[Due to your exceptional circumstances, the system has decided to grant you one of the following statuses. Choose wisely, as it will be final and irreversible.]
Supreme Ruler
> Creates the foundations of a domain.
Content: x1 Land allocation (10 km x 10 km), x1 'Novice' subordinate (Will be further explained if selected), x1 Tool kit (Iron pickaxe, iron shovel, iron ax, iron sickle, iron hoe), x100 Gold coins (The economic system will be further explained if selected), x1 Global teleport (Allows you to teleport anywhere in Arcadia — One-time use only).
Merchant
> Allows for a head start in the fierce world of commerce.
Content: x1 Small carriage (Made of wood and including 1 horse), x1 'Novice' subordinate (Will be further explained if selected), x500 Gold coins (The economic system will be further explained if selected), x1 Global teleport (Allows you to teleport anywhere in Arcadia — One-time use only).
Warrior
> Fend off assailants.
Content: x1 Iron armor, x1 Iron sword, x1 Bow, x10 Arrows, x1 Horse, x1 'Novice' subordinate (Will be further explained if selected), x100 Gold coins (The economic system will be further explained if selected), x1 Global teleport (Allows you to teleport anywhere in Arcadia — One-time use only).
The options were limited, but Lloyd didn't care. The fact that he had even earned this reprieve made him euphoric. However, and despite the immediate glee, he still remained very conscious that this would be an irreversible decision, which meant he had to carefully weigh every variable.
With that in mind, he tried to gather more information, but in vain as the system stayed adamant: nothing more would be revealed until a choice had been made. His brain then went into a frenzy, juggling with the pros and cons emerging one after the other, with the final steps involving a simple process of elimination.
"Considering how I am, I can't become a warrior. Even if it gave me incredible equipment, my strength would probably get me robbed or, more than likely, killed. As for becoming a merchant… Well, I have no experience in trading, but I still know some economic fundamentals. On the other hand, I'm also ignorant about what's valuable here. The money sure would be nice, but I'd most likely get scammed. However, it's still better than becoming a warrior, so I shouldn't rule it out just yet. The last choice is to become a Supreme Ruler…"
Even if it initially rang with ridicule, he began to ponder before reading the description again, each word starting to resonate more and more with him. And before he realized it, a small smile had appeared on his face, his mind set.
"I've always been a follower and someone who did as was expected of them, and just look at where I ended up… I can't go through that again."
Whilst this new title would undoubtedly come with immense responsibilities, he was still confident in his leadership skills, which had been refined over the years. Sure, the dynamics would be entirely different, but his faith remained unshaken. After all, the harrowing experience he had just endured further reinforced his conviction that he was in the perfect position to tackle this challenge. Moreover, the additional perks, particularly the land, provided him with greater flexibility and a significant advantage. With it, the tools and his knowledge, he would become an independent entity, unencumbered by the external influences that would otherwise dictate his early days in Arcadia. With his decision now firmly made, he moved forward.
"I select the Supreme Ruler status."
[Choice confirmed.]
[Sequence initiated…]
A surprising, but brutal surge of pain then erupted within his chest, bringing him down to his knees. The excruciating sensation was unlike any he had ever felt and was akin to his heart being consumed in a blaze of agony, threatening to shatter his rib cage and escape the very confines of his flesh. Fortunately, the tormenting process lasted but a few seconds, albeit so painful that it still left him gasping for air.
[Sequence successful. User
[Generating items…]
Before he could even catch his breath and recover, a mesmerizing display of colorful particles, previously imperceptible to the naked eye, began to materialize in front of him, with their sudden appearance and beauty leaving him utterly entranced. As he attempted to approach the spectacle, the particles began to swirl together, forming a vortex of vibrant hues that cast an otherworldly array of light upon the ground. This ethereal phenomenon provided him with a fleeting moment of pure wonder, a stark juxtaposition to the pain he had just endured. He couldn't help but wonder if this was a manifestation of the "magic" he had just learned about.
Unfortunately, this all lasted but an instant, concluding in the dissipation of the whirl and… the apparition of the items on the ground?! How?! Now very eager to examine them, he reached out, but was yet again abruptly interrupted by the system's relentless narration.
[The
Following the brief description, his gaze went to the item, and he remarked that it was fairly small, about the size of a balled-up fist, and that its color was a deep black that seemed… alive!?
But before he could inquire further, the system continued.
[This cube is similar to a central console, as it will store information on your population, territories, and development while also determining the domain's ranking. Your assumption is also correct, since this cube qualifies as a "living object", its evolution tied to your empire's growth. This means that if it is destroyed, the destroyer will claim sovereignty over your people and territories. It will effectively remove your domain's existence from Arcadia.]
Shivers immediately ran down his spine. This was a terrifying revelation that, if he had known beforehand, would have heavily swayed his decision. This item effectively made him a target of whoever coveted his riches, which of course implied that it needed constant protection, prompting him to rub his temples as the list of problems kept growing.
[To begin, you have to place the cube in an unclaimed parcel of territory, where a window will then appear to confirm your choice. Once these steps are completed, a 10 km x 10 km area around it will be assigned to you, followed by the ability to consult the statistics and grades of said domain.]
And just like that, he was snatched away from despair. This entailed he had all the time in the world! The preparations required would still be colossal, but without a specific timeframe, he would at least have a chance to succeed. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but regret his choice… This was a much, much harder path than becoming a merchant. However, lamenting over this wouldn't accomplish anything.
[Regarding the "Novice" subordinate item, it allows for the creation of an entity based on the User's memories, meaning its looks, dispositions, instincts, strengths and unique abilities will be imparted accordingly.]
Barely had he shelved away his regret did the system hit him with another extraordinary item, leaving him flabbergasted. After all, the item in question was a rough and unpolished purple gem, truly unimpressive in every way. The fact that it wielded such properties was incredible. Surely…