I stood by the protective barrier that separated my territory from the unknown world. The space around me felt dead, yet pulsed with an unfamiliar energy. In my chaotic energy-vision, the barrier shimmered faintly, a threshold between safety and danger.
The system had laid out my options, but I still felt lost in this barren land that was supposed to be my home. I had to decide where to begin construction and how best to use the resources at hand. One question kept nagging at me—did the system require specific materials like wood or iron to build structures? Unable to shake the thought, I decided to ask.
“System,” I thought, focusing on the interface in my mind, “does building require resources like wood, stone, or other materials?”
There was a brief silence, as though the system was processing my request. Then a response appeared in my head:
The starter buildings do not require additional resources to construct. All necessary materials are generated automatically when the Energy Source is activated. Further expansion of the kingdom may require resources.
Relief mingled with a new question: What resources could I even find in this harsh world? That was the next mystery I needed to solve. Rocky hills and barren earth stretched out in every direction, and the only sign of potential was a few glowing points the system highlighted as possible building sites. Yet off in the distance, I saw something extraordinary—a slender, dark tower that didn’t appear on the system map. It stood out against the monotonous landscape.
It didn’t look anything like a Summoning Tower, which the system had mentioned. This structure seemed alien, almost unnatural. Its contours were irregular, as if the tower itself was fighting against the passage of time, yet it emanated a faint, barely perceptible pulse. I had no clue what it could be, but instinct told me I should focus on my own kingdom for now. Exploring my territory and investigating that tower could wait.
I opened the system map and concentrated on selecting a location for the Energy Source. I considered several potential spots—places near the boundary for easier territorial defense, or areas with more protective terrain that might provide natural shielding from threats. But each idea had drawbacks. Putting such a crucial structure near the edge left it vulnerable to attacks after the barrier vanished, while more hidden areas could limit future expansion.
The center of my territory seemed the most logical choice. It was a position that gave equal access to every part of the territory, and it offered a natural balance in managing energy. The system indicated that all buildings would, in some way, draw power from the Source, so placing it centrally would distribute that energy more efficiently.
“A central point… this will be the heart of my kingdom,” I thought, selecting the location on the map. The chosen spot glowed softly in the map’s schematic. I closed the mental interface and looked toward where that new hub should be. Off in the distance, I could see subtle new strands of energy emanating from that location. I decided to head over and see my Energy Source with my own eyes—even though “seeing” in my case seemed like something of a joke now. I couldn’t help a wry smile at the thought. “I guess I’ll need a new word for ‘seeing,’ since my eyes have their own plans,” I muttered to myself, setting off toward the central point of my territory.
The journey to the Energy Source was strangely exhausting. Each step required more concentration than I’d expected. My chaotic energy-vision still took getting used to, and every pulsating strand of information felt like it was driving needles into my mind. It was like trying to navigate in total darkness for the first time, except instead of blindness, there was a constant sensory overload.
I paused for a moment, raising my hands in front of me as though they might help me keep balance amid the overwhelming sensations. I could see lines of energy emanating from where the Source lay. Each one had its own pattern—one pulsed steadily, like breathing, while another flickered erratically, as if it couldn’t find its place in the system.
At last, I arrived. In front of me stood the Energy Source: a crystalline pillar emerging from the ground, shining with a soft light that pulsed in a steady rhythm. Delicate lines of energy floated around it, spreading out in all directions, as though the pillar were trying to connect with every part of my territory. I watched the energy radiating from the crystal pillar, searching for patterns or logic in it all. The chaos I perceived was overwhelming, yet fascinating. Was this the force that would power my kingdom? I didn’t yet understand how to control it, but I knew it was essential to figure it out.
The system immediately registered my presence at the Energy Source. A new window appeared in my mind:
Energy Source
Description: The heart of your territory. Allows you to manage buildings and energy flow within your kingdom.
Function: Activates basic buildings and enables territory expansion.
Do you want to activate the Energy Source?
I confirmed without hesitation. In that moment, the entire landscape seemed to shift. The energy grew stronger, and I felt as though the very ground beneath me was humming with power.
When the initial wave of excitement subsided, I looked at the system and went over my next steps. The Energy Source was now active, but that was just the beginning. The system made it clear that the next essential step was to build a Summoning Tower—a structure that would let me summon units. I confirmed without hesitation, activating the Energy Source. Suddenly, the air around me seemed to quake, and a surge of energy saturated the world. The crystal pillar shone more brightly, and the lines of energy radiating from it began to pulse as though they had come alive. Everything around me took on a new dimension—every detail of the territory appeared sharper, as if the Source were breathing life into the barren land. I could feel the energy flowing through me, linking me to this place.
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When the first wave of excitement ebbed away, I looked back to the system and analyzed the next steps. The Energy Source was already active, so I turned my attention to the next building.
The building I decided on next was the Summoning Tower. According to the system, its function was key—it allowed me to summon units that could support me. I chose a spot right beside the Energy Source, hoping that being close to this magical structure would amplify its effects.
Focusing on constructing the Summoning Tower triggered a process similar to before. The ground at the chosen point began to shift, and soon a structure rose up that looked like an enclosed portal. Instead of the massive tower I had expected, I saw a ring of carved black stones. It looked austere, but there was a palpable energy coming off it.
