Mikhail Armanov's secret plan was no longer an abstract idea. After months of preparation, the construction of the first industrial settlement officially began. This wasn't merely an economic endeavor—it was the first breath of his future kingdom. No noble had ever dared to launch such an ambitious project on their own lands.
North of Armanov territory lay a wide valley near an abandoned coal vein. The region was infamous for brutal winters, but Mikhail saw opportunity where others saw hardship."Cold is safety when used correctly," he wrote in his diary.Low population meant low attention. Harsh terrain discouraged enemies.
When the selected core group of twelve gathered in the valley, Mikhail dismounted his horse and spoke loudly for the first time:
"We are not building a village here. We are building our future."
Aleksey nodded firmly.Boris, as always, stood back—respectful but unreadable. His loyalty sat at 49%, but his eyes gleamed with curiosity.
The first weeks focused entirely on infrastructure. Temporary wooden shelters were built, and a small waterwheel was constructed over the nearby stream. That wheel would soon power the first iron workshops. When Mikhail explained water pressure, torque, and mechanical energy using simple diagrams from memory, the workers stared in disbelief.
One evening, while Irina watched him calculate the site layout, she couldn't resist asking:"Sir… this knowledge you have… Who taught you all this?"After a brief silence, Mikhail smiled:"The future."Irina assumed it was a metaphor and didn't ask further.
That night, the system chimed:
[Proficiency Increased: Early Industrial Management +1][Progress: 12% — 'Industrial Settlement' Construction]
That 12% filled Mikhail with renewed determination—proof that he was on the correct path.
But the valley's silence shattered days later. Leonid burst into Mikhail's tent."Young master! Armed men sighted on the southern road—around twenty."
Mikhail's expression hardened."Noble guards or bandits?""We do not yet know."
If nobles discovered the project, it was dangerous.If bandits found them… it was worse.
Mikhail issued orders immediately:"Aleksey and Leonid, establish a defensive line. Irina, gather the workers in the secure zone. Boris… you're coming with me."
Boris blinked."Me, sir?""Yes. It's time to test your loyalty."
They rode into the night. Moonlight barely lit the path, but Mikhail's mind remained calm. He applied tactics he once learned from modern security crises and negotiations.
When the group finally appeared on the road, the truth was clear:Bandits.Unorganized, desperate—yet dangerous.
Mikhail didn't draw his sword. Instead, he stepped forward and whispered to Boris:"Betray me now, and you die. Stand with me, and you will gain everything."The system flashed:[Loyalty Shift: Boris 49% → 56%]
Boris swallowed hard."I stand with you."
Mikhail faced the bandits."These lands belong to House Armanov. Leave now and you may go unharmed. Step forward…"He paused."…and you will not survive in the world I'm building."
The bandit leader hesitated, studied Mikhail's eyes, then signaled retreat.
When order returned to the valley, the system announced:
[Quest Progress: 21%][New Feature Unlocked: Local Power Management]
Mikhail returned to his tent exhausted but unshaken.This was only the beginning.The first fire of iron had been lit.His future kingdom was taking irreversible shape.