Bab 21: Chapter 21: The Road to Expansion
Chapter 21: The Road to Expansion
The system's upgrade pulsed through the settlement like a wave of life, reshaping the land subtly but significantly. Adam stood by the central watchtower, watching as the settlers marveled at their fortified walls and vibrant fields.
The once-barren soil now teemed with growth, the crops sprouting with almost magical vigor. The walls, reinforced with shimmering runes, glowed faintly in the dim light, a visible testament to their newfound strength.
<System Alert:
Settlement Level-Up Complete!
New Objectives Unlocked: Expand territory by 10%. Establish a secondary outpost. Clear surrounding monster dens (3/5 remaining).
Special Reward Upon Completion: Tier 2 Settlement Core.>
Adam read the message carefully. "A secondary outpost? Looks like the system is pushing us to grow even faster."
Kaelith stepped beside him, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon. "It's not surprising. We've been marked as a threat—or an opportunity—by this world. Expansion is our only option."
Scouting the Wilds
The next step was clear: they needed to find suitable land for the secondary outpost. Adam selected a scouting team consisting of Kaelith, Mira, and a few of the more experienced settlers.
Using the map acquired from the abandoned camp, they identified two promising locations—a dense forest to the northeast and a rocky plateau to the west. Both had strategic value but posed their own challenges.
"I'll take the forest," Kaelith said. "Its cover suits my skills."
Adam nodded. "I'll lead a group to the plateau. It's more exposed, but the elevation could give us an advantage."
The teams set out at dawn, each carrying supplies for a multi-day expedition. Adam's group, consisting of Bren, Saria, and three settlers, made their way toward the rocky plateau.
The Plateau Expedition
The journey to the plateau was arduous. The terrain grew rougher as they ascended, the path littered with jagged rocks and loose gravel. Despite the challenges, Adam's Heightened Perception (C) allowed him to guide the group safely, spotting potential hazards before they became a problem.
When they reached the summit, the view took Adam's breath away. The plateau stretched out like a natural fortress, its steep cliffs providing an almost impenetrable barrier. To the east, a crystal-clear river snaked through the landscape, its waters glistening in the sunlight.
"This could work," Bren said, surveying the area. "Plenty of space for an outpost, and the river would make for a natural boundary."
Adam activated Strategic Insight (B), analyzing the location's potential. A glowing overlay appeared in his vision, highlighting key features like defensible chokepoints and resource-rich areas.
<System Alert:
Location Identified: Rocky Plateau.
Strategic Value: High. Resource Availability: Moderate. Recommended Use: Defensive Outpost.>
"It's perfect," Adam said. "We'll set up here."
Claiming the Land
Before they could begin construction, the area had to be cleared of potential threats. The group encountered a small pack of Stone Beasts—dog-like creatures with rocky hides and glowing eyes.
<System Alert:
Creature Identified: Stone Beast (Uncommon Variant).
Stats: Strength C, Defense B, Agility D.
Abilities: Hardened Body, Earth Tremor.>
"Everyone, stay alert!" Adam called out.
The Stone Beasts attacked with surprising coordination, their hardened bodies making them difficult to injure. Adam activated Strength Surge (C) and charged, his sword glowing as it struck one of the creatures, cracking its rocky armor.
Bren used Iron Wall (C) to shield the settlers while Saria darted around the beasts, her Quick Strike (C) ability allowing her to target their weak points.
The fight was brutal but short. With their combined efforts, the group managed to defeat the Stone Beasts, their bodies crumbling into piles of rock and crystal.
<System Alert:
Stone Beasts Defeated. Resources Gained: Crystal Shards, Stone Beast Cores.>
"Another victory," Bren said, wiping sweat from his brow.
Adam nodded. "Let's start marking the boundaries. This land is ours now."
Back at the Settlement
While Adam's group worked on the plateau, Kaelith's team returned from the forest with promising news. They had found a fertile clearing surrounded by natural barriers, ideal for farming and raising animals.
Leila, ever the pragmatist, analyzed both locations. "The plateau offers better defense, but the clearing is perfect for agriculture. We'll need both if we're going to sustain long-term growth."
Adam agreed. "We'll focus on the plateau first. Once it's secure, we can expand to the clearing."
Unlocking Potential
That night, Adam reviewed his abilities. The settlement's growth and his recent victories had brought him closer to unlocking some of his latent powers.
<System Alert:
Ability Unlocked: Beast Sovereign (S).
Effect: Grants enhanced control over all tamed creatures. Increases loyalty and combat effectiveness.>
A wave of power surged through Adam as the ability activated, a faint golden aura surrounding him.
At the same time, another alert appeared.
<System Alert:
Ability Upgraded: Strategic Attraction (D) → Strategic Influence (C).
Effect: Enhances the ability to attract capable NPCs and increases their effectiveness within the settlement.>
Adam smiled, the possibilities swirling in his mind. These abilities would be game-changers, not just for himself but for the entire settlement.
"We're getting stronger," he said to himself. "But we're not done yet."
The Future Awaits
With the plateau secured and plans for expansion underway, the settlement's future looked brighter than ever. But Adam knew that the challenges would only grow more daunting as they expanded their reach.
Standing at the watchtower that night, he gazed at the stars, his determination unwavering.
"This is our world now," he said softly. "And we'll make it ours, no matter what it takes."
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone