Dawn's vision narrowed as she tried to find her footing, leaning against the rocky outcrop. With every shuffling step, pain lanced through her side, serving as a brutal reminder of the Lumavine Raptor's final assault. The metallic scent of her own blood mixed with the earthy aroma of the forest, making her slightly nauseous.
To the side, the disabled Lumavine Raptor emitted sporadic sparks and low whirring noises. Remembering tales of scavengers who repurposed fallen mechanoids, an idea began to form. If she could extract some of the Raptor's components, they might serve her in some way. Approaching it cautiously, Dawn assessed the mechanical carcass.
She noticed its external plating was relatively lightweight but sturdy. She removed a few plates, which could be used to fashion makeshift armor or even to reinforce shelter. As she delved deeper, she found the Raptor's fluid conduit system – a network of thin tubes filled with a clear gel-like substance. Recalling some lore, she realized that this gel acted as a coolant and had antimicrobial properties. It wasn't a perfect solution, but it could be applied to her wound to prevent infection and possibly numb some pain.
Using her dagger, Dawn carefully extracted the gel from the tubes, applying a liberal amount to her wound after cleaning it. Almost immediately, a cooling sensation spread, taking the edge off the pain.
Further scavenging rewarded her with several energy cells and a compact projector device. The energy cells could be invaluable for powering her equipment. As for the projector, it seemed to be the Raptor's communication module, potentially repurposable for emitting signals or even as a light source.
Satisfied with her haul, Dawn's thoughts shifted to her shelter. Moving slowly, she began her trek, with the Lumavine Raptor's remains serving as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in the forest and the importance of adaptability.
As she reached the cave and settled in, she patched her wound using one of the metallic plates, securing it with strips from her torn clothing. As she rested, it wasn't just the pain or fatigue that weighed on her, but the realization of her vulnerability.
Yet, amidst the weight of her vulnerability, there were also threads of strength and resilience weaving their way through her consciousness. The Lumavine Raptor, once a symbol of imminent death, had unexpectedly become a source of life-saving resources.
In the dim light of the cave, Dawn began to methodically sort through the salvaged parts. The energy cells she had retrieved from the Raptor still contained ample power. Realizing she could use the projector's light feature, she rigged it to one of the cells. The cave was instantly bathed in a soft blue glow, transforming it from a gloomy refuge into a somewhat welcoming haven.
She then examined the makeshift armor she had crafted from the Raptor's plating. The materials were foreign, but the principle remained the same – protection. Using strips from her clothing and some of the pliable metallic plates, she crafted protective bands for her arms and legs, ensuring that she would be better prepared for future encounters.
As the hours passed, fatigue began to set in. Dawn curled up in a corner of the cave, wrapping herself in her torn cloak. But sleep was elusive. Her mind danced with the day's events, from the ambush by the Raptor to her close brush with death, and her subsequent resourcefulness.
She thought of her initial lack of preparation, and how it had nearly cost her everything. But, in the same breath, she also recognized her adaptability and tenacity. Dawn was changing, evolving, and growing stronger with every challenge she faced.
The soft hum of the projector and the rhythmic drip of water from a stalactite above served as a lullaby. As Dawn finally drifted into a restless sleep, dreams of vast forests, mechanical beasts, and the ever looming threat of Venin.
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The first rays of morning light filtered into the cave, their muted glow playing over the curved walls and casting soft, dancing shadows. The rhythmic sound of the dripping water was now accompanied by the distant chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. Dawn stirred, her eyelids fluttering open to the unfamiliar surroundings. For a moment, there was disorientation – a fleeting panic – but then the memories of the previous day's events rushed back, grounding her.
She sat up slowly, feeling the stiffness in her muscles and the persistent ache from her wound. The plate she'd secured over it held firm, and a quick inspection revealed that the bleeding had stopped. The coolant gel seemed to have done its job, preventing infection and easing some of the pain.
As she carefully peeled off the makeshift bandage to get a clearer look at her wound, she found that the gash was starting to close up, the skin around it slightly puckered and an unusual blue tinted hue, no doubt from the Raptor's gel. It wasn't a pretty sight, but it was healing.
Feeling a pang of hunger, she rummaged through her pack and found a few energy bars. They weren't the most delicious meal, but they would provide her with the necessary sustenance to face the day. As she nibbled on one, she contemplated her next move.
Shaking off the morning's chill, she packed her belongings, fitted her makeshift armor, and secured the projector and energy cells. Before leaving, she took a moment to gaze at the cave that had provided her shelter. It had been a brief respite, but she was grateful for it.
With a deep breath, she stepped out into the bright morning, the forest stretching out before her in all its untamed glory. Every shadow, every rustle, held both promise and peril. But with the Lumavine Raptor's resources aiding her, and her own growing resilience, Dawn felt a surge of hope. That was, until the familiar chime of the system, along with a notification appeared.
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Looking over the notification, she dismissed it and frowned. She had underestimated how quickly others would be sent after her and the reaction time of the Venin higher ups.
This meant that the usual inhabitants of the forest were no longer the only threat.
