Under a starry night sky, Arcana Cero finally found some rest after wandering aimlessly on this strange island all day. He had discovered a modest shelter—a narrow crevice between large rocks near a coastal cliff. It was safe enough to shield him from the night winds and wild animals, though cold and damp. However, after hours of fruitless searching for answers, even that cramped space felt like a sanctuary.
Closing his eyes, Arcana tried to regulate his breathing, listening to the rhythmic crashing of the waves. Hunger gnawed cruelly at his stomach, making it difficult to fall asleep. A thought crossed his mind. The mysterious System that claimed to be his assistant might be able to help. With a flicker of hope, Arcana opened his eyes and gazed at the starry sky.
"System, are you just a guide, or do you have something more useful to offer?" Arcana sighed softly. "You know, I'm starving. There's no way I can search for food like this."
[Mr. Cero… This System offers several functions beyond guiding you. One of them is the Purchase feature, which provides various assistance packages. Currently, a starter reward package is available. Would you like to open it?]
Arcana snorted, feeling as if he were in a game. But without much thought, he replied, "Yeah, sure. Just open it if there's a reward!"
Suddenly, a clear notification sound—a mechanical chime reminiscent of a video game—was followed by the click of an opening chest. Arcana felt an invisible surge of energy, and then the System's voice returned to announce the result.
[Congratulations! You have received a Barracks, 20 Infantry, 5 Engineers, and a basic Logistics package!]
Arcana froze, his mind racing to comprehend what he had just heard. A barracks? Infantry? Engineers? What was this? It felt like receiving a bonus in a world-building game.
"Does this mean I can build something… or even lead a unit?" he asked, half-disbelieving yet intrigued.
[Correct, Mr. Cero. With the assistance of engineers, you can construct military or civilian structures. Infantry troops are soldiers who will follow your commands, and the logistics package provides food, water, and basic supplies. Additionally, the System offers a storefront for additional purchases using G currency (Gold). Please open the Store to view available features.]
Suddenly, a virtual interface appeared before his eyes, seemingly floating in midair. The System's store looked like a holographic screen, complete with a list of items available for purchase—ranging from basic supplies and buildings to magic and technology upgrades.
Arcana examined the store's offerings with keen interest. It appeared that every item required "Gold," which he might be able to earn over time.
"Alright, System, show me how to use the reward I just received," he said, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.
[To activate the rewards, please select a desired location on the surrounding area map. The System will assist you in constructing the barracks and mobilizing the troops in a strategic location.]
Arcana studied the virtual map that appeared before him. He realized the island had several intriguing locations, including dense forests to the east and high cliffs along the western shore. After a brief consideration, he selected an area not far from his shelter—an open plain on the edge of the forest, hidden from plain sight yet easily accessible.
[Commencing construction of the barracks… Construction complete. All infantry and engineers have been deployed to the location.]
Before Arcana's astonished eyes, as if materializing from thin air, a sturdy wooden barracks appeared at the edge of the forest. Emerging from the shadows, infantry troops clad in simple armor stood firmly in front of the barracks. Five engineers, equipped with tools and gear, appeared ready for action.
Arcana stared at them in amazement. They looked real, not holograms or projections, but tangible beings fully present here. Each soldier stood disciplined, gazing at him with respect.
"You… will follow me?" Arcana asked softly, his voice tinged with curiosity.
One of the soldiers stepped forward and saluted, placing a hand on his chest. "We are here to serve you, Mr. Cero. Give us your commands, and we will carry them out loyally."
Arcana nodded slowly, a sense of leadership he had never known beginning to grow within him. This System was more than just an assistant. He now had the power to command troops, build a settlement, and perhaps one day… rule this new world.
A faint smile appeared on his face. He realized that, despite being stranded on this island, he had been given an invaluable opportunity.
"System," he said firmly, "tell me about the strategies for developing this territory. What other functions do I have?"
[The System's core functions include: Command and Control of Troops, Infrastructure Development, Economy, and Diplomacy. You can also acquire knowledge of magic, warfare strategy, and this world's lore as your level increases. Additionally, the System provides daily challenges to earn extra experience and resources.]
Arcana listened attentively, growing more fascinated by the endless possibilities before him. It felt as though he were truly playing a grand strategy game—but this wasn't merely a game. It was a chance to reshape his destiny in this foreign world.
