**The way back to base was grueling, wet, and cold. ** Each breeze cut through Robert like a knife to the chest, and the relentless downpour drenched them to the bone. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows that twisted through the dense forest. The trees, once familiar and comforting, now took on an eerie presence, their silhouettes resembling hidden figures lurking just out of sight. Every rustle of leaves made Robert's heart pound, as if something unseen was watching, waiting.
"My lord, I don't mean to sound ignorant," Thabis began, his voice cutting through the unsettling silence. His words were careful, but the concern in his tone was unmistakable. "But how could gold and jewels help us in this situation? We're facing enemies and challenges that no amount of treasure can solve."
Robert glanced at him, recognizing the validity of his concern. Thabis had always been practical, grounded in the harsh realities they faced. "I see where you're coming from," Robert replied, his voice steady. "But you'd be delusional to think there aren't bigger, stronger forces surrounding us. Wealth isn't just about gold; it's about resources, alliances, and power. And we need every advantage we can get before others realize what we've found."
Robert knew it was only a matter of time before they encountered the most dangerous threat: humans. Crafty, intelligent, and always greedy, they would pose a significant challenge. Unlike the goblins or other creatures, humans would not only want to conquer—they would want to control. He needed to build up their strength, gather resources, and fortify their defenses before making contact with them.
The group trudged on, their silence filled with the sound of rain and the occasional snap of a twig. Despite their exhaustion, there was a sense of urgency in their steps, a shared understanding that they couldn't afford to linger in the open for long. The forest, once a place of solace, now felt like a potential battleground.
When they finally made it back to camp, the relief was palpable. The small settlement they had carved out from the wilderness seemed like a safe haven compared to the treacherous journey they had just endured. Yet, everyone was exhausted, their bodies aching from the cold and the strain. The treasure hadn't brought them immediate success, but it had given Robert hope. There was something out there—something valuable—that could provide a huge advantage over others. As he entered the hall, he noticed the relieved expression on Sabas's face, as well as the others.
"I'm glad you made it back safely," Sabas said, his voice thick with emotion. "It would be a nightmare if something were to happen to you."
Robert, though rarely one to show emotion, felt a warmth in his chest. He was grateful to have such loyal and dependable allies. Sabas's concern was genuine, and it reminded Robert that, despite the dangers and uncertainties, he wasn't alone in this struggle. Before he could respond, a blue panel appeared before his eyes, interrupting his thoughts.
**[Congratulations, Lord Robert, for completing the hidden quest: Merchant King's Treasure.]**
**[You will now receive a 100x population boost. Expect refugees and wandering warriors to start appearing near your village.]**
Robert's heart raced as he read the message. He couldn't hide the excitement on his face—this was exactly what he needed. How could you build a village without a workforce? The notion of a large influx of people filled him with anticipation, but also with a sense of responsibility. He knew that managing such a rapid expansion would be challenging, but it was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. With the prospect of many new arrivals, he decided it was best not to be stingy. He would use the tribal homes blueprint he had found on the tribesman's body.
"Prepare yourselves," Robert announced to his men, his voice commanding. "We're about to build homes for the village. The people we're about to receive will need places to live."
Leading his men outside, Robert began the process of constructing the new homes. Each house cost 20 units of wood, and with the wood in his inventory, he could build only 10 homes. After accepting the construction, Robert watched in amazement as a beautiful structure materialized out of thin air. The house was vibrant and lively, elevated on stilts above the ground, likely to protect against flooding or provide ventilation. The steeply pitched roof was covered in thatch, adding a rustic charm that blended with the tropical surroundings. The exterior walls were adorned with intricate, bold patterns in a kaleidoscope of colors—bright oranges, reds, blues, and yellows—each design seeming to tell a story or represent a cultural symbol. The house looked festive and welcoming, a beacon of life and tradition in the community.
The men around him were equally stunned by the power their lord wielded. Whispers of awe spread through the crowd as they marveled at the homes that had appeared so effortlessly.
Robert, too, was shocked by the beauty of the home. He had expected a simple tepee or shack, but the vibrant colors on the walls filled him with pride. It wasn't just a house—it was a symbol of the future they were building, a future that would stand strong against the challenges ahead. He entered one of the houses and found it cozy inside, with four rooms: two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living area. It was more than he could have hoped for.
"You can rest in these houses for now," Robert told his men, his tone gentle but firm. "But when more people arrive in the village, we'll need to return to the hall. These homes will be needed for the newcomers."
The men were thrilled, quickly settling into their new homes. The atmosphere in the camp shifted from one of exhaustion to one of optimism and excitement. Robert then moved toward Sabas and Thabis. Wanting to be direct, he told them, "In three days, we should have enough men to assault the goblin base."
Sabas nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We'll be ready, my lord. The goblins won't know what hit them."
Thabis, who had remained quiet, finally spoke up. "This is a good plan. But we must be cautious. Goblins are more cunning than they appear."
