《[A Letter from the Future] to save humanity》 A [Lady] for a Forest [Humanity has been transported to the Divine Plane of Chaen.] [You have been chosen to compete for the position of Lord of the Divine Plane of Chaen.] [You have been blessed with the Lords Interface.] [You have awakened a Lord Talent: [A Letter from the Future].] Lena blinked in confusion. She was still sitting at her computer, her hand resting on the mouse¡ªyet a series of glowing messages hovered in her vision. What the duck? What was happening? What kind of competition had she been recruited for? Transported to a new plane of existence? That was impossible. But¡­ she was still in her bedroom. Had she been drugged? As if responding to her thoughts, another message appeared before her eyes. [You are in your [Lord Hut], a perfect replication of your personal sanctum on Earth.] A [Lord Hut]? What was that supposed to mean? And why could she hear the square brackets? [[Lord Hut] ¨C The core of your territory and the place from which you will rule.] That wasn¡¯t very helpful. Her frown deepened as her thoughts raced. Something wasn¡¯t right. It had been nighttime just moments ago, yet now sunlight streamed through her window. She turned her head, and her jaw dropped. Instead of looking out over the familiar cityscape from her 16th-floor apartment, she found herself at ground level, surrounded by lush greenery. The endless sprawl of concrete and steel was gone¡ªreplaced by towering trees, rolling grass, and a vast, unfamiliar wilderness. Panic surged through her. She jumped to her feet, ran to the door, and yanked it open violently. Instead of stepping into the dimly lit hallway of her apartment building, she stumbled into a sunlit forest clearing. A warm breeze brushed against her skin, carrying the scent of earth, wildflowers, and a faint hint of salt. The trees swayed gently in the wind, their rustling leaves blending with the distant chirping of birds. It was beautiful¡ªbreathtaking, even¡ªbut the sheer wrongness of it made her stomach twist. This wasn¡¯t her world. This wasn¡¯t her home. She turned, her breath hitching. The building she had just stepped out of was no modern high-rise. It was a crude wooden Hut, the kind that belonged in a documentary about early Bronze Age settlers. Lena¡¯s breath caught in her throat, her chest tightening as a wave of unease crashed over her. Her sleek, modern apartment was gone. This wasn¡¯t a dream. It wasn¡¯t a game. She was somewhere else. Somewhere real. Her hands trembled as she gripped the rough wooden frame of the doorway. ¡°What the hell is going on?¡± she whispered, her voice cracking with panic. Stolen novel; please report. She took a deep breath, filling her lungs with air as she tried to steady her racing thoughts. Panic wouldn''t help¡ªshe needed to think. The world around her was strange, impossibly surreal, but she was still here, still breathing. Whatever had happened, she had to stay calm and figure it out. Her gaze swept across the clearing, taking in the unfamiliar landscape. It stretched about 40 meters in radius, surrounded by towering trees and vibrant greenery. To her right stood a closed leather tent, its weathered appearance reminiscent of something straight out of the Stone Age. As she focused on it, another message popped into her vision, providing an explanation. [The Interdimensional Lords Marketplace, Level 1. Earn coin to open it and gain further information.] Lena shook her head in disbelief and scanned the rest of the clearing. To the left of the hut, an ancient stone arch stood tall, its height around three meters. The stone was cracked and covered in moss, its surface worn by time, as if it had stood there for centuries. Her eyes narrowed as she examined it more closely. Another message flashed before her. [Gate of the Beginning, Level 1. Every day at sunrise, 4 humans are spawned and become your subjects.] Her stomach churned at the thought of it, the weight of the words settling heavily on her mind. This was all real. This wasn''t some game or dream. She was somewhere entirely different, and whatever this "Lord" business was, it was her reality now. The ancient stone arch suddenly shimmered, a faint, golden light flickering along its cracked surface. The glow grew brighter, pulsating like a heartbeat, before the entire structure blazed with a soft, ethereal radiance. As the light intensified, the arch seemed to warp, and from within it, four figures slowly emerged. The first to step through was a tall man in his late twenties, with short black hair and sharp features. His clothes were simple but sturdy, worn from travel. He looked confused, his eyes scanning the new world around him as if he couldn''t quite grasp how he had arrived. The second was a woman, appearing to be in her early forties. Her graying hair was pulled back into a practical knot, and she had a weathered, no-nonsense look in her eyes. She stood with a steady posture, her gaze assessing the clearing with an air of quiet authority. Next, a young man in his late teens emerged. His face was youthful, full of energy, with messy brown hair that fell into his eyes. He appeared somewhat disoriented, rubbing the back of his neck as if trying to shake off the confusion. Finally, a woman in her mid-thirties appeared, her auburn hair flowing freely as she stepped forward. Her expression was one of uncertainty, yet there was a spark of determination in her eyes, as if she was ready to face whatever came next. Just as the four humans fully emerged from the glowing arch, Lena felt a sudden surge of energy ripple through her. It was like a quiet hum at first, but it quickly built into a powerful, almost overwhelming sensation that coursed through her veins. Her mind seemed to sharpen, the air around her thickening with anticipation. Something inside her clicked, and she instinctively knew it was her Lord Talent triggering. A soft, shimmering portal flickered into existence before her, no larger than her hand. From the swirling magic, a delicate paper origami bird materialized, its edges glinting in the light. It hovered for a moment, its wings flapping gently, before unfolding mid-air with a graceful fluidity. The paper transformed, stretching out into a crisp letter, the edges curling slightly as it floated toward Lena. She reached out, her fingers trembling, and the letter hovered just in front of her, waiting. With a deep breath, she grasped it, feeling a strange sense of fate settle within her as the letter''s weight rested in her hands. The letter was filled with text and scribbles, all written in neat, precise handwriting. To her shock, it was her own handwriting. Hello, past me. If I understand my Talent, [A Letter for the Past], correctly, you have just emerged from your glorious and amazing [Lord Shed] and witnessed 4 humans stepping out of a magical stone arch. I would love to help you, but I can only write this many words to you. Good luck. Lena blinked, her eyes scanning the first paragraph. It