Chapter 6: Dawn in the Groves and a New Challenge
The first rays of dawn painted the sky in muted hues of rose and grey, a stark contrast to the grim reality of the ruined city. Lykos, despite the soreness in his muscles from the previous day's labor, was up before the sun, a newfound urgency driving him.
His initial summoned units were already at their assigned posts: the two Greek Militia standing alongside Myron and Kydon at the palace entrance, their simple spears glinting in the dim light, while the three Greek Laborers began the slow, tedious work of clearing debris from the courtyard.
Homerus, ever-present, was already by Lykos's side, the Whispering Lyre emanating a soft, almost imperceptible hum. Elara, the native forager, and the newly summoned female Greek Forager, whose "Memory" was currently sealed, waited patiently. The summoned Forager, a quiet woman with practical, knowing eyes, carried her small woven basket and a simple digging stick.
"Good morning," Lykos greeted them, his voice low in the stillness. "Today, we secure our real food source. Elara, lead the way to these olive groves."
Elara nodded, her gaze fixed on the western gate. "They are not far, Prince. Just beyond the city walls, where the land rises gently."
As they stepped through the crumbling western gate, the air grew noticeably fresher, carrying the scent of dry earth and wild herbs. The city's immediate surroundings were indeed desolate, but a short walk brought them to a landscape that, while neglected, held more promise.
Here, gnarled olive trees stretched across rolling hills, their silver-green leaves stirring in the morning breeze. Many were overgrown, their branches heavy with shriveled, unpicked fruit, but others, remarkably, seemed to have endured, bearing small, dark olives.
"This is it," Elara said, her voice filled with a quiet reverence. "These groves have fed my family for generations." She knelt, examining the ground. "We can pick the fruit that has fallen, and then reach for what remains on the lower branches."
Lykos watched, his gamer's mind assessing the scene. This was a resource node, a critical one. And unlike the random finds within the city, this was sustainable.
"Alright," Lykos directed, "Elara, you and the summoned Forager will focus on picking. Homerus, can your lyre help them locate the best yields? Perhaps some sort of subtle amplification of their senses?"
Homerus plucked a few strings, a light, airy tune emerging. "The Whispering Lyre can indeed enhance their connection to the land, Prince. It will not reveal hidden treasures, but it can sharpen their instincts, allowing them to perceive the subtle signs of bounty."
As Homerus played, a faint, ethereal glow seemed to surround Elara and the summoned Forager. They closed their eyes for a moment, then opened them, a new intensity in their gaze. They immediately moved with more purpose, their hands deftly picking up fallen olives or gently plucking them from low branches. The process was slow, but effective.
Lykos himself joined in, his hands quickly growing sticky with olive juice. It was tedious, back-breaking work, very different from clicking a mouse to command a virtual army. But every olive he picked felt like a victory. He imagined each one as a tiny step toward "completing Objective 1: Secure a Stable Food Source."
Hours passed under the gentle warmth of the morning sun. The small baskets they'd brought were steadily filling. Just as Lykos paused to wipe sweat from his brow, a new System notification flashed before his eyes, this one unexpected and urgent.
[WARNING! External Threat Detected!]
Threat Level: Low (Scout Party)
Origin: Unidentified Nomadic Raiders
Location: Approaching from the Northern Plains, approximately 1 hour travel time.
Lykos froze, his hand dropping the olive he was holding. Nomadic Raiders? Already? He hadn't even finished securing the initial food supply, and now an external threat was on his doorstep. This wasn't a game where enemies patiently waited for you to build your base.
"System," Lykos thought, his mind racing. "What kind of raiders? How many?"
Threat Analysis: Approximately 15-20 armed individuals, lightly armored, riding small, fast horses. Primarily equipped with short bows and crude melee weapons. Their intent appears to be reconnaissance and opportunistic raiding.
A scout party. Not a full army, but still a significant threat for a city with a handful of half-starved citizens and five basic militia. Lykos had only just started to rebuild.
"Homerus!" Lykos snapped, his voice sharp with urgency. "We have a problem. Raiders are approaching from the north. A scout party, about fifteen to twenty of them. They'll be here in an hour."
Homerus's eyes widened, and he immediately stopped playing. "Raiders? So soon? The land has been quiet for years, Prince."
"It seems quiet no longer," Lykos said grimly. He turned to Elara and the summoned Forager. "We must return to the city immediately! Gather what you have. We need to prepare!"
Elara, understanding the gravity of the situation, quickly gathered their baskets, her eyes narrowed with concern. The summoned Forager, though still silent, moved with an immediate, efficient urgency, her every action betraying a practiced discipline.
Lykos knew this was his first real test. He had a paltry defense, and a populace that barely trusted him. He had 15 System Points left, just enough for one more Greek Apprentice Builder or a Greek Forager, but certainly not enough for anything truly impactful against raiders. His gamer instincts screamed at him: Prioritize defense! Adapt!
He had to get his meager forces ready. This wasn't about simply building; it was about survival. He had underestimated the dangers of this new world, and the price of that mistake could be everything.