By the time the sun had risen, Iskandar stood before the newly repaired shed, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. The villagers had helped gather resources, but it was his Builder System that had guided him through every step. He had rebuilt the shed better than it had been before, but there was something even more surprising waiting for him.
[Builder System Log]: Shed Repaired
New Effect Unlocked: Stability Aura
Effect: Strengthens nearby buildings by 5%. Range: 10 meters.
Iskandar blinked as he read the message. "Strengthens buildings?" He had never expected anything magical to happen from simply repairing the shed. But now, the Builder System had given the building a special power—a Stability Aura that made nearby structures stronger.
He placed a hand on the shed's wall, feeling a slight hum under his fingertips, like a gentle vibration. The building wasn't just physically repaired—it was enhanced.
"Is something wrong?" Selina asked, walking up beside him. She had been watching him work, and her curiosity hadn't gone unnoticed.
Iskandar shook his head, smiling. "No, everything's fine. Just thinking about what's next."
Selina glanced at the shed. "You've done an amazing job. It looks even stronger than before. You have a real talent, Iskandar."
Iskandar gave a humble nod. He couldn't exactly tell her about the Builder System and the magical effects it provided. There were still restrictions on sharing that information.
[System Notice]: You cannot reveal the system to others.
With the shed complete and the villagers gathering around to admire the work, Iskandar's thoughts drifted to the future. The village was safe for now, but it needed more than just a repaired shed. The homes in Alim were fragile, and the fire had shown just how vulnerable the village was.
"Alric mentioned needing better shelters," Iskandar said, half-thinking aloud. "The buildings here aren't strong enough."
Selina nodded. "That's true. Most of the homes are old, and they won't last much longer. What do you have in mind?"
Iskandar smiled. He knew exactly what was next.
That night, as the village rested, Iskandar found a quiet spot by the edge of the village and called up his system menu. The Basic Shelter blueprint had been unlocked after finishing the shed, and he finally had the chance to examine it.
Blueprint Unlocked: Basic Shelter
Resources Needed: 50 Wood, 20 Stone
Special Effect: Protection Barrier
Effect: Reduces damage to the building by 10%.
Iskandar's eyes widened. A Protection Barrier? This wasn't just any shelter—it would have a magical defense, reducing any damage the building took by 10%. It was like a shield that would protect the structure from storms, attacks, or even another fire.
"This is perfect," he muttered to himself. The village needed stronger defenses, and this was the solution. The Basic Shelter would provide protection not just through strong construction, but with magical support too.
[System Notice]: New Quest Available
Quest: Build a Basic Shelter
Reward: Unlock Advanced Blueprint
The next few days were filled with gathering resources. With Selina and Alric's help, Iskandar led the villagers in collecting wood from the nearby forest and stone from the local quarry. The system helped him calculate exactly what he needed, ensuring he didn't waste any materials.
Progress: 25% Complete. Foundation laid.
As Iskandar worked, the system updated him regularly. First came the foundation—strong stone blocks carefully laid in the ground to provide a sturdy base for the shelter. With each piece he placed, the system gave feedback, making sure everything was perfectly aligned for maximum strength.
Progress: 50% Complete. Walls reinforced.
Next were the walls. Iskandar used thick wooden beams for support, reinforcing them in places the system had marked as critical for holding up the roof and providing extra defense. Every hammer strike felt satisfying as the structure began to take shape.
Selina helped with the smaller tasks, moving materials and keeping the area organized. Though she couldn't see the system's guidance, she trusted Iskandar's instincts, impressed by his ability to plan and execute everything so efficiently.
Progress: 75% Complete. Roof structure reinforced.
The roof came last. Iskandar climbed up, carefully laying the wooden slats that would protect the shelter from the elements. As he hammered in the final nails, he could feel the magic beginning to settle into the building. The Protection Barrier wasn't visible, but the system assured him it was active.
Progress: 90% Complete. Final checks initiated.
As the building neared completion, the villagers gathered to watch. The Basic Shelter was larger than their old homes, and its thick walls and strong foundation made it stand out. Even without knowing about the Protection Barrier, they could see that this structure would last.
Progress: 100% Complete. Basic Shelter Built.
Special Effect Activated: Protection Barrier
Effect: Reduces damage to the building by 10%.
Quest Completed. Reward: Advanced Shelter Blueprint Unlocked.
Iskandar stood back, wiping the sweat from his brow. The Basic Shelter was done, and the system's magic was fully integrated into the structure. Though no one could see the Protection Barrier, he knew it would protect the shelter from damage, like an invisible shield.
The villagers cheered as they inspected the new building, their awe evident in their faces. Alric stepped forward, giving Iskandar a firm pat on the back.
"This is more than we could've hoped for," Alric said, his voice filled with appreciation. "You've given this village something we never thought possible."
Iskandar smiled, though he knew the Builder System had done much of the heavy lifting. Still, he felt proud of what they had achieved.
Selina joined him, her eyes full of admiration. "You've given us more than just a building, Iskandar. You've given us a future."
Iskandar nodded, feeling the weight of her words. This was just the beginning. The village of Alim was now stronger, and with the system's help, he could build even more. But for now, he would let the village rest, knowing they were safer than before.