Kingdom Building Game: Starting Out With A Million Upgrade Points!

Arkanos stood amidst the silent assembly, his presence commanding the attention of all.

The soft afternoon sunlight filtered through the trees, casting gentle shadows over the rows of gleaming graves.

He had come to honor the fallen... Just like the system suggested.

Each tombstone was meticulously crafted, white quartz designed with golden engravings that bore the names of the fallen. Though their bodies rested elsewhere, their essence was immortalized here, a solemn reminder of the price of their valor.

Placing his hand firmly on his chest, Arkanos stood tall, his voice echoed loudly.

"Men!" he spoke, his eyes sweeping over the soldiers, knights, and citizens who stood before him.

"All these graves we stand before were made to honor those who fell in their battle against the mythical serpent. Though their bodies are not here, their noble sacrifices shall be remembered for generations to come."

He paused for a moment then continued.

"They did not fall as mere casualties of battle but rose as legends who left behind a legacy. An example for all of us who draw breath today. We owe it to them to ensure their sacrifices were not in vain. We owe it to them to fight, to endure, and to persevere. For the empire!"

The soldiers and knights around him straightened, their voices a thunderous as they replied.

"For the empire!"

Their cries echoed across the clearing, a declaration that carried both grief and resolve.

Among the common folk gathered, the mood was somber, yet emotions overflowed.

Women wept quietly, clutching each other for support, while men removed their hats and lowered their heads in respect. A child clung to his mother, whispering through tears, "I want to see Papa again." Another small voice trembled.

"When will Sister come home?"

Arkanos's piercing gaze softened as he looked upon the grieving families. His lips pressed into a thin line, but he said nothing, letting the silence speak the words his heart could not.

...

The strategy room was different when compared to the somber atmosphere of the gravesite.

Here, it was all about sharp minds, meticulous planning, and the weight of decisions that could shape the empire's future.

Arkanos stood at the head of the grand table, Seraphine and Arvel stood on either side, each of them having a serious expression on their faces.

Arvel cleared his throat, adjusting the monocle perched on his nose.

"As per your orders, Your Majesty, the graves of the fallen soldiers were crafted to the highest noble standards. Each tombstone, designed with the finest white quartz and gold, stands as a proof of their sacrifice. And their families have also been handsomely compensated."

Arkanos nodded, "Good. Let it be known that the empire does not forget those who bleed for its cause."

Arvel continued, his tone more measured. "Additionally, food and resources have been distributed among the citizens to commemorate those who survived the serpent's wrath. It was both a celebration and a reassurance, a reminder that the empire stands with its people in both grief and gratitude."

"Well done." Arkanos responded. "Now, let us turn to the pressing issues that threaten the empire's future. Arvel, what is our first major concern?"

Arvel adjusted his monocle again, a habit of his whenever he was about to deliver news.

"That would be our agriculture, Your Majesty. Our food and livestock resources are alarmingly scarce, particularly in the capital. While we've managed to distribute what we had to the people, it was at the cost of depleting our reserves. If the situation persists, it could spiral into famine."

Seraphine folded her arms, her sharp gaze meeting Arvel's. "What are the primary causes? Is it a lack of fertile land, insufficient labor, or something more insidious, like sabotage?"

Arvel sighed, his brows furrowing as he chose his next words carefully. "A combination, I'm afraid. Years of neglect and mismanagement... left many farmlands barren. Then there's the issue of displaced farmers... many have stopped farming or were forced to leave due to the state of the capital. And, of course, rumors of bandit raids on supply lines persist."

Arkanos raised a hand to silence Arvel. "You don't need to say any more. I understand the gravity of the situation."

He then turned to Seraphine, who stood beside him, arms crossed. "Hand me the map of the capital again."

With a nod, Seraphine unrolled the map across the grand table before him.

Arkanos's gaze fixed on the sprawling territories, his thoughts beginning to churn.

In the quiet recesses of his mind, Arkanos called out to the system, 'System, I wish to upgrade the fertility of the lands.'

The system's voice echoed in his thoughts.

〘 ⋄ Fertility Tier: Low ⋄

Cost to upgrade to next tier: 100 Upgrade Points ⋄ 〙

Arkanos studied the map closely, his mind already processing the possibilities. Arvel, who had been watching him with curiousity, spoke up. "What do you plan to do, Your Majesty?"

"Another miracle," Arkanos replied with a smile, his eyes still fixed on the map.

The system's voice chimed in once more.

〘 ⋄ Fertility Tier: Low → Medium

Cost to upgrade to next tier: 100 Upgrade Points ⋄ 〙

Arkanos's smile widened, focusing on the details of the land. 'And if the fertility were maxed out?'

The system responded almost immediately.

〘 ⋄ Fertility Tier: Maxed

Effect: Effect: Land yields will increase by 300%, ensuring abundant harvests year-round. Crop quality will reach near-perfect standards. Livestock will flourish, and food scarcity will be eradicated.

Cost to max out fertility: 500 Upgrade Points ⋄ 〙

A look of excitmant crossed Arkanos' face.

'Proceed with the maxed-out upgrade.'

The system's confirmation arrived promptly.

〘 ⋄ Maxed Fertility Upgrade in Progress... ⋄

Upgrade Cost: 500 Upgrade Points ⋄ 〙

Arkanos's eyes never left the map as the earth beneath him seemed to respond to the command. A quiet hum filled the room, as if the very soil of the empire was being reshaped by his will.

Suddenly, a deep tremor shook the ground beneath their feet. The floor vibrated as if something immense was shifting beneath the earth itself.

Arvel and Seraphine exchanged worried glances.

"What is happening?" Arvel asked, his monocle rattling slightly as he steadied himself.

Seraphine's hand instinctively reached for the hilt of her sword, her eyes looking around the room. "Is it an attack, Your Majesty?"

Arkanos, however, remained unfazed, his hands still resting on the map. "Calm yourselves. It is... the earth itself responding."

Outside, the entire city seemed to tremble. Citizens on the streets stopped in their tracks, looking around in confusion and fear.

A brilliant green light erupted from the ground, pulsing outward from the capital. The green radiance spread in waves, moving like a pulse, illuminating the streets and buildings in its path. The city held its breath, all eyes drawn to the strange phenomenon.

But just as suddenly as it had begun, the light faded, and the tremors ceased. The streets were left quiet, the only sounds being the murmurs of the confused populace.

In the strategy room, the system's voice echoed in Arkanos's mind.

〘 ⋄ Maxed Fertility Upgrade Complete ⋄ 〙