The new directives from the System signaled a clear shift for the Crimson Kindred, from basic fortification to more advanced development aimed at achieving the 'Tier 1 Settlement' Rank (Hamlet). Adrian convened the group within their now-completed primary shelter to discuss their approach to the 'Settlement Advancement - Phase 1' objectives.
"Two immediate paths present themselves," Adrian stated. "The construction of 'Specialized Crafting Stations' will enhance our ability to process resources and create better equipment. Simultaneously, the 'Explore Echoing Caves' objective offers potential new resources, knowledge, or dangers that we must understand."
It was decided to pursue both. Seraphina and Silas, with Garrick's assistance for heavy materials, would begin work on the first crafting station – an advanced obsidian shaping bench. Seraphina's 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)' was applied to designing a station that could accommodate more precise work, while Silas's 'Deft Hands (Minor)' would be essential for its construction. They considered using the newly discovered Ironwood for parts of its frame, anticipating its durability but also the difficulty in shaping it.
[System Notification: Objective (Specialized Crafting Stations) – Design for 'Advanced Obsidian Shaping Station' finalized. Material gathering initiated. Target material: Ironwood, Fungal-Stone. Progress +5%.]
Adrian, in the meantime, designated Marcus and Elara for the first exploratory visit to the 'Echoing Cave System'. Their collective aptitudes in observation, quiet movement, and sensory perception were considered appropriate for this task, which could present unknown conditions. They equipped themselves with their sharpest obsidian implements, coils of Ridgeback Vine rope, and improvised torches made from resinous fungal wood, should the caves prove lightless.
Before departing for the caves, Adrian dedicated time to his 'Progenitor Advancement – Sanguine Alchemy'. He focused on the 'Crude Sanguine Salve (Grade F)' he had previously created. His goal was to stabilize it and perhaps enhance its minor properties. He carefully replicated the process, this time attempting to refine the catalytic reaction between the Armored Grazer blood and his own Progenitor blood, using his 'Blood Focus (Rudimentary)' to maintain a more consistent, gentle internal heat during the mixing.
[System Notification: Sanguine Experimentation Attempt: Refine 'Crude Sanguine Salve'. Process Modification: Sustained, low-intensity energetic infusion. Partial Success. Result: 'Basic Sanguine Salve (Grade E)'. Properties: Improved antiseptic qualities, slight enhancement to natural healing for minor abrasions/cuts, stability increased (shelf-life extended to several cycles). Understanding of Sanguine Alchemy principles +10%.]
The resulting salve was still a dull crimson but felt smoother, less volatile. A small but vital improvement. He stored the small quantity carefully.
[System Notification: Objective (Progenitor Advancement – Sanguine Alchemy) – 'Crude Sanguine Salve' refined to 'Basic Sanguine Salve (Grade E)'. Progress +20%.]
[Adrian - Group XP +30 (Alchemical Advancement)]
The exploration team then set out for the northern part of the valley, where the Tuskers were still absent on their migration. The entrance to the Echoing Cave System was a dark fissure at the base of a weathered cliff, partially obscured by hardy purple shrubs. A cool, damp air emanated from within, carrying an unusual, faintly metallic scent.
Marcus, activating his 'Hunter's Acuity (Minor)', examined the entrance. "No fresh tracks of large creatures entering or exiting. Some smaller, unidentifiable prints. The air is still, but there's a faint echo, as the name suggests, even from here." Elara, her 'Shadow's Grace (Minor)' allowing her to blend with the rock face, scouted the immediate interior. "The passage descends quickly. It's narrow at first, then seems to open up. The echoes are more pronounced further in. Light will be necessary."
Adrian lit one of their crude torches. The flickering light cast dancing shadows as they stepped into the maw of the cave. The initial passage was indeed tight, forcing them to move in single file. The promised echoes were immediate, every scuff of their boots, every drip of moisture from the ceiling, amplified and distorted. The metallic scent grew stronger. After some twenty meters, the passage opened into a larger cavern. The torchlight revealed walls glittering with embedded crystalline structures they hadn't seen before.
[System Notification: New Mineral Resource Discovered: 'Resonant Crystals'. Properties: Unknown. Emit faint sonic vibrations in response to ambient sound. Potential for unknown energy conduction or amplification.]
[System Notification: Objective (Explore Echoing Caves) – Initial chamber accessed. New mineral 'Resonant Crystals' identified. Progress +15%.]
In this section of the cave, the ambient temperature was lower, and the way sounds carried was more complex, creating multiple overlapping echoes. Deeper inside, a faint, consistent pulse was audible; its even rhythm hinted it might not be a common natural phenomenon. Elara gestured towards the source of the acoustics. Adrian recognized the need to proceed with caution. "There is more to investigate further in. Our approach should be methodical." The exploration of the Echoing Caves had just begun, and it already promised both unknown treasures and potential perils.