Exploring the New World
With the announcement of the Territory Development Quest still echoing in their minds, Oly and Anya ventured further into the vast, uncharted territory of the Dominion. The vibrant green plains stretched endlessly, dotted with clusters of wildflowers that swayed gently in the breeze. The air was fresh and invigorating, filled with the subtle scents of blooming flora. Overhead, the sky was a mesmerizing canvas of colors, with hues of pink, purple, and gold blending seamlessly into one another.
Everywhere they looked, the landscape presented a mix of the familiar and the fantastical. Trees with twisting trunks and leaves that shimmered like silver stood tall among the more common greenery. Occasionally, small, curious creatures with bright eyes and unusual markings darted through the underbrush, watching the newcomers with interest.
"Look at these flowers, Oly," Anya called, crouching beside a patch of luminescent blossoms. "I've never seen anything like them."
Oly joined her, marveling at the delicate petals that seemed to glow from within. "This place is incredible. We need to learn as much as we can about everything here."
They continued their exploration, documenting the various plants and resources they encountered. They discovered a stream of crystal-clear water, its surface reflecting the kaleidoscope of colors from the sky above. The water was cool and refreshing, and they paused to drink and refill their flasks.
The Summoning Altar
As they ventured deeper into the plains, they came upon a clearing that took their breath away. At its center stood a grand, imposing structure made of ancient stone. The stones were etched with intricate runes that glowed faintly with a mysterious, otherworldly light. The altar was circular, with a raised platform in the middle and steps leading up to it from all sides.
"This must be the summoning altar," Oly said, awe evident in his voice. "The System mentioned it would be crucial for our survival."
The air around the altar felt charged with energy, a palpable sense of power that made the hair on Oly's arms stand on end. The runes seemed to pulse in time with his heartbeat, and he could feel a connection to the altar, as if it were waiting for him to activate it.
Anya stepped forward, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's beautiful," she whispered. "And powerful. I can feel it."
They approached the altar, and as they did, a new notification appeared on their System interface.
Quest: Awaken the Summoning Altar
• Objective: Activate the summoning altar and use it to summon helpers who will assist in developing your territory.
• Reward: 300 Experience Points, a Summoning Crystal, and a Resource Pack.
Oly placed his hand on the smooth, cool surface of the altar. Instantly, a surge of energy flowed through him, and the runes flared brightly. The ground beneath the altar trembled, and a pillar of light shot up into the sky, visible for miles around.
The System's voice echoed in their minds. "The summoning altar has been activated. You may now summon helpers to assist you. Each summoning requires 10 units of wood and 5 units of stone. You may summon up to 10 helpers per day."
Summoning Helpers
Oly and Anya quickly gathered the necessary resources, eager to see what kind of help the altar would provide. They placed the materials on the altar, and the runes glowed brightly once more. A swirling vortex of light appeared above the platform, and from it emerged a group of individuals.
Their new helpers were varied in appearance and skills. There were farmers with strong, calloused hands, builders with keen eyes and sturdy frames, guards with sharp reflexes and a protective air, herbalists with gentle, knowledgeable eyes, carpenters with precise movements, hunters with a keen sense of their surroundings, and cooks with a comforting presence.
Meeting the Summoned
One of the farmers, a middle-aged man with a kind smile, stepped forward. "Greetings, Master Oleksii and Mistress Anya. We are here to serve and aid you in any way we can."
Oly smiled, relief washing over him. "Thank you. We will need all the help we can get."
The builder, a woman with a determined expression, spoke next. "Where would you like us to start? We can help expand your shelter and secure the territory."
Oly glanced at Anya, who nodded. "Let's start by reinforcing our shelter and creating proper storage for our resources. We'll also need defenses in place."
The guards nodded, already scouting the area. The herbalist and cook began discussing the best ways to use the plants and food they had gathered, while the carpenter and hunter started planning additional structures and ways to gather more resources efficiently.
A New Beginning
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the clearing, Oly and Anya watched as their small base began to take shape. The summoning altar stood as a beacon of hope and progress, its presence a reminder of the power they now wielded.
"We've taken our first steps," Oly said, his voice filled with determination. "There's a long way to go, but with these helpers and our combined strengths, I believe we can make it."
Anya smiled, her eyes bright with hope. "Together, we can face anything this new world throws at us."
Their journey in the Dominion of Ascendancy was just beginning, but with each passing day, they grew stronger and more united. The future was uncertain, but they faced it with resolve and a shared purpose.