Chapter 7: Shopping Spree
With the first light of dawn filtering through the gaps in his makeshift shelter, Deo stirred from his restful slumber. The rustling bed of Marsh Rushes beneath him, combined with the gentle chirps of birds outside, brought a certain serenity to the new day. Pyro, nestled close by, gave a gentle, muffled yawn, his amber eyes blinking open.
A shimmering notification appeared before Deo as he sat up:
[Quest Update: Survive the Wilderness]
Survive in the unfamiliar environment. Build or find shelter, source water, and food.
Progress: Complete!
[Quest Complete!]
Rewards: +1000 EXP, Homestead Scroll
[Would you like to complete this quest and receive your reward?]
Deo reached out and tapped the glowing button to complete his quest. As the notification dissolved, a warm sensation flooded through him, indicating the acquisition of experience points.
[XP Gained: 1000]
[Congratulations! You've levelled up! You are now level 8]
As reality seemed to momentarily pause, a pulse of soft bright light burst forth, growing and solidifying into a scroll of parchment that gently floated down onto the ground in front of Deo. Picking it up, Deo noticed that its surface was a soft, velvety cream, with minute textures reminiscent of hand-pressed paper, and the edges bore a slightly darker hue, creating a gentle contrast. Each corner of the scroll was reinforced with polished silver caps, ensuring its protection from wear and tear. Holding the parchment rolled was a band of supple leather, dyed a rich burgundy, and fastened with a delicate silver clasp. The clasp itself was embossed with a symbol: a small house encircled by a boundary, signifying dominion and home.
[Unique: Homestead Scroll - A magical parchment designed to grant its user the power to claim uncharted territories. Upon activation, the scroll melds with the selected stretch of land, designating it irrefutably as the territory of its claimant and granting them unique controls over the land. Use wisely!]
Carefully, Deo unfastened the delicate silver clasp, and the scroll unfurled slightly, revealing a segment of its surface. The centre held an intricate magical array, surrounded by fluid script detailing the instructions for use. Around the edge of the parchment, symbols representing land, water, and air intertwined harmoniously, hinting at the scroll's profound connection with the very essence of the realm.
Following the instructions, Deo began to channel a small portion of his mana into the scroll. The array started glowing, its light matching the pulsating rhythm of his heart. Holding the parchment aloft, Deo approached his shelter, aiming to connect the magic of the scroll with the place he now deemed home.
Closing his eyes and focusing intently, Deo began reciting the claimant's chant written on the scroll. He hesitated briefly at the word "subdue", feeling a twinge of discomfort with its implications, but continued, "By right of heart and essence true, this stretch of land I now subdue. My dominion clear, my claim steadfast, let none dispute; it shall ever last."
A gust of wind circled the area, picking up leaves and twirling them in a mesmerising dance. The ground trembled gently, as if acknowledging the bond formed. The glow from the scroll expanded, enveloping the shelter and the surrounding area in a soft luminescence. Slowly, the light receded, leaving behind a tranquil atmosphere. The scroll, having fulfilled its purpose, crumbled into sparkles that dispersed into the wind.
The immediate world seemed to deepen in its resonance for Deo. The very soil beneath his feet felt warmer, more welcoming, as if the land had truly recognized him as its guardian. Every rustle of the leaves, every chirp of the birds, seemed clearer, more melodious. A profound sense of connection and belonging swelled within him, making his heart feel fuller, steadier. It was no longer just a foreign land; it was a reflection of his essence, his sanctuary.
Pyro, sensing the shift, looked around with curious amber eyes. He took a deep breath, as though trying to take in the essence of the land, and then let out a joyful bark, tail wagging fiercely. The playful pup then made several delighted rounds around their new territory, pausing occasionally to sniff the earth or rub his body against a tree, as if marking his own stamp of approval. After a couple of laps, Pyro trotted back to Deo's side, nudging his hand affectionately with his snout, sharing in his master's newfound joy and pride.
[Homestead Activation Successful!]
[Area Claimed: Lakeside Homestead]
[Checking for other territorial claims... None found.]
