"What a good site!"
"Yes! Though the soil is darker than expected, it's rich with wild fruits and herbs!"
Many commented while exploring the vast open land.
But soon, they spotted Wolfram making his way towards the center.
The open land was quite large, and it took him some time to make it over there.
And roughly 14 minutes later, they reached the center.
One shouldn't look down on these 14 minutes.
Back on earth, one could travel across 3~5 Street blocks within this time. This was akin to passing 3 or 4 stop lights while walking.
And this was only going towards the center of the open space.
Well, it did make sense since there were hills and other deformations within the clear and leveled plane.
Step by step, he arrived at the center in what seemed like 14 minutes.
And without wasting any time, he picked the closest and most suitable hill to it.
Not far from him was an ordinary cone-shaped sloped hill.
And to his left, a little further away, was a sharp cliff-like edged hill.
Which hill would be more appropriate for a Settlement center?
The answer was obvious.
Up the maze paths of the hill he went
Around and around, he went in a rectangular manner.
He had chosen the sharp-edged one.
And following behind him were Ivo and Titus.
Ivo was Ivo, always staying close to Wolfram very loyally.
In contrast to his stance, Titus had his hands behind his back, lazily following around.
But though he seemed sluggish, his mind was as sharp as ever.
.
Wolfram heading towards either of the 2 hills on the center of the settlement isn't hard for them to guess.
Whether it was a gathering, village, town, or city, it was customary for leaders to stay close to the center.
Of course, Wolfram might also be trying to access where they would be sleeping tonight.
The maze-like paths could hold several buildings while not blocking the roads.
Again, he might also be heading here to get a better view of their new found territory.
Safety was also essential. So staying high up was good.
Before any stray wolves or animals think of sneaking in devouring them at night, they should be able to hear them approach from a distance.
There were uncountable reasons as to why Wolfram might be headed here. So Titus wasn't surprised by Wolfram's thoughts.
All this time they've been together, Titus appreciated how quick Wolfram's thoughts were. The boy's mind was always sharp, though his strength was puny.
Well, they would have to work on that later on.
Titus chewed the stalk of grass in his mouth, also assessing the maze path.
1, 2, 3, 4!
They went a total of 4 times around the rectangular hill.
And soon, they were at the top.
The land was more rocky than green.
The space wasn't too big. And far smaller for a standard castle.
But if it's a location for a settlement center, village center, or town center, it would be more than enough with ample space for expansion.
All these calculations, Wolfram made in his heart.
.
"Ivo, uncle Titus, you 2 should assess this spot and tell me your thoughts."
"No problem, the son."
The duo left Wolfram on his own.
~Phew.
Finally... He was alone.
Very quickly, he clicked on his floating screen.
He clicked on that tab and was shown various buildings lined up.
And the first thing he saw was another tab called
He clicked on it again and saw just a single type of center in It -- Gathering Center.
Wolfram massaged his chin thoughtfully.
'It seems that only after progressing will I see other centers like Town, village and all the rest.'
Click!
His hands moved fast.
And unlike in games where one would have to drag the actual building and place it on the space, things were far different.
Clicking the map, he placed a blue waving flag where he wanted the center to be.
Ding!
[Gathering Center site chosen. Please, prepare to receive Reward in 3... ]
Wolfram felt his body grow tense.
2...
Everyone was still unaware of what was about to happen.
1...
Wolfram stepped closer to the chosen spot.
And when the countdown reached zero, the skies parted, and everyone's expression was unfathomable.
.
~Boom!
Aloud sound pierced through their ears.
"The son!!!"
Everything happened too fast.
Ivo almost had a heart attack, going crazy with worry.
But it wasn't just him, as many began rushing to the sight too.
What happened? Who can explain why something so shocking would happen to them now?
Something shot from the sky and fell on their leader!
Their leader... Their leader!...
Their hearts fell into their bellies.
Willow and her daughters were quick to their feet. Everyone else was running at full speed towards the hill.
But Titus held Ivo back.
"Calm down! Calm down and look carefully! Open your eyes and take a good look!"
Eh?
The light around Wolfram was fading rapidly in not more than a few seconds.
1, 2, 3...
Things were clearer than before with the light from above subsiding.
And now, Ivo not only saw Wolfram standing fine and okay... But there was also a golden scroll floating above him.
And Wolfram seemed to be absorbing its contents?
Ivo's eyes opened in shock, especially after hearing Titus's remarks.
"Do you remember the many things we heard while traveling? It's said that some Holy artifacts can choose successors, granting them their gifts... It looks like Wolf boy has been deemed worthy."
Titus's voice was no longer lazy.
He spoke with a trembling voice filled with emotions.
"Good!... Good!... Old friend, you can rest easy. Your son is all grown up nicely!"
If before he had little hope, now, his hope had skyrocketed up the roof!
Now that he thought about it, leaving Clovis Village seemed more and more like the right choice.
It should be Wolfram's destiny to have such a blessing bestowed on him.
Titus had a vibrant smile on his face.
There was hope for flourishing growth in these dangerous times.