Tale of Conquerors

Day 12

The morning mist clung to the ground as Alexander stood near the farm plot, the rich scent of damp earth filling the air. The small rows of sprouting crops marked a significant step forward, but Alexander's mind was already on the next phase.

The territory was growing steadily, but it was still vulnerable. More food, stronger defenses, and additional settlers were vital to securing their place in this unpredictable world.

Elias and Markus approached, both looking more rested than usual. The success of the hunt had clearly lifted their spirits, and even Elias seemed eager to work.

"What's on the agenda, boss?" Markus asked, leaning casually on his axe.

Alexander gestured toward the farm. "Expansion. We need to clear more land, dig irrigation trenches, and prepare for the next wave of settlers."

Elias groaned, rubbing his temples. "Great. More digging."

Alexander smirked faintly. "Would you rather take on another pack of wolves?"

Elias snorted, shaking his head. "I'll take the shovel."

Clearing the Land

The team worked in steady rhythm, their efforts bolstered by the system's buffs. Markus's strength made short work of clearing small trees and stumps, while Elias focused on digging the shallow trenches needed for irrigation.

Alexander moved between them, offering guidance and occasionally stepping in to assist.

"Elias, keep the trenches angled," Alexander said, gesturing toward the stream. "The water needs to flow evenly, or the crops will dry out."

Elias adjusted his work, grumbling under his breath but following Alexander's instructions. "You know, I never thought I'd be a farmer."

"You're not," Alexander replied, his tone calm. "You're a survivor."

The Next Objective

As the day wore on, the system chimed softly, displaying a new notification.

[New Objective: Establish a Water Management System]

Requirements:

Dig 100 meters of irrigation trenches.

Build a waterwheel for controlled flow.

Reward: Unlock Second Idea for Path of Agriculture.

Alexander studied the objective carefully, his sharp mind already calculating the resources and time needed. The irrigation trenches were simple enough, but the waterwheel posed a challenge.

Markus noticed Alexander's expression and raised an eyebrow. "What's got you thinking so hard?"

"We need a waterwheel," Alexander said. "It'll make irrigation more efficient, but we'll need better tools and materials to build it."

Elias frowned. "Is that really necessary? The trenches are already working."

"It's not about now," Alexander replied. "It's about the future. A waterwheel will save time and labor, which means we can focus on other things—like expanding the farm or training settlers."

Markus nodded, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "You're always thinking ahead, aren't you?"

"Always," Alexander said simply.

A Trip to the Village

The next morning, Alexander and Markus set out for the village, leaving Elias to oversee the trench work. The road was quiet, the faint sounds of birdsong breaking the stillness.

When they arrived, the village square was bustling with activity. Farmers traded produce, blacksmiths hammered away at their forges, and merchants hawked their wares.

Alexander approached the blacksmith, his sharp eyes scanning the tools displayed on the counter.

"I need materials for a waterwheel," Alexander said, placing a bundle of dried meat and tanned leather on the counter.

The blacksmith inspected the trade goods, nodding in approval. "I've got some iron fittings and a few spare gears. Should do the trick."

As Alexander turned to leave, an older man sitting near the edge of the square called out to him. His weathered face and keen eyes gave him the air of someone who'd seen too much.

"You're the one building out in the wilds, aren't you?" the man said, his voice low but carrying weight.

Alexander nodded cautiously. "I am."

The man gestured for Alexander to come closer. "Be careful, stranger. This village isn't as quiet as it seems. The lord who governs these lands doesn't take kindly to… independent operations."

Alexander's dark eyes narrowed slightly. "A lord?"

The man chuckled dryly. "Aye. Baron Cedric. He's not the worst of them, but he's a man who likes his taxes paid and his borders respected. Word of your camp will reach him eventually. You'd best be ready when it does."

Alexander inclined his head, his expression calm. "Thanks for the warning."

The man waved him off. "Just don't say I didn't tell you."

Recruiting Settlers

After securing the materials, Alexander turned his attention to finding potential settlers. He moved through the village square, studying the people with a careful eye.

He approached a man who looked to be in his thirties, his weathered face and broad shoulders suggesting years of hard labor. The man was leaning against a cart, speaking with another villager.

"You look like someone who knows how to work," Alexander said, his tone calm but direct.

The man straightened, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "And you look like someone who needs help. What's your pitch?"

"I'm building something new," Alexander replied. "A place where hard work pays off and where you don't have to answer to some distant lord or landowner."

The man folded his arms, his expression skeptical. "And what's the catch?"

"It's not easy," Alexander said honestly. "The work is hard, and the risks are real. But if you're willing to put in the effort, you'll be part of something bigger."

The man considered Alexander's words for a moment before nodding. "Name's Victor. I'm in."

Alexander nodded, turning to the second man Victor had been speaking with. He was younger, with a lean build and sharp features. "What about you?"

The younger man hesitated, glancing toward the fields. "What's in it for me?"

"A chance to build something that's yours," Alexander said simply.

The man smirked faintly, his curiosity piqued. "Alright. Name's Oliver. When do we leave?"

"Now," Alexander replied.

Day 14: A Growing Team

By the time they returned to the camp, Victor and Oliver were already proving themselves useful. Victor worked alongside Markus to secure the irrigation trenches, his strength and experience making him an efficient worker. Oliver, meanwhile, helped Elias with finer tasks, his quick hands tying supports for the farm plot.

The system chimed softly, marking their arrival.

[New Settlers: Victor, Oliver]

Population: 5

Worker Assignments Expanded: Additional tasks can now be delegated for improved efficiency.

That evening, as they sat around the campfire, Victor glanced at Alexander, his expression curious.

"What's your plan with all this?" Victor asked, gesturing toward the camp.

Alexander leaned forward, his tone thoughtful but practical. "To build something that lasts. A place where people work for themselves—not someone else."

Victor nodded slowly. "A hard sell in a world like this."

Alexander smirked faintly. "Good thing I'm not selling."