The study was quiet save for the low hiss of candles and the scratch of Jack's quill. The air smelled of wax and parchment, of ink that had sat too long under lamplight.
Before him floated the golden shimmer of the Reputation Store.
Jack leaned forward, the weight of decision in his chest. 'All right,' he told the System. 'Let's make this count.'
One by one, he highlighted the choices.
[High-Capacity Grain Storage 15,000 ReputationPoints]
[Roads 24,000 ReputationPoints]
[Public Bathhouse 26,000 ReputationPoints]
[Water Pump 9,500 Reputation Points]
[Total: 74,500 Reputation Points deducted]
[Remaining Balance: 66,644 ReputationPoints]
The Store pulsed once, as if stamping its approval. Then golden light spilled across the desk.
Sheets of parchment manifested from the air, rolling themselves open with a crisp snap. They hovered for a moment, then settled in a careful fan across the desk.
Jack blinked, his heart began beating a little faster.