[Congratulations, you now own this territory! Access the Homestead Interface for further controls and purchase options.]
[New Title Acquired: Daring Pioneer]
[Daring Pioneer: For those who not only forge new beginnings but do so in the face of daunting wilderness. Unlocks unique purchase options within the Homestead Interface.]
[New Quest: From Homestead to Hamlet]
Quest: From Homestead to Hamlet
Upgrade your homestead to the level of a hamlet, by completing the following milestones.
Progress:
1. Construct or acquire three additional buildings or significant structures: Ongoing
2. Establish a sustainable food source (farm, garden or livestock): Ongoing
3. Secure a fresh water supply: Completed
4. Have a homestead population of five: 2/5
Rewards: +5000 XP, Homestead Expansion Scroll, 5000 System Points
The flurry of notifications seemed almost overwhelming to Deo. For a moment, he felt like he was drowning in a sea of digital pop-ups. He blinked several times, attempting to process everything that had been thrown his way in such rapid succession. The sense of achievement from having claimed the land was momentarily overshadowed by the sudden realisation of the responsibilities and challenges ahead.
Upgrading to a hamlet? Additional buildings? A sustainable food source? And more residents? The weight of these tasks pressed down on him, making the serene lakeside homestead suddenly feel like an empty canvas, vast and demanding to be filled. The idea of fostering a community, albeit a small one, was daunting. It wasn't just about structures and resources; it was about lives and well-being. With Pyro at his side, he felt the beginnings of a community, but the addition of more souls brought complexities and challenges.
However, amidst the overwhelm, a flicker of excitement bubbled up within him. The mention of a "Homestead Interface" particularly piqued his interest. What would it entail? Would it have a blueprint of the land? Options for upgrades? Maybe even a marketplace to acquire resources or hire assistance? What on earth were System Points? The possibilities filled him with a child-like wonder, an eagerness to explore this new aspect of his journey in this new world.
Pushing the sudden wave of concern, responsibility and wonder to the back of his mind, Deo centred himself. There would be time to plan and reflect on the future challenges, but for now, he felt a need to review where he stood. Drawing a deep breath and exhaling slowly, he called forth his status page. The familiar holographic interface materialized before him, its soft glow illuminating the fine details of his progress.
[Status Page]
Name: Deo Mitchell
Race: Human (Outworlder)
Class: Green Mage (Uncommon)
Level: 8
Experience: 5570/7040
Titles: Whisked by Fate's Winds, Cosmic Newcomer (Temporary), Ironbark’s Kin, Giant Slayer, Daring Pioneer
Stats:
* Agility: 18
* Endurance: 24
* Intelligence: 35
* Strength: 17
* Vitality: 31
* Wisdom: 34
* HP: 155/155
* Mana: 174/175
Skills:
Botanical Knowledge (Level 9), Flora Communication (Level 4), Verdant Growth (Level 2), Nature’s Essence (Level 2), Ironbark Armour (Level 3)
Territories:
* Lakeside Homestead
* Population: 2
* Buildings: 1
* Classification: Homestead.
* Would you like to access the Homestead Interface? [Y/N]
* Would you like to rename Lakeside Homestead? [Y/N]
* System Points: 0
Quests:
* Champion of the Wilds
* In the desolate wilds, life clings to existence, struggling to flourish amidst oppressive forces that hinder its expansion. As a guardian of growth, confront and neutralise these challenges to revitalise this troubled dominion.
* Progress: Ongoing.
* From Homestead to Hamlet
* Upgrade your homestead to the level of a hamlet.
* Progress: Ongoing.
With the information on his status page absorbed, Deo's gaze wandered back to the newly highlighted option: the Homestead Interface. The digital message inviting him to open it seemed to pulsate with untapped potential. Curiosity piqued, he tapped the [Y] next to the "Would you like to access the Homestead Interface?" prompt.
The screen before him morphed into a beautiful bird's-eye view of the entire Lakeside Homestead. He could make out the precise spot where his shelter stood, the clear blue of the nearby lake, and the diverse array of flora surrounding his dwelling. The interface was impressively detailed, showing even the minor topographical nuances of his land.
