Synthetic Survivor: Machine Age - Chapter 127

The reconstruction period had begun and many of the peasantry and former families of the nobles who were executed were placed into work.

The surrounding land around the Fortress City  comprised of a network of little canals that watered the farmlands. The farmlands grew a variety of crops, mainly wheat.

One had inquired with the local farmers about rice, a type of grain that could be served as a means of feeding more people.

The farmers, however, weren’t aware of any ‘rice’ or grain that was similar to it.

One knew about the importance of rice back on Earth, it was a staple of many cultures with large populations, it was healthy, easy to grow, and could be mass produced.

It could be eaten with almost anything, from meat to vegetables. It was the perfect food type in place of grain.

One now needed to ‘make’ something similar to rice. To do so, he would need to gather plants with awkwardly similar genomes or DNA.

The nearest of which was corn. Corn was already being planted on one of the fields but it wasn’t popular because of it’s high maintenance and high price which made it only affordable to the wealthy.

As King Wog stayed inside his castle with Patricia as his aide, One set out to carry out ‘his’ duties although it was One who was making things happen.

One had all the edicts he had made named to King Wog so that it would appear that he was a wise and benevolent king to the people despite him being withdrawn from public life.

This would in turn increase his legitimacy, his popularity, and the loyalty of the soldiers.

The Fortress City was in need of more people, however. Despite having a population of around 6 thousand, One wanted to expand the city. To do so, he would need to forcefully resettle the villages under the Fortress City’s territory.

He was standing by the sides of one of the fields outside of the Fortress City in front of the  Eastern section of the wall that was now being rebuilt. Many men were sent out to the mines to gather as much ore and stone as they could while others were turned into stonemasons, engineers, and craftsmen.

Those with enough skills were appointed as leaders. One made sure to inspect each division of labor. One was well aware of human nature, there would be times where some workers would be undisciplined or had human emotions that were detrimental to a working environment.

To counter this, One had William, Jorn, and Toby, his three most trusted aides, to enforce strict disciplinary measures and constant patrols.

William, Jorn, and Toby were at first reluctant in following all of One’s orders. But ever since the executions, the Man in Black was surprisingly cool and collected.

He was seen as an inspiration to many, his attitude towards his work, his supposedly neverending stamina inspired many workers to work their best.

Also, the pay they were promised was more than what they were paid before.

A generous man of power and a wise king. The perfect combination.

While One was dealing with matters outside of the castle, Wog and Patricia were resting inside their residence on the upper floors of the castle.

“Ben is.. quite the vassal, huh?” Wog commented. He was standing by the window that faced the northern side of the Fortress City.

“Have you always known about his abilities?” Patricia asked. She was sat on one of the couches in Wog’s room, sipping from a cup of tea provided to her by the maids.

“No.. I stumbled upon him when he was wandering around the lake,” Wog said. “He has done so much in just a few weeks. It frightens me,”

Patricia smiled.

“Yet, he still calls you his master,” Patricia said.

“I’m just afraid that someday, he may renounce his allegiance and go against me. I am now a king, my life is in danger. I had no other choice but to accept this responsibility or else I would risk losing him. I don’t want to be called a coward,” Wog said.

“You are not a coward, you’re more of an anxious person, Wog,” Patricia said.

“Huh, how can you say so?” Wog asked.

Patricia stood from the couch and walked over to Wog’s side and joined him in watching the sight that was below them.

“I am 400 years old, of course I would know,” Patricia said.

“We are old huh?” Wog commented.

“Only from the perspective of the humans, but to Ben? I think he’s far older than us,” Patricia said. She also began to blush.

“You like him, don’t you?” Wog asked.

“Patricia smiled.

“I do, but I won’t get my hopes up. From what I can see, he is a man who doesn’t care about such silly feelings like love,” Patricia said.

Wog leaned over the window. Despite being a small dwarf with his height being half of Patricia’s, the window was still low enough for him to lean over it.

“After the dust settles, I plan on asking him if he could help me find my family,” Wog said.

Patricia looked at Wog.

“I thought they died?” Patricia said.

“That’s what I want to believe but maybe, just maybe, they’re still out there, crying out for me,” Wog said. A single tear fell from his right eye.

Patricia then gave him some pats on the back.

“Thanks to the both of you, I was given a new life and my friend’s life was saved. I would gladly help you in searching for your wife,” Patricia said.

“Thank you,” Wog said.

A stiff silence took over as they watched their citizens from below.

Down on the ground, William was doing a routine patrol by himself. His sword inside his scabbard, his armor brand new thanks to One paying the blacksmiths and giving them iron, he felt proud.

His dark hair that he had pushed back now flowed freely against the wind. Despite being relaxed, his walked the streets with a poker face.

“You do know that this city and its citizens are doomed?” A voice whispered to his ear.

He then  noticed he was alone on the streets. He took out his sword and looked around.

“Illusion magic?” William thought.

He then tried to walk out of the street but was stopped by a barrier.

“Shit, barrier magic,” William complained.

“Don’t be so hasty, I’m only here for a little chat,” A black cloaked figure appeared behind him, his hands bearing the symbols of the infamous..

Griffin Cult.