm?" Curious as to what the system meant by Upgrade, Alexis looked at the panel of the Settlement Pillar.
[Settlement Pillar Level 1: Wooden Cottage]
[Attributes: Increased Citizen Strength within the territory, Increased Fertility, Increased chance to have a Strengthened Gene, Increased Agricultural Production, Increased Soil Grade, Decreased likelihood of illness.]
[Upgrade [Stone House] Cost: 10 units of stone, 20 units of wood, 20 units of food.]
Seeing the attributes, Alexis' eyes widened. The buffs were incredibly substantial, especially in maintaining the settlement. Just with the increased production alone, it would allow his people to have enough food even if winter comes. The upgrade was also cheap, but with the upgrades uncertain, he can't waste resources for now. Alexis decided that he will just upgrade it if there is a surplus.
Next, he took out the Beacon of Hope.
[Beacon of Hope (30 days): Pulled by the prospects of greatness, your settlement will be seen as a land of new beginnings. After using this, your settlement will have an influx of refugees and visitors.]
Alexis nodded, impressed by what the item can do. Actually, with their current state, they cannot accept any more settlers, but can also use more hands. After debating himself for more than a minute, Alexis decided to take a risk. After thinking "Use," a bright light descended from the heavens engulfing the settlement with a soothing feeling. While he was marveling at the system's prowess, the refugees once again rejoiced, thinking that a deity has once again blessed their newfound home.
A clamor then erupted, which startled Alexis. Rushing to the settlement's center, where everyone was gathered, he saw a dumbfounding sight.
Leisandra's body was standing, not with her feet on the ground, but off it. She was dressed in a white garment that Alexis had no idea where came from. A mystical wind had her hair fluttering in a mysterious breeze spreading it like it wanted to reach into the very corners of the territory.
With eyes glowing like that of a sun-gazed snow, Leisandra slowly turned her head to Alexis. She opened her mouth, and spoke in an outlandish, unearthly voice that echoed and sent tremors to the wind, ground, and tributaries. "You, heavenborn. I, the Goddess known to preside over The Northern Lights, deems you worthy. I have bestowed upon you the right to rule in this world. Use it as you deem fit, but know of the consequences of your every action."
Turning her head, she then looked at the people with gaping mouths and declared, "Anyone who serves him serves my kin, and thus has my protection. Let it be known to the world that he represents my will in this world!" After saying that, the color of starlight burst from her, enveloping the land in a silverish glow. Everyone who was hit by the light felt cleansed from deep within their souls. At the same time that happened, Leisandra's body began slowly descending from the air. Just in time, Alexis rushed forward and caught her.
When the people saw him, they viewed him in a different light. They viewed him… as a Divine Ruler. Falling down to their knees, they all shouted, "Glory to you, Divine Will of The Northern Lights! Long live! Long live!"
Their voices, as if influenced by the Divine that had just left, was so strong that it echoed almost throughout the forest. Birds came and landed on the trees on the periphery. Deers and meerkats stopped by and gazed at the gathered folk. Stars seemed to shine through the blue sky and shower their light onto the entranced men.
Seeing this, Alexis knew. His time here in this world just entered another phase.
A phase of glory.