Chapter 3: [2] The Foundation of a Nation
A week had passed since Arcana Cero awoke on this island, and in that short time, he had transformed this untamed land into a functional base—a seedling of a future nation. With the help of the Modern Generation System, he utilized every resource available, optimized critical sectors, and laid out long-term strategies.
Every decision Cero made was guided by a singular purpose: to survive and evolve into an independent power. The System continuously provided guidance, while his loyal engineers and infantry worked tirelessly to bring Arcana's vision to life.
Cero stood atop a hill overlooking the heart of the base. From his vantage point, he could see the barracks, supply warehouses, and several other essential buildings that now stood firmly in place. Though modest, these structures marked a solid foundation for future growth.
Gold remained Cero's top priority. Thanks to the Modern Generation System, he could convert physical gold into digital G currency, giving him unlimited access to supplies and new capabilities as long as he maintained a steady flow of gold. The gold mine by the river had been modernized with simple but effective tools, installed by his engineers. Every day, workers extracted the precious metal, and each time Cero touched it, the gold was instantly converted into his growing G balance.
With his G reserves steadily increasing, Cero began contemplating his next move.
"System, display the supply statistics and the base's defense status," he commanded with a calculating tone.
[Available Gold: 2,500 G
Food Supplies: Enough for 50 people for 2 weeks
Water Supplies: Stable
Infantry Count: 20
Engineer Count: 5
Facilities: 3 Barracks, 1 Logistics Warehouse, 1 Guard Post]
Cero nodded in satisfaction. For a fledgling base, this was a strong start. However, something was missing—naval defenses. The island, isolated and surrounded by vast seas, hinted at the possibility of external threats.
Staring at the horizon, Cero considered the importance of naval power for expanding exploration and securing the island's borders.
"If we're to defend ourselves against outside threats, we'll need a naval fleet," he murmured.
[Hint: The System includes a Naval Construction Module. This module contains blueprints for patrol ships, transport vessels, as well as basic equipment and weaponry for ships. Cost: 1,000 G.]
Without hesitation, Cero purchased the module. Instantly, a new map appeared before him, highlighting potential coastal areas suitable for a shipyard. He selected a site in a deep bay, sheltered from strong waves and high winds.
The construction of the shipyard began immediately. Engineers busied themselves building sturdy wooden docks, while some soldiers assisted in laying the basic framework of the facility. Cero frequently oversaw the progress, studying the ship designs displayed by the System and giving firm instructions. He knew this shipyard would be the key to expanding his influence. With ships, he could explore the waters, possibly discovering other islands—or even civilizations—to engage with.
After several days of hard work, the first shipyard was completed. The System presented options to build simple patrol ships equipped with ballistae and adequate storage space.
[Available Options:
Patrol Ship (Cost: 500 G): A small, fast vessel equipped with ballistae for self-defense.
Transport Ship (Cost: 800 G): A larger vessel designed to carry up to 50 people or large quantities of supplies.]
Arcana opted for the patrol ship as the first step in securing the waters around the base. Using 500 G, he initiated the construction of his first ship.
While the patrol ship was under construction, Cero focused his attention on long-term strategy. He realized that one day, his base would serve not only as a defensive outpost but also as a center for trade, military power, and diplomacy. To achieve this ambition, he would need more than just soldiers—he needed new skills and possibly… allies.
Cero stood before the System interface, which displayed even larger possibilities: developing an education sector to produce scientists, a production sector to accelerate weapon supplies, and a magic module to learn advanced magical abilities.
For now, though, he chose to focus on more immediate goals. With the System's support, he accessed a Training Module that allowed his infantry to enhance their combat skills as well as basic abilities like reconnaissance and defense.
"Begin advanced training for the infantry. We must prepare for anything," he ordered.
A few days later, the patrol ship was complete, standing proudly in the water. Though modest in size, the vessel looked sturdy and ready to withstand ocean storms or threats from other ships. Cero assigned some of his best infantrymen to begin patrolling the island's waters. They sailed out with enthusiasm, proud of this significant achievement.
Cero watched the patrol ship depart from the dock, pride swelling within him. This fleet marked the beginning of something monumental—a foundation for the civilization he aimed to build in this foreign world.
[Hint: To continue development and expansion, maritime exploration may uncover potential new resources or territories to claim. Consider upgrading the fleet for long-range expeditions.]
Arcana pondered the possibilities, imagining other islands that might hold rare resources—or perhaps even populations he could recruit into his forces. With the Modern Generation System at his side, Cero felt that the only limits were his imagination and his courage.
He returned to the barracks, ready to plan his next move. With the shipyard operational and the patrol ship guarding the waters, the first steps had been taken. But the path to true dominance was long, filled with challenges and a destiny that could lead to either glory—or destruction.
Arcana Cero had accomplished something remarkable in the past two weeks. With the support of the Modern Generation System, the once-empty island had evolved into a small, organized settlement. Simple structures now dotted the landscape—wooden homes, warehouses, and training facilities forming the foundation of a burgeoning civilization. The sound of hammers striking metal and the lively chatter of new inhabitants brought this progress to life.
