The sun came up over the hills, casting a golden light over the land. Sylas waited by the well, wiping sweat off his forehead. He'd gotten up early yet again, just as he always did. There was always a task to complete. And today, he had a mission.
He scanned the beds of newly watered carrots and onions. The plants were thriving, growing healthier each day. The new sprinkler system was paying off, giving the villagers a break in both time and energy. And best of all? They could grow more food than ever before.
But Sylas was thinking beyond food. He had an even larger plan brewing in his head.
"It's time to construct something more," he told himself. "Something permanent."
He longed to form a company. Not only a farm, but a unit which could develop, exchange, and sustain the entire area. Somewhere that villagers could labor, earn currency, and improve their lives. It would take some time, but he had already begun taking those initial steps.
He made his way to the village square where a couple of villagers had already stopped to chat. Mira was distributing freshly baked bread while children played in the vicinity.
"Good morning, Sylas," Mira shouted. "You're an early riser once more."
"Always," he replied with a faint smile. "Can I have your attention for one moment?"
Mira raised her brow but complied. The rest settled down, inquiring.
"I have an idea," Sylas started. "We've done well with the crops. Very well. But I think we can do better. What if we began something new? A group. A team. We farm crops together, sell them, and split the profit."
The villagers looked at each other. Some were unsure, but some were already nodding.
"Call it Hollow Roots," Sylas went on. "Simple name. Simple to recall. But powerful. We won't merely be tillers of soil. We'll be constructors. Merchants. Partners."
"Mean a company?" Mira inquired warily.
"Yes. A corporation. I'll take care of the beginnings myself. I did sell crops just last week and made a nice amount of silver. Enough to purchase more seed, equipment, and even recruit some hands if necessary."
He unslung a small pouch and flung it onto the table. It rattled loudly. The villagers stooped forward, wide-eyed.
"That's from carrots and onions alone?" asked one of the young men.
"That's exactly it. And we can harvest more if we time it just right."
Mira edged nearer, picking up a coin. "How do we begin?"
"We make it easy. We choose roles. Farmers, sellers, builders. I'll keep an eye on coin and supplies. You assist with organization. Others do what they're best at. We divide the profit evenly."
Mira smiled. "Okay. Let's try it."
A cry of encouragement went through the group. The concept had taken hold.
By noon, Sylas had erected a wooden board in the village square. It displayed jobs, tasks, and projects. Carved at the top was the word "Hollow Roots." Below were names, responsibilities, and rewards.
He walked through the fields once more, this time with a sense of direction. He spoke to each villager, inquired about their abilities, and assigned them simple tasks. It was small at first, but it would expand.
Later in the day, Garen the blacksmith came with a cart of basic tools. "Heard you were constructing something," he said. "Figured you'd require these."
Sylas grinned. "Couldn't have come at a better moment. We'll take everything."
They exchanged coins, and Sylas counted the price carefully. It was necessary to keep track now. Every coin counted.
System Notice: Hollow Roots Corporation Progress: 1% Next Target: Sell 100 crop units. Reward: Market Stand Layout
The message hovered before his eyes, and he nodded. Progress was being made.
That evening, Sylas sat beside the fire with Mira.
"You really think this will work?" she asked.
"I do. Not all at once, but step by step. We just need to keep going."
Mira presented him with a cup of tea. "Then we'd better be prepared for what happens next."
Sylas glanced at the stars above. He felt the spark within him increase. This village was no longer merely surviving. It was starting to flourish.