As the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months, the war between the two neighboring empires over the magic crystal mine on the border raged on.
The once-beautiful landscapes were now ravaged by constant fighting.
The common people were caught in the middle, suffering the consequences of the war.
Maximus had wisely chosen not to join the war.
As a result, his city was still running smoothly and thriving. The neighboring cities and villages, however, were not so fortunate.
Their nobles had over-drafted their cities’ potential to fund the war effort, leading to many resistances and the common people suffering from a lack of food and grain.
It was a tragic sight to behold.
Refugees from these war-torn areas began to pour into Maximus’ city in droves, hoping to find a new home and a chance at survival.
The city was not prepared for such an influx of people, and soon enough food in their granary was not enough to feed everyone.
Fortunately, with the Maximus system food is not that big of a problem. He bought about 50 tons of Potatoes, Squash, and Corn which is more than enough for a day.
[Sun Potatoes – Small, flavorful potatoes with a slightly crunchy texture, said to absorb starlight to quickly grow even at night. 10 ton – Price 1]
[Sun Squash – A type of squash with a sunny, yellow exterior and a sweet, nutty flavor. It’s a common ingredient in many dishes and is often roasted or sautéed with herbs and spices. 10 ton – Price 1]
[Fiery Corn – A variety of corn that is roasted over an open flame, giving it a smoky, charred flavor. It’s popular street food in many cities and can be eaten on the cob or off. 10 ton – Price 1]
The once clean and beautiful streets were now littered with refugees that live on the streets with makeshift sheds out of whatever materials they could find.
As time passed, the situation became increasingly dire.
Although with daily input of 40 gold points, it was still somewhat manageable, it couldn’t continue like this since there were still many things he needed to buy.
He had to find a way to turn the city’s negative income into a positive one.
Maximus called a meeting of his advisors and began the discussion, “We need to find a way to increase agricultural production to meet the demands of the influx of refugees. We need more food, and we need it fast.”
His advisors were quick to respond. “We could expand the farming area, but we don’t have much fertile land left. The barren land in our territory can’t grow food,” said one advisor.
Maximus smiled as he remembered his system. “I may have a solution to this problem.” He furrowed his brow and pretended to think as he quickly accessed his system mall for a solution.
[Crystal Bloom (Tier 1) – A crystal that, when melts in the earth, radiates magical energy in a radius of 100 meters, that causes flowers and trees to grow. Price 10]
[Nature’s Touch(Tier 2) – A spell that can be cast on barren land, bringing it to life and transforming it into a fertile paradise. Price 2,000]
[Spring of Life(Tier 3) – A magical well that, when its water is poured onto barren land, transforms it into a lush garden. Price 20,000]
[Miracle Mud – A special mud that, when spread over dry soil, brings new life and fertility to the land.1 ton Price 1]
[Enchanted Hoe – A farming tool that, when used on barren soil, causes it to become fertile and productive. Price 1]
After some consideration, he chose Crystal Bloom as it can be easily utilized.
The other options were either not applicable at the moment, too costly, or too noticeable when used.
After a while, Maximus pulled out a solid crystal from his storage ring.
He then proceeded to explain the function and usage of the crystal to his advisors and officials.
Maximus’s advisors were amazed and couldn’t contain their excitement as they exclaimed, “Incredible! This could solve our problem and possibly change the situation of our territory.”
One of his advisors quickly asked, “My Lord, may I ask where you got this and how many crystals you have?”
“I have enough for about three hundred hectares of land. As for where it came from you don’t need to know.” Maximus concluded.
“With these, we can expand our arable land.” His advisors added, impressed by Maximus’s foresight and resourcefulness.
He continued “However, this is crystal quite expensive and hard to produce so I warn you not to spread the news as it could get us killed if known by the wrong person.”
“How about the refugees? How do we settle them?”
An advisor spoke up, “The refugees could work in the farms after we cure the land with the fertilizing solution provided by our Lord. We can base their contribution on the yield of their farms. The one who farms with the highest yield can have more land to work with.”
Maximus nodded in agreement, impressed by the idea.
They continued to discuss the details of the plan, knowing that it would take a lot of work but that it was necessary for their survival.
…
Eight months passed, and the once barren land was producing excess food more than what they needed.
The refugee was happy, and some of them were in the new houses that had been added to accommodate the influx of refugees.
Meanwhile, the workers were busy constructing the new buildings and infrastructure, bragging to their coworkers about their daily lives.
Some of them talked about how their lives had improved since they arrived in the city, and how grateful they were for the opportunities.
As the new houses were being completed, the refugees eagerly awaited their turn to move in, lining up to receive their new keys.
The city had set up a food stand for the workers where they could enjoy a sumptuous lunch compared to the meager meals they were used to, adding to the feeling of gratitude and satisfaction.
The situation quickly spread to the surrounding lands as more and more refugees came to take refuge in their city, drawn by the prospect of a better life.
They were welcomed with open arms and given work opportunities, contributing to the growth of the city and the prosperity of its people.
Meanwhile, in Maximus Castle, his first wife Erica gave birth to their son named Max. Weeks later, his second wife Hazel also gave birth to a son named Nathan. The two sisters, Luna and Livia, were also pregnant, adding to the growing population of the city.
[Name: Max Shadowcrest]
[Strengt: Tier 0]
[Potential: Uncommon]
[Name: Nathan Shadowcrest]
[Strengt: Tier 0]
[Potential: Uncommon]
Maximus himself was also making progress as his strength, finally broke through Tier 2 Great Mage.
He looked at his data panel with satisfaction, noting the growth of his potential to Rank 4 Legendary.
[User: Maximus Shadowcrest]
[Strength: Tier 2 – Great Mage Level 1 (10,000/1,000,000)]
[Potential: Rank 4 Legendary- 3/10,000]
[Meditation Method: Chap 3 Celestial Conciousness]
[Wife: 4]
[Hazel]
[Strength: Official Mage Level 2]
[Potential: Common]
[Meditation: Chap 2, Elemental Breath]
[GP: 10] *GPD- Gold Point Per Day
[Erica Agustine]
[Strength: Official Mage Level 2]
[Potential: Common]
[Meditation: Chap 2, Elemental Breath]
[GP: 10]
[Livia Silvermane]
[Strength: Official Knight Level 8]
[Potential: Common]
[Meditation: Chap 2, Moonlit Serenade]
[GP: 10]
[Luna Silvermane]
[Strength: Official Knight Level 8]
[Potential: Common]
[Meditation: Chap 2, Moonlit Serenade]𝗈𝗏𝔩xt.𝑪𝒪𝑀
[GP: 10]
*[Moonlit Serenade – A cultivation exercise that harnesses the power of the moon to enhance speed and agility. Female knights who practice this technique are known for their graceful movements and swift strikes. Chap 2, Price 100]
[Children: Lily- 1 P/Day
Liam – 1 P/Day]
Max -1 P/Day
Nathan – 1 P/Day]
[Gold: 13,125]
[Mall]