Avyck3721
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ch 64
🕑 Added 2025-03-13 00:35:23 +0000 UTCAfter leaving Jessica’s shop Jared continues his tour of the faction.
The village had grown far beyond what I’d expected. Infrastructure was developing, enchantments were making life easier, and our people were growing stronger.
But none of that mattered if we couldn’t defend it.
I glance at the countdown timer hovering in my vision. Five hours, thirty-two minutes until the first raid.
I wanted to stop by the armory and check in with Damon to see if he had completed Durkil’s club, but Jared was already ahead of me.
“Damon thought you’d be asking. He told me that he’s getting close, but he’s not ready yet.”
I frown, disappointed, but I had a feeling it would be worth the wait.
Instead, we take a more scenic route down the cobbled streets. I marveled at how much everything has changed. The buildings had taken on a modern, yet rustic feel, with cut timber and stone foundations blending into the natural environment. It felt like the kind of town you’d find at a luxury ski resort—only this one was built out of pure necessity, not leisure.
Jared explained how he wanted to maintain the natural beauty of the area as we expanded.
“You’ll also be happy to know that although we’ve begun excavating the shard mine near your mountain lake, we’ve taken extra care to preserve the scenic lake itself. Stetson managed to open a mine shaft from a different angle, leaving the entire area undisturbed.”
He looks at me with a twinkle in his eye. “I have special plans for it.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Special plans?”
“You’ll see.”
I decided not to push. Jared enjoys his cryptic reveals, and honestly, I liked seeing where his vision took things.
Our walk led us out of the village, still following a finely cobbled road through the trees until we emerged into a sprawling field that gently sloped up the mountainside.
And that’s when I see it.
Ten acres of neatly organized rows of crops stretched out before me, already knee-high. Nearby, a cottage stood beside several silo-like structures made of stone, and further back was a large wooden stable.
I took a slow breath–taking in the earthy green smell. The soil’s damp richness mingles with the green, sun-warmed leaves.
“Jared, this is incredible.” My voice was almost reverent. “What are we growing?”
“You know, I keep forgetting.” He scratches his chin.
“Jessie would know better, but I don’t see her around. We used some of the seeds from your loot chest.” He gestured toward the silos.
“Those were built with one of Jessie’s skills—apparently, they don’t just preserve food, they enhance it. Some of the stored crops even develop healing properties.”
That is insane.
This would open so many new and exciting possibilities—commerce, trade, sustainability. What if we could refine those enhanced crops? Could they be sold like potions? Mass-produced? I had to rein myself in. One step at a time.
Still, this was proof. Jared’s vision—our vision—wasn’t just an idea anymore. It was happening.
Then my eyes landed on the stables.
“Jared, are those stables?”
He hesitates. “Something like that.”
That wasn’t a good sign.
“What do you mean ‘something like that?’”
“We built them for the wolves. Thought they might like a home base.”
He shrugs. “But… turns out, we were a bit presumptuous.”
“They didn’t want to live in the stables?”
Jared shakes his head. “No, they did not. According to Ben, they’re developing a sense of self-awareness—much like Mischief. They still work alongside us, but they don’t see themselves as… pets.”
The words hit me harder than I expected. No wolf cavalry. The first bad news of the day.
The image I’d built up in my head—the unstoppable charge of mounted warriors, wolves tearing through enemy ranks—gone.
I swallow my disappointment. This world kept throwing curveballs. I had to roll with them.
But damn, that one stung.
Jared must have sensed my mood shift, because he changes the subject.
“Speaking of communication barriers, I found a solution.”
That got my attention. “I’m listening.”
“There’s an upgrade we can purchase in the panel—a universal language comprehension perk for faction members. The problem is… it costs 40,000 UBC’s. I scraped together 20,000 from contributions, but we still need 20,000 more.”
I donn’t hesitate. I pull up my status screen. 22,500 UBC’s.
Without a second thought, I pulled 20,000 from my inventory and hand Jared the coin bag.
“Here. Get it done.”
Jared hesitates, his hand hovering over the bag. “Layton, this is— Look, I’ll make sure you’re reimbursed.”
I shake my head. “It’s a gift.”
He runs a hand through his hair before finally taking the bag. “You make it real hard to keep up with you, you know that?”
I just smile.
“Do we need to be in our owned territory for the upgrade to activate?”
“No, and that’s probably why it costs so much at this stage. Once someone joins the faction, it takes effect immediately. But if we wanted individual translation for outsiders, it’d cost 100,000 UBC per person.”
“That’s steep, but we’ll cross that bridge when we need to.”
Jared agrees, looking down at the bag for a moment before shaking his head again. “Layton, this is great work. You’ve seen our progress—now, how about I see yours?”
“Our little army is gathered where the first raid should hit.”
“Then let’s not keep them waiting.”
