Kallen woke up to the chirping of birds, a sound he hadn't heard since his arrival in this barren land. Stepping out of his makeshift shelter, he admired the small garden he had created. It was a modest beginning, but it was his. The greenery contrasted sharply with the rocky, dry surroundings, a testament to his growing mastery of Chlorokinesis.
Determined to continue developing his landscape, Kallen surveyed his surroundings. The barren land stretched out as far as he could see, interrupted only by the occasional outcrop of rocks. To the east, there was a series of small hills, and to the west, the land sloped down gently to what looked like a dried riverbed. The sky was a clear blue, with the sun already climbing high, promising another hot day.
Kallen knew that to thrive in this new world, he needed a proper shelter. His current setup was far too exposed to the elements. He decided to move his shelter under the arc of two massive rocks nearby. They were so large they resembled cliffs but provided natural protection from the elements. Using the rocks as his central landmark, he began constructing a more permanent house made of mud and stone. He used his steps as measuring tools to ensure the area was appropriately sized.
As he planned the construction, he thought, "I need a solid foundation. Something that can withstand the weather and any unforeseen challenges."
Kallen started by clearing the ground under the rock arc, leveling it to create a solid foundation. Using his earth manipulation, he raised the ground and compacted it to form a sturdy base. He then gathered stones and used his elemental powers to bind them with mud, creating thick walls for his shelter. The process was labor-intensive, but with his abilities, he could mold the materials more efficiently than any ordinary builder.
He often paused, considering the next step, "I need separate spaces for different activities. A sleeping area, a place to cook, and storage for my supplies."
He constructed the shelter with several rooms: a sleeping area, a small kitchen, and a storage room. For the roof, he used large flat stones supported by wooden beams he grew using Chlorokinesis. He reinforced the roof with mud to ensure it was waterproof. The entire structure took several weeks to complete, but once finished, it provided a safe and comfortable living space.
From his stone house, Kallen walked 25 steps away and created a circumference area of land around his house. Within that area, including his house, he elevated it slightly to give him a better view of the fields and to serve as the backyard of his house. On the edge of the backyard, he created railings made of mud and stones. Beyond the railings, he lowered the land and filled it with water, creating a moat. He also created an earth bridge to connect his house to the fields.
Looking over his work, he mused, "This elevation gives me a strategic advantage. I can see threats coming and manage my crops better."
Feeling strategic and calm, Kallen measured the field with his steps and designated a one-hectare plot on the left side of the main road as his primary source of food. He then moved to landscape the area at the back of his house. On the other side of the rocks, he decided to cultivate the land and plant trees.
Realizing that he needed more than just a shelter, Kallen thought, "To sustain myself, I need specific facilities: a steady water supply, a place to store my tools, and a forge for metalwork."
He began by constructing a well near his house to ensure a steady water supply. Using his water manipulation, he drilled deep into the ground until he hit a water source, creating a reliable well.
Next, he built a storage shed for tools and supplies. This structure was simpler than his house, consisting of wooden walls and a thatched roof. Inside, he organized the space with shelves and compartments for various tools he created using his metal manipulation. He crafted basic farming tools like hoes, shovels, and rakes, as well as more specialized tools for construction and maintenance.
Kallen also constructed a small forge near the storage shed, where he could work with metal more efficiently. He created a furnace using stones and clay, and with his fire manipulation, he could achieve the high temperatures needed for metalworking. This forge allowed him to repair tools, craft new items, and even experiment with creating more advanced equipment.
As he worked, he reflected, "These facilities are the backbone of my new life. With them, I can build, repair, and create everything I need."
With the basics of his shelter and facilities in place, Kallen focused on expanding his agricultural efforts. He divided the one-hectare plot into sections for different crops. Using his Chlorokinesis, he accelerated the growth of various plants, ensuring a steady supply of food.
He considered the types of crops he needed, "I need a balanced diet. Grains for energy, vegetables for nutrition, and fruit for variety."
He planted grains, vegetables, and fruit trees, carefully tending to each section to maximize yield. To irrigate the fields, he extended the canal system he had created earlier, ensuring that water reached every corner of his farmland. He also built raised beds for certain crops to protect them from potential flooding and pests.
Security was a priority for Kallen. He decided to build a fence around his fields to protect them from wild animals and other potential threats. Using his earth manipulation, he created sturdy posts and reinforced them with metal wires. The fence was high and robust, ensuring that his crops remained safe.
As he reinforced the fence, he thought, "This barrier will keep out most intruders. I need to protect what I've built."
Kallen also planted thorny bushes along the perimeter of the fence, adding an extra layer of defense. These plants grew quickly under his guidance, forming a natural barrier that was difficult to penetrate.
As Kallen continued to explore his powers, he discovered new ways to utilize elemental manipulation. He found that he could create metal, silk, and ice, expanding his range of resources. Metal was particularly useful for crafting durable tools and building materials. Silk, though delicate, provided a valuable resource for making clothing and other textiles. Ice allowed him to preserve food and create cool storage areas for perishable items.
Each new discovery filled him with awe and determination, "The possibilities are endless. I need to push my limits and see what else I can achieve."
Kallen realized that to handle the stronger magic output from his rank S abilities, his body needed to be strong. He incorporated physical exercises into his daily routine, strengthening his muscles and increasing his stamina. He performed exercises such as running, lifting rocks, and climbing the natural formations around his domain.
During his workouts, he often reflected, "A stronger body means a stronger ability to use magic. I need to be in peak condition."
These physical activities not only improved his strength but also helped him better channel his magic. He found that after overexerting his magic, he could rest for three hours to fully recover his mana, allowing him to plan his activities more efficiently.
Kallen's days fell into a rhythm of work, rest, and exploration. He continued to live and improve his living conditions within the railings he had created. For three months, he cultivated his garden, built his house, and explored his powers. The landscape around him transformed, becoming greener and more vibrant under his care.
Each day, he took a moment to appreciate his progress, "I've come a long way, but there's still so much more to do."
One morning, after finishing his exercise routine, Kallen realized that his area within the fence was gradually becoming too small. The plants and trees he had cultivated needed more space, and he felt the urge to expand his domain. He decided to extend his territory by 150 steps away from his railings, giving him plenty of space to build and grow.
Kallen started building a huge wall around the circumference of his new domain. Using his earth and metal manipulation, he constructed a sturdy barrier to protect his expanded territory. The wall was high and imposing, a testament to his growing abilities and determination to create a safe haven.
As he laid the foundation, he thought, "This wall will be my fortress. It will protect everything I've worked for."
While working on the wall, Kallen noticed something unusual in the canal he had created for his farm. Small sea creatures had started to inhabit the water. Intrigued, he observed them closely, noting their variety and potential as a food source. This discovery added another layer of sustainability to his lifestyle, increasing the variety of food he could eat.
He marveled at the life in the canal, "Nature always finds a way. These creatures will be a valuable addition to my diet."
Each day brought new challenges and discoveries. Kallen's skills improved, and his domain expanded. The once barren land now teemed with life, a thriving oasis in the midst of desolation. The physical work of building and cultivating was hard, but it was also deeply satisfying.
Kallen's journey was far from over, but he felt more prepared than ever to face the future. He had transformed the land around him and, in the process, discovered a strength and resilience he never knew he had. His powers, once mysterious and confusing, had become tools of creation and growth. As he stood atop his newly built wall, looking out over his expanded domain, Kallen felt a surge of pride and determination.