Chapter 53: Chapter 53: System's Genesis

Elio's hands trembled as he opened the black book, his heart pounding with anticipation. The elegant calligraphy that filled the first pages seemed to dance before his eyes, each word pulsing with an otherworldly energy:

Greetings, my cherished creations!

Behold, the magnificent City I have bestowed upon you! I've poured the very essence of divinity into its final touches. Perhaps it's not quite the paradise you envisioned, but let it be known that the constraints were not of my making!

I've left you this walled city as a starting point. This walled sanctuary I present to you is but a mere fraction of the world, a mere 0.0015%, excluding the vast oceans. Consider it not a limitation, but a glorious challenge to ignite the fires of your potential!

Your numbers may be humble now, a mere 100,000 souls, but I have faith that you shall flourish and multiply, with the 15 years of free barrier I've graciously provided.

Now, regarding those... less than savory creatures beyond your walls... Let's just say I have a 'divine counterpart' whose vision for this world differs quite drastically from my own. Such are the complexities of celestial politics, my dear ones.

Nevertheless, I've crafted a perfect utopian world for you... Well, it's up to you to change the "dys" for the "u". I'll be watching, so... strive to astonish me with your ingenuity!

Let your grand odyssey commence!

...On second thought, perhaps this tone lacks the gravitas befitting a deity of my stature. Allow me to adopt a more... celestial manner of address.

♢♢♢♢

Elio's brow furrowed as he read, confusion washing over him. This playful, almost casual tone seemed at odds with everything he'd been taught about the Creator. Was this truly the word of God, or some elaborate jest?

As he continued reading, the words on the page seemed to shift, taking on a more regal and commanding tone:

To my dear children, to whom I grant the City of Mana,

I, thy Creator, do hereby impart My divine wisdom. The citadel I have forged stands as both refuge and bulwark against the forces that seek thy destruction. Yet remember, true strength lies not in these indestructible walls, but in the unity of thy spirits and the judicious use of the mana that floweth through thy bodies."

The Walled City is your home and refuge. Its walls, 500 meters high and 50 wide, are indestructible, created with my divine power to protect you. The perimeter of almost 50,000 meters is divided into 5 sections..."

Elio knew most of what was reviewed in this section, so he quickly flipped through the pages...

Within these walls, life flows thanks to mana. This mystical power is the basis of your existence...

The 1,000 defense towers that crown your walls are your first line of protection. Each requires 1,000 mana points per day to function correctly. It is your responsibility to keep them fed...

As for life within the city, know that I have created systems to facilitate your existence. The 'holes' you use for waste are not simple holes. They are portals that disintegrate matter, converting it into mana that feeds the city. The light that illuminates your homes is part of...

Regarding the social structure of the city, know that both men and women have the same potential in the System. However, women possess the additional capacity to give birth, which makes them crucial for population growth. For this reason, I recommend that women remain within the safety of the city, thus ensuring the survival of the species...

Education and training are fundamental. Community schools should provide basic knowledge about the System and city defense. Those who demonstrate aptitude and courage should be trained as soldiers to defend the walls..."

The things Elio knew ended, the next section would show him what had been hidden from him.

♢♢♢♢

You must know that there is a limit to the growth of your city. The City Limit is set at 1.1 million inhabitants. It is the maximum I can protect in my constant power struggle with the Goddess. When you approach this limit, you may have to make difficult decisions to ensure the survival of the majority.

Reading about the population limit, Elio felt a chill. "One million one hundred thousand... What will happen when we reach that number?"

Therefore, you need leadership.

Leadership must be grounded in the wisdom and courage to maintain the city. Without courage, the city will not survive more than 1000 years; without wisdom, the masses will not progress; without leadership, chaos will be your doom.

Those who demonstrate courage and wisdom will be worthy to guide.