Day 4
The faint light of dawn illuminated the forest as Alexander Maxwell stepped out of his shelter, his spear in hand and his dark eyes scanning the camp. The storage shed stood sturdy, the rows of freshly tilled farmland nearby showing promise. But his attention was drawn to Elias, the man he had taken in the day before.
Elias was crouched near the stream, rinsing his face. His rusted sword lay beside him, its blade worn and chipped. Alexander watched him for a moment, weighing his decision to allow the stranger into his camp. Trust is a dangerous thing in a world like this. But I need people.
Elias glanced up, catching Alexander's gaze. "Morning," he called out, standing and shaking the water from his hands. "You always wake up this early?"
"Someone has to keep an eye on things," Alexander replied, his voice calm but firm. He approached Elias, gesturing toward the shed and farmland. "Let's get something straight. You're here to work. If you slack off, you're out."
Elias smirked. "Don't worry, boss. I'm not afraid of hard labor. Just point me where you need me."
Alexander nodded, though his expression remained guarded. Let's see if you can back up your words.
Dividing the Tasks
Alexander led Elias through the camp, explaining the basics. "The crops need to be watched. If we're lucky, they'll sprout in a few weeks, but that's only if the wildlife doesn't get to them first. I've already cleared the land, so you'll help me gather more wood and stone for future projects."
Elias raised an eyebrow. "What about defenses? This place feels... exposed."
Alexander paused, glancing around the clearing. He had thought the same thing. The watchtower and barricade he had envisioned were still just ideas, but the need for security was growing more urgent. "We'll get to that. For now, the best defense is staying alert."
Elias nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. "Alright, let's get to it."
Resource Gathering
The two men spent the morning in the forest, chopping wood and breaking stone from a nearby outcrop. Alexander's crude axe and hammer made the work slow, but the buffs from the system eased the strain.
[Buff Active: Path of Leadership – Commanding Presence]
Settlers gain +10% productivity when working under direct supervision.
Elias worked steadily, his strength and experience evident in the way he handled the tools. Alexander couldn't help but notice the difference the system buff made—Elias moved with purpose, his efforts more efficient than expected.
"So, what's your story?" Alexander asked after a while, breaking the silence.
Elias glanced at him, his expression hard to read. "Not much to tell. Used to work for a baron a few days' travel from here. Things got... complicated. Figured it was time to leave before I ended up in a ditch."
"Complicated how?" Alexander pressed, his tone cautious.
Elias hesitated, his grip tightening on the axe. "Let's just say the baron didn't appreciate questions. Especially about where all the food and coin were going while his people starved."
Alexander studied him for a moment, nodding slowly. "So, you're not a stranger to hard times."
Elias snorted. "Hard times build character, don't they?"
Alexander allowed himself a small smile. "If that's what you want to call it."
Laying the Foundation
By midday, the two men had gathered a decent haul of wood and stone, enough to start on the new shelter. They returned to the camp, unloading the resources near the storage shed. Alexander wiped the sweat from his brow, his mind already racing with ideas.
"We'll need to expand the shelter next," he said, glancing at the small structure that served as his sleeping quarters. "Something big enough for both of us, and anyone else who shows up."
Elias nodded, surveying the camp. "Makes sense. You've got a good start here, but if you want people to stay, you'll need more than just a roof and a field."
Alexander's gaze hardened. "I know. But I'm not building this place for comfort. It's for survival."
Elias chuckled. "Survival's good, but people need a reason to stick around. Something to believe in."
Alexander didn't respond immediately. He understood the truth in Elias's words, but he wasn't ready to share his vision just yet. First, I need to make this place secure. Then, I'll worry about belief.
Progress on the Shelter
With the materials they had gathered, Alexander and Elias began constructing the new shelter. It was a step up from the makeshift triangle Alexander had built for himself—larger, sturdier, and better suited for long-term use. The two men worked in relative silence, the rhythmic sound of hammering filling the clearing.
[Buff Active: Basic Construction Efficiency]
Construction tasks completed 10% faster.
By the time the sun began to set, the framework of the new shelter was complete. Wooden beams formed the skeleton of the structure, with a simple roof providing cover. It wasn't finished, but it was a good start.
Elias stepped back, wiping his hands on his trousers. "Not bad for a day's work."
Alexander nodded, his expression unreadable. "We'll finish it tomorrow. Once it's done, this place will finally start to feel real."
Elias tilted his head. "Feels real enough to me. But I get what you mean. A proper shelter—it's like putting your flag in the ground."
Alexander allowed himself a small smile. "Exactly."
Reflections by the Fire
That evening, Alexander and Elias sat near the stream, a small fire crackling between them. The wolf meat roasted over the flames, its scent filling the air.
Elias broke the silence first. "You know, you're different from most of the people I've met in this world."
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "How so?"
"You're not just surviving. You're building something. Most people wouldn't bother."
Alexander stared into the fire, his expression thoughtful. "If you don't build, you have nothing to protect. And if you have nothing to protect, you have nothing to lose."
Elias nodded slowly, his gaze distant. "Fair enough."
For a moment, neither man spoke, the crackling fire the only sound. Alexander's mind drifted to the shelter and the possibilities it represented. Tomorrow, this place will become more than a camp. It'll become a home.