Kaelan woke up early. The sun hadn't fully risen, but the village already stirred. The furnace they built yesterday still let out thin trails of smoke. A new system message blinked before his eyes:
[Quest Unlocked: Expand the Village!] Objective: Grow the village to support 10 residents. Bonus Objective: Craft metal tools using the furnace. Reward: +100 EXP | +Blueprint: Tool Bench
He blinked. "Well, guess we're not resting today."
Outside, Lio was already sorting through the few coins left in the supply box. "We need more materials," he muttered. "That furnace burned through most of the wood and stone."
Brunna nodded, tying back her wild hair. "We'll need a better axe if I'm going to get more wood."
Kaelan scratched his head. "Then I'll mine. We'll need ore. Zira, think you and Noka can handle the crops and food?"
Zira gave him a mock salute. "We're on it, boss. Come on, mushroom boy."
Noka grumbled something about shade and wandered off.
Kaelan grabbed a simple pickaxe and followed Garka to the rocky edge of the forest. She didn't say much, but her presence was reassuring.
Hours passed. They cracked stones and dug out bits of copper and iron. Nothing came easy. Still, by noon, Kaelan's arms were sore, but they had enough to smelt.
Back in the village, the furnace roared. Lio and Zira worked together to get the fire hot enough.
[New Resource: Iron Ingot x2] [New Resource: Copper Ingot x3]
Kaelan pumped a fist. "Yes! That's enough to make a shovel and maybe a hatchet."
[Blueprint Learned: Tool Bench]
He placed it near the furnace. With a few planks and nails, it was done.
[Tool Bench Built] [New Crafting Options Unlocked: Hatchet, Shovel, Hoe]
Brunna grinned. "Finally. Tools that don't break after two hits."
Kaelan crafted one of each tool and passed them around. The difference was instant. Work sped up, logs piled faster, and the ground cleared easier.
That evening, while eating roasted roots, another message appeared:
[Quest Update: Population - 7/10]
Kaelan leaned back, eyes on the stars. "Alright. We need three more people. Anyone got ideas?"
Noka mumbled, "Heard something moving near the southern woods. Might be people."
Zira looked thoughtful. "We could scout tomorrow. See if anyone's out there."
Kaelan nodded. "Let's do that. We've got tools now. Let's put them to use."
[Quest Progress Saved]
The night was quiet, but Kaelan felt something shift. They weren't just surviving anymore. They were building.
And for the first time, it felt like a real home.