The village fell silent.
Every pair of eyes locked onto him.
Suspicion.
Hostility.
Indifference.
The hunter stepped forward.
Tall. Broad. Scar across his face.
His grip tightened on the spear.
"Li?"
His voice was cold.
"Then prove it."
The air turned heavy.
Li Chen didn't move.
Didn't speak.
But his eyes sharpened.
"This is the first test…"
"If he fails—everything ends."
The system flickered.
[Trial Triggered: Establish Identity]
Objective: Gain Recognition from the Village
Reward: Bloodline Authority + Resources
Failure: Expulsion or Death
Li Chen's breathing slowed.
His mind entered a cold, calculating state.
"Strength earns respect."
"Value earns survival."
His gaze locked onto the returning hunters.
Onto the fresh meat.
Onto their wounds.
Onto their fatigue.
"…They're tired."
"…Injured."
"…And they need help."
A decision formed instantly.
Sharp.
Precise.
"Show usefulness."
He activated a command.
[Influence Decision – Minor Control Activated]
The ancestor straightened slightly.
Despite his injuries.
Despite exhaustion.
He stepped forward.
One step.
Then another.
The hunters reacted instantly.
Weapons raised.
"Stop."
But the ancestor didn't stop.
He pointed.
Toward the forest.
Voice low.
Rough.
But steady.
"…More wolves."
Silence.
The hunters froze.
Li Chen's eyes narrowed.
"Good."
Fear.
Uncertainty.
He used it.
A distant howl echoed.
Perfect timing.
The villagers' expressions changed.
Tension.
Alertness.
The scarred hunter's gaze sharpened.
"You saw them?"
The ancestor nodded slowly.
"…Pack."
A pause.
Then—
Chaos.
"Get the children inside!"
"Close the gates!"
"Prepare weapons!"
The village moved instantly.
Li Chen leaned back slightly.
Eyes calm.
"Now…"
"Push further."
He activated another command.
[Minor Guidance: Tactical Suggestion]
The ancestor stepped forward again.
This time—
Closer.
"…Set traps."
His voice was weak.
But every word was clear.
"Use fire."
The hunter stared at him.
Long.
Hard.
Then—
He nodded.
"Do it."
Respect.
Earned.
The system reacted.
[Trial Progress: 60% → 100%]
[Trial Completed]
A surge of notifications exploded across the screen.
[Reward Acquired]
+50 Bloodline Points
+10 Authority Points
+Basic Resource Access Unlocked
[Village Recognition Achieved]
Li Chen's eyes flashed.
"…Authority."
The interface expanded again.
More detailed.
More powerful.
[Village Panel Unlocked]
Population: 63
Food Supply: Low
Defense: Weak
Potential Growth: High
Li Chen's breathing slowed.
"This…"
"…is no longer survival."
His gaze turned sharp.
Dominant.
"This is expansion."
Outside—
The wolves attacked.
Growls.
Screams.
Chaos.
But this time—
The village was ready.
Traps snapped.
Fire burned.
Spears struck.
The battle was brutal.
Fast.
Violent.
And then—
It ended.
Bodies lay on the ground.
Blood soaked the dirt.
Victory.
The scarred hunter turned.
Looking at the ancestor.
Long.
Evaluating.
Then—
He spoke.
"You stay."
A pause.
"You hunt with us."
The system responded instantly.
[New Status Unlocked]
👉 Village Member (Hunter Rank)
+Stable Food Supply
+Basic Protection
+Access to Resources
Li Chen's phone vibrated.
He glanced down.
+¥50,000 received
His bank balance surged.
Silence.
He didn't react immediately.
Then—
A slow smile appeared.
"…Good."
He looked back at the screen.
Eyes colder now.
Sharper.
"This is only the beginning."
Another notification appeared.
[New Feature Unlocked]
👉 Resource Conversion System
Li Chen focused.
Details appeared:
Food → Wealth Conversion
Territory → Authority Growth
Population → Passive Income
Li Chen's heartbeat accelerated.
"This…"
"…is exponential growth."
He leaned forward.
Voice low.
Certain.
"We don't just survive."
A pause.
"We build a dynasty."