The information was surprising in many ways, but the final detail was the most shocking, especially because of a message at the end:
[Other methods of transformation or equivalent improvements have not been developed or acquired.]
That last message was clear: other paths existed. Observing the creature and considering that I could become as strong as it, I felt a fleeting temptation. However, the risk of turning into a mindless, murderous monster was too high a price, enough to stop anyone. Still, if there were another way—one that allowed me to keep my identity—perhaps... Having that power was something I desired. At the very least, it would make me feel less helpless in the face of disasters and such things.
I stared at the text for a while longer before putting it aside. Further analysis wouldn't change anything for now. The important thing was deciding where to store it because it was undoubtedly a treasure.
For now, I had another urgent matter to attend to: dealing with the "skeleton in the closet." Or more accurately, the corpses in the mud house.
First, I took care of the wolves. As planned, I sold their bodies whole. Native wolves were valued at 1 to 3 silver coins each, depending on their condition. However, not all the wolves that attacked us were native; some were from other species. For those, I received between 20 and 90 copper coins, depending on their level of damage. The more intact they were, the better the price they fetched.
Once the wolves were handled, I moved on to the remaining corpse. As I had discovered, it was a Necrario.
[Necrario Corpse (Copper)]
Local: 75 silver coins
Foreign: 13 gold coins and 41 silver coins
My jaw almost dropped upon seeing those numbers. I double-checked several times to ensure I wasn't confusing gold with silver, but it wasn't a mistake. The corpse was worth a fortune, especially outside this region. I didn't understand why it was so much more valuable abroad, but the decision was obvious.
When the corpse vanished and the coins appeared in my hands, it felt like I was dreaming. I had never held so much money before. I wasn't sure exactly how wealthy I was, but comparing it to the prices of common goods, I couldn't help but feel incredibly fortunate.
I stepped out of the mud house, spear still in hand, and called everyone together. It was time to get a definitive answer from my slaves. As expected, most of them accepted my offer and chose to follow me. Not that they had many options. I had torn them away from their camps, leveled them, and brought them here to an unknown place with no idea how to return. Moreover, after yesterday's experience with the wolves and the Necrario, no one dared to wander these lands alone.
However, two of them disagreed. Of those, only one was honest about it. When I demanded loyalty, it wasn't just a matter of honor or fulfilling a ceremony; my goal was to activate the [Leader] skill. For it to work, they had to sincerely accept me as their guide. When they did, I could sense the follower count increase, revealing who wasn't being truthful.
One of them swore loyalty with empty words, not realizing my skill would detect his deception. I couldn't afford a traitor, so I made my decision right then. Though the moment was brief, the weight of what I was about to do made it feel like an eternity.
"Alright, let's remove their shackles," I said, gesturing toward the area where the carpenters and blacksmiths worked.
As everyone turned and began walking, I issued a mental command. The shackles on the two dissenters immediately grew heavier, making it impossible for them to move. At that exact moment, with my spear already positioned, I thrust the weapon into the back of the man who had lied. The blade pierced deeply into his flesh—it was indeed a high-quality spear.
The man let out a choked cry, coughing up blood as he collapsed to the ground. He was still breathing but paralyzed by the pain, unable to rise. I pressed the spear further, driving it deeper into his body. Preparing to withdraw it and strike the second man, something unexpected happened.
"Please, forgive me! I surrender! I'll do whatever you want..." the other pleaded, kneeling and crying.
I had already resolved to kill both of them. I was prepared to do it with my own hands or by giving the order to my men. His pleas wouldn't stop me. However, just then, something caught my attention: the slave counter changed.
The man, seeing the brutality with which I killed the first, was utterly consumed by fear. He didn't know the true reason for my action, but the terror had completely broken him. He would accept anything, even slavery, just to survive. I had tried using fear before, but it had never been as effective as it was now. Fear only works when it's overwhelming enough to shatter a person's principles, completely subjugating them.
