Chapter 7: Walls and Foundations
Morning broke over Adam's budding settlement, casting long shadows across the barn and crop fields. The group was already awake and hard at work. After the Bloodfang Alpha attack, everyone agreed that defenses were the next priority.
Garrett had drawn up plans for a sturdy wall to encircle the settlement. It wasn't just about keeping monsters out; it was about establishing a sense of security for everyone living there.
"We'll need a lot of wood and stone," Garrett said, gesturing at the crude map he had drawn on the ground. "I can reinforce it with spikes and build a watchtower if we gather enough resources."
Adam nodded, glancing toward the forest. "We've got the manpower, and I can speed things up with some abilities."
He opened his system interface, searching for skills that would aid in resource gathering and construction. His recent battle rewards had granted him an upgrade to Efficient Labor, now boosted by his Leadership Aura (C).
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System Activation:
Efficient Labor (C): Increases resource-gathering speed and reduces fatigue.
Leadership Aura (C): Enhances the productivity of nearby allies.
A faint golden glow radiated from Adam as he activated his abilities. Garrett's movements became quicker and more precise, and even the usually clumsy Kade was working with surprising efficiency.
"Not bad," Garrett said, lifting a large beam with ease. "Feels like I can work twice as fast."
Adam grinned. "That's the idea."
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The group split into teams. Adam, Brutus, and Kade headed to the forest to chop wood while Luna and Mira ventured into the hills to gather stone. Elyra stayed behind to fortify the herbal garden and keep an eye on the crops.
The forest was alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. Adam marveled at the variety of plants and trees, some of which glowed faintly with an otherworldly light.
"This world is something else," Adam said, swinging his axe.
Brutus snorted in agreement, pulling down a massive tree with his tusks. Kade struggled with a smaller log, but Adam's Leadership Aura seemed to bolster his efforts.
"Is it just me, or does this feel easier than it should?" Kade asked, wiping sweat from his brow.
"That's the system working in our favor," Adam replied.
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By midday, the group had gathered enough wood to start construction. They returned to the settlement to find Garrett and Mira unloading carts of stone near the barn. Luna was perched on top of a rock pile, her silver fur gleaming in the sunlight.
"Good timing," Garrett said. "We can start building."
Adam watched as Garrett directed the construction, his expertise as a builder shining through. The walls began to take shape, sturdy and imposing, made from thick wooden beams reinforced with stone.
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While the others worked, Adam took a moment to check his system interface.
New Construction Skill Progression: Basic Fortifications.
Next Upgrade: Defensive Structures (Tier 2).
"Looks like we're making progress," Adam muttered.
The system chimed again.
Skill Progression Unlocked: Animal Husbandry (C).
Effect: Enhances the growth and training of tamed animals. Improves resource production from livestock.
"Mira's going to love this," Adam said, closing the interface.
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By nightfall, the first section of the wall was complete. The settlement now had a clear perimeter, though much work remained to be done.
The group gathered around the fire for dinner, the day's efforts leaving them exhausted but satisfied.
"This is starting to feel like a real home," Kade said, tearing into a piece of roasted meat.
"It's a start," Garrett replied. "But we'll need more people if we want to expand further."
Adam nodded, his mind already turning to his abilities. He had activated Attract Followers (D) again, hoping to draw more skilled individuals to the settlement.
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That night, as the group slept, a figure emerged from the darkness. She was tall and lean, her dark hair tied back in a braid. She carried a bow slung over her shoulder and moved with the grace of a predator.
The sound of Brutus's snort woke Adam. He grabbed his weapon and stepped outside, squinting into the dim light.
"Who's there?" Adam called out.
The woman stepped forward, her hands raised in a gesture of peace. "My name is Kaelith. I'm a hunter. Your call drew me here."
System Alert:
New Resident Detected: Kaelith, Skilled Hunter.
Territory Potential Increased.
Adam relaxed slightly, though he kept his weapon ready. "Hunter, huh? What can you do?"
Kaelith smirked. "Track, scout, and kill. I've also got an ability for taming wild creatures."
Adam's interest piqued. "Welcome to the team, Kaelith. We've got plenty of work to do."
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With Kaelith's arrival, the settlement gained another valuable member. Her hunting skills would ensure a steady supply of meat, and her ability to tame creatures could potentially bolster their defenses.
As Adam watched the sunrise the next morning, he felt a renewed sense of purpose.
"This place is more than just land," he said to himself. "It's a foundation. And we're going to build something incredible here."
The system chimed softly, confirming his thoughts.
Territory Progress: 15%. Next Milestone: Upgrade to Tier 2 Settlement.
Adam grinned. "Let's get to work."