The day after the grand celebration, Darius, Ryden, and Rice found themselves back on the same hill where their journey in GAIA had started. The place seemed almost untouched by time, its beauty as striking as the day they'd first arrived.
The hill rose gently from the surrounding plains, covered in lush, swaying grass that danced in the cool breeze. Wildflowers bloomed in clusters, their petals bursting with vibrant colors—deep blues, fiery reds, and soft yellows that seemed to glow in the sunlight. From their vantage point, they could see the vast expanse of the Great Plains stretching out in every direction, dotted with the faint outlines of distant trees and shimmering lakes.
Below, the bustling activity of the alliance's camp was visible. Smoke curled upward from cooking fires, and figures moved about, busy with the work of rebuilding and fortifying after the battle.
Rice plopped down on the soft grass with a satisfied sigh, gazing out at the view. "Holy shit, guys," he said, his voice filled with disbelief. "We didn't just survive. We did it. We actually speedran these people into the Bronze Age."
Darius chuckled, his arms crossed as he leaned against his spear. "It's insane when you think about it," he said, shaking his head. "From simple hunters to forging bronze weapons and holding a massive alliance in a few short months."
Rice grinned, tilting his head back to bask in the sunlight. "At this pace, give us a couple of decades, and these people will be rolling out steam engines."
Ryden, who was sitting cross-legged and absently flipping through the booklet, looked up sharply. "Hold on," he said, his tone cautious. "I think we need to be careful about how fast we push things."
Darius raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Ryden tapped the booklet thoughtfully. "The incursion. That massive wave of monsters? It wasn't random. It happened when they hit the Bronze Age. What if advancing too quickly is what triggered it? We could be putting them in danger."
Rice frowned, sitting up. "So… what do we do? Slow down?"
Ryden looked at Darius, who had gone quiet, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. After a moment, Darius spoke, his voice steady. "We give them a proper foundation in the Bronze Age first. No rushing ahead. We make sure they can handle whatever comes next."
Rice's brow furrowed in confusion. "A proper foundation? What does that even mean?"
Darius turned to him with a small smile. "It means making sure they have everything they need to survive and thrive—agriculture, culture, defense, infrastructure."
Rice's eyes widened, and he slapped his forehead. "Ohhh, I get it now! You mean—"
Before he could finish, the sound of hurried footsteps reached them. One of the newly titled warriors, Mira the Goblinbane, approached, her red aura still faintly flickering around her.
"The chiefs are looking for you," she said, her tone urgent but respectful.
The trio exchanged glances and stood, brushing themselves off. "Guess the foundation-building talk will have to wait," Ryden muttered as they followed Mira down the hill.
The headquarters was located in the same central tent that had served as the alliance's command post during the tribulation. It was larger now, reinforced with additional wooden beams and animal hides, and bustling with activity. Warriors and messengers came and went, their faces serious as they worked to ensure the tribes' stability in the wake of their hard-won victory.
Inside the tent, the three chiefs were gathered around a table strewn with maps, reports, and the spoils of war. Zovar stood with her arms crossed, her ocean-blue eyes clouded with sorrow.
"The Great Lake provides," she said, her voice quiet but resolute. "But we don't have enough hunters or warriors left to use it properly. The Katula are too few now… It may be time to send my people to yours." She hesitated, her tone heavy with emotion. "Perhaps it is time to leave behind the name of Katula."
Her words hung in the air like a weight. Arika and Orvek exchanged uneasy glances, but before they could respond, the trio of outsiders stepped forward.
"Wait a minute," Ryden said, holding up a hand. "What if there's another way?"
The chiefs turned to him, their expressions curious but wary.
"What if," Darius said, stepping beside Ryden, "instead of splitting up the Katula, we all settle here? Not as temporary camps, but as a permanent place for all three tribes. A city."
"A city?" Arika repeated, her brow furrowing. "What is a city?"
"It's a place where people live together year-round," Rice explained, his voice eager. "Think of it as a giant camp, but with houses, marketplaces, and all the resources everyone needs in one spot. No more migrating unless you want to."
