The architects and builders were still deep in discussion when an idea hit me—sharp and sudden.If the system could give me the strength to fight monsters... why couldn't it help me rebuild faster?
I opened the System Shop, the familiar glow blooming in front of me like a digital flame.Velzithar's voice drifted through my mind, low and curious.
"Looking for something specific?"
"Yeah," I muttered, scrolling through the endless categories. "Buffs, tools—anything that'll make this city rise again."
TOOLS & INFRASTRUCTURE
Enhanced Tools Package: Enchanted hammers, saws, and chisels. Construction speed +50%. Cost: 500 Points
Resource Multipliers: Doubles the effectiveness of stone, wood, and metal. Cost: 800 Points
TEMPORARY BUFFS
Workforce Efficiency (Rare): Increases worker productivity +25% for 1 week. Stackable. Cost: 300 Points each
Precision Craftsmanship (Rare): Reduces errors and waste by 50% for 1 week. Cost: 400 Points
I couldn't help but grin. "Now we're talking."
A few quick taps, and—
Purchase Confirmed: -2,000 Points
Items Added to Inventory.
Turning back to the table, I caught the architects mid-argument about supply chains and worker allocation.
"I've got something that might help," I said casually.
They went quiet as I reached into the system and materialized the items—one by one.A hammer that pulsed faintly with energy.
A saw that shimmered like polished moonlight.
Chisels sharp enough to carve stone like butter.
The air around the table seemed to hum.
The builders leaned forward, eyes wide.
"What... are these?" one whispered.
"Tools," I said simply. "Better ones. They'll cut your work time in half."
I activated the Workforce Efficiency Buffs, and a subtle ripple of energy passed through the chamber. It was faint, but everyone felt it—the tension in the air, the sudden lightness, like the whole world had just taken a deeper breath.
The youngest architect blinked. "What just... happened?"
"Call it a little push," I said with a faint smile. "You'll see the difference soon enough. With these buffs and tools, what would've taken six months... we'll finish in one."
Silence followed. Then Gregor stepped forward, staring at the glowing hammer.
"Your Majesty," he said quietly, "with tools like these, we could rebuild more than the city... we could rebuild the whole kingdom."
"That's the plan," I replied.
The System Interface flickered, updating in real time.
Western District Renovation: 20% → 35%
Merchant Quarter Roads: 0% → 25%
Industrial Zone Upgrades: 0% → 20%
New Completion Estimate: 1 Month
The change was instant—like watching a spark turn into fire.
The architects exchanged looks, their hesitation melting into determination."If we rotate shifts and run night crews, we might even shave off a few more days," one said.
"Do it," I answered. "I want updates every week. If you run out of materials or manpower, I'll handle it."
They bowed quickly before leaving, energized like they'd just been blessed by the gods themselves.
Gregor lingered at the door, arms crossed. His voice was quiet when he finally spoke."You're taking a lot on yourself, Alaric. This speed... it's impressive. But risky. If something goes wrong—"
"Then we fix it," I cut in. "That's all there is to it."
He studied me for a long moment before nodding. "Understood, Your Majesty."
When the room finally emptied, Velzithar's voice returned—calm, almost thoughtful."You're using the system wisely. But don't let it consume your judgment. Power that replaces patience can be a dangerous thing."
I gave a short laugh, leaning against the window as I closed the system.
"I know. But if I can give this kingdom a future, I'll use every tool I have."
That night, I stood on the balcony overlooking the capital.
Lanterns flickered across the streets below like constellations scattered on earth.The people didn't know it yet—but their city was already changing.
"One month," I whispered to myself. "That's all we need to start something real."
Velzithar's laughter drifted softly in my mind, warm and teasing.
"With you? Luck seems to have made a home already."