was absurd¡ªclearly a joke from her future self. She couldn¡¯t help it. A sudden, uncontrollable laugh burst from her, the sheer ridiculousness of it overwhelming. The four humans in the clearing stared at her, clearly bewildered, their eyes flicking between the letter and her manic laughter. It was as if they had no idea what to make of her outburst, their expressions frozen in confusion. A minute later, after finally composing herself, Lena took a steady breath and continued reading. I know I¡¯m¡ªI mean, we¡ªare a comedic genius. But focus. Remember how we took charge at that youth camp? Channel that energy. Step up, be confident, and greet your subjects. They need your leadership just as much as you need their help. So stop reading and get to it¡ªNOW! Lena exhaled sharply, a wry smile tugging at her lips. Future-her had a point. Glancing up, she found the four humans still watching her, their expressions a mix of confusion and expectation. Time to act like a leader. [Status Screens] for everyone Lena took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she stepped forward. Each movement felt heavier, more deliberate, as she crossed the 10 meters between the wooden shed and the stone arch. The ground beneath her feet was a mix of cut grass, dry leaves, and scattered sticks, crunching softly with every step. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of earth and wildflowers, yet all she could focus on was the strange, unfamiliar weight of this new reality. As she approached, the four humans placed a hand over their hearts and bowed slightly in unison. "Greetings, [Lady] Seemann," they said together, their voices respectful and unwavering. "We are here to serve your will." Lena blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the formality of their gesture. Lady Seemann? The title struck her like a tidalwave, and the gravity of their words settled deep within her. This wasn¡¯t a dream or some distant fantasy. This was real¡ªher domain, her authority, and these people were her subjects. Luckily, Lena''s years of theater had trained her well in masking uncertainty. She forced down the nervous energy threatening to betray her, straightening her posture with practiced ease. With a steady breath, she lifted her chin, letting authority settle into her stance. If she was going to lead, she had to look the part. Channeling every noble character she had ever played, she met their gazes head-on and addressed her new subjects with as much confidence as she could summon. "Greetings, my loyal subjects," Lena began, her voice firm and steady¡ªthough the words felt foreign on her tongue. "I am Lady Seemann, your ruler, and together, we will carve out our place in this world. I won¡¯t pretend I am fully prepared for this role, but know this: I will lead with wisdom, and I will act with the strength needed to secure our future. You are here because you have been chosen, just as I have. Together, we will build something lasting. Stand with me, and we will claim this realm as our own." She cringed inwardly at her own impromptu speech but pushed the feeling down. Confidence was key¡ªeven if she had to fake it. She let her gaze sweep across them, willing herself to exude the confidence she was still struggling to feel. The weight of their expectant stares pressed against her, but she refused to waver. Then, as her eyes settled on each of them in turn, a translucent screen flickered into existence before her, hovering in her vision. Lena barely resisted the urge to flinch as lines of text and numbers filled the interface, detailing information about each of her new subjects. Somehow she had know these screens would appear if she focus on them. She read the older Womans status screen first. [Name] Maria [Age] 43 [Loyalty] Respect [Titel] Serf [Grade] Inferior Mortal (IM) [Job] Head Maid [Class] ¡ª [Talents] - [Skills] (IM): Cleaning Lvl 13, Leadership Lvl 7, Housekeeping Lvl 6, Etiquette Lvl 6, Personnel Management Lvl 6, Conflict Resolution Lvl 5, Cooking Lvl 5, Sewing Lvl 5 ¡­ [Description] Maria raised in the service of Baron Venn, she honed her skills from a young age, rising through the ranks with quiet competence and unwavering discipline. Her keen eye for detail and natural leadership earned her the role of Head Maid in her late twenties, where she managed both staff and household affairs with firm yet fair authority. Lena was quite pleased with what she saw in Maria¡¯s status. As a modern woman, she hardly cared about the lowborn title¡ªwhat truly mattered were her skills. In this world, gaining a [Skill] was no small feat; it signified genuine competence. Reaching Level 5 meant professional proficiency, while anything above Level 10 denoted true expertise. With four leadership-related skills above level 5 under her belt, Maria had the potential to command groups and manage organizations effectivly, far exceeding the confines of her past role as a mere maid. She was grossly overqualified as a [Head Maid] and Lena was sure the only reason she was caught in that position was her title as a [Serf]. Satisfied, Lena shifted her focus to the young, nervous man. [Name] Aldric Venn [Age] 19 [Loyalty] Respect [Title] Inferior Noble [Grade] Inferior Mortal [Job] Scribe This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. [Class] Adjutant [Talents] - [Skills] (IM) Literacy Lvl 15, Record-Keeping Lvl 8, Arithmetic Lvl 6, Bookkeeping Lvl 6, Inventory Management Lvl 5, ¡­ [Description] Aldric Venn was one of Baron Venn¡¯s many bastards, but unlike most of his half-siblings, he was granted a high education. Trained from a young age in reading, writing, and numbers, he found his place as a scribe in his father¡¯s court. When war came, he was assigned to assist his legitimate half-brother, the heir of Venn, as an adjutant on the battlefield. Lena''s eyebrow arched in surprise. Reaching Level 15 in a [Skill] at just 19 was a clear sign of exceptional talent. Unfortunately, his expertise wouldn¡¯t be immediately useful¡ªbuilding up a fledgling territory had little need for advanced literacy, at least not until the mid or late stages of development. Next she looked at the younger woman. [Name] Elara Thorn [Age] 31 [Loyalty] Trust [Title] Greater Freemann [Grade] Lesser Mortal (LM) [Job] Herbalist [Class] Inferior Medic [Talents] ¨C [Skills] (LM): Potion Brewing Lvl 6, (IM): Herbal Medicine Lvl 12, Gardening Lvl 10, Foraging Lvl 9, Diagnostic Lvl 7, Surgery Lvl 7, Poison Identification Lvl 6, First Aid Lvl 6, Anatomy Lvl 5 ¡­ [Description] Once a village healer, Elara Thorn learned her craft from her mother, tending to the sick and injured with herbs, potions and rudimentary medical care. When war swept through her homeland, Baron Venn conscripted her into service, forcing her to adapt her knowledge to battlefield medicine. Pragmatic and determined, she has seen both life and death up close, leaving her with a steady hand and a guarded heart. Lena felt like she had won the lottery. Baron Venn truly had no