[Apocalypse] Chapter 94: Village Upgrade

As Thorian completed his most urgent tasks, he descended the stairs to collect his daily quests. His next stop was the cultivation hall, a towering structure that held the promise of unlocking new levels of power. As he neared the entrance, Thorian's thoughts turned to the near future.

Once I advance it to the second tier, the Hall Master will come. Then, everyone in the village can begin their own journey of cultivation, he mused.

Considering the nascent stage of the apocalypse, with only a few territories yet claimed, his subordinates would be cultivating by the third day—remarkably early by any standard. A sense of accomplishment swelled within Thorian.

Inside the hall, he chose his regular chamber. Setting aside his cane and robe at the doorway, he moved to the room's center. Taking a lotus position, Thorian began his session by focusing on his breathing technique.

This session felt significantly smoother than his previous endeavors. Having already breached the first gate, known as the Ashen Ember, Thorian concentrated on accumulating Qi within his dantian—the energy center located in the lower abdomen. This Qi was then refined as it passed through the first gate. While he was aware of other meridian paths, Thorian knew he could not cultivate them until reaching the second realm. Undeterred by the limitations, he focused solely on increasing the volume of Qi he could accumulate and purify.

Maintaining this disciplined approach, Thorian continued to cultivate for a full two and a half hours, committed to his steady progression.

Completing his cultivation session, Thorian wasn't taken aback by the dark, viscous substance that had exuded from his pores. The surrounding muck emitted a familiar, acrid stench. This was not his first experience with such a phenomenon, so he skillfully employed the same cleansing technique to expel the repugnant black goo from the room and into the exterior of the hall. Following that, he summoned a series of water orbs to cleanse himself, rendering his aroma somewhat tolerable.

Gazing back at the Cultivation Hall, Thorian cracked a wry smile. Once everyone starts cultivating, this place will resemble a pigsty more than a sanctuary.

He expelled a deep sigh, letting go of his concerns for the moment. Solutions would arise when needed; there was no use in fretting about them now. Instead, he opened his status panel, eager to assess the progress he had made in his cultivation journey.

Display Panel

Ding

Race: Flame Kobold

Level: 23/30 (exp: 3782/6800)

Class: Elemental Magus

Level: 20/40 (exp: 172/6600)

Lifespan: 40 years

Cultivation realm: Qi Gathering Fifth Stage (1.2%)

Stats:

Strength: 108

Agility: 119

Constitution: 87

Mana: 103

Qi: 100

Free Points: 15

"I've actually broken through to the fifth stage?" Thorian whispered, his voice tinged with exhilaration. "This should be enough stat points to elevate my Constitution to one hundred."

Without a moment's delay, Thorian allocated thirteen of his available points to his weakest stat.

Constitution: 87 -> 100

[Requirement Fulfilled: New Skill Unlocked]

[Jack of All Trades]

Jack of All Trades

Description: Possessing a well-rounded physique and intellect, you excel at acquiring and integrating new knowledge. You can master any skill 10% faster.

Proficiency: MAX

A satisfied smirk spread across Thorian's face. "It's fortunate I remembered this skill early on. That 10% acceleration in mastering skills will have a longer time to compound its benefits."

Pleased with his progress, Thorian looked skyward. The village's twin suns had fully risen, and the sounds of bustling activity signaled the onset of a new day. Two and a half hours had elapsed since the end of the meeting, prompting him to check on the status of his two generals, Forlune and Zogthar.

To his relief, they had efficiently executed the tasks he'd assigned. Most of the goblins had already been allocated their classes, filling each guild to its maximum capacity of one hundred members. Those goblins who hadn't yet received a class would be assigned one as soon as the village advanced a level, allowing for guild upgrades.

The revamped military hierarchy was now fully operational, with squads, units, and companies meticulously organized. Per Thorian's directive, each squad was intentionally diverse, featuring a blend of all three species under his command. Goblins held the majority in each squad, a logical consequence of their numerical preeminence.

Thorian's next set of orders focused on the expeditious completion of daily quests. He devised a rotating system wherein two units at a time would venture into the first layer of the Verdant Labyrinth, while the remaining forces maintained vigilance at home. Upon their return, each unit would submit the requisite hundred units of wood at the territory altar before resuming their guard posts at the outer wall. Here, they would swap duties with another pair of units, continuing this cycle until all daily quests were accomplished.

The entire operation took a comprehensive four hours. Thorian, however, did not squander this time in idleness. He joined one of the dungeon runs to complete his own set of daily quests, subsequently dedicating the remaining hours to honing his mana manipulation skills. Alongside Harald, he sat cross-legged in their familiar training spot, each deeply engrossed in mastering the flow of mana within their bodies.

Once he received confirmation that all daily quests had been fulfilled, Thorian knew the stage was set. Finally, he could commence his true agenda for the day.

Territory Resources.

Resources:

Gathered Experience: 41.5k

Wood Units: 35.4k

Good, that should be more than enough, Thorian mused. Upgrade Village.

Upgrade Conditions

500 registered citizens.

10,000 gathered experience.

Upgrade all available buildings.

“Conditions fulfilled”

"Do you wish to upgrade the Wolvendale Village to stage 3?"

"Yes, I wish."

[Realm Advancement]

A now familiar sweep of blue light engulfed the village, pushing Thorian to protect his eyes.

Display Territory.

Wolvendale Village.