To the right of this visual was a neat column, segmenting information for ease:
1. Buildings and Structures:
* Shelter (Makeshift, can upgrade)
2. Homestead Resources:
* Fresh Water Source: Lake (Ample supply)
* Food Sources: Wild berries, wild vegetables
* Material Resources: Greenpipe Tree Stalks, Lakeside Reeds, Marsh Rushes
3. Population:
* Deo Mitchell
* Pyro
4. Marketplace:
* Would you like to explore the marketplace for further options? [Y/N]
Beneath the segmented information, there was one final piece of information:
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* System Points Balance: 0
* Would you like to redeem previous quests to retroactively gain System Points [Y/N].
Deo frowned at the mention of 'System Points'. "What the hell are System Points?" he muttered, half-expecting an answer. And to his surprise, the system responded.
[System Points (SP) are a currency unique to the territory management interface. They can be earned through various activities and are used to purchase or upgrade assets for territories under your ownership. SP can be earned through the following methods:
1. Quest Completion: Completing quests can sometimes award SP, especially those related to territory development and management.
2. Territorial Achievements: Achievements specific to the management, defence, and development of your territories.
3. Trades and Exchanges: You can directly trade goods or currency with the Territory Marketplace to receive SP.
System Points are a tool designed to aid users in developing, managing, and optimising their territories.]
Deo's eyebrows shot up. He had a sense of growing wonder at the depth and sophistication of this system. The idea of a separate currency just for the territory was both novel and intriguing. This, he realized, could be the key to transforming his homestead into something truly remarkable.
He shot a look at Pyro, who tilted his head as if asking, 'So, what's next?' Deo couldn't help but chuckle. "It seems, buddy, that we have a lot to learn and even more to do."
Recalling the prompt about redeeming previous quests, Deo pondered aloud, "It mentioned I could redeem past quests for System Points. I wonder how many points I've left on the table?" Deo pressed [Y] on the relevant prompt and was met with another brief system notification.
[Analysing completed quests...]
After a brief moment, the system responded.
[Retroactive System Points granted for past quest achievements.]
* [Flora Explorer]: 20 SP
* [Survive the Wilderness]: 250 SP
Total System Points Granted: 270 SP
Staring at the screen, Deo's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "From zero to 270 System Points, not bad for a day's work." However, as the excitement ebbed slightly, a more practical thought entered his mind. "Still, I have no frame of reference. Is 270 SP a lot? Or just enough to buy a couple of bricks?"
Seeking clarity and perhaps a touch of retail therapy, he decided to explore the marketplace. Tapping on the option "Would you like to explore the marketplace for further options? [Y/N]", he selected 'Y'.
The interface shifted, presenting him with a sleek and organised storefront of sorts. Different categories lined the left side:
1. Structures and Buildings: Shelters, homes, storage, and specialty buildings.
2. Resources, materials and livestock: Seeds, tools, equipment, and more.
3. Enhancements: Upgrades to existing structures and items.
Deo tapped on Structures and Buildings and the screen seamlessly transitioned to display detailed subcategories, ensuring Deo could streamline his focus based on his immediate needs and preferences:
1. Homes and Shelters
2. Food Production
3. Defensive Buildings
4. Specialty Buildings
5. Storage and Utilities
6. Recreation and Aesthetics
Deo was instinctively drawn to the allure of “Specialty Buildings”. Navigating deeper into this section, Deo was presented with a detailed list of unique and functional structures tailored to meet various needs:
1. Blacksmith’s Forge: 5000 SP
* Description: A traditional forge equipped with an anvil, bellows, and all essential tools. Perfect for crafting weapons, tools, and everyday metal items.
2. Tailor's Workshop: 4000 SP
* Description: A spacious workshop, lined with fabric rolls of varying textures and colours. Equipped with sewing stations, it's ideal for garment making, repairing clothes, and crafting specialty textiles.