"Very well," he said, looking at the soldiers before him. "Tonight, we rest, but tomorrow… we start building this place."
Turning back to the starry sky, his feelings had shifted. No longer alone, no longer hopeless. Underneath the stars, Arcana felt like a young king ready to conquer the world, and with the Modern Generation System by his side, he knew anything was possible.
In the distance, a wolf's howl echoed through the night, sending chills down his spine, a reminder of the dangers lurking in the darkness of the forest. But that night, Arcana stood unafraid. With a troop now under his command, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.
[Indeed, Mr. Cero. The Modern Generation System allows you to build and manage a civilization. The troops and citizens you develop through this system will remain fully loyal to you. Use resources wisely to expand your territory and strengthen your military power.]
Arcana smirked faintly. The ability to raise armies, construct structures, and manage resources made him feel like a great leader. However, he understood that his first step was to secure basic resources, particularly gold, which appeared to be the currency within this system.
He turned and called for one of the engineers—a young man with brown hair who approached him respectfully.
"I need you and a few infantrymen to map out the surrounding area. Look for resources we can use. If you find any metals or minerals, report back to me immediately. Our primary focus is gold."
The engineer nodded and quickly organized a team to scout the area. They fanned out in different directions, exploring the forest edge and following the winding river that meandered through the dense trees.
After several hours, one of the engineers returned with promising news. "Mr. Cero," he said with a salute, "we've discovered something that might interest you—a small gold mine along the riverbank not far from here."
Adrenaline surged through Arcana. Without delay, he led his troops to the location. When they arrived, he saw the winding river sparkling under the sunlight. At the riverbank was a large crevice revealing veins of gold glimmering amidst the rocks.
"Incredible…" Arcana marveled as he approached the gold-bearing stones.
[Tip: To convert physical resources into digital G currency, simply touch the resource. The system will assess and convert it based on current market value.]
Without hesitation, Arcana touched the rough, gleaming surface of the rocks. As his hand made contact, he felt a strange energy course through him. The golden shimmer of the ore gradually faded, while the Modern Generation System interface displayed a successful conversion.
[Resource Conversion Complete. You have gained 500 G.]
Arcana smiled in satisfaction. With 500 G at his disposal, he now had the means to make additional purchases from the system's store. The ability to convert physical resources directly into digital currency granted him incredible freedom—no need to carry or store raw gold; everything was seamlessly integrated into the system.
"Alright," he declared confidently. "Now we can begin in earnest. System, open the store. Show me what I can buy with these 500 G."
[Store opened. Here are some options available for 500 G:
Food Supply Package (100 G): Sufficient to sustain 20 people for one week.
Combat Training Module (200 G): Enhances infantry strength and close-combat skills.
Basic Fire Magic (400 G): A beginner-level magical ability allowing the user to control fire on a small scale.
Basic Infrastructure Upgrade (300 G): Speeds up construction of barracks, tents, or guard posts with stronger materials.]
Arcana browsed the listed options, carefully weighing each one. Realizing the importance of laying a strong foundation, he chose the Food Supply Package and the Combat Training Module. A strong and well-fed army would be key to survival and defending his territory.
With his decision made, Arcana activated the purchases, accompanied by the system's notification sound. His troops immediately appeared more energized and motivated after receiving fresh supplies. The infantrymen commenced additional training sessions facilitated by the system, improving their formations and movements with increased precision and resilience.
"With this," Arcana addressed his troops standing proudly before him, "we begin building something far greater than just a shelter."
Their eyes reflected unwavering determination, as if ready to face any challenge ahead.
Amid the rustling forest leaves and the gentle trickle of the river, Arcana felt something stir within him—a newfound confidence unlike anything he had ever experienced. The Modern Generation System offered more than just assistance; it was a tool of power capable of altering fate. This world might be foreign, but with the capabilities at his disposal, he felt he could conquer it.
Arcana fixed his gaze on the forest stretching out before him, as if searching for something beyond the landscape. Beyond the foliage, beyond the horizon, lay potential waiting to be harnessed.
"Let's start by claiming this island," he declared softly but resolutely. "And after that… we'll see how far this System's power can take me."
That night, under the glittering stars, Arcana Cero officially began his long journey. From a man without identity, he had become the leader of a small force, ready to face a new and challenging world with unwavering determination.