appreciation for talent¡ªElara was practically an entire healthcare system wrapped into one person. From cultivating and gathering herbs to brewing medicine and performing life-saving procedures, she could single-handedly ensure the well-being of Lena¡¯s people. And, as if that wasn¡¯t impressive enough, she was already a Lesser Mortal. A single Grade advancement meant a holistic enhancement of all attributes¡ªstrength, endurance, intelligence¡ªeverything. Thanks to that, this slightly stocky woman had the natural fitness of an Olympic athlete. Last she looked at the young man. [Name] Garrick Hale [Age] 27 [Loyalty] Neutral [Title] Inferior communer [Grade] Inferior Mortal [Job] Advanced Laborer [Class] Guard [Talent] Versatile ¨C Learns new skills faster and adapts easily to different tasks. Effect grows with grade [Skills] Fitness Lvl 10, Working Lvl 8, Hunting Lvl 7, Basic Blacksmithing Lvl 6, Carpentry Lvl 6, Farming Lvl 5, Bartering Lvl 5, Unarmed Combat Lvl 5, Spear Fighting Lvl 5 ¡­ [Description] Garrick Hale has spent years traveling from village to village, picking up whatever work he could find. From guarding caravans to working the forge, he has dabbled in many trades but mastered none. His adaptable nature and quick learning have kept him afloat, but his true strength lies in his ability to handle whatever life throws his way. Lena winced when she saw his loyalty status. Neutral wasn¡¯t bad, but it meant he wasn¡¯t committed either¡ªone bad interaction, and he might just leave. That was a problem. His [Talent], however, would come in handy. Over the coming days and months, Garrick¡¯s ability to pick up new skills fast would allow him to fill gaps wherever needed. And then there was [Working]¡ªa meta-type skill, the kind rarely seen. It amplified every form of labor, making his adaptability even more potent. A wildcard, but one she could ill afford to lose. At the same time, she realized she fully understood the status screen¡ªnot just the words, but the deeper implications behind them. Becoming a [Lady], which she knew was her [Class] without even checking her own status page, had apparently imprinted a wealth of knowledge about this world and its system directly into her mind. Concepts that should have been foreign now felt nearly instinctive, as if she had studied them for years. She took a moment to review what each bracketed category truly represented, beyond the obvious, piecing together how they shaped the lives of those bound by them. [Title] ¨C A designation that defines a person¡¯s rank and standing within the Lord¡¯s system. The conditions for rising or falling in rank are complex and often influenced by factors such as achievements, official recognition, and social standing. A person¡¯s title affects their authority, influence, and privileges, with a significant impact on leadership and command-related skills. The hierarchy follows: Slave, Serf, Commoner, Freeman, Noble, Baron, Earl, Duke, Royal, King, and Emperor. Titles are further modified by rank modifiers: Inferior, Lesser, Standard (none), Greater, and Supreme. It struck Lena as a bit absurd that among her subjects, the only one with a Leadership skill was the serf Maria¡ªthe one with the lowest title by far. [Grade] ¨C A measure of a being¡¯s intrinsic life level, determining their overall vitality and potential. It is extremely difficult to raise. "Inferior Mortal" denotes an ordinary human with no supernatural abilities or enhancements. Higher grades grant increased physical, mental, or magical prowess. The most common way to grade up was through accumulating exp, but exp was constantly lost as one lived. Lena didn¡¯t knew what came after Mortal Grade. Grades are further modified by rank modifiers: Inferior [IM], Lesser [LM], Standard [M], Greater [GM], and Supreme [SM], the same as Titles. [Job] ¨C A person''s primary occupation, through which they earn their livelihood. A Jobs rank is determined by an individual''s expertise in that field and provides an increased rate of learning for associated skills. While a person can qualify for multiple Jobs, only one can be active at any given time. [Class] ¨C A classification that defines an individual¡¯s combat specialization. Much like a Job, it boosts the learning speed of relevant skills while also offering unique advantages such as special Skills, Talents, and other bonuses. Classes are categories by rarity. The stronger the rarer. Rarities are, common, uncommon, rare, exotic, legendary. [Talent] ¨C A unique innate ability that sets an individual apart. Unlike skills, which can be trained, talents are intrinsic and provide passive or active advantages. Some talents, like [Versatile], enhance growth, while others may grant special abilities. Unlike Skills or even Grade, gaining a Talent later in life changed a persons intrinsic nature. [Skills] ¨C Learned abilities that guide a person in various tasks. Skills are ranked by Lvl, with higher levels indicating greater proficiency. They can be improved through practice, training, or specialized knowledge. Increasing a Skills Lvl can awaken other Skills or in extremly rare cases Talents. Every Skill gained raised the threshold to grade up, but on the other hand raising a Skills level lowered the threshold. All of this takes time to describe in detail, but in reality, barely 20 seconds had passed since she stepped forward to greet them. Less than three minutes ago, she had still been in her old world¡ªnow, she was standing in an entirely new reality and about to lead people into a better future. Cooperative Trade to rule the world. Lena nodded to herself, then turned her attention back to the next lines of [A Letter from the Future]. This Letter was her hope for a better future. Alright you have introduced yourself to your subjects. What is next? Here is the strategy I¡¯ve devised over the last year, for your strong start. Fifty meters south of your house is an open obsidian mine. Send our subjects to gather as many stones as possible and promise them one exp per 10 kilo to motivate them. Lena lowered the letter, her mind already setting things into motion. She took a steady breath, straightened her posture, and lifted her voice with authority. "Everyone, hear my command! Head south to the obsidian mine¡ªgather as many stones as you can carry and bring them to the market tent. Those who work swiftly shall be rewarded!" As she spoke, she activated her first skill [Command] and issued the quest Collect Obsidian. [Command] [IM] ¨C The ability to issue clear, authoritative orders that compel obedience and coordination. The effect even at Lvl 1 was immediate. Her four subjects sprang into motion, their movements sharp and decisive. Without hesitation, they turned and jogged toward the stone pit, the crunch of grass and twigs beneath their feet echoing through the clearing. Lena watched them go, a strange exhilaration swelling in her chest. This was real¡ªshe wasn¡¯t just playing a role. She was leading now. [Note: You used [Command]] [Note: You issued a quest: Collect Obsidian. Reward: Every 10 kilos of Obsidian delivered to the Interdimensional Marketplace grants 1 EXP.] [Achievement Unlocked: Quest Giver!] Type: Lord Requirement: Issue your first quest. Reward: 100 Lord EXP + 100 Coins (Lord Competition Bonus) [Note: You have earned coins. Your Interdimensional Marketplace has opened.] Lord EXP was a resource exclusive to rulers of a [Territory], primarily used as rewards for their subjects¡¯ completed quests and certain administrative functions. However, it could not be spent on oneself, reinforcing the necessity of delegation and leadership. Garrick¡¯s eyes widened as he read the quest details. That reward¡­ it was absurd. A hundred times more EXP than any gathering task he had ever encountered. In his experience, a full day¡¯s labor usually yielded a single point of experience¡ªif that. And with the average person losing 6 EXP per week just to maintain their level, it was no wonder [LM] were so rare. But with this? He had no words. This was on an entirely different level. If this was how Lady Seemann ran her territory, then he had lucked into something special. A lord who valued her people and rewarded them generously?. A grin tugged at the corner of his lips, ambition pumping threw his veins. I think I¡¯m going to like serving under this Lady. Here I can grow strong While Garrick envisioned his future as a powerful man, Lady Seemann turned her attention back to reading her [A Letter from the Future]. Now, contact the following Lords through the interface and arrange the detailed trade deals. A list of names followed, each one highlighted like a link. To her astonishment, as she focused on a name, a direct connection opened in her mind¡ªseamlessly linking her to the Lord¡¯s communication interface. Without hesitation, she used these links to reach out. "Hey, Lord M¨¹ller. My Talent told me to contact you. Can you craft me some stone tools and spearheads if I send you obsidian? I¡¯ll pay you in coins for your work or you can keep half of the obsidian for yourself. Also, I can share a few system secrets with you. Deal?" ¡°Hey Lady Zhou. My Talent told me to contact you. Can you make me a few meters of rope? I¡¯ll have obsidian tools ready soon to support you. I will also share some valuable system secrets with you if you do so.¡± ¡°Hey, Lord F?rster. My Talent suggested I contact you. I¡¯d like to buy some wooden handles and shafts. If you send me a batch, soon I¡¯ll be able to supply you with obsidian axes and other tools in return.¡± ¡°Hey Bubblegum. Please send me some of your orbs. I will help you, I promise!¡± The first three Lords all possessed highly useful Resource Talents, making them invaluable primary suppliers for Lena in the beginning. This network would allow her to secure essential tools, materials, and services, giving her a massive short-term growth boost. With their help, she could quickly establish a strong foundation, strengthening her position in the competition for the Lordship of Chen. Lord M¨¹ller possessed a Talent that granted him and his subjects a magical skill to shape and empower stone, making him invaluable for tool production. Lady Zhou had a unique building that allowed her to form contracts with plant spirits. She lived in a vast grassland, making her the ideal source for rope and plant-based materials. Lord F?rster¡¯s Talent was less remarkable: every time his gate activated, a Treesinger was spawned. While the name sounded like something out of a fantasy novel, Treesingers weren¡¯t elves. They were just humans with a rare job-class combination that awakened a magical ability even as an [Inferior Mortal], allowing them to shape wood with their voices. The plan was simple: harness the resources of her newfound allies to craft tools and weapons, then quickly auction them on the Interdimensional Marketplace¡ªall within the first 15 minutes of humanities arrival on the plane of Chen. This strategy would give her a significant first-mover advantage, positioning her well ahead of her competitors, who would still be grappling with the complexities of their roles as Lords and figuring out how to effectively use their Talents. By acting swiftly and decisively, Lena could carve out a strong position for herself in the competition for Lordship, setting the stage for long-term success. While typing the messages in her mind, Lena walked toward the [Interdimensional Marketplace]. Despite the grandiose name, it was still little more than a shabby tent. At least now it was open, revealing a stone circle etched with softly glowing runes that hummed with energy. Just as she examined the setup, a ping echoed in her mind, announcing that Lord M¨¹ller had messaged her. *ping* ¡°Holy s***, is your Talent omniscient? I''ve barely even read my own Talent, let alone understood it, and you¡¯re already contacting me because of it. That''s insane! But sure, I¡¯m open to trade. What are the terms?¡± Lena smiled at the response, typing quickly: ¡°Lord M¨¹ller, thank you for your prompt reply. My Talent isn¡¯t [Omniscient], but it does give me useful information, albeit randomly. Now, here¡¯s how this will work: I¡¯ll send you a coin to unlock your Marketplace and a few pieces of obsidian. Please craft some axe heads and sickles, and send them back to me. Also, issue a [Command] and give a quest to your subjects, no matter how small. That way, you can earn an achievement! Then please send back the coin" Lena quickly hit send. Strictly speaking, sending the coin wasn¡¯t necessary, but it would help establish trust with Lord M¨¹ller, and trust was invaluable at this early stage. Not long after, a reply pinged in her mind. ¡°Understood, Lady Seemann! I¡¯m intrigued by your Talent, but I¡¯m not one to shy away from an opportunity. I¡¯ll get started right away. Please hold tight.¡± Satisfied, Lena wasted no time. She quickly sent the tip about the achievement to the other three Lords as well. Building trust and rapport was crucial, and fostering strong relationships early on would pay off in many ways. With the messages sent, Lena turned her attention back to the rest of the [A Letter from the Future]. The letter was filled with dense information and secrets written in small, cramped handwriting. Her own handwriting. She skimmed over it, but nothing jumped out at her as immediately useful. By now, Lena¡¯s four subjects had returned, their hands filled with chunks of obsidian, which they carefully placed on the stone circle. Everytime, with a wave of her hand, Lena sent the precious stone to Lord M¨¹ller, watching as the chunks fell through the floor, vanishing into the ether. