The Introduction and the Oath

Eldric stirred as the first rays of sun seeped through the cracks of his humble shelter, illuminating his weary face. His eyes fluttered open, squinting against the intrusive light. He groaned, stretching his stiff muscles and rubbing his sleepy eyes. Slowly, he pushed himself up from the cool, hard floor, his joints protesting the effort. 

Grumbling under his breath, Eldric stumbled out of the hut, adjusting to the brightness of the morning sun. The crisp morning air welcomed him, ruffling his hair and kissing his skin, bringing him closer to full wakefulness. With a yawn, he walked over to the nearby river, shedding his clothes and stepping into the cool, rushing water. 

He scrubbed his skin clean, washing away the grime and sweat of the previous day. The icy water was a shock to his system, making him gasp and hiss as he dunked himself under, but it also served to fully wake him up. 

Once clean, he stepped out, quickly drying off and getting dressed before he could catch a cold. His stomach growled, reminding him of his next task: breakfast. 

He spent the next hour foraging for berries and fruits, his experienced hands easily identifying the edible from the poisonous. Once he had collected enough, he set about making a spear from a sturdy branch and a sharp stone. 

Armed with his makeshift weapon, Eldric stalked the shallow banks of the river, eyes narrowed as he watched the fish darting about. After several failed attempts, he finally managed to spear two small fish, their scales glittering in the morning light. 

He made a small campfire, carefully skewering the fish and roasting them over the flames. The smell of cooking fish filled the air, making his mouth water in anticipation. Once cooked, Eldric savored his meal, the warm, juicy fish tasting like a feast after his hard work. 

His hunger satiated; Eldric's thoughts once again turned to his system. He opened the interface, his eyes scanning for any changes. His gaze landed on the [Quest] column, where two new missions had appeared. 

[Quest: 1- Make a clearing and gather wood to reinforce your keep. Reward: 5 Civilians] [Quest: 2- Reinforce your keep appropriately. Reward: A variety of seeds and a better axe]. 

Eldric read aloud, his eyebrows furrowing in thought. A small smile played on his lips. The system was offering him more than just power, it was offering him the opportunity to build a community, a home. It seemed that his new life was about to get even more interesting. 

Eldric's day was filled with the arduous task of felling trees. He selected them carefully, ensuring their removal would not mar the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Sweat dripped from his brow as he swung his makeshift axe, the sound of wood being split echoing in the quiet forest. 

Once he had gathered enough wood, he began the work of reinforcing his keep. Each plank of wood was carefully placed, each nail hammered in with precision. The work was hard and tedious, but Eldric found a certain satisfaction in it. He was creating a haven, a place he could call home. 

As he worked, his mind filled with memories of his younger years. He remembered the comfort of his old home, the warmth of his bed, the familiar streets of his town. He felt a pang of nostalgia, but also a sense of excitement. He was starting a new life, a new adventure. 

Once he had finished, he stepped back, surveying his work. His keep, once a basic hut, now resembled a winter hunting cabin. He had managed to seal all the cracks, making it more insulated against the elements. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start. 

With a sigh of satisfaction, Eldric turned to the system. "Accept," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice. 

He watched with bated breath as the system began to summon the civilians. He wondered how they would appear; would it be a grand, flashy entrance or a simple sudden appearance? His thoughts were interrupted as he saw five young men walking out from the mouth of the river cave. 

Eldric took a moment to take in their appearance. They were dressed in ragged clothes, their fabric worn and faded. Despite their attire, there was a spark of determination in their eyes, a willingness to fight for their survival. Eldric found himself unconsciously criticizing their outfits, until he glanced down at his own clothing. 

His clothes were no better than theirs. They were worn and torn from his journey, stained with dirt and sweat. He laughed, a loud, hearty sound that broke the silence of the forest. He felt a sense of camaraderie with these men, a shared understanding of their situation. This was their new start, their chance to create a better life. And Eldric was ready to lead them towards that future. 

As the dust settled, Eldric took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He looked at the five men standing before him. It was time for introductions. 

"My name is Eldric Balmore, and I welcome you to my humble abode," he said, his voice strong yet warm. He gave them a welcoming smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. 

The five young men bowed slightly in unison, their voices resonating in the quiet forest, "My lord," they replied. Their respect was evident, their tone carrying a note of gratitude and reverence. 

"Good," Eldric replied, "What are your names, friends?" His voice held an inviting tone, a small sign of the camaraderie he hoped to foster. 

They introduced themselves one by one, their voices echoing in the quiet forest. First, there was Soren, a tall, lean man with sharp features and an air of quiet determination. He spoke with a soft, lulling voice that carried a hint of an accent; his hands clasped tightly in front of him. 

Next was Cael, a burly man with fiery red hair and a contagious laugh. His voice was loud and boisterous, his words filled with an infectious enthusiasm. His eyes sparkled with mischief, a stark contrast to his muscular frame. 

Then there was Evander, a man of average height but with piercing blue eyes that held a world of wisdom. His voice was steady and calm, his words carefully chosen and filled with an underlying strength. 

The fourth man was Lachlan, the youngest among them. His youthful exuberance shone through his wide, innocent eyes and his eager voice. There was a natural curiosity about him, a thirst for knowledge that was evident in his quick, rapid-fire questions. 

Lastly, there was Galen, an older man with a grizzled beard and a quiet demeanor. His voice was low and raspy, his words slow and deliberate. There was a sense of wisdom about him, a quiet strength that spoke of years of experience. 

Once they had finished their introductions, they asked for shelter, their voices melding into a singular plea. Eldric watched as they lowered their heads, their bodies bowing slightly in a show of deference. It was a silent promise, a vow of loyalty that they were willing to offer. 

Eldric nodded, accepting their pledge. He was about to speak when Galen, the eldest among them, interrupted him. 

"We come bearing nothing but a decent axe and a few seeds to plant, my lord," he said, his voice filled with humble sincerity. 

A wild smile spread across Eldric's face at the mention of the seeds. He had been wondering where he would find them, and the system had provided. He realized then that the system seemed to make everything appear reasonably, a thought that brought comfort to his mind. 

"Welcome, my friends," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "Let's start building our future together."