Cliffwood Village Realm Village stage 1 Resources Gathered Experience 0 Wood 3256 Owned Buildings Warrior Class Statue Magus Class Statue Assassin Class Statue Priest Class Statue Wooden Wall (Stage 1) Village Hall (Stage 1) Available Buildings Wooden House (Stage 1) 300 Wood Unit Attributes Alchemist's Advantage Alchemists within this territory learn their craft 20% faster, benefiting from an enriched learning environment tailored to accelerate the mastery of alchemy. At the beginning of their training, they gain access to an extensive and superior collection of recipes, including both common and uncommon concoctions. Additionally, there's a heightened chance of discovering rare and potent recipes, available for acquisition from the territory's master alchemist. This attribute fosters a culture of advanced alchemical study and innovation, attracting adept practitioners seeking to push the boundaries of their art. Soothing Rest All existing and future houses within your territory, as well as those of your vassals, shall now grant a timed boost in experience gain. The duration of this boost correlates with the amount of time spent within the house, while the percentage increase in experience depends on the house's tier and quality. Upgrade Conditions

100 registered citizens.

1000 gathered experience.

Upgrade the four statues into Guilds.

Looking at the territory attribute, Thorian smiled in satisfaction. So this is an alchemy-focused territory. Perfect. Once my dominion matures enough, I can have multiple territories focused on their own specialties.

Returning to his group, Thorian found them engaged in a lengthy discussion.

"So, to grow the village, we need to bring in more monsters from all around the forest, right?" James asked, displaying a level of concentration and focus unusual for someone his age.

"That is exactly correct, young lord," Elder Yur nodded. "I'm sure you have your own trepidations about bringing in monsters that you do not know, but this is necessary for the growth of the village."

"I do not mind," James shook his head, before looking at Elder Yur with a focused expression. "But I want to be there with you as you bring in these new monsters. I don’t want to just be a passive young lord sitting in his house, waiting for his servants to bring me the good news."

These words not only surprised Elder Yur and Robert but Thorian was particularly astounded. Such strong resolve in a boy so young, he thought, admiration sparking within him.

His gaze then drifted to William, who wore a proud smile. How have you managed to raise such brave children? Tristan showed courage, and now even the young James possesses the heart of a lion.

"But young lord, that would be dangerous," Robert advised in a cautious tone. "Subjugating monster settlements is an ugly business; blood will certainly flow."

"I understand that, Sir Robert," James nodded. "But what kind of lord do you want me to be? Do you want me just to be a well-behaved kid sitting patiently in my house? If I don’t take initiative now, I know I will remain in that rut for years to come. I've already lived that. Now is the easiest time for me to step up and be actually useful."

While Robert looked down in thought, Thorian expected William to intervene. However, rather than the lord of Locksley, it was Little Roo who nudged his grandad’s leg.

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"Grampa, I think James is right," Little Roo advised. "If he doesn't go out with you guys, he will become soft like a little flower. Plus, you would be there too. You're strong and you can protect him. Isn’t that right?"

While Robert furrowed his brows in thought, Saxum also chimed in, "If safety is the concern here, then there's no need to worry. With our protection, there's no way James could come to any harm."

Listening to all the reasons bombarding him, Robert finally gave in and sighed, "Okay, I will agree to this condition. Certainly, I wouldn't want to deprive the young lord of this opportunity to grow." He then looked at James with a somewhat stern look. "But you must stay close to me at all times and follow my instructions. If you fail to do so, I cannot fulfill my duties as your bodyguard."

"Of course," James replied cheerfully, before scratching the back of his head. "And sorry for causing trouble for you. I really don't want to do that."

Seeing that the matter had been resolved, William laughed heartily. "It seems like all of you have reached a compromise." He then patted his son on the head. "I'm proud of your initiative. If you keep at it, you're going to be a greater lord than I ever was."

Observing the scene, Thorian's smile conveyed his approval. While he might have held his peace, as a lord, he recognized the value of silent observation. Simply watching the discussion unfold had revealed to him a great deal about the true character of the people around him.

Still, this is merely the preliminary phase. Actions speak louder than words, after all.

"Well then, since we've reached a compromise, I believe it's time to start working on our recruitment," Elder Yur declared, ready to move forward.

"We should divide into teams," Saxum recommended. "The village mustn't be left undefended, necessitating that some of us remain behind."

Hearing these words, Robert looked thoughtful. "I'm not entirely familiar with the power of your people and their specialties. Who do you believe would be most suitable for the task of safeguarding the village?"

"We're at a level of power where such distinctions are meaningless," Saxum shook his head. "Everyone here is strong enough to protect the village on their own. However, some are more suited for diplomacy than others when it comes to recruitment," he added, glancing at Ventus and Ifrit, who were standing to the side.

Elder Yur, amused by the observation, suggested, "Let's form two recruitment teams: one under my leadership and the other under Saxum's. We are, arguably, the most level-headed and apt for this mission. The remainder can focus on protecting the village and gathering essential resources, be it wood, stone, or food."

Upon hearing this, William turned to James. "Which team do you prefer, Saxum's or Elder Yur's?"

James pondered the question, his brow knitted in thought. After a moment, he decided, "I don't have a strong preference, but I'd like to go with Mister Saxum."

"Then I'll join Elder Yur," William declared, smiling at both Saxum and Yur. "This way, we benefit from both of your insights."

"I'm in favor of this plan," Elder Yur confirmed with a nod.

Saxum agreed, "I have no objections." He then addressed the group, "Let's commence forming our teams."

With those words, both Saxum and Elder Yur approached Ventus and Ifrit's group, starting to pick members for their teams. Meanwhile, William turned back to Thorian and asked, "Are you also planning to join one of the two groups, Lord Thorian? Or will you stay here?"

"I'll accompany Elder Yur," Thorian declared, confidence tinting his words. "Saxum and Robert are more than capable on their own, but I'm keen to witness Elder Yur's methods firsthand."

Chuckling, William said, "That is fortunate. There are many matters on which I would love to hear your thoughts."

Thorian offered a soft smile in response. "The sentiment is mutual." Turning to James, whose anticipation was palpable, he remarked, "You seem quite excited."

"Of course!" James exclaimed. "This is the first time I get to do something like this. I'm still pinching myself to see if I'm dreaming."

Amused by James's enthusiasm, Thorian ruffled his hair, suggesting, "It might take some time for them to organize the teams; enthusiasm will run high. Why not explore the Village Hall in the meantime? As a future vassal lord, it'll become a familiar haunt for you."

"Oh yeah, that’s true," James nodded. "I’ve never been to such a place. I wonder what it looks like."

"Well, it’s not the most exciting place in the world," Thorian quipped, gesturing for William, Robert, and Little Roo to join them. "But acquainting yourself with the hall's receptionist sooner rather than later is wise."

"I just hope they're more approachable than Locksley's," William said with a hearty laugh. "Our old man only warmed up to me after my official lordship was recognized by the Fortress system."

"That's a common trait among them," Thorian added with a laugh. "They navigate the uncertain waters of factional politics with caution, treating all as transient until confirmed by the proper channels."

William nodded, understandingly. "Their skepticism isn't without merit."

As the group approached the Village Hall, James nudged Thorian. "Hey, Lord Thorian, I wanted to ask you something."

"And what would that be?" Thorian looked back at James with interest.

"So, we need more citizens to upgrade the village, right?" James asked. "Then why don't we just bring in people from Locksley? We have a lot of people there, and we could grow the village very fast."

"That… is not as straightforward as you might think," Thorian sighed, exchanging a thoughtful glance with William. "However, it might be feasible to relocate some people. What's your take, William? Would anyone be interested?"