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Garrick had been the first to return, effortlessly carrying a 30 kg piece of obsidian on his shoulder, his movements smooth and unhurried. Aldric followed closely behind, his 30 kg piece clearly heavier for him, but he managed nonetheless, sweat beading on his brow. The two women walked together at a slower pace, with Maria, ever mindful of her limits, carrying a 15 kg piece, but still doing so with a calm, practiced stride. Then there was Elara. The potion maker was an anomaly. With little apparent effort, she carried a 50 kg piece of obsidian, chatting amiably with Maria as she walked. Lena watched in astonishment. Yes, a Lesser Mortal was generally stronger than an Inferior Mortal, but this difference didn''t usually erase the disparities in gender, size, and, most notably, [Skill]. Yet Elara moved as though the weight was nothing more than a lightweight basket. Clearly, Elara wasn¡¯t just an ordinary potion maker. Lena¡¯s curiosity piqued, and she couldn¡¯t help herself. She motioned for Elara to stay behind for a moment after she dropped of the unreasonable large boulder on the teleportation circle. ¡°Miss Thorn,¡± she began, her tone both respectful and inquisitive, ¡°you are a lot stronger than you seem.¡± Naturally, asking for secrets directly would be unsightly, so instead, she formulated her question as a compliment. It was a subtle attempt to understand her better without stepping too far out of line. Lena couldn¡¯t help but feel a small sense of pride at her ability to act like a noble, no a [Lady]. It felt surprisingly natural, as if this situation had always been meant for her. Her actions, her words, even her demeanor, all came with an ease she hadn¡¯t anticipated. Elara gave Lena a suspicious glance for a moment, before her expression softened and she spoke truthfully. ¡°That¡¯s not much of a secret. My grandmother was a [Greater Mortal], a true master [Alchemist] and [Hedgewitch]. She gave me all sorts of potions when I was young¡ªmost importantly, one that doubled the effects of ranking up to [Lesser Mortal], and eventually to [Mortal]. Thanks to her, I ranked up before I was even 18.¡± Lena¡¯s eyes widened slightly in surprise. ¡°Ohh, that¡¯s amazing. You must be close to ranking up again, right?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with excitement. The idea of a potion that could enhance the effects of a rank-up was an incredible advantage for the future. It would give her an edge in the competition for Lordship, and she couldn¡¯t help but be impressed and excited. Naturally she didn¡¯t mentioned the potion for the moment. Elara¡¯s face faltered, a shadow crossing her features. She shook her head slowly. ¡°The opposite, actually. Forced conscription and three years of a losing war under bad leadership drained my stockpile. I¡¯m basically back at the bottom of the [Grade] again.¡± Her expression darkened as she looked down, a sadness in her eyes that Lena hadn¡¯t expected. Lena¡¯s thoughts shifted, recalling the information she had been installed with about grading up. To grade up, one needed a certain amount of experience, which varied depending on race, class, title, job, and talents. For a normal human, it took around a thousand exp to move from Inferior Mortal to Lesser Mortal, and another 25k to progress to [Mortal]. However, as a [Lady], Lena¡¯s path would require far more experience¡ªmuch more than 25k¡ªjust to reach [Inferior Mortal]. There were numerous ways to gain experience: slaying monsters, leveling up skills, and progressing in titles, jobs, or classes were among the most common methods. Fulfilling quests was another valuable avenue. But there were even more ways to lose experience. Aging, poor nutrition, injuries, illness, and even a lack of discipline could drain it. Only well-led territories, with capable rulers at the helm, had the ability to promote their citizens and help them rank up. Lena¡¯s mind briefly flickered to the grim reality of Elara¡¯s situation. Baron Venn, it seemed, was not a capable Lord. His leadership¡ªor lack thereof¡ªhad not only hindered Elara¡¯s progress but had eradicated it entirely. It was no wonder she felt so defeated. The weight of leadership was something Lena had not fully grasped yet, but it was clear that a poor leader could have devastating effects on the people under their rule. A moment of doubt crept into her mind, but she quickly brushed it away. She wasn¡¯t here to dwell on the failures of others; she was here to make a difference. She turned the conversation back to Elara, asking more about her past, her experiences, and how the war had shaped her. As Elara spoke, the layers of her tough exterior peeled away, revealing the toll the conflict had taken on her¡ªphysically, emotionally, and mentally. Lena listened intently, genuinely interested in Elara¡¯s story, understanding that leadership was not just about giving orders, but about connecting with and understanding those who served under you. As they chatted, Lena''s interface pinged with a message. [Achievement: Attentive Lord. Type: Lord. Get a subject of yours to inform you about their backstory. Award: 100 Lord exp + 100 coins (Lord competition extra achievement)]. Another achievement. Lena smiled inwardly, her confidence growing with each new step. She quickly sent the details of the achievement to the four other Lords she was in contact with, knowing that they, too, would benefit from such milestones. Ping! Lena was in the middle of her conversation with Elara when another message arrived. It was from Lord F?rster. ¡°Thanks for the tips. I¡¯ve sent you a trade offer for the handles.¡± Lena immediately opened the Interface of the [Interdimensional Marketplace], and sure enough, a trade offer popped up: [Note: Trade Offer from Lord F?rster] 4 hardwood axe handles [ungraded] for 8 coins. Lena raised an eyebrow. That was quick. It had barely been five minutes since she¡¯d sent her message, and Lord F?rster was already making an offer. The speed at which the Treesinger had worked was impressive. Did Lord F?rster luck into a Lesser Mortal Treesinger with advanced skills? It seemed so, given how rapidly the handles had been produced. Lena quickly scanned the offer. The term ungraded caught her attention, but it didn¡¯t deter her. Even without any additional enhancements, the handles were still a valuable resource at this time. This early even with that horrendous price she would make massive profits. It was a fair deal, considering the speed with which Lord F?rster had delivered the handles. Lena accepted the offer with a swift gesture. With a light show, four nice looking axe handles appeared in the stone circle of the Interdimensional Marketplace, the transaction complete. [Achievement Unlocked: First Trade!] Type: Lord Requirement: Accept your first trade deal through the Interdimensional Marketplace.. Reward: 100 Lord EXP + 100 Coins (Lord Competition Bonus) Lena¡¯s lips curled into a satisfied smile. Another achievement unlocked, and more rewards in her pocket. She felt the momentum building¡ªa series of small victories, all stacking up toward a greater goal. She quickly sent a message to Lord F?rster: ¡°Thank you for the swift trade, Lord F?rster. I look forward to working with you again soon.