Chapter 1.
The rise of civilization.
On a summer Friday evening, the waning sunlight cast its warm glow upon the narrow streets.
Lu G, wearary from his summer job, trudged home, for today marked the end of his employment.
With just over a week remaining before the new school year commenced, he intended to relish the final moments of his senior summer.
After shedding his t-shirt, thoroughly drenched in perspiration, he treated himself to a refreshing cold shower.
He hastily consumed a light dinner and, as was his custom, brewed a cup of coffee, cranking the dilapidated fan in his room to its maximum setting.
Once prepared, he powered on his computer and clicked the game icon on his desktop.
Embarking on his favorite game, Barbarian 6.
As the opening cinematic unfolded, the fatigue etched on Luo, Gia's face began to dissipate, his countenance brightening with renewed vigor.
He definitely maneuvered the mouse to select the highest difficulty level, initiating a new game.
With the game underway, his weary body felt rejuvenated and his foggy mind sharpened into clarity.
Territory acquisition, negotiation, trade, true production, and alliances unfolded seamlessly.
He immersed himself in the experience, a seasoned veteran in this realm of combat.
Just as he was poised to click another round, a message notification appeared in the lower left corner of his screen.
Care for a match? The sender was a gaming acquaintance from Barbarian 6.
Despite their limited conversations, this individual frequently sought him out for cooperative play, typically initiating with those three words.
Although their encounters were always intense and prolonged due to the sender's formidable skills, they were equally exhilarating, leading Lu Gi to develop a peculiar fondness for this eccentric online friend.
After an intense battle, the victorious screen materialized before him.
LuG drained the last of his coffee, a smile gracing his lips.
Despite their numerous clashes, where victories outweigh defeats, the challenges inherent in each encounter rendered every triumph profoundly satisfying.
Typically, after determining the outcome, the opponent would log off immediately.
However, this time, an unexpected message arrived.
Interested in a more intriguing strategy game? Lu G replied with two question marks.
Establish a city state, develop a civilization, and engage in genuine military strategy.
Initially, Luog suspected this might be a ruse.
Yet, upon further reflection, the prospect of such an experience sparked a thrill within him.
Though his tumultuous family circumstances had matured him prematurely, he was still a student at heart, harboring a flicker of impulsiveness.
Coupled with the monotony of his days, he felt a twinge of excitement.
If there is such a game, I would indeed like to try it.
As he sent his response, an unexpected voice echoed in his mind.
System prompt.
A qualified host has been detected.
Would you like to accept the installation program for the rise of civilization? Huh? What is that sound? Lu G instinctively glanced around.
Is it coming from my mind? The voice was unexpected, and according to Lu J's temperament.
While he did not panic, a hint of surprise graced his fair features.
At that moment, a message from his friend appeared in the chat window.
Except upon reading those two words, Lu Gi immediately realized that he might be embroiled in something significant.
His heart began to race, a blend of tension and excitement coursing through him, igniting an urge to accept the proposition.
Yet reason urged him that refusal would be the more prudent choice.
He exhaled slowly.
However, he had always been a rather headstrong individual, and being a solitary figure, what was there to fear? He decisively chose to accept.
System prompt.
The installation of Rise of Civilization is in progress.
Please remain alert.
System prompt.
Installation of Rise of Civilization complete.
As the system notification echoed, Lu G felt a sudden darkness envelop him.
And before he could open his eyes, a bone chilling cold seized his body, making him shudder involuntarily.
What is happening? So cold.
When he finally opened his eyes, the first sight to greet him was a crackling bonfire.
Instinctively, Lu G moved closer to the fire, hoping its warmth would soothe him.
Just then, another system prompt resounded in his ears.
System prompt.
You have received a friend request from player Gao.
Do you wish to accept? player.
Gao, perhaps frozen in shock or overwhelmed by the drastic changes.
Luo Ji's usually agile mind experienced a brief lapse.
After regaining his composure, he realized, "Am I starting the game directly?" With his mind gradually returning to its usual sharpness, Lu G deduced that this player named Gao Sue must be his online friend and promptly accepted the friend request.
Almost instantaneously, a message from Gao Sue arrived.
Sending messages requires civilization points.
Civilization points are the most crucial currency in this game and they are not easily earned by newcomers.
Therefore, you need not reply to my messages.
I will outline some important points.
Please take note.
As soon as this message was sent, a flurry of follow-up messages quickly followed.
You have now entered a world of primitive civilization, a world that is entirely real.
Do not be constrained by the barbaric gaming framework.
As a newcomer, you enjoy a six-month protection period in that world during which other players cannot invade you.
You may freely cultivate and develop your civilization tribe.
However, do not underestimate the indigenous people in this world initially.
They are not easy to deal with.
It is essential to act with caution while also exploring this world.
As much as possible unexpected rewards may await you.
Also, remember to check your attribute panel before starting and develop according to your strengths.
Finally, it is imperative not to withdraw easily for both exiting and logging and require the expenditure of civilization points.
Newcomers are often in short supply of these points, so it is advisable to develop as much as possible in that world.
Ultimately, I wish you the best of luck.
After sending this message, there was silence from Gaos side.
During this time, Luo Gi attempted to send messages as well, only to discover, as Gaussu had, that each message consumed 10 civilization points and was subject to a word limit.
Currently, it seemed he possessed no civilization points at all.
Chapter 2.
Initial configuration.
As Lu G absorbed the information imparted by Gao Su, he slowly raised his head only to find himself surrounded by a group of savages clad in animal skins.
My goodness.
Faced with such a situation, Lu Gi could not help but curse internally, utterly stunned.
What on earth have I really fallen into the hands of savages right from the start? What should I do? What should I do? His mind became a tumultuous haze, and his complexion began to pale.
Perhaps it was merely his imagination, but he felt that the gazes of these savages were filled with a menacing glint.
Surely these fellows aren't cannibals.
The thought sent a jolt through his fragile heart.
If these savages were indeed cannibals, his fate would be unbearably grim.
While he was lost in such dire thoughts, an elderly savage leaning on a wooden staff and sporting a beard as tangled as weeds, ambled over.
Chief, everyone is waiting for your decision.
Startled by the sudden approach of the elder, Lu G was initially takenback.
However, upon comprehending the word spoken, his expression shifted to one of disbelief as he instinctively pointed to himself.
Chief, me? After uttering this phrase, he quickly realized that a system-like narrative had materialized in his mind.
He was indeed the chief of this tribe which had been devastated by a snowstorm 5 days prior.
At this moment, he was leading his people in search of a new home.
Upon reflection, this scenario bore a striking resemblance to the beginning of a savage tale.
As he grasped that these savages were his subjects, Lu G recognized that the previous impression of their menacing staires was merely a figment of his imagination.