Zovar tilted her head, her sorrow momentarily replaced by intrigue. "A permanent home," she murmured, the idea clearly resonating with her.
Arika nodded slowly, her sharp eyes narrowing as she considered the idea. "It would mean safety," she said. "A place to build stronger defenses. To share knowledge more easily."
Orvek, however, crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "And what of our tribes' identities?" he asked. "If we all live together, what happens to the traditions and ways of each tribe? I won't have the Varuka lose what makes us who we are."
Darius stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. "Orvek, this isn't about losing identity—it's about growing stronger together. Each tribe would bring its own strengths to the city. Your traditions wouldn't disappear. They'd become part of something bigger."
Zovar looked at Orvek, her expression resolute. "Our people gave their lives for this alliance," she said softly. "A city would honor their sacrifice. It would ensure their children's future."
Orvek hesitated, his gaze dropping to the table. After a long moment, he exhaled heavily and nodded. "For you Zovar," he said gruffly. "And for the fallen."
As the chiefs reached their agreement, the booklet in Ryden's hands began to glow once more. The trio watched as words appeared on the page in shimmering letters of light.
Legendary Achievement!
Congratulations, You have successfully introduced the concept of a city to GAIA, founding Pillaris, the first city of the plains. This groundbreaking achievement has united the three tribes and set the stage for an era of cultural and technological advancement.
Effects:
First City Established: Pillaris becomes a hub of innovation, stability, and collaboration, drawing individuals and tribes from across the land.Population Growth Boost: Increased stability attracts settlers, accelerating population growth and fostering shared resources.Cultural Renaissance: Pillaris acts as a beacon of progress, strengthening cultural identity through art, music, and storytelling.Defensive Advantage: As a fortified city with Spirit Guardians, Pillaris provides a significant boost to allied tribes' defense against external threats.Economic Growth: Enhanced trade efficiency and resource management among the tribes and beyond.Title Earned: Founders of Civilization.
As an additional bonus, you have been granted a new entry into the Codex Existentia.
Another silver scroll materialized within the booklet, its surface etched with intricate patterns. It glowed brightly for a moment before settling into the page.
"What now?" Rice asked, his voice filled with wonder.
"uhhh i don't really have any good ideas right now" Ryden said, his voice steady. The three of them exchanged a glance, then nodded in unison.
Ryden glanced at the glowing booklet in his hands and then back at his two friends, his brow furrowed. "Uhhh… I don't really have any ideas right now," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Rice snorted. "Wow, that's inspiring." He glanced at Darius. "Anything from you, Mr. Brains?"
Darius shook his head, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Not a clue."
With a sigh, Ryden snapped the booklet shut. "Alright, then. Let's save it for later. For now, let's focus on something we can actually help with—like the city layout."
The trio turned to head back into the council tent, but before they could step inside, the chiefs intercepted them.
"You've done enough," Arika said, her voice firm but not unkind. "Leave this part to us. We'll call you if we need help."
Zovar nodded, her expression resolute. "You've given us a dream and the means to build it. It's our responsibility now."
Orvek's gruff voice followed. "Take a break, you three. You've earned it."
Rice immediately perked up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Ooh, I know just the place we can visit! The Great Lake!"
By midday, the trio had reached the shores of the Great Lake, and the sight before them left them awestruck.
The lake stretched as far as the eye could see, its surface shimmering under the sun like a vast mirror of molten silver. Gentle waves lapped at the sandy shore, their rhythmic sound blending with the soft rustle of nearby reeds swaying in the breeze. Around the edges, the water transitioned from a crystalline blue to a deep, inky indigo, hinting at its immense depth.
Clusters of wildflowers dotted the shoreline, their vibrant petals adding splashes of color to the otherwise serene landscape. Small, darting fish could be seen just beneath the surface, their movements sending ripples across the water. Overhead, gull-like birds with iridescent feathers circled and dove, their cries echoing across the lake.
"This place is incredible," Darius said, his voice low with wonder as he took in the view.
