The cavern was no longer just a shelter. With the Terran Barracks humming at its center, it had become an outpost. The air, once heavy with dust and the silence of tombs, now vibrated with the buzz of machinery and the metallic echo of footsteps.
Julius looked at the production interface, a glint of strategic greed in his eyes. A million points. It was an army waiting to happen. But he had learned caution. Before forging a spear, he needed an anvil.
"System, priority number one: an Automated Extraction Center on the primary vein."
< Acquisition of [Automated Extraction Center]. Consumption of 400 energy units.>
At the rear of the cavern, near the richest mineral veins, a new structure erupted from the floor in a concert of metal and sparks. A rotary drill engaged with a deep rumble, biting into the rock. Almost immediately, a conveyor belt started moving, dumping a continuous stream of crushed raw ore into an integrated container.
< Resource flow established. +50 mineral units/hour. Barracks maintenance assured. Surplus available for production.>
"Perfect," Julius muttered. "Now, for the workforce."
His finger brushed the Barracks screen. He ignored the combat units for now. He needed workers. Builders.
< Acquisition of [SCV - Space Construction Vehicle]. Cost: 100 minerals, 50 energy.>
A blue flash erupted before the Barracks. When the light dissipated, a hulking machine was there, floating silently a few centimeters off the ground. The SCV was a marvel of Terran technology, a blend of heavy metal and synthetic biology. Its manipulator arms unfolded with oiled precision, and its sensor "eyes" scanned the cavern with a watchful red glow.
< SCV online. Awaiting construction orders.>
"Welcome to the team, big guy," Julius said with a small smile. "First order: build a Command Center."
The SCV emitted a confirmation beep and got to work. Its fusion cutters began carving into the rock and mineral reserves, shaping the foundations of the building that would be the nerve center of his future base.
While the SCV worked, Julius turned to military production. He couldn't afford to be caught off guard. The cavern entrance was a choke point, but he needed guards.
< Acquisition of [Terran Marine] x 4. Total cost: 200 minerals, 100 energy.>
Four successive flashes illuminated the Barracks entrance. When they faded, four soldiers in CMC-300 combat armor stood there, imposing and motionless. Their C-14 Impalers were locked against their chest plates. Their faces were hidden by helmets with tinted visors, but a glint of cold determination emanated from them.
"Soldiers," Julius announced, feeling a shiver of authority run down his spine. "Your mission is simple: guard this entrance. Nothing enters without my authorization."
< Understood, Commander. > they replied in unison, their voices synthesized and neutral.
They immediately took up defensive positions, two on each side of the entrance, their weapons pointed outward. The sound of their metal boots on the rocky floor was strangely comforting.
Julius watched his small colony take shape. The hum of the extractor, the hiss of the SCV's tools, the still, vigilant presence of the Marines. It was tiny on the scale of the galaxy, but it was his.
Then the System issued a notification, different from the others. More solemn.
< Long-term objective updated: "Technological Mastery".>
< Description: Unlock the entire Terran tech tree (Buildings and Units).>
< Reward: Once mastery is achieved, the System will unlock access to "Champions". Unique and legendary individuals from the Terran universe, endowed with exceptional power and abilities.>
Julius held his breath. Champions. Names like Jim Raynor, perhaps? Or even... Sarah Kerrigan before her fall? The idea was dizzying. To possess not only an army, but its most iconic heroes.
He looked at the Command Center under construction, the sparks flying from the SCV's tools. Then his gaze fell on the Marines, the Barracks, the depths of the cavern where other buildings – the Factory, the Starport, the Academy – waited to be summoned.
A determined smile spread across his face. Survival was assured. Now, he was aiming higher.
"Very well," he murmured to himself. "Let's build a nation. To see which champions will answer the call."
The game had changed. He was no longer a castaway. He was a founder. And it all began.