James and Kurothrax stood in the cave, with the HUD display visible only to James. The dark elf village was under attack, and the situation looked dire.
James's eyes widened with urgency. "We need to act fast. The village is under attack. They're about to be overrun."
Kurothrax tilted his massive head, curiosity mingling with skepticism. "Very well, what do you propose?"
Scene 2: Taxing the Dragon and Villagers
James took a deep breath. "We can tax both you and the villagers 100%. Since I'm the only villager right now, all the wealth goes into a pot that increases by 5% thanks to my Small Town Mayor bonus."
Kurothrax's eyes narrowed. "And what do you intend to do with this wealth?"
James set his jaw with determination. "I'll redistribute 96% back to you and use the remaining funds to fortify the village."
Kurothrax nodded reluctantly, his interest piqued despite himself. "Proceed."
Scene 3: Redistributing the Wealth
James initiated the tax through his HUD, watching as the total wealth from Kurothrax and himself pooled together and increased by 5%.
Total Wealth from Kurothrax: 874,345,534 coins
Total Wealth from James: 2,500,000 coins
Combined Total (with 5% bonus): 920,410,810 coins
"Where did my gold go?" Kurothrax roared seeing the gold in his nest disappear
James quickly redistributed 96% of the total wealth back to Kurothrax. The coins came back into his nest, a bit more organized. "See! All back and then some buddy!" James said quickly.
"It does seem like you gave me more than I had." the greedy dragon narrowed his eyes.
Wealth to Kurothrax: 883,194,378 coins
Remaining Funds for Village Defense: 37,216,432 coins
James smile grew, If the dragon knew that James himself gained almost 35 million coins he probably would ask for more, he quietly thought to himself.
James looked at his options. He mentally selected the defensive tab for buildings.
He needed to upgrade defenses in the village. "Time to buy buildings I guess," he muttered to himself, a plan forming in his mind.
As he accessed his HUD, options for various structures appeared before him. He saw options for walls, archer nests, and watchtowers. However, there were also several greyed-out areas that piqued his curiosity.
"Why are some of these options greyed out?" he asked Kurothrax.
Kurothrax glanced at the HUD, knowing the layout well. "Those areas require higher wisdom points to unlock. But it's not just about wisdom. You also need the knowledge of how to build those structures."
James nodded, recalling his eighth-grade project on medieval castles. "Thanks, younger me, for that research on castle defenses," he thought with a smile.
He selected the available options and initiated the construction process, noticing a timer indicating when each structure would be finished.
Stone Wall: 150,000 coins
Archer Nests (4): 100,000 coins (25,000 coins each)
Watchtowers (2): 50,000 coins (25,000 coins each)
Infirmary: 10,000 coins
Barracks: 20,000 coins
Total Cost: 330,000 coins
James checked his remaining funds after the purchases:
Remaining Funds: 36,886,432 coins
Time tell completion: 45 minutes
He saw the timer to completion and thought, "Theatrics then..." with a grin.
POV Elara
Elara stood at the front lines of the village, casting spells to fend off the attacking hobgoblins and their wolf companions. She was struggling to keep the monsters at bay, her energy waning. This is it... she thought. How could they have thought that they could be safe in this valley. There is no place far enough away to keep them safe. They didn't have the strength to, no, she didn't have the strength to keep fighting.
"We can't hold them off much longer!" she shouted, desperation dripping from her voice. "Gods save us....."
Suddenly, a roar echoed through the sky. Elara looked up to see a massive black dragon descending, a figure riding on its back. What looked like a makeshift strap was slung around the dragon and the rider. He was standing on the dragon raising a sword high.
Elara's heart pounded in her chest as the black dragon descended from the sky, its massive wings casting a shadow over the battlefield. The figure riding on its back was clad in dark armor, obscuring any if it was friend or foe. They were attacking the hobgoblins, their orange skin turning cracked and black under the blue flame from the dragon. We can't defend against that creature, Elara thought.
The dragon's fire decimated waves of hobgoblins, she could hear the yelps from their dire wolf mounts, turning the tide of the battle in an instant. The armored figure leapt off the dragon and landed in the middle of the battlefield.
"I'm taking over command," the figure said, the voice strong and authoritative.
Elara watched in awe as the figure waved their hand, and stone walls appeared out of what seemed like thin air. Watchtowers formed at the mouth of the cave they were defending. Archer's nests materialized with another wave of their hand. An infirmary sprung up behind the wall with one more wave.
The dark elf villagers, including Elara, stared in amazement as the stranger climbed the steps of the wall and looked over the now chaotic battlefield. Despite his commanding presence, Elara couldn't help but notice how skinny and awkward the figure looked.
The hobgoblins and their wolf mounts, in a desperate attempt to escape the black dragon, launched their renewed attack on the village. The armored figure directed the defense, using some unseen force to monitor the battle decisions. It felt almost emotionless to Elara. He called out villagers and gave them a number to reply to.
"No time for names...seven go to the archers nest" the figure yelled at Allaria, Elara's second in command.
"Sir, you don't" Elara tried to protest and regain control but was shot down instantly.
"Two I need you to do area of effect spells to weaken the line" he commanded Elara.
Elara knew that arguing over command would cause more problems, besides she had given up back there, right?
"Hold the line ten through twenty five! Set the traps now eight and nine!" the figure commanded.
Elara could see the massive black dragon swoop down, breathing fire and scattering the attackers, providing crucial aerial support.
The village successfully repelled the attack, but not without casualties. Elara looked around, recognizing the fallen villagers. Tears welled in her eyes as she saw the lifeless bodies of her friends and fellow defenders—Syril, the swift archer; Liora, the healer; and Daran, the stout warrior.
Elara, the leader of the defenders, felt a heavy weight on her shoulders. She took a deep breath and approached the armored figure, who looking over the village with what Elara could think was a Strategic eye.
"I did it, but there's a lot of work ahead," the figure said, determination etched in their voice.
The Black dragon landed beside the wall, his massive form casting a long shadow. "Your strategy was effective. I underestimated you," he said, shaking the earth as he spoke.
Elara and the other dark elves gathered around the armored figure, who was now removing their helmet. The face revealed was that of a dark elf, with a surprisingly bookish face but there was something different about him.
The figure spoke calmly, with a sense of authority. "I am not just any commander. My name is Vaelith Duskweaver, a name from your legends. Together, we will rebuild and defend this village."
The villagers murmured in awe, recognizing the legendary name and feeling a sense of hope and pride.
"Vaelith Duskweaver... Could it really be him?" Elara whispered to another villager.
"Yes," replied Thalia, another villager, with tears of relief in her eyes. "The hero from our stories... Maybe we have a chance after all."
Elara looked at Vaelith Duskweaver, noticing his slim and awkward frame, but feeling a growing sense of trust and respect for their new leader.