I gazed at it in slight surprise. “That’s not what I imagined…” I thought, furrowing my brow. I had envisioned a traditional tower, yet the system had created something more akin to a portal. Maybe that made sense: if its purpose was to summon units, it stood to reason they had to arrive from somewhere. Still, I didn’t understand how it worked.
I stepped closer, trying to grasp its function more clearly. A subtle energy radiated from within, apparently affecting the surrounding land. “You may summon one basic unit,” the system announced.
I narrowed my eyes, though it was a pointless gesture. “How exactly does the summoning process work?” I asked in my thoughts, focusing on the system’s interface.
Summoning a unit is achieved by manipulating the Energy Source and the Summoning Tower. The process consumes a certain amount of mana, and its outcome can vary based on the Overlord’s specific traits. Basic units are tailored to the Overlord’s level and talents.
I grimaced. “So the units aren’t entirely random? There’s some sort of selection criteria?”
Correct. The basic summoning adjusts to the Overlord’s potential. Advanced summonings may require additional resources or special conditions.
I ran my hand over the portal’s pulsing stones, sensing a subtle vibration of power.
“Are the units I summon humans?” I asked, trying to understand the nature of this mechanic.
That depends on the Overlord’s characteristics. Summoned units are adapted to the unique traits and talents of each Overlord.
I furrowed my brow. “What does that mean in my case? Does that imply my units could be monsters or entities beyond my imagination?”
Due to your talent and affinity with chaos, your Summoning Tower does not have set parameters for unit types. Summoned entities can come from various dimensions and forms—they might be humanoid, bestial, or defy all known categories. They will be chaotic by nature—unpredictable, unique, and difficult to categorize.
I drew a deep breath. I wasn’t sure whether that was good news or bad. A lack of limitations could mean tremendous power but also potential danger. Would my units be stronger but harder to control? “So, there are higher levels of summoning… but that means, for now, I’m restricted to what the system deems appropriate.”
Setting those thoughts aside, I moved on to the next stage of construction: the Basic Shelter. Rest was crucial, especially now that my mind was constantly wrestling with the chaos of the Eye of Chaos.
However, as I prepared to build the Basic Shelter, I wondered if I could integrate it directly with the Energy Source. “System,” I thought, focusing on the interface, “is it possible to link the Basic Shelter to the Energy Source itself?”
Yes, it is possible to integrate the Basic Shelter with the Energy Source. In that case, the structure will provide both protective functions and serve as a central hub for the territory, offering enhanced mana and health regeneration.
“Makes sense,” I muttered to myself. “This way, I can better protect the Energy Source.” When I focused on building the shelter, the process proved more time-consuming than before. The system informed me that buildings tied to regeneration required greater precision in their energy flow. I felt a bit of fatigue, and with each step of construction, it was as if the various energies pressed in on my mind. My talent seemed to detect every energy detail, every subtle current, making my head throb with pain and my concentration waver.
After a few minutes, I found myself facing a simple structure—a small hut made of wood and stone. The system explained that health regeneration there would be significantly faster, potentially a lifesaver in a crisis.
I stepped inside to examine the interior. It was modest yet functional. Thanks to my energy vision, I could see subtle lines of power converging in the center of the room—something like a hearth. At the same time, I noticed there was no energetic imprint of a bed or sleeping area. “Simple, but effective,” I thought, realizing that for the time being I’d have to settle for sleeping on hard, packed earth.
Next on the list was the Resource Depot. At first, it seemed less critical, but I knew it would be indispensable down the line. I decided to build it close to the Summoning Tower, hoping to minimize the distance my future units would need to travel when bringing in resources.
The process of building the depot was simpler than constructing the shelter. It took the form of a basic wooden structure, but according to the system, its ability to slow the spoilage of food could significantly affect my chances of survival.
I began to ponder which resources might be the most important at this early stage—food, wood, stone? Each had its significance, but I had no idea which would prove crucial in this new world. “Will food be easy to come by, or will I need to cultivate it? Will wood and stone be indispensable for more advanced constructions?” Questions swirled in my mind. The system offered no answers, forcing me to rely solely on my intuition and logic. I knew that any wrong assumption could cost me precious time. “Maybe that’s part of this whole ‘game,’” I thought. “No clear instructions, so I’m forced to learn by trial and error.”
The last structure was the Field, which I placed on a flat, sunlit patch of land that seemed ideal. It was far enough from the Energy Source to allow space for future expansion, yet close enough for easy access.
I focused on the chosen spot, and the system responded almost immediately. The ground altered its texture, taking on a faint green glow. I watched with uncertainty—farming was never something I’d done before, yet I sensed it would be necessary. The field looked unassuming, but in my energy vision, it sparkled with a thousand tiny motes.
“Accelerated growth… Maybe that’ll be enough to keep me alive at first,” I muttered to myself. The idea of having to grow crops in such a harsh world felt both daunting and strangely fascinating. Questions began forming in my mind: Where would I get seeds? Would the plants here be similar to those from my old life? Or did this world operate under entirely different rules? If so, what did that mean for my survival? I felt the weight of these questions, but the answers were out of reach.
Yet before I could delve deeper into those mysteries, something else drew my attention. I looked toward the horizon, where a mysterious tower stood out