Sylas was at the center of the village. Those around him were starting to move in a purposeful manner. The villagers had begun to believe his concept after his address, but the real work was only just starting.
The first big problem was food. The crops were not producing much, and the water supply was inconsistent. There were patches of dry land, and then there were patches of flooded land. To add to this, the soil was not fertile enough to produce good crops.
> [Quest Update: Evaluate Needs of Village]
– Repair Irrigation System (Ongoing)
– Improve Soil Fertility (Ongoing)
Sylas crossed his arms, looking out at the hilly landscape. "We need more water and better soil. Let's address this first."
He addressed Mira, who was organizing people over there. "Can you get a few villagers to inspect the irrigation pipes? There are still some areas that aren't receiving water."
"Certainly," she said. "I'll attend to it right away."
>[Quest Update: Irrigation System Check]
– Check Water Flow (Ongoing)
Then Sylas attended to housing. The houses were small and weak. Some of them were broken walls or had roof holes. They wouldn't survive bad weather.
"We deserve better houses," he complained. "I'll collect wood, stone, and some tools."
Villagers were already busy collecting supplies in the square—carrying timber, stacking stones, and helping one another. It was much better than when Sylas arrived.
> [Quest Update: Retrieve Resources]
– Timber (0/5)
– Rock (0/3)
– Metal (0/2)
As he entered the forest, Sylas swung his axe in sincerity. With his magic, it chopped a bit more easily, and he took pains to collect what they required. In the course of the work, a new note flashed:
> [New Skill Learned: Engineering – Basic Construction Techniques]
– Can craft tools and improve building strength
– Materials Needed: Wood, Stone, Metal
– Quest: Improve Village Shelter (Progress: 0%)
Sylas smiled. "Just what we need."
> [Skill Unlocked: Engineering (Level 1)]
– Can make tools like hammers, chisels, saws
The hours went by. He chopped wood, pulled up stones, and even found some rusty old metal bits on the edge of the forest.
> [Resources Gathered: Wood x3]
[Resources Gathered: Stone x2]
He returned to the village at sunset in a cartload of materials.
> [Quest Update: Collect Resources]
– Wood (3/5)
– Stone (2/3)
– Metal (0/2)
Mira was standing by the well. "The irrigation system works better now," she said, smiling. "Water's flowing evenly."
"Good work," Sylas replied. "Now's time for stronger houses. I've brought some material and picked up some new skills to help."
>[Quest Update: Improve Village Shelter]
– Construct a Model House (Ongoing)
Mira's eyebrow went up. "New skills?"
"Basic engineering and more powerful creation magic," he replied. "I can craft tools and build better structures."
Some of the villagers who happened to be standing around had overheard. They seemed interested and a little skeptical.
"To show you what I mean," Sylas said, "I'll build a model house out of what I've gathered."
> [Skill Upgrade: Creation Magic (Level 2)]
– Can lengthen the lifespan of basic materials
He began to work. With his magic and craftsmanship, he shaped the wood and the stone. His hands moved with a whirl—hammering and chopping, positioning everything. Piece by piece, the house slowly started to look like something real.
> [Creation Magic: Reinforced Wood (In Progress)]
– Build Strong Foundations (In Progress)
One of the villagers stepped up and watched. "You've come a ways, Sylas. That's good strong stuff."
Sylas beamed. "This is only the beginning. We're constructing for the future."
By evening, the model house was finished. It wasn't huge, but it was solid—stronger than anything within the village so far. The villagers gathered, inspecting the walls, tracing their fingers over the smooth wood.
"This is what we'll build for everybody," Sylas said. "We'll require a lot more materials, but this is what's achievable."
> [Quest Complete: Build Model House]
[Quest Update: Collect More Materials (Ongoing)]
### One man nodded. "We'll help. It's good work." *tputstrn*
There was renewed vigor between them. Hope. Of the kind that Sylas had wanted to inspire.
> [Quest Update: Gather Resources]
– Wood (3/5)
– Stone (2/3)
– Metal (1/2)
When dusk descended, Sylas walked silently on the village periphery. Much road still to be traveled—was still before him—but tonight he was proud. They were finally making progress.
> [Quest Update: Improve village shelter]
– Gather Resources (Ongoing)
– Build New Houses (Ongoing)
He turned away, the twinkling light of the model house reflected back in the darkness behind him. Tomorrow, they would begin again—with better fingers, better tools, and direction.