Chapter 3:
Chapter Three: The First Wall
The morning sun spilled over the fields, painting the freshly tilled earth in golden hues. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of damp soil and the faint buzz of activity in the village. Despite the peace, Dorian felt the heavy weight of responsibility pressing on his chest.
The Kingdom System interface hovered in his vision as he walked along the perimeter of the village, a translucent blue screen only he could see.
> Kingdom Status:
Resources Gathered: Wood: 200 | Stone: 120
Construction Available: Wall (Level 1)
Cost: 150 Wood | 100 Stone
The image of a glowing outline marked where the wall would stand, encircling the vulnerable village. Dorian studied the holographic layout with a critical eye, ensuring there were no blind spots or gaps.
"This wall will buy us time," he murmured to himself. "Time to grow stronger."
But he couldn't just tell the villagers a wall would magically appear. No, he needed to lead them in the effort, to ensure their trust and unity.
---
By midmorning, the villagers were gathered in the square, curious but wary. Garrick and Calder stood at Dorian's side, the two men sharing uncertain glances.
"You've all worked hard," Dorian began, his voice carrying over the murmuring crowd. "The farm is thriving, and for the first time in years, there's enough food for everyone."
The villagers nodded, some offering faint smiles.
"But we're not safe," Dorian continued, his tone growing serious. "The bandits who attacked us before will return, and when they do, they'll come in greater numbers. If we don't act now, everything we've built will be lost."
The murmurs grew louder, fear rippling through the crowd.
"That's why we're building a wall," Dorian said, raising his hand to silence them. "A strong defense to protect our homes and our families. With your help, we can make it happen."
"Build a wall?" one of the villagers called out. "We barely have enough to keep the fires burning!"
"Not anymore," Dorian said. "The farm is producing more than enough food to keep us fed while we work. I'll make sure of it."
The villagers exchanged uncertain glances, their doubt palpable.
"Look," Dorian said, softening his tone. "I know this isn't easy. But if we work together, we can create something that will keep us safe—not just today, but for years to come."
"Will you work with me?"
For a long moment, silence hung over the square. Then Garrick stepped forward, crossing his arms.
"You've got my sword," he said.
Calder nodded. "And my hammer."
One by one, the villagers began to nod, their fear giving way to determination.
"We'll do it," a young woman said, gripping her axe.
"Let's build this wall," an older man added, his voice firm.
Dorian smiled. "Thank you. Let's get to work."
---
The forest rang with the sound of axes biting into wood. Dorian worked alongside the villagers, sweat dripping down his brow as he hauled logs to the growing pile near the village square.
Nearby, Garrick barked instructions, keeping the teams organized. "Cut closer to the base! We don't want splinters, we need solid beams!"
At the quarry, Calder led a group of miners, their pickaxes chipping away at the stone walls. The workers grunted with effort as they loaded chunks of rock onto carts.
Dorian kept his focus on the work, but the Kingdom System hovered in his peripheral vision, tracking their progress.
> Resources Gathered:
Wood: 220/150
Stone: 140/100
He allowed himself a small smile. They were ahead of schedule.
"Your Majesty," Garrick called, walking over with a grin. "The villagers are working harder than I've ever seen. Whatever you said to them, it's working."
"They just needed a reason to hope," Dorian said, hefting another log onto the pile.
Garrick nodded. "We'll have enough for the wall by nightfall."
---
By sunset, the village square was bustling with activity. The piles of wood and stone stood tall, a testament to the villagers' hard work.
Dorian climbed onto a small platform, addressing the crowd. "You've done incredible work," he said, his voice carrying over the murmurs. "Tomorrow, we start building the wall. And when it stands, it will be proof of what we can achieve together."
The villagers cheered, their spirits lifted by his words.
---
That night, while the village slept, Dorian stood at the edge of the square, staring at the glowing outline of the future wall. The Kingdom System interface flickered before him.
> Construction Available: Wall (Level 1)
Cost: 150 Wood | 100 Stone
He tapped the option, and the system flared to life. Golden light enveloped the perimeter of the village, drawing faint glowing outlines of wooden beams and stone foundations.
Dorian watched as the resources were consumed from the stockpiles.
> Wall Construction in Progress:
Estimated Completion: 6 hours
As the first beams rose from the ground, Dorian felt a strange mix of pride and guilt. He was using something no one else could see, something they might never understand. But it was for their sake—for the kingdom's survival.
He turned and walked back to the castle, the faint glow of the rising wall lighting his path.
---
The next morning, the villagers gathered to see the completed wall. They stared in awe at the sturdy structure that now encircled their homes, its tall wooden beams reinforced with stone.
"By the gods," Garrick muttered. "You weren't kidding about getting it done fast."
"It's amazing," Calder said, running a hand over the smooth stone. "How did we—" He shook his head. "Never mind. Doesn't matter. It's here."
Dorian stood at the center of the square, addressing the crowd.
"This is what we can accomplish when we work together," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "This wall will protect us, but it's only the beginning. Together, we'll build a kingdom that no one can break."
The villagers cheered, their pride evident in their faces.
From the castle steps, Lyria watched the scene unfold. She crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. When she saw Dorian lift Aria into his arms, she turned and walked away without a word.
---
End-of-Day Stats:
> Kingdom Level: 2
Population: 42
Structures:
Farm (Level 10, Food Production: +200/day)
Wall (Level 1, Durability: Moderate, Defense Bonus: +25%)
Resources:
Food: 180/200
Wood: 70/300
Stone: 40/250
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End of Chapter Three