System (2)

Nirl - Morning.

Alain woke up feeling rested, both physically and mentally. He had slept well, but he didn't remember his dreams.

"Alright! It's going to be a great day!" He forced a weak smile while clenching his fist.

[Ding! Host wake-up! Configurations available] He heard a voice directly in his head.

"What? Who!?" Alain immediately went on guard, sword in hand.

Soon, however, he lowered his sword, still wary. He remembered the existence of a spell that allowed direct communication into the brain.

"But even Émilie (the village priest) can't do that."

Being able to communicate directly into someone's brain required a fabulous mastery of spells, as well as powerful spiritual energy and blessings.

This meant two things: the person speaking to him was human and terribly strong. Strong to such an extent that any resistance would be futile. Thus, he didn't need his sword.

"But the message seems odd."

Why had they mentioned a host? Why were they speaking to him? He was a bit lost at the moment.

However, the system didn't give him more time to think.

[Please consult your configurations]

"My configurations? I don't remember setting any..."

Now, before him was a black interface with information written in white.

[Name: Evolving Village

Host: Alain

Villagers: 938/2000

No quests in progress]

"That doesn't help me much to understand."

There were no other written information, pages, or anything else. The entire system seemed to be described by these lines.

...

After spending a few minutes searching for more information, the meaning of the message, or why he received it, he got little to no result. By pressing around, he managed to find a way to enlarge or shrink the information.

Now, they were invisible.

He left his house, ignoring what he considered an artifact.

Nirl - Louis's House.

Louis had always thought it better to experience a drama in one go rather than with interruption. That's why he had spent until late last night gathering the documents requested by the Viscountess.

"Dad, dad," as I woke up, I saw a little boy greeting me.

I smiled. "What's up, Rodolphe?"

"You promised to train me today!"

"Ah," I took a brief pause, "I'm sorry, I have to leave now for Cleppé, I won't be back until the evening."

"Oh no! Dad, please!" He gave me his puppy dog eyes.

I patted his head. "Really sorry; I'll ask Éloïse to train you, and if you have a little energy left, we can still train in the evening."

Upon hearing these words, his face lit up, and he exclaimed, "You're the best dad!"

I left the house feeling depressed and anxious. Had I made the right decision? I was afraid to come back and only hear bad news. Yet talent flourishes best in adversity, and at this time, humanity needs strength more than ever.

"Sixteen years. Just sixteen more years. I still have to hold on for 16 short years, and then it will be good."

As he left his house, Alain went straight to see Éloïse, the head of Nirl's defense brigade.

Yesterday, on his way back, he discussed the issue with Louis. The number of deaths had made him think, and he planned to strengthen the village by increasing its citizens' combat experience. Weighing the pros and cons, looking at various risks and problems, and also the advantages, he managed to convince Louis.

The plan was to Bring the elite and some talented individuals to fight and kill beasts. The goal was twofold: to gain experience and resources.

It should be noted that a beast's body was rather valuable. Sometimes, parts like claws, tusks, and others could be used to make weapons and armor, but the most important thing remained the food. A strong beast tends to have an exquisite taste that sells rather well; moreover, consuming it can slightly strengthen the body. Thus, wealthy people would often go buy it for their children.

Lost in his thoughts, he had already arrived.

Éloïse was in the training camp, located furthest west of the village, supervising some children training with wooden swords.

"Hey, Éloïse," I waved.

"Hey," she instructed the children before joining me.

After discussing a bit, I got to the heart of the matter.

"What do you think?"

"Hmm..." she thought. Seeing no other solutions, she sighed before continuing. "Thirty are too many. If we want to protect them without risk, we can only bring ten."

..."Alain didn't know what to say; he was torn. On one hand, she was right; training only a dozen people would avoid a whole lot of danger. On the other hand, however, time was against them. How were they supposed to defend themselves if a more powerful raid appeared?

The second part of the plan was to create a shelter in the forest, but could he really do it if they used a snail's pace? The most radical changes are often the most effective, for better or worse.

While he hesitated, he heard a voice in his head.

[Ding! A quest has arrived] Before him, the window expanded, and text appeared.

[As Village Chief, it falls to you, Alain, to choose between several options.

Options:

1 - Follow the basic plan by convincing Éloïse and all concerned. Opens the campaign [A Shelter through the Forest]

2 - Listen to others and follow a logical plan. Opens the scenario [First Forest Expedition]

3 - Make your own choices.

No penalty will ever be administered for a choice; however, you will live with the consequences. Inaction is an action, and one of the cruelest at that.]