The Master Builder System

Kent sat alone inside the Village Hall, hands resting on the table, eyes staring at nothing.

Too many things were happening at once.

New buildings.

New walls.

Everything seemed far too advanced for a place like Riverwood.

"This doesn't make sense at all," he muttered.

He leaned back and closed his eyes for a moment. His mind was spinning.

Could it be a Hero?

Kent had heard about them before. Chosen ones, gifted with strange powers from beyond. But even then, Heroes were usually warriors. Fighters. Some could summon beasts, some could control weapons, and a few rare ones could heal.

But build?

No.

That kind of power didn't sound like a Hero. It sounded like something else.

A Mage?

But mages didn't appear in small, remote villages like this. And even if they did, why would they help this village?

Then, the idea of gods blessing a place this much… felt too good to be true. Like why now and why would the gods favor this place?

He rubbed his temples.

Then the door burst open.

It was Rolo again.

"Kent!" he called, breathless. "You need to come. Now."

Kent looked up, startled. "What now?"

"Another building appeared."

Kent stood up fast. "What kind of building?"

Rolo scratched his head. "I'm not sure. It's for… learning?"

Kent squinted. "Learning? Do you mean… a school?"

"I don't know what that is," Rolo said, "but the place is calling for people to join in. To learn stuff."

Kent's eyes narrowed. "You mean students?"

Rolo nodded. "Yeah. And there's more. If they pass some kind of test in a month, they get a new house and food."

Kent stared at him for a second.

Then, without a word, he bolted out the door and started running.

But he was running the wrong way.

"Not there!" Rolo shouted. "It's on the east side!"

Kent stopped, turned, and then sprinted in the opposite direction.

Rolo followed close behind, shaking his head.

Kent and Rolo arrived at the East Section, but by the time they got there, it was already crowded.

Villagers filled the front yard of the newly built school. Some were lining up. Others were peeking through the windows or talking excitedly with each other. The air buzzed with energy.

Kent tried to get closer, but the crowd was thick. Even with his status, he couldn't push through.

He glanced around and muttered, "What in the world is going on?"

Rolo chuckled. "Well, I did say the building is for learning."

Kent raised a brow. "But this many people?"

"New house and free food," Rolo said, as if that explained everything.

And it did.

Of course, everyone would come. For most of the villagers, a good roof and enough food were dreams, not everyday things.

Kent scanned the area again but couldn't get a clear look inside the school. Too many heads in the way. Too many eager voices rising up.

He sighed.

Meanwhile, inside, Finn had updated the system settings. With so many villagers trying to register, he needed to make a decision fast.

So, he made a rule.

Only fifty people could join for now.

And the system would automatically pick from the younger generation first, those who had more time to learn and grow.

He believed it would be easier to teach the young.

But he didn't forget the others.

Finn already had another plan in mind for a separate class for the elderly. Slower pace, simpler topics, and a gentler approach.

In his heart, he believed that when everyone in the village could read, write, and understand numbers, Riverwood would truly grow.

Not just stronger.

But smarter.

Later, the crowd outside the school began to thin.

Some villagers walked away with smiles, talking excitedly about getting accepted.

But many others wore disappointed faces. A few elders sighed as they turned back toward their homes. Some parents held their children close, whispering that maybe next time would be their turn.

Kent stood to the side, watching.

He stepped forward and stopped a middle-aged man walking past with his head down.

"What happened?" Kent asked.

The man looked up, still a bit dazed. "It only took fifty people. Said the rest can't join for now."

Kent frowned. "Why only fifty?"

"They said it's the rule. The metal thing, the so-called servant of God at the front told us it's limited. And… they picked mostly the younger ones."

Another woman nearby joined in. "I tried to register my daughter. She was accepted. But I wasn't. They said adults will have another chance later."

Kent narrowed his eyes. "So it's being controlled."

The man nodded. "Yes. That thing said the place has rules set by its builder. We couldn't argue. It just followed instructions."

"Builder?" Kent crossed his arms, deep in thought. "So, it really has a builder."

Rolo looked at him and asked, "So these are not the work of the gods? Not even the spirits?"

Kent didn't mind him. He was deep in thought.

Whoever built this school had planned everything.

They didn't just build. They controlled the system. Set the rules. Decided who could join.

And the most surprising part?

The villagers accepted it.

Even when turned away, no one was angry. Only a little disappointed.

Kent looked toward the school again.

"Who's behind all this…" he muttered.

Meanwhile, inside the school, Finn, Xabi, Lisa, Tessa, Rata, and Taro stood near the front of the main hall. The sight before them made their hearts full.

Rows of young villagers were seated neatly, eyes filled with curiosity and excitement. Many of them still clutched their new student badges, proudly pinned to their shirts.

"I can't believe this many actually want to learn," Finn said softly.

Xabi nodded. "It's a good sign. Means the village is ready for more."

Tessa smirked. "At least we'll have more warriors who know how to read, write, and count."

Rata laughed. "True. I'm tired of people saying 'many beasts' when they come back from the forest. Just say how many!"

The group chuckled.

Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind them.

"Lisa!"

They turned and saw Old Thom and his wife, Marie, walking up with smiles on their faces.

"Did you manage to enroll?" Old Thom asked his daughter.

Lisa smiled but shook her head. "No. I didn't."

Old Thom's smile faded a little. "Ah… That's a loss."

Marie looked a little disappointed too. "We had hoped you'd get the chance to learn more."

Taro suddenly stepped forward. "Actually, Lisa is going to be one of the teachers here."

Old Thom and Marie both blinked in surprise. "She is?"

"How?" Old Thom asked.

Taro proudly held up the small badge hanging from his belt. "They picked five teachers. Lisa's one of them."

Lisa smiled and reached into her pocket, showing her own badge.

Old Thom's face lit up. "You're a teacher?"

Marie beamed. "Oh, Lisa… we're so proud of you."

Lisa's eyes softened. "Thank you. I'll do my best."

Old Thom patted her shoulder gently. "You'll be a great teacher. Just like your mother used to be with the little ones."

Marie chuckled. "Now you've got your own classroom."

Lisa turned to Finn and whispered, "I'm really glad I joined this."

Finn smiled. "Me too."