As it filtered through the mist, the morning brightness was soft. Sylas stood outside his recently restored home, letting his arms hang loose and enjoying the cool breeze. He was reminded of the work he had done the previous day by the lingering smell of fresh wood on the walls.
Today, he needed to dream bigger.
Land stretched out before him in silence. Weeds and wild grass danced gently in the wind. Birds sang softly in the distance, and an occasional rabbit streaked across the underbrush. This wasn't a village yet. It was merely open land with scattered dreams. But it could be greater.
It would be.
> [Quest Updated: Rebuild the Village of Haresh] – Goal: Clear land (0/1) – Goal: Lay groundwork for first shared building (0/1) – Goal: Recruit assistance (0/1)
Sylas scratched his chin. "Clear land, lay groundwork, recruit assistance. simple," he said facetiously.
He began with the clearing. The closest area of flat land would be ideal for the first structure—a storage shed, perhaps, or a workshop. Taking up his axe and an improvised shovel, Sylas set to work.
The early hours were grueling. He hacked at shrubs, dug up rocks, and leveled out patches of uneven ground. Sweat dripped from his shirt, and his arms throbbed, but the ground began to transform under his labor.
> [Objective Progress: Clear the land – 50%]
He paused for water. His hands trembled slightly from the constant work, but he smiled. "Halfway."
A rustling in the woods caught his ear. He turned, half-expecting danger—but instead, a familiar voice called out.
"You're out here early."
Sylas looked up. Selene stood nearby, holding a basket of roots and herbs. Her hair was tied back today, her clothes dusty from walking the trails.
"You came after me?" Sylas asked, a bit taken aback.
Selene shrugged. "Not exactly. I was strolling by the creek and heard chopping. And then I saw you, thrashing about like a sleepy bear."
He chuckled quietly. "Thanks."
"What are you doing?"
"Trying to make this into something," Sylas said, gesturing at the desolate but recently cleared area. "A village. Or. the beginning of one."
Selene cocked her head. "By yourself?"
"Yeah, for the time being. Unless you want to lend a hand."
She hesitated, then put down her basket and came closer. "What do you need?"
"Help moving rocks. That's step one."
Selene rolled up her sleeves and walked with him. Hand in hand, they started to clear the last of the debris. It was tedious work, but it was easier with two. They chatted between chores—little things, such as the weather, and how quiet the town had been of late.
> [Objective Complete: Clear the land]
A gentle chime resonated within Sylas's mind. He barely registered it this time.
> [System Notification: Creation Magic – New Option Unlocked: Basic Foundation]
"Here we go," he muttered.
"Something wrong?" Selene inquired.
"No. Just. something new."
Sylas proceeded to the middle of the open area and laid his palms on the ground. He visualized the design in his mind—firm beams, firm stone foundation, a roof that would weather storms.
Magic sparked beneath his fingers.
The dirt trembled. Lines formed in the earth, outlining the shape of a building. Stones lifted, floating into place as if guided by invisible hands. Wood beams, formed from stored logs, rose from the ground and clicked together.
Selene stared, wide-eyed. "You're using magic?"
"Kind of," Sylas said, gritting his teeth. "Creation magic. Just learned it."
The effort on his mana was great. Beads of sweat ran down his neck, and his breathing quickened. But he did not tire. Slowly, methodically, the outline of a small structure took shape—only the base and skeleton, but it was upright and unbent.
> [Objective Completed: Lay groundwork for first shared building]
> [Mana: 5/50 – Rest or replenish necessary]
Sylas fell to one knee. "Okay. maybe that was too much at once."
Selene hurried over. "You okay?"
"I'm fine. Just tired." He wiped at his face. "The system drained my mana."
Selene sat him up. "That was amazing. I've never seen anyone build like that."
He smiled faintly. "Neither have I.
They sat in silence for a moment, observing the building. It wasn't complete, but it was a beginning. A foundation. A sign of hope.
"This place." Selene whispered. "Do you really think it can be a village again?"
"I do," Sylas replied. "Perhaps not tomorrow. But eventually."
Selene nodded slowly. "Then you'll need people."
> [Quest Update: Recruit Help – In Progress]
Sylas raised an eyebrow. "Are you volunteering?"
I'll assist," Selene replied. "But I know someone better. A carpenter's son. He's beyond the northern hills. He's handy and despises the city."
"That does sound promising," Sylas replied. "Can you speak to him?"
"I'll attempt to."
Sylas rose to his feet, his strength gradually coming back. "Thanks, Selene."
She met his gaze, a softening in her eyes. "You're different when you're at work. More concentrated. Alive."
He blinked. "Uh. thanks?
"Don't get weird about it," she said quickly, turning away. "I'm going now."
He watched her walk off, smiling to himself.
> [Quest Progress: Recruit Help – 1 Lead Gained]
He turned back to the new structure. It was rough, bare, and small—but it stood tall against the empty land. And tomorrow, he'd start again. Add more. Strengthen what he built.
This was more than just a place of concealment anymore. It was the seed of something larger.
And it had started.