"Yeah," Rice agreed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He looked at Darius a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "Hey Darius you should try the water" Darius bent down, scooped a handful of water, and tasted it. He immediately spat it out. "Ugh! Saltwater?"
Ryden frowned, crouching to taste the water himself. The saltiness hit his tongue like a shock. "Saltwater? In a lake? Are we close to the ocean or something?"
Rice shrugged, stretching his arms. "No idea. Guess this place is just weird like that."
Ryden opened the booklet, flipping to the map. The map showed the Great Lake in intricate detail, but beyond its borders, there was only a blank expanse. "Nothing past here," Ryden murmured, his brow furrowing. "It's like the map just… stops."
While Ryden puzzled over the map, Rice got to work setting up a small cooking station near the shore. Using ingredients he'd brought along and some freshly foraged herbs and roots, he started preparing a meal. The tantalizing aroma of grilled fish seasoned with wild spices soon wafted through the air, drawing Darius and Ryden's attention.
"Whatever that is, it smells amazing," Darius said, sitting down near the fire.
Rice grinned. "Of course it does. I'm a genius in the kitchen."
The three of them sat together, plates of freshly cooked fish in hand, staring out at the vast expanse of the lake. The afternoon sunlight danced across the water, the golden hues blending with the cool blues in a way that was almost hypnotic.
"You know," Rice said absently, flipping a grilled fish fillet on the makeshift cooking grate, "since we're supposed to make this world interesting and all, I was kind of hoping it'd develop like a proper fantasy world. You know, with magic and spirits and all that cool stuff. Like the kind of world where the trees talk and ancient beings grant people powers."
Ryden leaned back on his elbows, staring thoughtfully at the shimmering lake. "Magic's fine, I guess. But if we're going to dream big, cultivation would be better. Immortals, ascension, flying swords—how could you beat that?"
Darius chuckled from where he sat cross-legged on the grass, idly sharpening his spear. "I'll agree to cultivation, but only if it doesn't mean fighting giant snakes every other day or drinking weird potions that might kill you."
Rice rolled his eyes. "Pfft, cultivation's overrated. You guys don't get it—spirits are where it's at. I've read enough fantasy novels to know spirits make everything better. Think about it! They're mysterious, ancient, and usually super wise. Plus, you can have all kinds of spirits—forest spirits, lake spirits, fire spirits. They bring the whole 'nature is alive' vibe, and they're usually involved in epic quests and bargains."
Ryden raised an eyebrow. "So, you want… what? A spirit to show up and start mentoring someone?"
"Exactly!" Rice said, waving his fork enthusiastically. "Picture it: an ancient lake spirit that's been here forever, granting wisdom—or maybe even powers—to those it deems worthy. Or mischievous trickster spirits causing trouble but secretly helping people grow stronger. They add depth, mystery, and cool world-building all at once!"
Darius tilted his head, nodding slightly. "I'll admit, spirits do have a certain appeal. They're tied to the land, to the people. It makes the world feel… alive."
Ryden tapped his chin. "Alright, I can see the argument. Cultivation's still better in my book, but spirits could add a lot of flavor to things. Especially if they're tied to specific places or events."
"So, we're agreed?" Rice grinned, flipping another fish onto a plate. "Spirits are awesome."
Ryden and Darius exchanged a glance and sighed, then they nodded nodded. "Spirits are awesome," they echoed.
As the three of them chuckled and agreed, the booklet, which had been lying nearby, began to glow. The golden page that had appeared quite a while ago started to shine with an intensity that rivaled the sun.
"Uh… guys?" Ryden said, pointing at the booklet.
The page lifted slightly, as if carried by an unseen breeze, and the shimmering light grew brighter. The trio scrambled to their feet, their laughter replaced by awe and a tinge of nervousness.
"What's happening now?" Darius muttered.
"I don't know," Rice said, his voice tinged with excitement. "But it's gotta be something cool, right?"
As the light intensified, the golden page began to pulse, sending waves of energy outward. The shimmering patterns on the page seemed to shift and swirl, as though it was preparing to reveal something extraordinary.