The notification from the system tipped her of to what could have otherwise been an unknown variable.
The Venin had a reputation for being relentless in their pursuits. Their operatives were supposed to be ruthless, well-trained, and with a singular focus. And now, they were on her tail. Eight of them, to be precise. And she was the prize.
As she began moving, she decided that she would need to increase the pace of her plans. She had wanted to spend a few days before fully setting out for Nexhaven, but it was likely a better idea to at least head in the correct direction.
Taking a look towards where the sun was rising, she started making her way South.
She wasn't sure of the exact location of the city, but knowing it should be South of Xylinth was enough for now. She simply needed to head in the direction, trying to continue getting and crafting supplies as she went. Always on the lookout for more mechanoids, mutants and now the additional threat of people, appearing through the trees.
As she travelled, Dawn realized that there was perhaps a more pressing matter she would need to battle against also. Provisions. She only had a small amount of energy bars, compressed meals for the field given by Venin. They could last her close to the whole day. But she only had 2 on her, meaning she getting some food was a must. And since she wasn't sure on what plants she could eat without risk. It meant she would likely need to find meats for the duration of her travel.
However, as she moved, Dawn came across a destroyed mech, leaning against and hanging barely off the floor by a wall of vines. A Verdant Strider, the Verdant Strider stands at about 8 feet tall. Its chassis is overgrown with moss, ferns, and sometimes even flowering vines, making it blend seamlessly into the forest. Its exterior is a mix of hardened wood-like armor plates and lightweight metals. The signature sleek design of the Strider is retained, but with more angular, jagged edges reminiscent of broken branches and roots. The mech's hooves have evolved into claw-like structures, granting it unparalleled grip on uneven terrains and allowing it to climb steep forest inclines with ease. A solar-charged photosynthetic layer on its armor enables the Verdant Strider to draw energy from sunlight filtered through the trees, and when the canopy becomes too dense, it switches to a unique bio-energy extraction system, drawing nutrients from the forest floor.
The turning around a massive trunk of a tree that could rival sky scrapers. And coming face to face directly with the side of the head of the beast, even if the eyes were dead and dull, gave Dawn half a heart attack.
Falling back against the tree, Dawn puts a hand against her chest as she calms her suddenly raised heartbeat.
Dawn remained anchored to the tree for several breaths, attempting to stabilize her rapidly beating heart. The still, lifeless eyes of the Verdant Strider stared outwards, seemingly looking through her. The fact that it was non-functional was only a minor consolation; the shock of coming face-to-face with the massive structure was enough to rattle her. A deep inhale later, her analytical mind began to dominate her initial fear.
The Verdant Strider, despite being inoperable, was a treasure chest of potential resources. She approached it, her every movement measured and deliberate, both out of caution and due to the restrictive pain from her side. Each step sent a dull throb radiating from her wound, a cruel reminder of her recent skirmish.
The mechanoid's overgrown chassis was a masterclass in forest camouflage, the layers of moss, ferns, and flowering vines serving as both decoration and armor. She grazed her fingers over the hardened wood-like armor plates, marvelling at the intricate blend of nature and engineering.
With careful precision, she began her excavation, looking for anything she could repurpose. The solar-charged photosynthetic layer was one of the first things she focused on. If she could repurpose this, she'd have a potential energy source during daylight hours. Slowly and meticulously, she managed to extract a sizable patch, rolling it up for easier transport.
The claw-like hooves, although massive, had segments of lightweight metals that could be useful. With some effort and the use of her dagger, she managed to dislodge a few fragments. Her wound protested painfully during the exertion, causing her to pause more than once. The blue tint around her injury seemed to darken, the skin feeling cold to the touch.
Hidden beneath the layers of botanical armor, Dawn found compartments that housed a series of small vials filled with a luminescent green liquid. Recalling tales of the Verdant Strider's bio-energy extraction system, she surmised that these might be energy concentrates, potentially consumable or used as fuel for certain devices.
As she delved deeper, the pain from her wound became increasingly distracting. At one point, her vision blurred momentarily, and she was forced to sit down, pressing a hand to her side. The exertion, combined with the strain of bending and the constant alertness of her surroundings, was taking a toll. Dawn realized she needed to pace herself. Extracting resources from a behemoth like the Verdant Strider was not something to be rushed, especially in her condition.
Deciding to rest a moment, she leaned against the Strider's moss-covered side. The forest around her sang its eternal song – the distant chirping of unseen creatures, the whispering rustle of leaves, the gentle caress of the breeze.
With newfound determination, she resumed her scavenging but with moderated efforts, ensuring she didn't strain herself further. By the time she deemed she had gathered enough resources, the sun hung high, casting dappled light patterns on the forest floor.
She packaged her newfound resources, securing them in her pack. The verdant Strider, once a potential threat, had unknowingly become her benefactor. She took one last look at the majestic mechanoid, sending out a silent word of gratitude.
As she resumed her journey, the pain in her side a constant companion, Dawn felt a mix of vulnerability and empowerment. The forest, with its hidden treasures and lurking dangers, was a challenge.
