NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Establishing a Domain
‘With fortune points I can use exchange for talents or soldiers to conquer territory with. Then use the exchange function and conquer again. The cycle repeats until I finally ascend to the throne and become king, finally ruling the world.’
Zhong Yu mulled over the information and said, “System, open the quest log.”
“Quest log opened.”
[Main quest: Set Up Ground, Expand]
Stage 1: Establish your domain and take the first step in expanding your influence in this strange new world. (Note: the seat of power is a newbie gift. Host, kindly choose a suitable spot to place it.)
Reward: preliminary lottery ticket.
[Optional: none]
‘I see. The quest function is damn useful. I just have to find a nice spot to lay my house and I’ll get a lottery ticket. So simple!’
“System, open the exchange panel.”
The blue screen shifted, and the data changed.
[Personnel:
1st-rank talent: 1 fortune points.
2nd-rank talent: 10 fortune points.
3rd-rank talent: 50 fortune points.
4th-rank talent: 1???
5th-rank talent: 1????
Soldiers cost half.]
…
Zhong Yu gazed at the screen with expectation, “System, what does rank mean? Does this world have abilities or superpowers? And why are soldier prices half that of a talent despite being the same rank?”
Thinking about this world being supernatural, Zhong Yu was getting shivers as he thought about how dangerous it would be. When just a plain wolf gave him so much trouble, would he still come out alive bumping into some legendary creature or demon?
But soon, the system answered Zhong Yu’s questions.
“The power in this world is divided into inferior and rank 1 to 5. Inferior grade means that you have not undergone any training or mastered some basic fighting skills. But at best, they cannot beat more than a few enemies.
“Rank 1 is where the fighter has mastered a formidable killing technique through rigorous training and can match a dozen men.
“Rank 2 is when one has mastered some kind of supernatural power, such as battle aura, magic or inner qi. These people can use it to augment their body to take on dozens of people.
“Rank 3 is when one has mastered their art or a supernatural power and can control it more subtly. A person at such a rank has more control over their own power and can match hundreds of people.
“Rank 4 is when one has comprehended will. At that rank, one adds it to one's attacks, making them a lot more powerful.
“Those who have no comprehension of will always lose to someone who has. The higher your attainment, the stronger your will. If someone has a will superior to yours, then your will is weakened.
“Rank 5 is the evolution of one’s will into a personal field. A person who has a field is considered a god within its limits. That kind of existence can no longer be described by words, and even above this continent, there are not many people who have reached the fifth stage.
“Soldiers come at half the price because they have nothing standing them out from the crowd. Even their strength is barely enough to set them in the respective rank. They are the worst in their rank, nothing more than cannon fodder.”
‘Soldiers have no rights!’ After ridiculing the system he was taken to his younger years, filled with delusion of grandeur. He used to fantasize about this when he was younger, being a person who can destroy mountains and live forever. Now, it was definitely not a dream, as with this system, he also has a chance to become that powerful.
The system had given its host time for the power scale to sink in before breaking Zhong Yu’s flight of fancy.
“Host, kindly choose a place to set your seat of power, establish your territory and begin your life as a lord. Take your first step in conquering this strange new world!”
Hearing the system’s words, Zhong Yu became dazed as he could not comprehend what it had just said. It’s because he used to fantasize about this when he was younger, being a person who can destroy mountains and live forever. Now, it was definitely not a dream, as with this system, he also has a chance to become that powerful. Just this thought made him excited about what was to come in the future.
But it was still too early to think about this for him. Just before, he was about to die so he now realizes how hard he had to work hard to become a formidable existence.
He now had to decide where to build his territory and increase the population in it. Then make the population strong enough so that the continent will tremble at its very name.
As he was thinking about this, he looked down only to see a clear forest. Faint trails of smoke rose from the plains. If someone was living here, Zhong Yu wouldn’t dare to go. Those who could survive in this harsh environment meant that they were uncivilized savages.
…
While overlooking the terrain from the high vantage point for the best spot to establish his domain, he was also considering his next course of action. He ran down the cliff, feeling an urgent need to get his main base established.
Zhong Yu desperately wanted to find a place to build his official residence and start his career as a lord. This time he was cautious, looking and hearing for any wild beasts. He didn’t want to make the same mistake as last time.
Though he hid in the tall grass, he had several close calls.
With lots of staggering, nearer misses with danger, and many close calls with savage beasts and the natives, he finally arrived at the spot he surveyed from the cliff.
Looking down, he smiled as he went back into his thoughts while he analyzed this place.
This place was a strategic location with the river defending three sides, and only one opening to the plains. It was easy to defend but harder to attack for the opposition.
It was also rich in fish, plenty of water for vegetation and fertility, providing enough food to support a large population and supply a sizable army for all its conquering needs.
When he came to a decision, he said, “Lay the base.”
“Command received… Laying the base.”
“Laying in progress….”
“Laying complete.”
“Host, please name the territory.”
‘Hmm, a domain name. Since I crossed over to the Three Kingdoms game and it is based on the Three Kingdoms era, the most famous cities of that time were Xuchang and Luoyang.’ (T/N: Xuchang was Cao Cao’s capital after the old capital, Luoyang, was ravaged by war. Cao Cao moved the imperial court and Emperor Xian here in 196.)
‘Since Luoyang had a richer history than Xuchang, spanning thousands of years, that settles it. It will be named Luoyang.’
“System, the name of these lands shall be Luoyang, a sign of the rise of my great empire!” Zhong Yu exclaimed in great spirits.
As soon as he said, a blinding light shone, which made him shield his eyes. From the reflection of light, shadows appeared out of nowhere, one by one. These shadows were quickly filled with real mansions, giving this whole place a completely different look.
After the light was gone, Zhong Yu opened his eyes and what he saw made his mouth gape.
It looked like an ancient Chinese structure, filled with an imposing air.
After passing the many corridors, he arrived at the courtyard. On the way through it, he looked at the lanterns on either side of the neat bluestone path and vibrant bamboo growing around, giving the place an air of elegance.
Entering the lobby, he found it sparse with decorations, yet it painted a perfect picture. In this spacious hall, the items were black mixed with a rare red one, further emphasizing a ruler’s image.
The imposing and solemn air of the magnificent seat of power struck a chord in Zhong Yu’s heart. ‘Everything here is mine. I never thought the day would come, sitting on such a grand and lavish seat.
Thinking back to the s***-hole he called home, his mind was overtaken by all kinds of complex emotions.