In the end, things turned out better than expected. I now had one more person in my group than anticipated. We were 16. It was nothing compared to what we once were, but we would have to accept it and find ways to grow.
...
While not as impactful as the day before, this was another memorable day, especially when a certain crucial moment arrived. For me and for all the "outsiders," a notification rang out just as the clock struck the same hour the disasters had begun the previous day.
[Congratulations to those who overcame their first disaster.]
[To all surviving camps, the second stage of the initial trial now begins.]
[The next disaster will arrive in 9 months. To overcome it, camps must evolve into Villages or achieve equivalent power.]
[To all individuals, it is announced that from this moment onward, elements of empire foundation can now be found around the world.]
[In markets, hidden in cities and wild places, or in the possession of certain beings. These elements may take various forms: written permits, tokens, trophies, decorative tools, among others.]
[These enablers will allow, after 9 months, the founding of your own empire, giving another chance to those who failed this round.]
[This cycle of foundation, disaster at 3 months, disaster at 9 months, and new foundation will repeat in the coming years. However, the number of "foundation enablers" will progressively decrease until a minimum is reached, eventually disappearing as competitors overcome the challenges of this world.]
As all the other "foreigners," I listened attentively to every word. This message signified a second chance for those who had failed, and considering how destructive these disasters had been, I assumed many would need it. It also offered an opportunity for those who now felt ready or wished to establish an empire with the experience they had gained. However, what truly worried me was whether more people would arrive in this unknown land, just as I had.
I was reflecting on this when the global messages continued.
[First initial stage completed.]
[Partial restoration of flora, fauna, and other world characteristics, continuing the process until normal values are reached.]
At first, I didn't entirely understand what these words meant. It was then that I noticed something through my senses that caught my attention: sounds. The chirping of birds—something so common that I seemed to have forgotten—now filled the air. During these three months, I hadn't consciously perceived their absence, but now their return was unmistakable.
Looking at my feet, I noticed another change. Before, the ground had been covered in a single type of uniform grass. Now, I could distinguish a variety of plants, even moss starting to grow on distant trees.
And then, the insects. Flies, mosquitoes, ants, spiders—creatures I had barely seen in small quantities until now—appeared in greater numbers. This world was beginning to feel more alive, more complete.
However, that vitality wasn't necessarily a good omen. The misty forests, already unsettling, now became outright terrifying. Inexplicable sounds seemed to whisper from within, some resembling echoes of human lamentations. Bright eyes peeked through the fog, disappearing in a blink.
[Modifying world rules.]
[Speed increased.]
[Acceleration of growth, development, and aging for much of this world's existence (mostly below the heroic level). Competitors will not be affected.]
This message was even more impactful than the previous ones. I looked around at my people and the nearby plants but didn't notice any extreme aging. However, the true issue was the magnitude of this acceleration. Would it be moderate, like double the speed, or something more radical, like ten times faster? Though it didn't seem an immediate threat, I knew I had to keep it in mind.
[The disasters have ended. Rewards will be distributed to the surviving camps.]
That was the final notice, and after it, no other notifications appeared. Several crates and resources began materializing in the camp: medical supplies, food, tools, and even materials to build a house.
The day ended with a glimmer of hope, but also a weight of uncertainty about what the future might bring.
...
We resumed our lives in this world that now seemed more complete, but also more complicated than before.
Our goal was clear: recover what we had lost and go even further. However, although the path was the same, our methods had to change. I am, of course, referring to raiding.
Raiding was our only way to grow. Unlike other camps scattered across this world, I didn't know where I was, nor were there any signs of nearby civilization. Furthermore, the nature here seemed particularly hostile. I couldn't offer asylum to other "foreigners" to turn them into my subordinates, nor could I directly seek allies among the natives.
Thus, raiding became our only option, at least until something better arose. However, I decided it was time to refine my methods and give our actions a new approach.