¡± Over the next five minutes, both Lady Zhou and Lord M¨¹ller sent over their goods as she talked with Elara. Unlike Lord F?rster, neither of them asked for coins. Lady Zhou delivered five one-meter ropes, each sturdy and well-made, while Lord M¨¹ller sent over four simple yet functional axe heads and two sickles. While the ropes from Lady Zhou were ungraded, the axe heads and other tools from Lord M¨¹ller were of a much higher quality. These were [IM] graded, a notable distinction. The reinforced obsidian axe heads were particularly impressive. [Reinforced Obsidian Axehead. Grade: Inferior Mortal] An axehead formed through stone magic out of a large chunk of obsidian. It is magically reinforced to prevent chipping, ensuring a durable edge even in tough conditions. These would be incredibly valuable once sold on the Interdimensional Marketplace, where graded items wouldn¡¯t be found for many hours. By now, the three had gathered hundreds of kilos of Obsidian which Lena had sent Lord M¨¹ller, ensuring that her supply chain was fully stocked. With the components accquired, she ordered her four subjects to begin assembling the axes, halting the collection of more Obsidian. [Note: You issued a quest: Assemble Axes. Reward: Every Assembled Axe delivered to the Interdimensional Marketplace grants 3 EXP.] She herself took a moment to focus on a more delicate task. Taking one of the sickles, she carefully wrapped the handle with the rope from Lady Zhou, ensuring a sturdy, comfortable grip. After completing it she send it of to Lady Zhou as a gift. Barely a minute later, a pair of achievements pinged in her mind. Ping [Achievement Unlocked: Tool Maker!] Type: Lord Requirement: Create a [IM] graded tool for the first time within your territory. Reward: 100 Lord EXP + 100 Coins (Lord Competition Bonus) Ping [Achievement Unlocked: A Lord''s First Weapon!] Type: Lord Requirement: Gain your first [IM] graded Weapon for your territory Reward: 100 Lord EXP + 100 Coins (Lord Competition Bonus) The words resonated in her mind as the first axe was completed. She smiled, knowing that the axe served as both a tool and a weapon. The plan of her future self was truly impressive. She then send a trade request of 4 axes for 16 coins to Lord F?rster. By now he had send her a trade request for another 4 handles for 8 coins thus making them even. The other two had also send more components. Instead of ordering the assemble of the next four axes she send one kit to her 4 trading partners so that they could gain the two Achievements themself. Hopefully her gamble with Lord Hedge, ie Bubblegum would pay off. Chapter 4: [Lady], her Territory and their functions Chapter 4 Sending off the components for the four axes left her temporarily without anything to craft for her subjects. Naturally, they wasted no time and ran off to gather more obsidian. While they worked, Lena took the opportunity to send messages to Lords F?rster and M¨¹ller, instructing them to shift production from axes to spears. Weapons would fetch a much higher price on the Marketplace, and she intended to capitalize on that demand. With a few minutes to spare before receiving a response, she turned her attention to her own status page and the Lord interface. [Name] Lena Seemann [Age] 22 [Loyalty] Independent [Title] Noble [Grade] Inferior Mortal [Job] Lady [Class] Lady [Lord exp] 453 [Currency] 500 Lord coins [Talent] - [Lord Talent] A Letter from the Future [Skills] Command Lvl 1, Noble Bearing Lvl 1, Human language Lvl 1, Leadership Lvl 1, Public speech Lvl 1, Law Lvl1, Strategy Lvl 1, Governance Lvl 1, Diplomacy Lvl 1 Nothing surprising. Every skill she had acquired so far stemmed from her [Lady] class except [Human Language]. With that realization, she shifted her focus to inspecting its details, eager to understand exactly what advantages it granted her. [Class] Lady ¨C Rarity: Legendary It was an overwhelmingly powerful class¡ªpossibly the strongest of them all. However, its strength came with a severe drawback: an absurd increase in the experience required to advance in [Grade]. Lena would need more experience to reach [Lesser Mortal] than Elara would to ascend to [Mortal], and the gap would only grow more extreme with each successive grade. She opened up Garricks [Guard] class to compare it to [Class] Guard¨C Rarity: Common The differences were night and day, there wasn¡¯t even a point of elaborating on it. Even more [Guard] was considered a pretty good common class. Next, she turned her attention to the territory interface. [Lord Interface: Territory Overview] [Territory Name] ¨C Seemann¡¯s Haven (Default Name: Click to Change) [Territory Rank] ¨C Inferior Hamlet (Rank Upgrade Requirements: Not Fulfilled) [Ruler] ¨C Lena Seemann [Core Structures] [Population & Management] [Construction & Development] [Defense & Security] [Special Functions] Current Options: The status was barebone but it would grow. She had opened it for the [Special Functions]. Lena didn¡¯t hesitate. With her newfound wealth from achievements, she activated the Gate of the Beginning. As all of her Lord¡¯s Coins vanished from the interface, the antice stone structure hummed with power. A faint glow pulsed along its surface, and the air shimmered like a heatwave. She grinned to herself. It hadn¡¯t even been half an hour, and she was already reactivating the Gate of the Beginning. The sheer speed of her progress felt exhilarating. Lena doubted that any other Lords had come close to this level of advancement¡ªexcept, the four she had chosen to support. Most were likely still scrambling to organize their people, while she was already expanding. If even that. Her Lord Talent wasn¡¯t flashy. It didn¡¯t give her overwhelming power or combat prowess. But what it did provide was far more valuable: knowledge, foresight, and the ability to act with purpose before anyone else even knew what was possible. And that alone was enough to put her ahead - to seize an advantage before others even realized there was a race to win. Naturally others had [Talents] similar to hers and were doing well as well. There were 6 billion human [Lords] and [Ladys], each with a unique [Talent] after all. She stepped forward, anticipation growing in her chest. It was time to meet the newest members of her fledgling domain. [Achievement Unlocked: Special Functions!] Type: Lord Requirement: Activate a special function of your territory for the first time. Reward: 100 Lord EXP + 100 Coins (Lord Competition Achievement) Ping The system notification chimed, but Lena barely spared it a glance as she turned her attention to the four figures emerging from the gate. She quickly inspected them, her eyes flicking over their details. ¡ªA sturdy-looking 30-year-old laborer, his arms thick with muscle from years of physical work. ¡ªA 50-year-old builder, his face lined with experience, the measured way he carried himself marking him as a seasoned craftsman. ¡ªA 30-year-old slender man, his finger rough from years working with needles¡ªa tailor, no doubt. ¡ªAnd finally¡­ Lena froze. She did a double take, eyes widening in surprise. A 17-year-old girl¡ªElia Thorn. Her attention focused on her last name. Thorn. Her head snapped up, eyes narrowing as she studied the girl¡¯s features. The resemblance was unmistakable¡ªthe same sharp nose, the same piercing blue eyes, the same soft jaw line. She looked like a younger version of Elara. ¡°Are you Elara Thorn¡¯s sister?