The week passed quickly, each day resembling the last, yet small changes made my new routine more comfortable and efficient. I began to get used to organizing my resources:
Stone and rare minerals section: No longer just scattered piles, now organized by size, hardness, and purpose.
Wood, branches, and herbs section: Each type had its place, making it easier to access when building or lighting a fire.
Food and hides section: Berries stored carefully, and dried hides ready to be used for tools or a future bag.
After a week of continuous work, the shelter neared completion. The posts became sturdier, the roof almost finished, and the floor covered with straw for comfort. The axe had become my main tool for cutting small pieces of wood and leftover tree parts, and the spear was more precise and stable, giving me a sense of safety while hunting or facing potential threats.
I finally sat before the "architectural masterpiece" I had built with my own hands, watching the last piece of wood carefully placed in position. I lay down from exhaustion, but pride filled my heart, accompanied by the familiar game system sound:
[Congratulations! Shelter construction successful.]
A flash of new sensation followed. An additional notification appeared:
[You have reached Level 1.][Level 1 grants: basic protection from monsters, the ability to expand your territory, and unlock new missions.]
Sitting on the ground, I looked around at my new shelter, feeling pride and accomplishment. Then the system window appeared again, glowing softly with enticing colors:
[The next level is available upon completing the following requirements:]
Build a shelter for a non-player character (NPC).
Start farming to produce sustainable food.
Hunt 20 rabbits (current: 15/20).
I smiled to myself: "Ah, it seems the game remembers my previous efforts."
Then a small note appeared next to the requirements:
[Note: By building a shelter for an NPC, you will gain a follower who can help gather resources and defend the base.]
I paused to reflect, a sense of responsibility filling my chest. Having a follower meant I was no longer alone in this wild beginning, and the plans for my future kingdom could start transforming from mere survival into real resource and defense management.
I smiled again and said to myself: "Alright, the first step… building a shelter for the follower. Then I'll start farming and raising rabbits. Each step brings me closer to becoming a true king in this world."
I grabbed the virtual pen and paper the game provided and began sketching the new shelter: larger space, a secure door, and small windows for ventilation. A new surge of excitement rushed through me. This time, the goal was not just survival, but laying the foundation for a kingdom that could grow and become strong one day.