Caelum stood silent, his gaze focused on the frail form of the newborn Umbrawolf beside its deceased mother. He knew the pup couldn't survive for long on its own. Although he had managed to save it from the immediate danger, the solution was temporary. Now, with the mother gone, the little one had no one to feed it, and there was nothing in the grim confines of the prison that could serve as sustenance.
"Should I end your suffering too?" Caelum mused aloud, his voice a low murmur in the quiet of the prison. He was poised, ready to make a swift decision, when suddenly his world was filled with the resonating voice of the Gunslinger System, letters materializing in his vision.
[A bond detected. The Companion System has been forcefully awakened. Alert! Alert! Host's energy level is too low. Function is limited!]
Caelum's brow furrowed as he processed the information, his thoughts racing. He swiftly opened the interface to check what this new system was about, seeking clarity in the midst of uncertainty. The overview of the Companion System appeared before his eyes, detailing its functions and potential.
He quickly grasped the essence of this new extension to his already formidable abilities. The Companion System was designed to care for and nurture beasts, creating a sanctuary for them. It was a symbiotic relationship, beneficial for both parties. Caelum couldn't help but see the potential in this, especially in his current situation.
Caelum understood that the pup had first smelled his scent and saw him as it was being delivered. This tiny creature, with its feeble heartbeats and soft whimpers, must have unknowingly formed a bond with him, triggering the sudden activation of the Companion System. His usual cold demeanor wavered slightly as he processed this unforeseen turn of events, realizing the responsibility that now lay on his shoulders.
Curiosity piqued, Caelum delved into the new system, seeking to understand its intricacies. The interface presented itself in clear, glowing letters before his eyes, detailing the functionalities and potentials of the Companion System. He absorbed the information, his sharp mind quickly grasping the essence of this innovative extension to his already formidable abilities.
The Companion System was clearly designed with the care and nurturing of beasts in mind, a sanctuary of sorts for creatures he would bond with. The taming process required time, patience, and a genuine understanding between him and the beast. It was a symbiotic relationship; he would provide care and shelter, and in return, the beast would lend him its strength and loyalty.
Inside the system, the creature would find itself in an environment tailored to its natural habitat, surrounded by an abundance of food and water, all sourced from the energy reserves of his Gunslinger System. The sanctuary ensured their well-being, their recovery from injuries hastened by the system's energy.
Caelum realized the potential benefits of this system, not just for the creatures but for himself as well. The emotional and spiritual bond that would form between him and his beastly companions promised a level of synergy and understanding that could prove invaluable in both combat and companionship. And the mutual exchange of energy ensured a balanced relationship, fostering growth and development on both sides.
He turned his attention back to the fragile Umbrawolf pup beside him. Its tiny body was weak, yet there was a certain determination in its eyes, a will to survive that resonated with Caelum's own nature. He could see the potential in this small creature, and he decided, in that moment, to take it under his wing.
Kneeling down, Caelum gently lifted the pup, its small form fitting easily into the palm of his hand. Its heartbeats were faint, yet steady, a sign of its will to live. The pup sniffed at him, its small nose twitching as it took in his scent, a faint whine escaping its throat as it sought comfort.
"You are a fighter, aren't you?" Caelum's voice was a low murmur, almost unheard in the quiet of the prison. His usual impassive expression softened just a tad as he looked at the pup, a silent promise forming between them.
With a decision made, Caelum activated the Companion System, ready to integrate the pup into its sanctuary. The system responded instantly, its interface lighting up with new options and commands. Following the instructions, Caelum focused his energy, establishing a connection with the pup.
The process was seamless, the pup disappearing from his hand and reappearing within the system's dimension. Caelum could feel the bond forming.
After dealing with the Umbrawolf pup, Caelum shifted his focus to his current predicament. He was well aware that staying put meant a slow, painful death from starvation, but leaving the prison seemed just as deadly, with bandits likely waiting to finish him off the moment he stepped outside. He needed a plan, and he needed a weapon.
"I need to create a weapon," he mused to himself, scanning his surroundings for anything useful. The area was littered with bits and pieces of discarded items, but nothing that immediately stood out as a weapon. Caelum, undeterred, gathered everything he could find, laying it out before him to assess his options.
He knew that creating a firearm would be his best chance at survival. In his past life, he had extensive knowledge of weaponry, including the components and mechanics of a gun. He would need potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur to create gunpowder, along with a projectile and a means to ignite the powder.
Caelum's eyes scanned the collected items, his brain working in overdrive to formulate a plan.
First, he had to decide what kind of firearm he could make. With the limited resources at his disposal, Caelum had to be inventive. His gaze swept across the prison, finally resting on the cage that had confined the mother Umbrawolf. A spark of realization flickered in his eyes as he took note of the material: Steel Bamboo. Strong as steel yet lighter, it could potentially serve as a barrel for his makeshift firearm. Intrigued, Caelum walked over to inspect the cage, testing the Steel Bamboo for its durability. His fingers ran along the material, feeling for any weak spots, ensuring it was strong enough to withstand the pressure of a fired bullet.
With a nod of satisfaction, he began dismantling the cage, working meticulously to extract the Steel Bamboo. His movements were deliberate, his focus unwavering. The task was tedious, and the material proved stubborn. He felt a twinge of annoyance as time ticked away, the realization that he was racing against the clock settling heavily on his shoulders. Yet, he did not let it deter him, his hands moving steadily as he extracted the Steel Bamboo.
Next, he needed something to serve as a handle for his firearm. His eyes scanned the pile of discarded items he had gathered earlier, searching for something that would fit the bill. His gaze landed on a broken piece of wood, its shape rough but workable. Caelum picked it up, weighing it in his hand, gauging its suitability. With a nod of approval, he set it aside, ready to carve it into a handle.