Chapter 40: These Are Divine Skills!
The system shop interface was located right next to the new mission icon.
So, Bruno first clicked on the mission interface.
What would be the next wonder to construct?
A dropdown list appeared under the mission icon, displaying two missions in sequence.
[Mission 2.1 – The Alhambra, built during the reign of Al-Ahmar and his successors in the 13th century, symbolizes Moorish rule over the Spanish kingdom. A noble earl should possess a palace that represents military might and power. Please construct the "Alhambra" wonder, which will significantly enhance the technological strength of the host.]
[Mission 2.2 – The Citadel of Namur, located in southern Belgium, is known as "the most impregnable fortress in European history." Positioned at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, its strategic location made it a key stronghold, known as "Europe's Crossroads." Please rebuild the Citadel of Namur to safeguard the independence and stability of the Idar Territory.]
Two missions at once!?
Bruno carefully examined the descriptions of the two wonders.
Clearly, the system's new tasks were not of the same category—Namur Fortress was a military stronghold, while the Alhambra focused on technological advancement.
At present, the placement of the Alhambra would be relatively easy to decide. After all, it's just a palace—it could be built anywhere.
However…
The placement of the Citadel of Namur required extreme caution.
Beyond the rewards provided by the system, the strategic location of such a major fortress would greatly impact Idar's overall defense system.
To the west of Idar lay the Armis Mountain range. Entering from the west required passing through the narrow Thorn Valley or crossing the desolate mountain terrain, making it highly defensible. However, Idar's northern and southern borders were relatively open.
The south was a vast plain leading directly to the Mann Fortress, which guarded the border between the Basel Kingdom and the Norman Empire. The north, on the other hand, bordered the Sorren Territory. Due to past grudges between the two families, the boundary was vague, and small-scale conflicts frequently erupted.
However…
Both the northern and southern regions were quite open, with long borderlines. If Bruno placed Namur Fortress on the northern frontier, Sorren's troops could simply bypass it.
Forget it, no need to dwell on this for now.
Bruno shook his head. Instead of debating whether to build Citadel of Namur or the Alhambra first, it was better to check out the newly unlocked system shop.
Closing the mission list, Bruno turned his attention to the system shop icon.
As soon as he did, his vision flickered, and he was transported into the shop interface.
The shop was divided into three categories: Policies & Ideologies, Craftsmanship & Techniques, and Goods & Items.
Bruno first checked the "Policies & Ideologies" section
There were options like Naval Ideology, Exploration Ideology, Economic Ideology, and Quality Ideology. These policies could either ignite enthusiasm for a specific field among the people of Idar or provide stable buffs to the territory.
Of course, such wide-ranging buffs didn't come cheap. Each ideology was priced at 200 Glory Points the equivalent of completing two wonders!
Expensive? Yes.
Worth it? Absolutely.
Take "Agricultural Nation" Ideology, for example it could increase Idar's grain production by at least 20%!
That alone made Bruno feel like he had hit the jackpot.
Next, he checked the "Craftsmanship & Techniques" section.
The first thing that caught his eye was "Sun Drying Salt Extraction," priced at 30 Glory Points.
Luckily, Bruno had solid high school knowledge, saving himself 30 points from unnecessary spending.
Though 30 points might not seem like much, the entire Hanging Garden project only rewarded 160 points. Every point counted!
Other techniques available included "Cement Production," "Blast Furnace Iron Smelting," "Paper-Making," and even the "Steam Engine Blueprint."
The prices ranged from 20 to over 100 Glory Points each one was invaluable.
Finally, he checked the "Goods & Items" section.
This category contained real-world items such as "Chili Seeds" and "Corn Seeds," both perfect for agricultural expansion. Surprisingly, they were relatively cheap.
For instance, chili seeds only cost 10 points a dream come true for spice loving Bruno.
However, what stunned Bruno the most was the flashing silver banner at the top of the shop. The banner sparkled like a "Silver League" badge from an online app, nearly blinding him.
It read in glowing golden letters:
"Newcomer Gift Pack! Original price: 388 points. Limited-time offer: ONLY 99 POINTS!"
Bruno clicked to check the contents.
Bruno clicked to check the contents.
Inside were potato seeds, corn seeds, and sweet potato seeds—all farming essentials.
Additionally, it included the blueprint for cement production, along with some odd extras like "Supreme Avatar Frame," "Exclusive Player Title," and "System Shop New Year Skin."
Ignoring the random cosmetics, the three crops and cement blueprint alone were worth it!
No need to think twice.
All this for just 99 points?!
Bruno decisively clicked purchase, and his account balance instantly shrank from 160 points to 61 points.
First, he applied the New Year Limited Skin to the system shop. Sure enough, the entire interface instantly felt more festive, giving it a homely touch.
Next, he equipped the Supreme Avatar Frame and displayed his Exclusive Player Title in the information panel. In just a few clicks, the Wonder Construction System transformed from a basic setup into something that screamed pay-to-win veteran vibes.
Even though only he could see it, just looking at such an upgraded system felt incredibly satisfying.
After casually browsing the system shop one last time, Bruno reluctantly exited the interface.
[Would you like to claim the physical items from the Newcomer Gift Pack now?]
Bruno immediately chose YES.
Then, with a series of rapid biubiubiubiu sounds, four parchment scrolls plopped onto his desk.
What the hell is this?!
Where are my damn crop seeds?!