Robert appreciated the counsel from both men. He knew he couldn't afford to underestimate the goblins, but the reward was too great to ignore. After discussing some additional strategies, Robert headed to his room, eager to open the system once more. Having completed a quest and received such a valuable reward, he was eager to accomplish more. Opening the quest interface, he noticed that the available quests aligned perfectly with his current challenges.
**[Available Quests]**
*Destroy the Goblin Tribe: A growing tribe of goblins threatens your village. Wipe them out before they become too powerful.*
**Reward: Silver-tier hero summons.**
*Conquer a Tribe: A native tribe inhabits this land. Conquer them and integrate them into your village.*
**Reward: Random-tier weapon.**
*Level Up Your Village: It's been almost a week since you arrived in this world. Hurry up and level up your village.*
**Reward: 48-hour village protection barrier.**
Robert's eyes scanned the quests, his mind racing with possibilities. Although he couldn't accomplish these quests immediately, he knew he would reap all these rewards in a few days. The goblin quest was the most compelling since it seemed the easiest to complete. He understood that integrating a tribal people into the village would be the hardest task, especially since he needed to gain their trust, and finding their location would be a challenge. Unfortunately, the captured tribesman had met his end on the way back to base, used as a distraction to escape a monster.
As the day's events caught up with him, Robert felt a deep weariness settle in his bones. All he wanted now was to eat and sleep. Walking outside to greet the others, he was welcomed by the mouthwatering scent of crab soup being cooked by Thabis.
"I didn't know you could cook," Robert said, smiling as he approached the fire.
Thabis looked up, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Well, I picked up a thing or two on those long recon missions they used to send me on," he replied, stirring the pot with practiced ease.
"DINNER IS READY, BOYS!" Thabis yelled, his voice carrying through the camp. The soldiers, hungry and tired, came running like hounds that hadn't eaten in days. The sight of their eagerness brought a rare smile to Robert's face. It was moments like these—moments of camaraderie and shared purpose—that reminded him why he led these men.
They all sat in a circle around the campfire, the warmth from the flames and the company of comrades easing the tensions of the day. As they ate, Robert decided to summon the map he had found on the ship, passing it around to see if anyone could decipher it.
The map was ancient, its parchment yellowed and edges frayed. Strange symbols and unfamiliar landmarks dotted its surface. No one seemed able to read it or identify any landmarks near the treasure. Robert wasn't surprised—this map was a relic from a time long past, and its secrets would not be easily uncovered.
"Does anyone recognize any of these symbols?" Robert asked, his tone more out of curiosity than expectation.
The men studied the map, but after a few moments, they all shook their heads. The map's mysteries would remain unsolved for now. Robert didn't bother pursuing it further—he wasn't ready for another adventure just yet. But he tucked the map away, knowing that one day, its secrets might prove invaluable.
As the night wore on and the fire began to burn low, the men gradually retired to their new homes, the excitement of the day finally giving way to exhaustion. The village was quiet now, save for the occasional crackle of the dying fire and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures from the surrounding forest. Robert remained by the fire, staring into the glowing embers as he let the events of the day replay in his mind.
The new homes, the influx of people on the horizon, the quests that would soon need his attention—it was all happening so fast. A week ago, he had been thrust into this world with nothing but his wits and the clothes on his back. Now, he was the leader of a growing village, responsible for the lives of others and the future they would carve out together.
He looked up at the sky, the stars glittering like diamonds scattered across a velvet canvas. They seemed so close, as if he could reach out and touch them. The night was clear, and the constellations shone brightly, their patterns familiar yet foreign in this new world. He traced the shapes with his eyes, finding comfort in their steady presence.
But Robert knew that peace like this wouldn't last forever. The world around them was filled with dangers—both known and unknown—and he needed to stay vigilant. The goblins were a threat that needed to be dealt with swiftly, but beyond them lay even greater challenges. The thought of encountering other humans made his stomach twist. Unlike goblins or wild creatures, humans were unpredictable, capable of both great cruelty and great kindness. He wasn't sure which he would encounter first, but he knew he needed to be prepared.
Eventually, the cold night air began to seep through his clothes, pulling him from his thoughts. He stifled a yawn, realizing how tired he was. The day had been long, and the weight of leadership was starting to take its toll. He rose from his seat by the fire, stretching his stiff limbs before making his way to the house he had chosen as his own.
Inside, the air was warmer, the walls doing a good job of keeping out the chill. The house was simple but cozy, with enough space to move around comfortably. He passed through the small living area, glancing at the wooden furniture that had materialized along with the house—sturdy chairs, a table, and a few shelves. Everything was functional, nothing extravagant, but it was more than he had expected.
Robert entered the bedroom, where a bed awaited him. It was a simple frame with a mattress stuffed with straw and covered in thick, woven blankets. He sat down on the edge, running his hand over the fabric. It wasn't the softest material, but it would keep him warm through the night.
As he lay down, the fatigue that had been building all day finally caught up with him. His body sank into the mattress, and his eyes grew heavy. But just as he was about to drift off to sleep, a thought crossed his mind—the quests. He needed to plan, to strategize, to be ready for whatever came next. The rewards were too valuable to ignore, and the consequences of failure could be dire.