Chapter11: Fusion

 As the highest-ranking talent currently on Huanghuang Island, serving as the island owner's actual assistant, Lei Jiu's previous explanations are crucial for Nangong Dian to heed. Therefore, he has been silently listening. Now that everyone else has departed, Nangong Ding comprehends and accepts his responsibilities upon arriving at the island, primarily focusing on tasks assigned to him.

"Nangong, your responsibilities extend beyond what I've mentioned earlier. In addition to adhering to those instructions, you have other duties."

"With Huanghuang Island currently in a state of uncertainty, everyone is anxious. Moreover, among all individuals, you are the most diligent leader!"

In the face of Nangong Ding's flattery, Lei Jiu feels no sense of complacency. Where is this leading? After 500 years of training in "Professional Warfare," there are numerous players accustomed to enduring hardships.

"Your initial task is to promptly establish the island's administrative system and select suitable personnel. This begins with creating population records and implementing a household registration system on the island! Do you have any questions?"

"None!"

"Very well, let's discuss the second point. Minors have recently appeared among the newly arrived population. We need to establish a school. It doesn't require teaching advanced skills and knowledge, but rather focusing on basic literacy and practical knowledge. Additionally, incorporate some general education and physical education."

"Many of the islanders are literate, so finding teachers won't be difficult. However, it may be challenging to find teachers among the illiterate population. If the school is filled with only literate teachers, it won't be suitable!"

Lei Jiu glances at the literate individuals in front of him. "Hmm~! Your concerns are valid. Make every effort to address this issue. If necessary, have literate individuals like Luo Zheng provide substitute lessons."

"Understood!"

Lei Jiu nods. "Thirdly, we can begin training spellcasters. It's essential to have our own mage troops on Huanghuang Island."

"This..." Nangong Dian hesitates.

"What's the issue?"

"When mages first learn to meditate, they require specific materials for assistance, and similarly, learning spells necessitates casting materials. Currently, we lack these resources."

Lei Jiu is momentarily stunned, then nods. He wasn't aware of this. In "Professional Warfare," casters didn't require such materials.

"In that case, pay close attention to individuals qualified in this area. Once we acquire the necessary resources, we can proceed with the training. Don't worry, the materials will be obtained!" He turns, patting Nangong Di on the shoulder. "Rest assured, the resources will come!"

To be honest, Huanghuang Island is presently impoverished. Master-level spellcaster Nangong Dian doesn't even possess a single piece of spellcasting equipment. It's a dire situation. Lei Jiu feels deeply ashamed.

Nevertheless, he firmly believes that this predicament will soon be overcome. Not only will spellcasting equipment become accessible, but Huanghuang Island will also establish its own mage tower and spellcaster academy in due time. Of course, achieving this goal requires continuous effort on his part.

After addressing the matters at hand, Lei Jiu engages Nangong Di in further discussion about spellcasters before allowing him to rest, while he himself falls into deep contemplation.

...

...

"Ding! Congratulations to Huanghuang Island for surpassing 1,000 in population. Players have achieved the Power Achievement: 'Adequate Human Resources (1),' receiving 10 gold coins and 5 island reputation points."

Hmm? A power achievement? What's this about?

'Adequate Human Resources (1)' implies there may be 'Adequate Human Resources (2)' and even (3) in the future? Remarkable, earning money effortlessly!

Though a mere 10 gold coins hold little value for a faction, for the impoverished Huanghuang Island, it's significant. Lei Jiu's coffers only contain the 100 silver coins from the novice gift package, equivalent to 1 gold coin—extremely meager.

Fortunately, unlike other construction games, "Island War" operates closer to reality. Constructing buildings merely necessitates materials and labor, without the need for additional currency. Otherwise, Lei Jiu would be at a loss.

For now, money holds little relevance for Huanghuang Island.

Currently, the island operates on a publicly-owned economy, with labor distributed according to need.

However, as Huanghuang Island progresses, privatization becomes inevitable. Though transitioning to a market economy might not occur immediately, currency circulation is indispensable.

As the island owner, Lei Jiu must amass a reserve of currency for the future. Therefore, he can never have too many gold coins.

Regarding island reputation, while its exact function remains unclear, attributing an ineffective trait is uncharacteristic of the system, leaving its significance to be discovered later.

Observing the island in the distance, Lei Jiu smiles. Encountering a system reward before taking action is an auspicious omen!

Today, he plans to explore the nearest island to Huanghuang Island, accompanied by Luo Zheng and two soldiers. As a precaution, Lei Jiu also summons Nangong Di.

The newly constructed ship, one size larger than a standard fishing boat, comfortably accommodates five individuals.

As the ship sets sail, Lei Jiu is suddenly struck by a realization.

"System Announcement: Rhodes Island has successfully integrated islands, earning the island 1000 reputation points."

"Ding! Players, take note: some island owners have successfully integrated islands. This reputation reward is exclusive to the top 100 players worldwide. Players are encouraged to continue striving and discover further details independently."

Lei Jiu inwardly scoffs, "Integrate islands? What a ludicrous notion! Do they think it's child's play?"

Lei Jiu pays no mind to his frantic complaints and gestures for the crew to hasten their pace.

Though Luo Zheng and Nangong Dian are bewildered, they dutifully obey the island owner's orders.

As the sea breeze billows, Lei Jiu's heightened adrenaline gradually settles. Upon reflection, the initial island size, the dense cluster of islands, and the possibility of island integration—all hinted at by the system!

The prospect of island integration catches Lei Jiu off guard. His failure to consider this possibility stems from his narrow-mindedness. Despite the game's alignment with reality, it remains a virtual realm, where anything can happen.

Indeed! Like him, other island owners prioritize immediate needs. Upon settling, their foremost concern is cultivating farmland. Otherwise, island integration would have occurred sooner.

Yet, what are the conditions for island integration, and how does one trigger it? The answers elude Lei Jiu. After pondering fruitlessly, he reluctantly relinquishes the pursuit. He must await further clues upon reaching the island!