The first permanent shelter offered a new degree of steadiness, allowing the Crimson Kindred to focus their work on adding two more similar constructions and continuing the 'Defensive Enhancements' for their settlement area. Building the second shelter proceeded with improved workflow, as the group utilized their prior experience. The positioning of the fungal-stone blocks was handled by Silas, who employed his 'Deft Hands (Minor)'. Garrick's 'Brute Vigor (Minor)' assisted with keeping construction components available. Seraphina's 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)' was utilized in observing the ongoing construction and how gathered resources were being used.
Adrian also dedicated time to his ongoing 'Progenitor Development', alongside his contributions to the group's tasks. He chose a main support beam for the second shelter, made from dense local fungal wood, for his next application of 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)'. His intention was to affect the beam along its full measure, hoping to increase its robustness and its capacity to endure the local environment. This particular effort represented a greater scope than his work on smaller objects and required considerable concentration. [System Notification: Skill 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' – Applied to Shelter Support Beam. Temporary Property: Enhanced Resilience & Minor Decay Resistance. Duration: Several cycles (estimate). Understanding of 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' +15%. Efficiency slightly improved.] A visible change occurred as the beam's color deepened slightly, and a subtle, passing sensation was noted near it before it returned to its normal state. The potential to reinforce larger construction pieces in this manner was a noteworthy development.
Work also proceeded on 'Advanced Resource Processing'. Seraphina, with Elara assisting when not on patrol, began to systematically treat the Crevice Stalker hides using the process she had developed. The Bitteroil Bush sap and powdered river stones, when applied correctly, rendered the tough hides more pliable and water-resistant. They managed to produce several serviceable pieces.
[System Notification: Objective (Advanced Resource Processing) – Stalker Hide (Treated) x3 units produced. Hide treatment process refined for consistency. Progress +60% -> +75%.]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +30 (Crafting Advancement)] Silas also took some of the Stone-Grain Grass seeds and, in a carefully selected, sun-exposed (by this world's standards) patch within their defended perimeter, attempted a small, experimental planting. [System Notification: Objective (Resource Diversification) – Experimental cultivation of 'Stone-Grain Grass' initiated. Progress +65% -> +70%.]
Work also continued on the main perimeter barrier, which was intended to eventually define the boundary of their primary living and operational space. The construction was demanding, yet the thought of improved safety for the group encouraged their efforts. Obsidian shards, carefully embedded by Silas, topped key sections.
[System Notification: Objective (Defensive Enhancements) – Reinforced perimeter wall now encloses 50% of planned core settlement area. Progress +50% -> +70%.]
Marcus, during one of his patrols along the 'Tusker Deterrence Line', reported a subtle shift in the Boar herd's behavior. "They continue to respect the boundary," he informed Adrian. "However, the large dominant male has been more frequently patrolling their side of the line, and there appears to be some internal challenging among the younger males. Their migratory departure seems to be approaching, based on their increased restlessness." This information was noted; a temporary absence of the Tuskers would provide a valuable window for extending their work further north if needed.
By the end of several more cycles, the second 'Type 1 Fortified Shelter' stood complete beside the first, offering more secure living and storage space. The sight of two solid structures within their growing walled perimeter was a significant morale boost.
[System Notification: Objective (Permanent Shelters) – Second 'Type 1 Fortified Shelter' construction complete. Progress +70% -> +90% (2 of 3 Shelters Built).]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +150 (Major Construction Milestone: Second Permanent Shelter)]
"Two down, one primary shelter to go before this phase is complete," Adrian commented to the group as they surveyed their work. "Then, finishing the main wall will be our sole construction focus for a time." The transformation of the Sheltered Valley from a wild expanse into a defended settlement was visibly accelerating. Each Kindred member contributed their unique skills, their coordinated actions building not just structures, but the foundation of their new life and future power. The ongoing tasks related to resource management and perimeter upkeep were also part of this steady establishment.