Work on the main shelters and the defensive perimeter had concluded, leading the Crimson Kindred to address new tasks. The 'Tier 0 - Den Site' in the Sheltered Valley was now their main living area, a change from their first den, and it presented a more organized arrangement within the natural surroundings. The Tusker Boars' current migratory absence allowed for a time of uninterrupted tasks and continued surveying of the local area.
Their attention then turned to outstanding goals. Seraphina and Silas concentrated on finalizing the 'Advanced Resource Processing' assignments. Silas, using his 'Deft Hands (Minor)' and newly crafted obsidian tools, fashioned a set of specialized implements for working the treated Crevice Stalker hides – finer awls, scrapers, and cutting edges. Seraphina, with these new tools, was able to more efficiently process the hides into durable strips and sections suitable for reinforcing clothing, creating pouches, or even rudimentary armor padding.
[System Notification: Objective (Advanced Resource Processing) – Specialized Hide Working Toolkit crafted. All available hides processed into usable leather components. Objective Complete!]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +75 (Strategic Objective Met)]
Simultaneously, efforts on 'Resource Diversification' bore fruit. The experimental patch of Stone-Grain Grass, carefully tended by Silas and monitored by Seraphina, showed healthy growth. They harvested the first small yield of seeds, enough to grind into a more substantial amount of coarse flour and to save for future, larger plantings.
[System Notification: Objective (Resource Diversification) – Successful initial harvest of 'Stone-Grain Grass'. Viable non-blood carbohydrate source secured and cultivation method proven. Objective Complete!]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +100 (Strategic Objective Met)]
With these vital logistical objectives met, Adrian turned his full attention to his 'Progenitor Development'. The path to 'Sanguine Alchemy (Basic)' required "dedicated research, specific catalysts, or potent blood sources." He decided to experiment with a small, carefully preserved sample of Armored Grazer blood, noted by the System for its 'high vital essence.' In a secluded part of their main shelter, he meticulously prepared a small, heat-resistant stone bowl. He introduced the Grazer blood and then, with intense concentration, added a single drop of his own Progenitor blood, hoping it might act as a catalyst. He then focused his 'Blood Focus (Rudimentary)' and nascent 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' not to imbue an object, but to try and alter the properties of the mixed blood itself, gently warming it with his internal energy, willing it to transform. The mixture slowly thickened, its color deepening. A faint, almost metallic aroma arose.
[System Notification: Sanguine Experimentation Attempt: Catalytic Alteration of Potent Blood Source (Armored Grazer Blood + Progenitor Blood). Partial Success. Result: 'Crude Sanguine Salve (Grade F)'. Properties: Minor antiseptic qualities, slight acceleration of natural healing on superficial wounds (non-vampiric). Highly unstable, short shelf-life. Requires further refinement and understanding of Sanguine Alchemy principles.]
[System Notification: Skill Path 'Sanguine Alchemy (Basic)' – Comprehension +5%. Foundational understanding of blood as an alchemical base initiated.]
It was a crude result, but it was alchemy. He had created something new from blood, something with tangible properties.
While Adrian was thus engaged, Marcus and Elara, with Garrick providing support, took advantage of the Tuskers' absence to thoroughly survey the northern part of the valley, including the stream's origin point. They found no immediate threats but discovered a small grove of unusual, dark-barked trees whose wood seemed incredibly dense and hard, and a narrow cave system that warranted further, more cautious exploration later.
[System Notification: New Resource Identified: 'Ironwood Trees' (Northern Valley). Properties: Extremely dense wood, highly resistant to rot and physical damage. Difficult to work.]
[System Notification: Notable Location Discovered: 'Echoing Cave System' (Northern Valley – Unexplored).]
As the cycle concluded, the Kindred gathered. Their settlement was secure, their immediate resource needs addressed, and new possibilities had opened up. The System, as if sensing this new plateau, presented Adrian with fresh directives.
[System Notification: 'Kindred Fortification - Phase 2' Complete (all core construction, deterrence, and initial processing objectives met). Settlement Status: 'Tier 0 - Fortified Encampment'. New Development Phase Objectives Issued.]
[System Objectives (Settlement Advancement - Phase 1):1. Achieve 'Tier 1 Settlement' Rank (Hamlet): Expand infrastructure, population (if viable candidates are found), and resource production. (0/1)2. Specialized Crafting Stations: Construct dedicated workstations for advanced obsidian shaping, leatherworking, and basic alchemy/herbalism. (0/3)3. Explore Echoing Caves: Conduct a thorough and cautious exploration of the newly discovered cave system. (0/1)4. Progenitor Advancement – Sanguine Alchemy: Continue research and experimentation to refine Sanguine Salve or develop new alchemical applications. (0/1)]
"Our Encampment is now considered 'Fortified'," Adrian announced, a note of gravity in his voice. "The next step is to transform it into a true Hamlet, a Tier 1 Settlement. This will require more than just buildings; it speaks of growth, specialized production, and further understanding our domain." He looked at the crude, unstable Sanguine Salve he had created. The path of the Progenitor was one of constant, often perilous, innovation. The valley was theirs, for now. The challenge was to make it the heart of a future empire.