Chapter 10: Fishing Expedition

With four new members, the camp's population had grown. 

The pre-built dormitory accommodated them easily. 

[Current Population: 10/16] 

More recruits could further boost productivity—but the campfire's 24-hour cooldown meant waiting until tomorrow. 

For now, Li En focused on tools and infrastructure. 

Opening the [Buildings] tab, he spotted the newly unlocked [Lumberyard] and ordered its construction. 

[Ding~ Congratulations! You are the first in the server to build a Lumberyard. Reward: Workbench ×1.] 

The [Lumberyard] drastically accelerated wood production. 

Next, he commissioned a [Quarry], additional workbenches, and hunting racks—streamlining resource gathering. 

Work Assignments: 

- Hunter's Cabin: 2 workers 

- Lumberyard: 2 workers 

- Quarry: 2 workers 

- Coal Mine: 2 workers 

This division quadrupled efficiency, ensuring short-term self-sufficiency. 

But Li En's ambitions soared higher. 

This isn't just survival—it's domination. 

Unlike the beta, where he'd played solo, billions from Earth had been transported. While he and Shir had unique talents, others surely did too. 

His edge? Early-game momentum and beta knowledge. 

But as time passed, elite players would emerge. He needed to cement his lead—building a fortress beyond imagination, surpassing even his past Shadow Abyss Kingdom. 

And this time, he'd reclaim his old subordinates and expand his monster-girl harem. 

The thought ignited his spirit. 

"Shir, and you three—follow me. We're fishing." 

--- 

The frozen lake glistened under the afternoon sun. 

Li En tested the ice's thickness before drilling a hole. 

Then, raising his staff, he unleashed: 

"Lightning Bolt!" 

Electricity crackled into the water—a new skill from reaching Lv. 3. 

"Too weak." 

Fish here had magic resistance. 

Fireballs fared no better. 

Switching tactics, he baited a hook with wolf meat and cast his line. 

Minutes passed. 

Then—a tug! 

He yanked hard, and a gleaming fish arced through the air, scales shimmering. 

--- 

Meanwhile, regional chat buzzed: 

Big Horse: "Li En grabbed the coal mine first. My squad's heading there next—us warriors might go Berserker later." 

Say Cheese: "Damn, Li En's fast. I just hit Campfire Lv. 3, and he's already built everything yesterday." 

Little Sima: "Anyone friended him? I've sent 8 requests—no reply. So annoying." 

Open Sesame: "Forget it. His camp's full. Otherwise, I'll eat my system screen." 

Pee Dee: "Recruiting! 3 slots left. Let's speedrun achievements!" 

Discussions revolved around Li En's milestones—the closest thing to a survival guide. 

--- 

By dusk, the fishing party returned with 20 raw fish, plus salmon and perch. 

The newcomers grinned—full bellies for the first time in days. 

Meanwhile, Li En and Shir had hunted in the mountains, bagging 40 wolf meat and 10 spider meat. 

Enough to trade tonight. 

As snow began falling, the camp gathered for dinner before retreating to their shelters. 

Li En and Shir stayed warm under their wolf pelts, then curled up together. 

Before sleep, Li En opened the [Trading Channel]—flooded with desperate offers. 

Time to profit.