Yet, Cero knew one truth: growth demanded more people. Infantry and engineers alone would not suffice to defend the territory or execute larger operations in the future. He needed specialized skills—from farmers and artisans to experienced military leaders.
Using the System's Recruitment Feature, Cero brought in more individuals to fill critical roles. Through the available options, he acquired technicians, architects, farmers, and metalworkers to maximize the island's potential. Technicians improved the efficiency of the gold mines and other resources, while architects began designing more complex, durable buildings. Farmers and artisans ensured a steady supply of food and goods.
In no time, the base's population grew rapidly, bringing with it the vibrant energy of a fledgling society.
As he walked down the newly constructed main road, Arcana felt a surge of pride at what he had accomplished. He wasn't just building a base—he was creating a community. And though he recognized his leadership abilities were maturing, Cero also understood that the System was the cornerstone of his success.
Without the Modern Generation System, he might still be stranded on the beach, questioning his identity and the world he had stumbled into. But with the System's guidance, he now had direction, vision, and the strength to move forward.
A new ambition burned within him: to explore this world, conquer new lands, and establish an unrivaled empire.
Yet, to achieve such ambitions, he would need to take bolder steps. The first of these would be to understand the world beyond this island.
Cero decided to launch his first maritime expedition, dispatching small patrol ships to survey the waters surrounding the island. However, this mission could not be undertaken lightly. It required careful planning and consultation with the best minds in his base.
That evening, Cero held his first strategic meeting in the newly established war room at the center of the base. The room was simple, with a long wooden table and chairs occupied by carefully selected individuals—ship captains, the operations commander, senior engineers, and other key figures in the base's operations.
Once everyone had gathered, Cero opened the meeting with a calm but authoritative tone, "Thank you all for coming. I've called you here to discuss our plans for territorial expansion. Our first mission will involve sending patrol ships to scout the waters surrounding this island."
The attendees listened intently. While Cero had proven himself a capable leader, he was still new to large-scale military strategy and operations. Aware of this, he invited the most experienced person in the room to take the lead.
"Commander Ragner," Cero said, addressing a stocky man with a commanding presence. "You've prepared a plan for this operation. Please present it to the group."
Ragner stood and nodded confidently. With a gesture that exuded authority, he began explaining the strategy. "This operation will proceed in several phases. First, we'll deploy two patrol ships to sweep the seas within a fifty-mile radius of the island. The teams will scout for signs of land or foreign vessels."
He elaborated further, outlining the formation: the two ships would work in tandem, with one focusing on surveillance and the other serving as a backup communication unit. A rough map of the seas, prepared by the engineers, was displayed, highlighting key areas deemed crucial for exploration.
"We'll also equip the ships with emergency signal devices to ensure they can communicate with the base. If the patrol discovers land or a viable area of interest, we'll send additional teams for deeper investigation," Ragner continued.
Cero listened intently, impressed by Ragner's precision and thoroughness. It became clear to him that having competent experts was a critical asset that would smooth the execution of his plans.
One of the ship captains, a composed man named Lyron, raised his hand. "Sir Cero, if we encounter foreign vessels, are we authorized to make contact, or should we avoid interaction?"
The question gave Cero pause. Interacting with unknown entities posed a significant risk but could also be an opportunity to gather valuable information about this unfamiliar world. After a brief moment of consideration, he replied:
"Our primary priority is safety. Avoid direct contact unless absolutely necessary. If there's any sign of danger, return to the base immediately and report. However, if they appear non-threatening and may offer useful information, proceed with contact cautiously."
The group nodded in agreement, understanding the balance of risk and opportunity in Cero's directive. Though the mission carried risks, it was a vital step in expanding their knowledge of the world beyond the island.
The next day, the first two patrol ships set sail from the dock. Cero stood at the pier, watching as the vessels slowly disappeared into the horizon. A mix of anticipation and unease filled his chest. This was his first significant move toward stepping beyond the confines of his island into the vast unknown.
With his hands clasped behind his back, he gazed out over the endless ocean. "System," he murmured softly, "we will conquer this world, one step at a time."
[System: Objective acknowledged. Expansion plans will be optimized based on exploration data. Expansion protocols are now active.]
The system's voice resonated in his mind, instilling him with confidence. Behind him, life at the base continued as usual. Engineers worked diligently in the mines, infantry trained in combat and strategy, while farmers and craftsmen ensured the settlement's needs were met.
Cero understood that the next steps would determine the success of his expansion efforts. With the first expedition now underway, the path to dominance was beginning to unfold. Unbeknownst to him, his ambition was growing. This was no longer about survival—it was about power, glory, and the destiny that awaited him in this new world.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Cero realized this was no longer a simple struggle for existence. It was a journey to claim power, carve his name into history, and embrace the fate that awaited him in this alien realm.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Pointo_Jurnamsa
Pointo_Jurnamsa Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
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