Chapter 5: The First Feast and the Cost of Trust
The small, crackling fire in the sheltered palace courtyard became the heartbeat of the desolate city. Under Kalypso's surprisingly deft guidance, the few shriveled figs were carefully peeled and mixed with some wild herbs Elara had managed to identify and gather.
Myron had even found a small, usable clay pot amongst the palace debris, allowing them to boil the well water Lykos had helped him draw. The resulting concoction was thin, watery, and barely sweet, but it was warm, and it was food.
Lykos watched his recruits, their faces illuminated by the dancing flames. They ate slowly, savoring each mouthful, their eyes no longer filled with complete despair but with a cautious hope. He noticed Theron, the young hunter, carefully sharing a piece of fig with a small, quiet girl who had followed her mother, Kalypso, to the gathering. It was a simple act, but it spoke volumes about the ingrained generosity that still lingered beneath the layers of suffering.
"It's not much," Lykos admitted, looking at the meager portions, "but it's a start. Tomorrow, we find more. Elara, you mentioned olive trees? We will focus on those."
Elara nodded, chewing slowly. "Yes, Prince. The groves beyond the western wall are neglected, but hardy. There might be more fruit, and with proper pruning, they could yield much in time."
Homerus, who had silently observed the meal, now lifted his Whispering Lyre. He didn't play a grand epic, but a gentle, comforting tune that spoke of resilience and the quiet strength of community. The music was a balm, soothing the frayed nerves of the hungry people.
Lykos felt a surge of pride, not for himself, but for these people who had chosen to believe in his desperate promise. He hadn't just gotten two more recruits for the System objective; he had fostered a tiny, fragile seed of trust. This was more valuable than any System Point.
As the last of the figs were consumed and the fire settled into embers, Lykos stood. "For tonight, rest. Tomorrow, we begin in earnest. Myron, Kydon, you two will act as our first guards at the palace entrance. We need to secure this area for now. Elara, Kalypso, Theron, you will meet me at dawn. We will go to the olive groves." The others were assigned simpler tasks for the morning – collecting more firewood, searching for usable containers.
His recruits, weary but with a renewed sense of purpose, dispersed to find what shelter they could within the relatively more secure palace grounds. Homerus remained by Lykos's side.
"You speak well, Prince," Homerus commented softly, his eyes twinkling in the firelight. "You connect with them."
"I used to lead armies of pixels, Homerus," Lykos replied with a wry smile. "These are real people. It's… different. More terrifying, but also more rewarding." He paused, then looked at the System screen, visible only to him. System Points: 100. Basic Summoning Pool Unlocked.
"Alright, System," Lykos thought. "Show me the summoning pool again."
The list reappeared:
[BASIC SUMMONING POOL]
* Greek Laborer (Male/Female): Basic worker unit. Skilled in simple manual tasks. Cost: 10 SP
* Greek Militia (Male/Female): Basic combat unit. Armed with a spear and shield. Cost: 20 SP
* Greek Apprentice Builder (Male): Basic construction unit. Can assist in simple repairs. Cost: 15 SP
* Greek Forager (Female): Basic resource unit. Increased chance of finding edible plants. Cost: 15 SP
Lykos frowned in thought. He had promised more food tomorrow. Elara was good, but one experienced hand wouldn't be enough for the olive groves and general foraging. And defense, even around the palace, was nonexistent.
Okay, immediate needs:
* More hands for foraging/resource gathering.
* Basic defense.
He had 100 points. He could summon a lot of basic units.
"System," Lykos decided. "Summon one Greek Forager (Female)." He needed more direct food acquisition.
Then, for immediate protection: "Summon two Greek Militia (Male)." They could guard the palace alongside Myron and Kydon, giving a bit more security for the night.
And finally, some general purpose help: "Summon three Greek Laborer (Male)." They could help with anything – carrying water, clearing debris, assisting with basic repairs.
The cost flashed before his eyes: 15 + 20 + 20 + 10 + 10 + 10 = 85 System Points. He would be left with 15 points. It was a substantial chunk, but these were vital investments.
"Confirmed," the System voice resonated in his mind.
A soft golden glow filled the courtyard, not as grand as Homerus's initial appearance, but distinct. From the shimmering light, six figures slowly materialized. Two women, one carrying a small woven basket, the other with a simple hoe. Two men, armed with crude spears and wooden shields. And two more men, looking strong and ready for manual labor. They appeared weary, as if they had just woken from a deep sleep, but their eyes quickly focused on Lykos.
"Greetings," Lykos said, addressing his first summoned individuals. "You have been brought here by the Olympian Summoning System. You are safe. You are among Greeks. Your purpose is to help us rebuild. For now, you will join us in securing food and making this palace safe."
The summoned individuals nodded, their expressions stoic but obedient. Unlike Lykos's naturally recruited citizens, there was no initial skepticism or distrust. They simply… accepted their new reality. It was efficient, but a little unsettling.
This is the difference, Lykos realized. The summoned are loyal by design. The living must be earned.
"The three laborers will assist Myron and Kydon in clearing debris around the palace entrance and within the courtyard," Lykos instructed, pointing them towards areas that needed immediate attention. "The two militia will stand guard with them. And you," he looked at the female Forager, "you will join Elara and me at dawn. We go to the olive groves."
The Forager nodded, her eyes sharp. "As you command, Prince."
With his new summoned allies integrating into the palace's makeshift operations, Lykos finally felt a tentative sense of control. He had spent his System Points, made his first real strategic decisions, and started to build the very foundations of his new city. It was incredibly daunting, but the image of his people sharing the meager figs, their faces momentarily lit by hope, reinforced his resolve. He was no longer just a gamer. He was Lykos, Prince of a forgotten city, and he was ready to fight for its rise.