3. Potter's Studio: 4500 SP
* Description: A cosy space that comes with a wheel, kiln, and assorted clays, allowing for the creation of pottery items from basic pots to intricate decorative pieces.
4. Woodworker's Shed: 3000 SP
* Description: A workshop filled with lumber, carpentry tools, and stations for crafting everything from simple furniture to elaborate wood sculptures.
5. Alchemist's Lab: 6000 SP
* Description: A specialized space for brewing potions, concoctions, and performing intricate alchemical experiments. Comes with flasks, herbs, and a detailed manual for basic brews.
6. Scribe's Library: 3000 SP
* Description: A serene chamber lined with blank scrolls and books, inkpots, and quills. Ideal for documentations, crafting magical scrolls, or even dabbling in ancient script deciphering.
7. Mystical Tower: 10000 SP
* Description: A multi-story tower that serves as a nexus of magical energies. Equipped with altars and artifacts, it's perfect for advanced spellwork and harnessing ambient magical forces.
8. Jeweller’s Nook: 7500 SP
* Description: A detailed workshop for creating exquisite jewellery items. Equipped with gem cutting tools, metals, and a collection of raw gems ready to be shaped.
9. Culinary Kitchen: 3500 SP
* Description: A haven for chefs and food lovers. Equipped with ovens, stoves, and utensils essential for gourmet meals or even experimenting with local cuisines.
Deo’s mind raced at the possibilities The possibilities seemed endless. He envisioned smiths forging unparalleled blades at the blacksmith's, tailors weaving enchanting garments that shimmered under the moonlight, and potters creating masterpieces with a touch of magic imbued within them. The Mystical Tower, especially, loomed large in his mind's eye, a beacon of magic and might, shimmering ethereally, inviting mages from all corners to harness its power.
However, as the dream expanded, the reality of his System Points balance rudely interrupted. His current 270 SP seemed pitifully small compared to the costs he was seeing. Even the simplest of the specialty buildings, the Woodworker's Shed, was more than ten times what he had! Even if he had the System Points to purchase these structures, he didn't have anyone to work them. The blacksmith's forge would stand silent without a skilled smith, the tailor's workshop would be dormant without an adept seamstress, and the alchemist's lab would be merely a storage of bottles and flasks without a knowledgeable alchemist.
He let out a wistful sigh. "Guess I won't be building an empire overnight," he murmured, a small chuckle following the statement.
Deo's gaze meandered back towards the homes and shelters section. The list wasn't as exotic as specialty buildings, but Deo considered a couple that jumped out.
1. Wooden Cabin: 1000 SP
* Description: A quaint wooden cabin, built sturdily with a blend of comfort and practicality. Complete with a bedroom, basic kitchen, and a small storage area.
2. Stone Cottage: 2500 SP
* Description: A beautiful stone cottage, offering more space with its two bedrooms, a common living area, and a warming fireplace. The stone structure providers greater durability against the elements.
Deo appreciated the simplicity and elegance of the listed homes. "Would be nice to upgrade from the makeshift shelter," he thought with a hint of longing. But he acknowledged that setting up a sustainable food source was equally essential, if not more, to sustain himself and the budding homestead. With that in mind, he navigated to the "Food Production" section.
1. Basic Farm Plot: 200 SP
* Description: A tilled and sectioned plot of land, ready for sowing. Ideal for planting a range of staple crops. Comes with a complimentary scarecrow.
2. Livestock Pen: 750 SP
* Description: A fenced area designed for larger livestock. Sturdy wooden fences and a gate ensure the animals' safety, while an attached shelter protects them from the elements.
3. Chicken Coop: 250 SP
* Description: A dedicated structure for housing chickens. Designed with nesting boxes for laying eggs and perches for resting. A small fenced yard allows the chickens to roam safely.
4. Fisherman's Dock: 1000 SP
* Description: A wooden structure that extends into the lake, complete with storage for fishing equipment and a shaded area. Given the proximity to the lake, this is an excellent infrastructure for those looking to focus on fishing as a food source.
5. Herbal Garden Plot: 160 SP
* Description: A specialized plot for cultivating herbs. Laid out with care to provide the right mix of shade and sunlight. Separated beds ensure herbs do not intertwine.
