The world of Eryndor

The morning buzzed with energy as the group gathered to discuss their next move. With the river outpost completed, Leon's focus shifted to the next critical step: recruiting skilled workers.

"We need more hands," Leon said, addressing the group. "If we want to grow the settlement and outpost, we can't do it alone."

Selene tapped her dagger against the table. "Finding people isn't the hard part. Convincing them to join us? That's a different story."

Mira nodded. "Most people we'll find are probably struggling just like we are. They might not trust us."

"That's why we have to approach this carefully," Leon replied. "The system has given me a lead—a nearby village called Oakridge. It's struggling, but they might have people willing to join us in exchange for protection or resources."

Joren leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "Oakridge? If it's struggling, doesn't that mean we'd just be taking on more problems?"

"Not if we play it right," Leon said, his voice steady. "If we can offer them something valuable, we can gain their trust and convince skilled workers to join us."

The Journey to Oakridge

Leon decided to take Selene and Mira with him to Oakridge, leaving Joren and Edric to oversee the settlement and outpost.

"Keep an eye on things while we're gone," Leon instructed Joren. "If there's any sign of trouble, use the beacon to signal us."

Joren saluted mockingly. "You've got it, boss. Just don't bring back anyone who's more trouble than they're worth."

With that, the trio set out, using the system map to navigate.

Arriving at Oakridge

Oakridge was a small village nestled in a clearing surrounded by dense forest. The sight that greeted them was disheartening: rundown houses, empty fields, and villagers who looked malnourished and wary.

"Looks worse than I imagined," Mira whispered.

Leon nodded. "Stay alert. These people are desperate, and desperate people can be unpredictable."

As they approached, a burly man with a makeshift spear stepped forward. His eyes narrowed as he addressed them.

"Who are you, and what do you want here?"

Leon raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "We're not here to cause trouble. My name's Leon, and we're from a settlement to the north. We're looking for skilled workers who might want a fresh start."

The man barked a bitter laugh. "A fresh start? Look around. Does it look like we have anyone to spare?"

Selene's hand drifted toward her dagger, but Leon shot her a warning glance. He stepped closer, his tone calm but firm.

"I understand your situation. But we can help each other. We have food, clean water, and a safe place to live. All we ask is for willing people who can contribute to our settlement."

A Glimmer of Hope

The man hesitated, his grip on the spear loosening. A frail woman stepped out from behind him, her voice soft but clear.

"Food and water? Is that true?"

"Yes," Leon said, meeting her gaze. "We can provide for anyone who joins us. We're building something that will last—a place where people can thrive, not just survive."

Murmurs spread among the villagers who had gathered. The burly man, who seemed to be their leader, sighed heavily.

"Alright," he said. "If you're serious, prove it. Help us with our problem, and maybe we'll consider your offer."

Leon frowned. "What kind of problem?"

"Bandits," the man growled. "They've been raiding us for weeks. Took what little food we had and killed anyone who resisted. If you can deal with them, we'll talk."

Selene smirked. "Seems like bandits are a common theme these days."

Leon ignored her comment, addressing the man. "Where are these bandits now?"

"They've set up camp in the old mill to the west," the man replied. "About a dozen of them, armed to the teeth."

Planning the Attack

Leon pulled Selene and Mira aside to strategize.

"Twelve bandits is more than we've faced before," Leon said. "We'll need to be smart about this."

Selene crossed her arms. "A frontal assault would be suicide. We should pick them off one by one."

Mira added, "What if we set a trap? Lure them out of the mill and ambush them?"

Leon nodded. "Good idea. The system can help us set up an ambush. We'll use the forest to our advantage."

He opened the system interface, selecting traps from the crafting menu.

[Item Unlocked: Spiked Trap]

• Requires: Wood (10), Iron (5).

• Effect: Deals significant damage to enemies who trigger it.

They quickly crafted and placed several traps along the forest path leading to the mill.

The Battle at the Mill

As night fell, Leon and the group took their positions. Mira climbed a tree with her bow, while Selene and Leon hid behind cover near the path.

Leon activated the Distraction Flare from the system, launching it toward the mill. The flare lit up the sky, drawing the attention of the bandits.

"What the hell was that?" one of them shouted.

"Go check it out!" barked another.

A group of six bandits emerged from the mill, cautiously making their way toward the flare. As they walked down the path, one of them triggered a spiked trap.

A loud scream pierced the air as the trap impaled the bandit. The others froze in panic, but Mira's arrows flew true, taking down two more.

Selene and Leon charged from the shadows, taking advantage of the confusion. Leon's sword cleaved through one bandit, while Selene's dagger found its mark in another's throat.

The remaining bandits turned to flee, only to trigger another trap.

Confronting the Leader

The noise drew out the remaining bandits, including their leader. He was a towering figure clad in makeshift armor, wielding a massive war axe.

"You think you can take us out?" he roared, charging at Leon.

Leon activated the system's Combat Assistance: Quickstep, narrowly dodging the axe swing. Selene and Mira flanked the leader, landing quick strikes to weaken him.

The leader swung wildly, but Leon exploited an opening, plunging his sword into the man's chest.

The bandit leader fell to his knees, his weapon dropping to the ground.

"It's over," Leon said, his voice cold.

The Aftermath

The group returned to Oakridge with proof of their victory. The villagers greeted them with cautious optimism, their eyes filled with hope for the first time in weeks.

"You kept your word," the burly man said, offering his hand. "Name's Garrick. You've earned our trust."

Leon shook his hand. "Then let's work together. Anyone willing to join us is welcome."

By the next morning, five villagers—two builders, a farmer, and a healer—were ready to leave with them.

As they made their way back to the settlement, Leon couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This was only the beginning, but every step brought them closer to building a true kingdom.