Frostbound

Nick

A month had passed since Nick planted his pylon and he could hardly believe the difference. Where the area was once full of ruined houses and derelict roads, there now stood real houses and a palisade wrapping around them keeping them safe.

They were barely better than wooden huts and some were basically shacks, but that didn't take away from the accomplishment he felt. It was a far cry from the once modern city blocks but it was a luxury to most that made their way here from outside. They looked at the wooden huts in envy and relief after their time spent in the wild.

Stories of having to sleep on the ground every night and having to stalk through the woods to hunt and forage for food were abundant when new arrivals showed up.

The food part stayed the same, but it didn't require a whole town's effort to partake in. Rangers that evolved into Hunters could bring in far more meat than amateur civilians or other classes. So could profession-focused Foragers or anyone of similar professions. Long term food efforts were beginning as well with a few Farmers his second managed to find in the masses.

It was a bit late to plant now but skills could make up for the time lost. The extra mana causing them to grow faster.

After building the first structures of his new city, they moved on to planning ahead. There was still the constant threat of monsters, but they were prepared and experienced for that.

The gashes and scratches in their palisade could attest to their experience and new levels throughout the camp as well. Nick wasn't even personally needed most of the time and he was the strongest man in the camp.

The only downside that he felt so far was the constant need for management. Everything needed his decision on placement, what people should work on first and who should do what.

Plus, after claiming the 'Outpost' as the System called it, he had the chance to set a tax rate. Everything was way above him and the constant need for his time was beginning to frustrate him.

Nick didn't care about most of the stuff which made it feel like a waste of time to slog through. His dream was to rule a city, he didn't want to run one.

Which was why recruiting his Outpost Chief had been such a game changer for him. She had been wonderful at dealing with all the nitty gritty while he got to watch from afar instead of having to do everything himself.