First, thanks to the gold we had accumulated, I did what I had to: I equipped my people with weapons and armor. I didn't buy anything extravagant or expensive, as the "common" level was more than enough for those barely learning to use a weapon. The price difference between "common" and "copper" gear was significant, and it wasn't worth spending so much on equipment that wouldn't make a big difference in inexperienced hands.
With only 16 subjects under my command, I knew I couldn't risk taking too many with me on our incursions. Leaving the camp unguarded would be a mistake. So, I selected six of them to accompany me.
After some practice with the new weapons and leather armor, we resumed raiding. This time, our approach would be different: we would no longer attack small camps directly. Diplomacy and strategy would be key, and our force, though limited, was better prepared to face this new challenge.
Second attempt of the day... The first target had been a medium-sized camp, but we didn't even dare to approach it. This one, however, was a small camp with a single circular tent like the ones we had seen before.
I was followed by six people: three men armed with swords and small shields, and three with bows. I wielded my copper spear, though I wasn't skilled with it. Even so, it gave me a sense of security... and a certain status.
We approached the camp slowly. I had already explained my plan to my men: though they carried their weapons lowered, they were ready to raise them at any moment. We walked openly, so it didn't take long for us to be noticed.
A woman carrying a bucket of water dropped it and screamed, alerting the entire camp.
Four men and a woman prepared themselves, the former stepping forward with axes, sticks, and improvised knives. They seemed to be trying to intimidate us, but it was evident they stood little chance. We were more and better armed; their "weapons" were no more than everyday tools.
I raised a hand and pointed my spear downward.
"Wait, we don't want to fight," I said calmly. "We come in peace."
I stepped forward, putting myself slightly ahead of my men. Everything had been planned and rehearsed; one signal would be enough for the archers to raise their bows and fire, or for the warriors to charge forward.
"We are members of a village in the making. I am its leader, Lyricus, and we are traveling to find people who want to join us," I explained in a tone that tried to balance kindness and seriousness. "There used to be many more of us, but we were attacked by a terrifying creature: a necrario. If any of you know what I'm talking about, you'll understand how dangerous it is."
...
I paused to gauge their reactions and continued:
"We were settling down slowly, but that creature, though we defeated it, set back the development of our community and took people we cared about. We realized we couldn't survive alone. Only together can we face this land full of dangers. So, I offer you this: join us, swear loyalty to me as your leader, and together we'll build something greater. Fighting those creatures that cut our lives short, like the wind strips leaves from the trees in autumn."
I wasn't the best speaker, but I had practiced this speech. I did everything I could to sound convincing. The tension eased slightly; although they still distrusted us, my offer managed to lower their guard a bit.
I tried persuading them a few more times, with mixed results. The woman seemed interested and, to the displeasure of her companions, stepped forward to talk to me. She asked about our camp, and I answered… though I embellished some details, especially about the number of people we had. I spoke honestly about our resources, trying to entice her with the advantages of joining us.
Bit by bit, I managed to convince her. In the end, she agreed to join, although her companions remained suspicious. Before taking her with me, I asked her to swear loyalty, assuring her I would not allow traitors or anyone who would harm my people. Only those willing to follow the rules would be welcomed.
My words were somewhat evasive, avoiding directly mentioning that anyone who didn't obey my will would not be accepted. But it worked. When I checked the counter of my followers, I saw it had increased by one.
I smiled at her and extended my hand in welcome. When she was close enough, I raised my spear and shouted:
"Attack!"
My archers quickly fired at the four men who, not expecting this betrayal, were left exposed. Without protection and at such close range, the arrows hit their marks, wounding them enough to disarm them. My warriors moved in and finished off the injured with their weapons.
The woman stood pale and trembling, almost in shock. However, she was already under the effects of my [Leader] and [Slave Master] abilities. Thanks to them, she would remain loyal to me, even after witnessing this.
With the men dead, we looted the camp entirely. We gathered resources, money, tools, and even the tent. Although we moved slowly due to the load, we left nothing behind except the corpses. Even the woman, still shaking, had to help carry the supplies.
A new member and more resources for our camp. A small step, but necessary to reach our goals.