The den was active early in the new cycle. The air of raw triumph from the previous hunt had settled into a focused diligence. Garrick, with a low grunt of effort, tested his 'Brute Vigor (Minor)' by attempting to shift a heavy Ironshroom barricade log that had previously required two of them. It moved, albeit grudgingly. It was evident that the enhancement to his already significant physical capabilities was well-received.
Elsewhere in their shelter, Elara concentrated on understanding her 'Shadow's Grace (Minor)'. She practiced moving with reduced sound, and it was observed that her visual profile was somewhat obscured when she was in dimmer sections of the den. At one point, she passed within inches of Silas, who was meticulously examining one of his snares, and he gave no sign of noticing her until she spoke from directly behind him, making him start – a rare show of surprise from the stoic vampire.
Near the den's entrance, Marcus sat quietly on an outcropping, his attention directed towards the forest's distant acoustics and olfactory traces. He appeared to be methodically examining the capabilities of his 'Hunter's Acuity (Minor)' by parsing individual elements from the sensory information around him.
Adrian watched them for a time, then retreated to a quieter section of the den for his own 'Progenitor Study'. He pushed his 'Blood Focus (Rudimentary)' further, trying to extend its influence beyond simple internal adjustments. He recalled the System's mention of "insights with introspection or specific triggers." What if blood could be a conduit for more than just physical energy? He focused on a piece of the Ironshroom stalk, then on a fragment of the strange, obsidian-like rock Silas had found. He tried to send a minute, almost imperceptible tremor of his own blood's energy towards them, attempting to 'feel' their essence, their density, their hidden structures. It was like trying to read a sealed book with blunt fingers. [System Notification: Skill 'Blood Focus (Rudimentary)' proficiency increased. Experimentation with external sensory projection via blood resonance is highly inefficient at current skill level but has yielded +1% comprehension towards 'Sanguine Resonance (Nascent)'.] A nascent ability, even if just a hint. It was enough to confirm his intuition that his Progenitor Blood held far deeper potentials.
Later, he gathered the Kindred. "Objective One, consolidating power, is progressing well. For Objective Three, 'Strategic Resource Acquisition,' we need to find denser stone or mineral deposits. Better materials mean better tools, stronger fortifications. Seraphina, your analytical mind will be crucial for identifying useful substances. Garrick, your strength for extraction and defense. The three of us will undertake this."
Seraphina nodded. "We should look for geological formations that differ from this immediate fungal loam – rocky outcrops, cave systems, perhaps even a ravine or dried riverbed if this world has such features."
They set out, leaving the others to continue their practice and den maintenance. Adrian led them towards a series of low hills they had spotted in the distance during previous explorations. The terrain grew rockier, the giant fungi giving way to hardy, twisted trees that clung to stony slopes.
After several hours of searching, Seraphina paused at the base of a cliff face where a section had recently sheared away, exposing fresh rock. "Adrian, look at this." She pointed to dark, almost black veins running through the lighter grey stone. The black material was hard, with a glassy, conchoidal fracture where pieces had broken off. [System Notification: Resource Identified: Obsidian Shard Deposit (Volcanic Glass).]
[Properties: Extremely hard, capable of holding an exceptionally sharp edge, brittle under high impact. Can be knapped into blades, arrowheads, or spear points.]
[Use: Crafting sharp-edged tools and weapon components. Requires careful handling due to brittleness.]
"This is precisely what we need," Adrian said, examining a sharp-edged fragment. It was far superior to the crude stone shards they had used before. "Garrick, can you carefully break off manageable pieces from these veins? We need to avoid shattering them too much."
As Garrick began to work, his enhanced strength allowing him to pry out sections of obsidian with controlled force, a low growl echoed from a narrow crevice higher up the cliff face. From the shadows, two pairs of glowing yellow eyes emerged, followed by lean, reptilian bodies covered in dull, slate-grey scales. They were roughly the size of large dogs, with powerful jaws and long, whip-like tails. [System Notification: Creature Detected: Crevice Stalker (Reptilian Predator – Rock Dweller) x2.]
[Threat Level: Low-Medium (Individually). Moderate (Pair). Territorial, ambush predators. Possess sharp claws and a moderately venomous bite (neurotoxin – causes localized paralysis/weakness if untreated).]
[Observation: Blood analysis (remote scan): Moderate vital essence. Not ideal for sustenance compared to Armored Grazer, but superior to Grunters. Moderate XP.]
"Stalkers," Adrian warned, drawing his crude spear. Seraphina took a defensive stance beside him, her own implement ready. Garrick turned from the obsidian, a large chunk of it still in one hand, his other gripping his Ironshroom club.
The Crevice Stalkers hissed, their forked tongues flicking out, and then launched themselves down the rock face with surprising speed. This was an unexpected test, but also an opportunity. Their new resources were not entirely undefended.