¡± Lena asked, her voice steady as she inspected Elia''s status page. Just like her sister, Elia was a [Lesser Mortal] and [Herbalist] job but had neither a [Class] or the [Potion Brewing] skill. Unlike the very practical Skillset of her sister she had a much more Scholar typ set. Her highest Skill was [Anatomy] at Level 10. Elia''s eyes widened in shock, her gaze darting around before locking onto her sister in the distance. Without warning, an ear-splitting scream tore through the air. ¡°ELARA!¡± Before Lena could even react, Elia was off, sprinting toward her sister with a speed that made a Olympic sprinter look slow. Clearly she had benefited from the same potion as her Sister. In mere moments, the two sisters collided in a whirlwind of emotion. Elia threw her arms around Elara, and the two clung to each other, their voices rising in joyous exclamations as they talked animatedly. It was clear they had been separated for far too long, and the reunion was filled with the kind of raw emotion that only family could stir. Lena watched the touching moment, a sense of fulfillment settling in her chest. This world may be strange and game like, but the bonds between people were universal. As the two sisters talked excitedly with each other, Lena turned her attention back to the other new arrivals. Her other subjects were standing around awkwardly, unsure of how to proceed after seeing such a whirlwind. The difference in Grade and the undeniable power of the Thorn sisters made the new arrivals visibly apprehensive. But that was to espected as the culture practised in the Divine Plane of Chaen was one of reverence to the strong. "Welcome to Seemann¡¯s Haven," Lena said, her voice carrying the weight of authority but also genuine warmth, made possible by her [Public Speech] skill. The words flowed with ease, each syllable infused with a natural charm that drew their attention. "I trust you¡¯ll find your life here fulfilling, and that you will thrive as we build something greater together." Her gaze swept over them, ensuring each one felt the weight of her expectations. "We have much to accomplish, and I expect nothing less than greatness from each of you. Together, we will shape this place into something extraordinary." God, these skills are incredible, Lena thought to herself, a sense of awe rising as she felt the power behind her words. As she spoke, she inspected their status pages, her mind easily inspecting them. This was possible thanks to the The two men weren¡¯t anything special ¡ª[Serfs] with little to distinguish them, both [IM] (Inferior Mortal), with no standout skills or talents. At least there was some value in Builder Gerrick. He was sturdy, experienced with 4 construction typ Skills close to Lvl 10, and filled a role Lena hadn¡¯t yet¡ªconstruction. But with his advanced age that was quite low. The tailor, though ... [Status Page] [Name] ¨C Dorian Vale [Age] ¨C 30 [Loyalty] ¨C Neutral [Title] ¨C Serf [Grade] ¨C Inferior Mortal [Job] ¨C Tailor [Class] ¨C None [Talent] ¨C None [Skills] Tailoring Lvl 11, Outfit Design Lvl 10, Needlework Lvl 10, Dyeing Lvl 8, Layering Lvl 6, Cooking Lvl 6, Listening Lvl 5 [Description] Once a tailor in the household of Baron Venn, Dorian was responsible for outfitting the baron¡¯s private guard, ensuring their uniforms were both durable and presentable. His craft demanded precision, balancing form and function to create garments that could withstand the rigors of battle without sacrificing mobility. Though bound by the constraints of serfdom, he developed a discerning eye for fabrics, reinforced seams, and strategic layering¡ªskills that set his work apart. Now that was an actual talent. Not on the level of the Thorn sisters or the [Versatile] Garrick, but certainly a step above Maria and Alric. Baron Venn truly liked surpressing the talented subject below him! At one point in her future she had to find out what happend to him! Chapter 5: Spears and the Future. She calls for the all of her subjects to gather her voice ringing through the forest clearing . While awaiting Garrick and Alric¡¯s return from the quarry, she swiftly sent messages to the three other Lords, inquiring about their progress and whether they had already utilized the special function to spawn new subjects. Lord M¨¹ller and Lord F?rster both responded quickly, confirming that they had already spawned new villagers and were preparing to send over spear parts immediately. Efficient, just as she had hoped. Lady Zhou, however, took a few minutes before finally responding [Lady Zhou:] "I would have, but contracting a plant spirit cost a Lord Coin, and now I¡¯m five short. Bad planning on my part." Lena didn¡¯t even think twice. Without hesitation, she transferred five Lord Coins to Lady Zhou. [Lena Seemann:] "Consider it an investment. The sooner we all get stronger, the better." A moment later, Lady Zhou¡¯s response popped up. [Lady Zhou:] "Thank you, You are to kind." Barely a second later, Lady Zhou sent the five coins back, unprompted. Lena¡¯s lips curled into a small smile amusement mingling within her. That was a sign of good character. Her future self has choosen well. Even as she exchanged messages with the Lords in the back of her mind, she focued on the gathered subjects before her, the Lord Interface allowing her to do two things at once. She straightened her posture, letting the authority of her position settle over her like a mantle. "Alright," she began, her voice steady and commanding. "In a moment, we will receive components for spears. For now, our primary focus will be on assembling them and auctioning them on the [Interdimensional Marketplace]. The Market is bereft of weapons and the other human Lords will pray a massive premium to be the first to acquire [Lesser Mortal] weapons! This is an opportunity we cannot afford to waste. The benefits will be massive." Her gaze shifted toward Dorian, sharp and expectant. "Dorian, can your tailoring skills be applied to the rope bindings on these spears?" He nodded eagerly, his head bobbing up and down. "Yeah, that¡¯s easy. My [Tailoring] is above Level 10, after all." Then, as if realizing the casualness of his tone, his eyes widened in sudden panic. His posture straightened, and a flush crept across his face. "I¡ªI mean, yes, [Lady] Seemann. I apologize for my lapse in speech. Rest assured, I am fully capable of enhancing the quality of the rope bindings on the spears with my [Skill]." He bowed slightly, his voice now respectful and measured, a stark contrast to his earlier casualness clearly showing his experience dealing with the nobles in Baron Venns household. Lena raised an eyebrow but let the moment pass with a slight nod. It would take time for her subjects to adjust to her leadership style. Fear wasn¡¯t what she wanted from them¡ªcompetence was. ¡°Here¡¯s how we¡¯ll divide the work,¡± Lena declared, her voice firm and her gaze cutting across the gathered group. ¡°Elia and Elara, you¡¯ll be on patrol around the perimeter of the territory. Your primary focus will be gathering herbs inside the safe zone. But if you spot a Lesser Mortal monster outside the monster repellent¡¯s range, and you believe you can handle it without putting yourselves at risk, I want it dealt with to gain an achievment.¡± As she spoke, she used the Lord Interface in the back of her mind to create a quest for the two of them. Naturally the real reason for this patrol was to kill a monster but sending two non combatens to fight a monster was more than unsightly. [Quest Created: Perimeter Patrol] Objective: Collect useful herbs and eliminate any Lesser Mortal monsters spotted outside the repellent radius. Duration: 10 minutes Rewards: 5 EXP for completion, +5 bonus EXP for successfully defeating a monster. Lena¡¯s eyes flicked over the group. "The rest of you will assist Dorian with spear assembly. Follow his lead¡ªhis experience will guide you to make sure we craft them efficiently." You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Finally, she grinned and added, ¡°As for me, I¡¯ll oversee everything, looking as important and beautiful as possible. You¡¯re welcome.¡± Her bad joke lightened the mood, a few chuckles breaking the tension. Naturally her true work would be to coordinate with the other Lords and use the [Interdimantional Marketplace]. First, Lena stepped in front of the shabby tent and opened its Interface, her focus sharpening as she navigated to the Public Trades page. As expected, the first Lords had begun to post their offerings¡ªmost of them were raw resources, basic materials, or ungraded items. But amidst the clutter, she found exactly what she was looking for. With a soft glow, two tables and four benches materialized in the teleporting circle, appearing in the space before her. Now her workgroup could assemble the spears without sitting on the forest floor. The addition of these simple furnishings was a small but important improvement, offering her subjects both comfort and functionality as they worked. Little things like that would add up even if it came at the horrendous price of 4 Lord coins. She also bought a basket for the sisters to carry the herbs in. By the time the furniture settled into place, Lord M¨¹ller and Lord F?rster had sent over the first six components for the spears, and the assembly could begin. While she watched the group assemble the first spear around the table, a ping echoed in her mind, drawing her attention. [Achievement Unlocked: Monster Killer!] Type: Lord Requirement: Kill your first Lesser Mortal monster. Reward: 100 Lord EXP + 100 Coins (Lord Competition extra achievement) It seemed like the Thorn sisters had already fulfilled their quest barley a minute into their patrol. Lena couldn''t help but smile as another achievement was of her list. With a moment to herself, Lena shifted her focus back to the task at hand. She opened the [A Letter from the Future] to read it fully, curious about the rest of the information it contained. She had already read through part of it, but there was so much more, and she hadn¡¯t even reached the halfway point. Where had she left of? Right at the list of future useful Lords. At the moment she had only contacted the four immediately useful but there were another ten on the List for the future, but which wouldn¡¯t be useful in the short term. There were more information than that. The tiny handwriting was dense with a remarkable amount of details and tiny illoustrations. As it turns out her territory was situated on an island within a vast archipelago. The island itself was massive, about the size of Madagascar. That gave her a safe room to expand, at least if she vanquished the other race Lord competioners and native forces. Which shouldn¡¯t to much of a proplem with her [Talents] advantage. Afterall her future self had done decent for herself even without a usable [Talent]. The deeper she read, the more unsettling the details became. This Competition of the position of Lord of the Divine Plane of Chaen was far more brutal than she had ever imagined. Apparently, millions of races had been thrown into the Divine Plane of Chaen, each induvidial given a basic territory and left to fend for themselves. The harshness of the environment, compounded by ancient and millennia-old forces, made it a brutal struggle for survival. It was so ruthless that, just a year from now, at the time her future self had written this letter, fewer than 1 million human territories had survived. And the number was plummeting at an alarming rate. To put it into perspective, humanity had started with over six billion territories. Now, only a fraction remained, and the numbers dwindled with each passing day. The letter conveyed a terrifying reality¡ªonly the strongest would endure. Lena gulped as she absorbed the full weight of the message but hardened her resolve. This was her reality now. This world was brutal, but she was determined to change that. If not her, then who? This Talent of hers was clear in its purpose¡ªshe was destined for something greater. The future self that had written this letter had barley survied, but she would thrive. Lena clenched her fists. She was going to rewrite the course of history. *ping* Right on cue, as if the universe itself was responding to her resolve, a message flashed across her screen giving her one of the most important tools to do just that. Message from Lord Hedge: Alright, I¡¯m gonna bite. The info about achievements was really useful, and yes, I just activated the Gate of the Beginning. Thank you. I¡¯m gonna send you ten of the hundred orbs I spawned with today as a sign of goodwill and just hope you¡¯ll continue to supply me with goods and info. Thank you, my friend. "YES!" Lena couldn¡¯t contain herself. She leapt into the air, her heart racing with excitement. The message from Lord Hedge was the first tangible proof that her approach was working. It was a rush, a feeling of triumph. Her shout startled the workers, who were just finishing the fourth spear. Her eyes gleamed as she looked at the stack of four spears on the table. Each one a testament to their hard work, a step closer to her goal. Item: Spear Type: Weapon Grade: [Inferior Mortal] Description: A basic but functional spear crafted with a sturdy hardwood shaft and a reinforced obsidian blade. A reliable weapon, designed for both throwing and melee combat, with the obsidian tip offering both sharpness and durability. She wasted no time. Grabbing the spears, she immediately sent them to Lord Hedge along with a quick thank-you message. His ten orbs were going to be worth their weight in gold. No a thousand times that!