Chapter 16: Tools of Expansion
The taste of success, even in small sips, was intoxicating. Lykos stood on the palace battlements, looking out at the rising sun. The reinforced gate stood strong, a testament to the Apprentice Builder's skill and the Laborers' raw power.
The olive stores, though temporary, represented their first stable food source. And yesterday's scouting mission had revealed viable sources of stone and wood, the foundational elements of any thriving civilization.
Now, Lykos held the power to accelerate their progress: 65 System Points. He could acquire more citizens, but his existing ones, coupled with the summoned units, were barely scratching the surface of the tasks at hand. They needed more hands, stronger backs, and more reliable protection for ventures into the wild.
His decision was swift and decisive.
"System," Lykos thought, his resolve firm, "I will use my System Points to expand our core workforce and defenses."
First, the laborers. The Apprentice Builder alone couldn't manage large-scale construction, and the three existing Laborers were stretched thin between fortifying the palace and helping with foraging.
"Summon three Greek Laborers (Male),"
Lykos commanded internally. Each cost 10 System Points, totaling 30.
"Confirm summon of three Greek Laborers (Male) for 30 System Points?"
"Confirm."
Three flashes of golden light erupted simultaneously in the palace courtyard. From them materialized three more sturdy men, identical in their simple tunics and powerful builds. They stood ready, silent and obedient. Lykos now commanded six Laborers, a formidable workforce for moving heavy materials and clearing vast amounts of debris.
His System Points dropped to 35.
Next, security. The boar attack had been a brutal reminder of the wilderness's dangers. While Homerus's Epic Narrative was a powerful deterrent, it consumed his energy, and Lykos couldn't rely on it for every expedition. He needed dedicated protectors.
"Summon one Greek Militia (Male)," Lykos instructed. Each Militia cost 20 System Points.
"Confirm summon of one Greek Militia (Male) for 20 System Points?"
"Confirm."
Another concentrated burst of light, and a third Greek Militia soldier materialized, clad in basic leather armor and gripping a simple spear. He moved to join his two compatriots at the gate, their collective presence radiating an understated discipline.
Lykos now commanded three Militia, a small but growing cadre of defenders.
His System Points dwindled to 15. This left him just enough for one more Greek Apprentice Builder or a Greek Forager, but he decided to hold them. Resourcefulness was key.
"Homerus," Lykos addressed the bard, who had observed the new summons with quiet approval. "Your skills will be vital today. Your Ballad of Restoration to sustain our workers, and vigilance for any threats."
"As you command, Prince," Homerus replied, his lyre already humming softly.
Lykos assembled his forces for the day's critical missions.
"Alright, listen up!" Lykos declared, his voice ringing with renewed purpose. "Today, we gather the raw materials we need to truly rebuild this city. We expand our reach."
He divided his newly bolstered forces:
The Stone Quarry Team:
"Apprentice Builder, you will lead this team. Take three of the Laborers with you to the eastern hills, to the stone source Homerus and I located. Your task is to begin quarrying squared stone blocks. Focus on quality over speed initially. We need solid foundations." Lykos handed the Builder a crude map he'd sketched of the quarry's location.
The Builder nodded, his eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of a craftsman given a proper task. The three newly summoned Laborers followed him with unwavering obedience, their powerful forms ready for the heavy work.
The Lumber Gathering Team:
"Elara, you will lead this group again. Take Theron, the summoned Forager, and the remaining three Laborers to the southern forest. Your mission is to not just identify trees, but to begin felling them. We need sturdy timbers for construction and smaller logs for firewood." Lykos paused. "We lack proper axes. Use sharp stones, any salvaged tools, or even the Laborers' raw strength to break smaller trees. For larger ones, focus on marking for future, better equipped expeditions. And be vigilant. Homerus will accompany you as well, for protection and to maintain morale."
Elara's eyes widened slightly at the thought of felling trees without proper tools, but she nodded. "We will do our best, Prince." Theron, ever eager for action, gripped a sturdy branch he used as a walking stick. The summoned Forager and Laborers awaited direction, their forms ready.
Palace Defense:
"Myron, Kydon, and the three Militia will remain here. Maintain constant vigilance at the gate and on the walls. Do not let your guard down. Homerus's illusionary presence will help deter larger threats from afar, but we must be ready for anything."
Lykos watched the two teams depart, one heading east, the other south, each carrying a mix of hope and apprehension. He stayed at the palace, overseeing the remaining defenses, managing logistics, and reviewing his long-term plans. He felt the weight of leadership, but also the exhilarating thrill of progress.
Throughout the day, sounds of their work echoed across the landscape. From the east, Lykos imagined the rhythmic clink-clink-clink of chisels against stone, punctuated by the grunts of the Laborers as they shifted heavy blocks. From the south, he pictured the laborious crack-snap-thud of smaller trees yielding to raw force and improvised tools, accompanied by Homerus's steady, inspiring melodies.
By dusk, both teams returned, exhausted but triumphant. The stone quarry team had managed to extract several rough, but sizable, blocks of durable stone. They were not perfectly square, but they were a start. The lumber team had returned with bundles of smaller timber, firewood, and detailed reports of larger, ancient trees awaiting proper felling.
Homerus, though tired, confirmed no new threats had been encountered, his projected Epic Narrative seemingly keeping the wild at bay.
Lykos looked at the piles of raw materials now accumulating in the courtyard – stacks of olive baskets, rough-hewn stone, and freshly cut timber. It wasn't much, but it was tangible. It was proof of their agency, their ability to shape this harsh world.
He reviewed his System Status. No new System Points had been gained from today's efforts, as there was no "objective completion" for merely gathering resources. But that didn't diminish the progress. They had taken the critical step from mere survival to active expansion.
The "Recruit a Hero of Renown" mission, and its alluring System Lottery reward, still seemed impossibly distant at 1000 System Points. But now, Lykos had a clearer path. More basic units meant faster resource gathering. Faster resource gathering meant stronger defenses and ultimately, a more stable economy. A stable economy meant more citizens, more trade, and eventually, the resources needed to summon true heroes.
Lykos looked at his battered hands, then at the growing piles of resources.
The game was no longer just about survival; it was about building. About carving out an empire from the dust. And he was just getting started.