The forest grew silent.
The wolves were gone.
But Li Chen knew—
This was only the beginning.
On the screen, his ancestor leaned against the rock, breathing heavily.
Alive.
But barely.
A new notification appeared.
[Crisis Survived]
[Basic Authority Unlocked]
Li Chen's eyes narrowed.
"Authority…"
The interface expanded.
New options appeared.
Clear.
Cold.
Absolute.
[Command Options Unlocked]
Assign Objective
Guide Movement
Influence Decision
Li Chen's heartbeat slowed.
His thoughts became sharp.
Focused.
"This means…"
"I'm not just saving him anymore."
His gaze hardened.
"I'm controlling him."
The screen shifted again.
A new panel opened.
[Available Objectives]
Find Food
Seek Shelter
Search for Humans
Remain Hidden
Li Chen stared at the options.
Analyzing.
Calculating.
"If he stays here, he dies slowly."
"If he searches blindly, he risks more danger."
"If he hides…"
He shook his head slightly.
"We don't hide."
His eyes turned cold.
"We grow."
He selected:
👉 Search for Humans
[Objective Assigned]
The ancestor moved.
Slow.
Unsteady.
But determined.
Step by step, he walked through the forest.
Minutes passed.
Then—
Smoke.
Thin.
Faint.
In the distance.
Li Chen's eyes flashed.
"Good."
The ancestor followed it.
Carefully.
Quietly.
Soon—
A small village appeared.
Primitive houses.
Wooden fences.
People.
Li Chen leaned forward.
This…
Was opportunity.
But also danger.
A new message appeared.
[Entering Human Territory]
[Risk: Medium]
Li Chen's mind raced.
"If he enters like this…"
"Injured. Weak. Unknown…"
"They could kill him."
The system reacted.
[New Command Available]
Beg for Help
Hide and Observe
Steal Supplies
Li Chen's gaze froze on the last option.
Steal Supplies
His lips curved slightly.
"No."
He shook his head.
"Too early."
He wasn't building a criminal.
He was building a foundation.
Then—
His eyes shifted to another option.
Hide and Observe
"Yes…"
"Information first."
Confirm.
The ancestor moved silently.
Hiding behind trees.
Watching.
Learning.
Villagers walked.
Talked.
Carried food.
Worked.
Li Chen observed everything.
Patterns.
Behavior.
Weaknesses.
Then—
A discovery.
A group of hunters returned.
Carrying meat.
Weapons.
Li Chen's eyes sharpened.
"…Strength."
A new thought formed.
Clear.
Decisive.
"If he joins them…"
"He survives."
"If he becomes useful…"
"He rises."
The system reacted instantly.
[New Path Detected]
👉 Join the Village (Hunter Path)
👉 Exploit the Village (Bandit Path)
Li Chen didn't hesitate.
Not even for a second.
"Hunter."
Confirm.
The ancestor stepped forward.
Out of the shadows.
Into the village.
The moment he appeared—
All movement stopped.
Villagers turned.
Eyes sharp.
Suspicious.
One of the hunters stepped forward.
Hand on weapon.
Voice cold:
"Who are you?"
Silence.
Li Chen watched.
Completely calm.
"Answer carefully…"
Because this moment—
Would decide everything.
The ancestor spoke.
Voice weak.
But steady.
"…Li."
A pause.
"…My name is Li."
The air changed.
Slightly.
Subtly.
The hunter's eyes narrowed.
"Li?"
A long silence followed.
Then—
"Prove it."
Li Chen's eyes flashed.
"…Good."
A challenge.
An opportunity.
His lips curved slightly.
"This is where it begins."