The new cycle began with a sense of sharpened purpose. The newly crafted obsidian spearheads and knife-like blades were distributed amongst the Kindred. Silas himself had meticulously hafted several, the black, volcanic glass glinting dangerously even in the dim light of the den. The difference from their previous crude stone and wood implements was stark. [System Notification: Combat Preparedness – Kindred equipped with Obsidian-tipped implements. Combat effectiveness projected to increase.]
"Silas," Adrian addressed him directly, "you are the last of us yet to reach the next threshold. Today, we focus on your advancement. Another Armored Grazer is our target. With these new edges, the hunt should be more… efficient."
Silas met Adrian's gaze and gave a single, resolute nod. Though he hadn't gained a level from the obsidian crafting alone, the substantial XP from it had brought him very close. [Silas - XP: 50/100 to Level 2 (Updated post-crafting)]
The planning session was brief but focused. Seraphina, using her 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)', pointed out potential vulnerabilities on the Armored Grazer an MRE that their previous weapons couldn't easily exploit but obsidian might. "The joints in the plating, particularly around the neck and where the limbs meet the torso – if we can achieve deep, precise penetration there, it should be significantly more effective than blunt trauma."
Marcus, with his 'Hunter's Acuity (Minor)', felt confident he could lead them to a lone Grazer more quickly this time, perhaps even one slightly larger, promising more XP. Garrick's 'Brute Vigor (Minor)' would still be essential for creating openings or dealing with unexpected aggression, while Elara's 'Shadow's Grace (Minor)' would allow her to act as a mobile, almost unseen harasser or deliver a precise strike.
Before they departed, Adrian spent a short period in focused meditation, delving into his 'Blood Focus (Rudimentary)' and the faint stirrings of 'Sanguine Resonance (Nascent)'. He found he could now maintain the subtle internal control over his blood flow with less conscious effort, and the external 'sensing' via blood resonance, while still crude, felt a fraction more distinct. He could almost 'taste' the faint life-energies within the den, distinguishing each of his companions as a unique signature. [System Notification: Skill 'Blood Focus (Rudimentary)' proficiency increased. Stamina cost for sustained use slightly reduced.]
[System Notification: Skill 'Sanguine Resonance (Nascent)' comprehension +1%. Range of indistinct life-sense marginally improved.]
The hunt began. Marcus, true to his word, led them with uncanny speed to an area where a solitary adult Armored Grazer grazed, larger than the one they had taken before. Its plates seemed thicker, its presence more formidable.
Their approach was different this time. The obsidian demanded precision. Elara, a whisper in the shadows, moved to draw its initial attention from one flank, her movements fluid and distracting. As the Grazer turned its heavy head, Garrick, from the opposite side, let out a roar and charged, not with his club, but with a newly obsidian-tipped spear, aiming for a foreleg joint Seraphina had indicated. The obsidian bit deep, and the Grazer bellowed in pain and fury, its leg wounded but not crippled.
This was Silas's moment. From a concealed position he had taken up with Marcus's guidance, he launched a weighted obsidian spear he had crafted himself. It flew true, striking the Grazer in the side of the neck, in a narrow gap between two plates of its armor. It was a masterfully aimed throw. [System Notification: Silas – Critical Hit (Obsidian Spear)! Target: Armored Grazer (Adult). Significant internal damage dealt.]
The Grazer staggered, a gurgling roar escaping its throat. Adrian and Marcus moved in simultaneously, their own obsidian spears finding purchase in other weak points revealed by the creature's pained contortions. The fight was shorter, sharper, and far more lethal than their previous encounter, the obsidian edges proving their worth. The creature fell, its lifeblood staining the alien soil. [System Notification: Armored Grazer (Adult) – Deceased.]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +350 (Successful Coordinated Hunt - Mature & Dangerous Prey, Efficient Takedown)]
[Silas - XP +120 (Critical Hit, Primary Ranged Damage, Kill Contribution)]
[Adrian - XP +60 (Leadership, Combat Contribution)]
[Marcus - XP +60 (Tracking, Combat Contribution)]
[Garrick - XP +60 (Combat Contribution, Tanking)]
[Elara - XP +50 (Distraction, Combat Contribution)]
As Silas stood over the fallen Grazer, a familiar energy surged through him. [Silas - XP Threshold Reached! Level Up Pending Confirmation!] A rare, almost imperceptible upturn of his lips was his only outward sign before he mentally willed, "Confirm." [Silas - Level Up! Level 1 -> Level 2.]
[System Notification: All Core Attributes (Strength, Agility, Endurance, Intellect, Perception, Charisma) marginally increased.]
[System Notification: Attribute Points available for allocation: 2]
[System Notification: Understanding of Original Vampire blood and innate abilities has deepened.]
[System Notification: 'Deft Hands (Minor)' unlocked. Enhances fine motor skills, precision in crafting, and effectiveness in setting/disarming complex mechanisms or traps.]
"Deft Hands," Silas stated, his voice its usual low monotone, yet carrying an undertone of satisfaction. He allocated his points to Intellect and Agility, choices that would serve both his crafting and his more subtle combat contributions.
[System Notification: Group Objective (Advancement Support: Plan and execute a hunt or other XP-generating activity to facilitate advancement for remaining Level 1 Kindred.) – Complete!]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +150 (All Original Members Advanced)]
All six members of the Crimson Kindred now stood at Level 2. They had faced dangers, secured resources, and taken their first significant steps in mastering their new vampiric existence. The rich blood of the Grazer was shared, their strength replenished, their Blood Thirst sated to a comfortable hum.
As they began the task of salvaging what they could from their kill, Adrian looked at his companions. Each was an Original, now awakened to new personal abilities. Their foundation was solid. The Overseer's mandate for growth echoed in his mind, no longer a distant, overwhelming pressure, but a challenge they were increasingly equipped to meet. The path to a village, a kingdom, an empire, began with such steps.