Dawn moved through the forest, the dappled sunlight creating a tapestry of light and shadows around her. With every step, her senses heightened, attuned to the slightest rustle or movement. While the Verdant Strider had provided her with invaluable resources, it also reminded her of the constant need for vigilance. The forest was alive, and not every creature within it was dormant or benign.
As she continued southward, she found a clear stream flowing with crisp, clear water. Instinctively, she approached, her thirst urging her on. But instead of plunging her hands into the water immediately, she paused, taking a moment to survey the surroundings. Only when she felt reasonably sure it was safe did she kneel by the stream. Taking out a small, portable filtration device from her pack, she collected and purified the water before taking a long, refreshing drink.
The cool water rejuvenated her, and for a moment, the pain in her side seemed distant. She took the opportunity to wash her face, the chill of the water pulling her further into the present. Bending down, she slowly lowered her body in the cool water. Gasping as the water washes over her wound. Lifting what was essentially a vest, that remained of her shirt, she slowly washed the wound. Washing out he Raptor's fluid conduit system she had coated it in the day before.
The stream's water was cool against her skin, and the sensation brought her momentarily out of the urgency of her situation. Carefully she examined the wound. The Raptor's fluid conduit system she had applied the previous day had helped stem the bleeding, but the concoction wasn't meant for long-term wound care. It was more of a makeshift solution, a testament to Dawn's resourcefulness under pressure. But now, with the Verdant Strider's parts and the fresh water at her disposal, she had a chance to tend to it better.
The stream flowed steadily, creating a gentle white noise that filled the air. The reflection of the trees above shimmered in the water, broken occasionally by the darting movement of small fish. But Dawn's focus was solely on her wound and the components she had salvaged from the Verdant Strider.
She started by carefully extracting a clear, viscous gel from one of the Strider's storage compartments. The gel was typically used by the Strider to repair minor wear and tear in its exterior, and Dawn hypothesized it could serve a similar purpose for her. It was antimicrobial and promoted accelerated healing. After cleaning her wound thoroughly with the stream water, she gently applied the gel, feeling a soothing, cooling sensation almost immediately. The gel formed a protective layer over her wound, shielding it from potential infections.
Next, she pulled out a thin, flexible strip of bio-material from the Strider's resources. It had the property of adhering to organic matter, acting as a temporary sealant. With meticulous care, she placed the strip over the gelled wound, ensuring it covered the entirety of the gash. It adhered smoothly, creating an almost invisible bandage that merged with her skin.
She had one more thing to take care of: pain management. From a different compartment, she extracted a small vial filled with a pale blue liquid. It was a natural analgesic the Verdant Strider used to counter any malfunctions or disruptions in its system. While it wasn't explicitly meant for human consumption, Dawn had encountered it before and knew it to be safe in small doses. She uncapped the vial, took a cautious sip, and immediately felt a warmth spread throughout her body, numbing the pain.
With her wound now adequately treated, Dawn felt a renewed sense of energy. But she also knew she had to be careful, the bio-material strip and gel would need time to work their magic fully.
She took a few minutes to rest by the stream, appreciating the serenity around her before she had to venture forth. Dawn knew that resting too long could make her vulnerable, but the moments of peace and the sound of flowing water provided a much-needed reprieve.
Had she not found the Strider, she wasn't sure what condition she would be in. Only showing her that compared to many things out here, she was still only strong enough to be considered prey with some fight. Not one of the hunters, like she had felt like back when she went out with Twilight.
Remembering her sister, she shook her head. It wouldn't do to dwell on memories, especially right now.
Dawn rummaged through the scrap pieces she'd scavenged from the Verdant Strider. Her fingers brushed over a gleaming talon, its sharpness still intact despite the Strider's demise. Its potential as a weapon was immediately apparent.
She held it up against the sunlight, observing its aerodynamic shape and imagining how it might feel in her grip. The talon was sturdy, its edge keen and unblemished, but it needed a handle for better leverage.
Spotting a slender, metallic rod among her finds, Dawn began to conceptualize her weapon. The rod was lightweight but sturdy, a perfect balance for the talon. She considered how best to fuse the two parts together, thinking through the mechanics of her makeshift weapon and how it might be wielded against an adversary.
Fetching some of the durable mesh she'd retrieved, Dawn wrapped it around the base of the talon, securing its position on one end of the rod. With each wrap and knot, the bond strengthened. To ensure the joint wouldn't easily give way during combat, she melted a small portion of the Strider's outer shell with a compact heating device she picked up. No the intended use of the piece, and using it in such a way would cause it to break itself after the use, but it worked well. The melted material acted as a glue, fusing the mesh, talon, and rod together.
She tested the weapon, feeling its weight and balance. The talon extended out menacingly, catching the sunlight and reflecting it in gleaming patterns. A rush of satisfaction surged through her. In close quarters, the spear would serve as both offense and defense.
Standing from the river as she fixed her clothes. A ripped and bloody mess, now soaking with water. Covered with plates of makeshift armour. She started walking slowly, using the spear as a cane, keeping her senses about her. Following the water southbound.