The structures seemed to offer a balanced mixture of initial food sources. Deo pondered, realizing that the early choices he made now would determine the immediate trajectory of his homestead's growth. Would he focus on agriculture, livestock, or a mix of both?
Flicking idly to the “Storage and Utilities” section, Deo perused his options:
1. Basic Storage Shed: 100 SP
* Description: A simple wooden shed with shelves, designed to store basic tools, harvested crops, and miscellaneous items. Weatherproofed to ensure items remain undamaged.
2. Water Well: 450 SP
* Description: A stone-lined well, complete with a bucket and pulley system. Useful for accessing groundwater if a direct water source isn't available. Essential for plots distant from lakes or rivers.
3. Composting Bay: 70 SP
* Description: A three-sectioned bay made from treated logs. Ideal for turning organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for gardening.
4. Lumber Yard: 300 SP
* Description: A dedicated space for storing logs, planks, and other wood-based materials. Comes with a basic wood chopping block.
5. Barn: 500 SP
* Description: A large, structured space specifically designed to house livestock and store their produce. The barn is crafted from sturdy timber, ensuring protection against weather extremes. It comes equipped with haylofts, stalls, and sections for storing tools and feed.
Having exhausted his immediate areas of concerns within the “Structures and Buildings” section, Deo returned to the main menu and navigated to the Resources, Materials and Livestock section. As he peered at his options, Deo's excitement flared anew. Here were the tangible goods and creatures to fill his homestead and give it life and they were much more affordable than purchasing ready-made structures.
Categories sprawled out before him: Farming Equipment, Seeds and Saplings, Furnishings, Domesticated Livestock, and even Wild Animals. But amidst these, a particular section stood out, conspicuously highlighted: Starter Bundles (Unlocked by the Daring Pioneer title)
1. Starter Crop Package: 30 SP
* Description: A bundle of seeds for staple crops, including wheat, barley, and some local varieties. Perfect for those initiating their agricultural journey.
2. Basic Livestock Bundle: 150 SP
* Description: A set of animals to kickstart a farmstead. Contains a pair of goats, five chickens, and a rooster.
3. Timber Package: 30 SP
* Description: A collection of logs, planks, and treated wood. Useful for construction and crafting.
4. Stone and Minerals Bundle: 50 SP
* Description: A curated set of stones, minerals, and basic ores. Handy for various building and crafting needs.
5. Herb and Medicinal Plant Set: 50 SP
* Description: A mixture of seeds for common and uncommon herbs. Ideal for those with a keen interest in herbalism and natural remedies.
Navigating away from outright purchases, Deo was curious about the "Enhancements" section. Perhaps there might be more budget-friendly options to improve what he already had. As the page loaded, he saw there was only one upgrade available to him:
Makeshift Shelter Enhancement: 150 SP
* Description: Upgrade your basic shelter to a more sturdy and weather-resistant dwelling. This enhancement includes a thatched roof, clay-sealed walls, and a small fireplace for warmth. It's no palace, but it'll provide far better protection from the elements.
The sheer weight of possibilities, options, and decisions pressed upon Deo's mind. Each choice presented a new path, a new avenue for his future in this world. The temptation to save for the more extravagant and impressive structures tugged at him, imagining a grand homestead filled with specialty buildings and bustling life. On the other hand, the allure of immediate value through the starter bundles and enhancements seemed just as compelling. After all, a strong foundation often began with humble beginnings, and these options promised immediate progress.
Closing the interface, he looked around the surroundings of his new Lakeside Homestead. The tranquil environment made it easy to forget the challenges that lay ahead. "Pyro!" he called out, realizing his companion had wandered off, probably having grown restless during Deo's deep dive into the interface. The rustling of nearby bushes indicated the creature's playful return.
Stretching out his arms and inhaling deeply, Deo made a simple decision. "Come on, buddy," he murmured, patting Pyro's head, "Let's take a walk around our new home. There's so much to consider, and I need fresh air to help me think."