Realm: Village stage 3

Resources:

Gathered Experience: 31.5k

Wood: 35.4k

Owned Buildings

Warrior Class Guild

The Warrior Guild exemplifies strength, resilience, and martial prowess. Acting as a bastion for combatants, it facilitates recruitment, skill sales, and martial potential assessment. Within this Guild, warriors refine their combat skills and carve their destinies on the battlefield.

Magus Class Guild

The Magus Guild stands as a nexus of arcane wisdom and elemental mastery. Here, magical energies are honed, and destructive spells crafted. Serving as the epicenter for Magi, it offers recruitment, skill sales, and potential assessment. As the Magus reshapes reality, the Guild molds its members' destinies.

Assassin Class Guild

The Assassin Guild embodies the principles of stealth, precision, and cunning. As a sanctuary for those who strike from the shadows, it serves as a recruitment hub, offers lethal skill sales, and assesses potential recruits. It is in this Guild that assassins perfect their craft and disappear into the shadows of their own destiny.

Priest Class Guild

The Priest Guild reflects the divine bond between mortals and gods. Serving as a haven for healers and conduits of divine power, it provides recruitment services, skill sales, and spiritual potential assessment. Within this Guild, priests enhance their spiritual connection and shape their destinies through divine guidance.

Wooden Wall (Stage 2)

The Reinforced Wooden Wall, an advanced iteration of the Wooden Wall, ensures heightened security for the village. This upgraded version incorporates hardened timber and additional reinforcements, boosting the original structure's durability.

Village Hall (Stage 2)

The Expanded Village Hall is an enhanced version of the original Village Hall, providing a larger, more advanced hub for the village's administrative and communal needs. With its expanded capacity and upgraded amenities, it facilitates more efficient planning, communication, and task distribution, while still serving as the primary access point for daily and non-daily quests.

Outer Wooden Wall (Stage 1)

The Outer Wooden Wall is a supplementary fortification designed to provide an additional layer of security for the village. Constructed from robust timber, this secondary defense forms an extended circular perimeter with a radius of 400 meters from the Village Altar. Similar to the inner wall, this structure is also equipped with watchtowers and gates for enhanced surveillance and access control.

Wooden House (Stage 1)

The Wooden Village House is a simple yet cozy dwelling designed to provide shelter and comfort for the village's inhabitants. Constructed from durable timber, the house features a sloped roof to protect against the elements, a small porch, and an interior that can be customized to meet the needs of its residents. Each Wooden Village House can accommodate a small family, offering them a safe and warm place to call home.

Wooden House (Stage 2)

The Upgraded Wooden House, an enhanced version of the Wooden Village House, offers a more spacious and comfortable living environment for the villagers. This upgraded dwelling, made from reinforced timber, boasts improved durability against the elements. It includes an expanded porch, as well as a customizable interior that caters to larger families or a more complex set of residential needs.

Cultivation Hall (Stage 1)

The Cultivation Hall is a special facility designed to enhance the meditative and cultivation practices of the villagers. Its tranquil environment and purpose-built design boost cultivation speed marginally, while also enabling users to extend their meditation sessions by an additional half hour. As a place of peace and personal growth, the Cultivation Hall is instrumental in the spiritual progress of its users. Due to the effect of “Ether Lines Nexus”, the cultivation speed is increased significantly.

Blacksmith's Forge (Stage 1)

The Blacksmith's Forge is a specialized facility essential for the production of tools, weaponry, and armor. Governed by a Master Blacksmith, it serves as both a production and learning hub, where villagers can undergo apprenticeships to become proficient blacksmiths.

Alchemist's Lab (Stage 1)

The Alchemist's Lab is the cornerstone for potion brewing, herb identification, and rudimentary medicine preparation. Under the guidance of a Master Alchemist, villagers can learn to concoct a variety of useful mixtures, honing their alchemical skills.

Available Upgrades:

Warrior Class Guild (Stage 2)

The Stage 2 Warrior Guild expands to 200 members and adds a ranking system. Members rise through ranks E to S by completing quests, earning currency for exclusive skills.

Cost: 4000 Wood Units

Magus Class Guild (Stage 2)

The Stage 2 Magus Guild grows to 200 members and integrates a ranking system. Aspiring Magi ascend from ranks E to S by undertaking arcane quests, amassing currency for unique spells.

Cost: 4000 Wood Units

Assassin Class Guild (Stage 2)

The Stage 2 Assassin Guild expands its roster to 200 members and incorporates a ranking system. Stealth and lethal skills are honed as members climb ranks from E to S, tackling covert quests that yield currency for specialized techniques.

Cost: 4000 Wood Units

Priest Class Guild (Stage 2)

The Stage 2 Priest Guild now houses 200 members and implements a tiered ranking system. Members rise from ranks E to S by fulfilling divine quests, earning spiritual currency redeemable for sacred abilities.

Cost: 4000 Wood Units

Cultivation Hall (Stage 2)

The expanded Stage 2 Cultivation Hall now offers Yin and Yang sectors, each guided by a Hall Master. With additional rooms and purchasable cultivation techniques, this space serves as an accelerator for personalized spiritual growth, all amplified by the "Ether Lines Nexus" effect.

Cost: 8000 Wood Units

Attributes:

Ether Line Nexus: A powerful convergence of ether lines lies beneath Wolvendale Village, creating a nexus of magical energy. This nexus enhances the potency of magic used within the village and accelerates the recovery of mana for magi. It also promotes the growth of magical flora and fauna within the Shelderwood Forests, offering unique opportunities for research and discovery.

Upgrade Conditions

1000 registered citizens.

50,000 gathered experience.

Upgrade all available buildings.