Chereads / Base Wars: Gacha System / Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: Temporary Peace

Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: Temporary Peace

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Player#42069

NAME: John Smith

PLAYERS ELIMINATED: 3

ASCENSION ORBS: 0

HP: 710

MP: 710

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[STATS]

VITALITY: 71

STRENGTH: 71

INTELLIGENCE: 71

AGILITY: 71

DEXTERITY: 71

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Inside the formidable fortress of Dawn, a robust iron mining system had finally taken root. Abobo, with his exceptional physical prowess, effortlessly carved intricate cave systems in search of the coveted iron hotspot, a testament to his unmatched strength and determination.

In a mere matter of days, the rhythmic clang of hammers striking iron echoed through the expanding boundaries of the base. The production of iron, a critical resource for fortification, surged, transforming the once modest stronghold into a bastion of strength and resilience.

Bano, swift and skilled, played a pivotal role in this transformation. His adept tree-cutting abilities propelled the rapid expansion of the base's perimeters, creating space for new structures and fortifications. The once modest boundaries of the fortress now stretched far and wide, a visual manifestation of Bano's efficiency and prowess with the axe.

Days turned into a tranquil haven within the base. The absence of attacks allowed John, the overseer of the fortress, to breathe a sigh of relief. His watchful eyes focused on the continuous improvement of the base, ensuring its resilience and readiness for any potential threat.

With each passing day, the fortress of Dawn grew more formidable. The peace within the base was not just a temporary respite; it was a testament to the power and strength steadily accumulating within the walls of the fortress of Dawn.

Beneath the sprawling canopy of a mighty oak, John reclined in a sturdy wooden chair, his contemplative gaze fixed upon the lively scene before him. Cradled in his hand was a delicate glass bowl, brimming with a vibrant medley of succulent fruits.

Meanwhile, Mark diligently toiled on the enhancement of the base's abodes, his efforts transforming mere dwellings into fortified structures.

John, captivated by the spectacle, narrowed his eyes in amazement. "Witness the enchantment; the house metamorphosed effortlessly under Mark's hammer blows," he remarked with admiration.

Sharon, a grin playing on her lips, observed John's fascination. She wielded a colossal leaf as a makeshift fan, generously directing its cooling breeze towards him. "Isn't this the essence of infrastructure evolution?" she quipped, her eyes sparkling. "Much like my crafting endeavors, where a simple strike of the hammer on the table births the envisioned item into reality."

John gazed critically at Sharon, a subtle frown playing on his lips. "That's not how everything is supposed to work," he remarked with a nonchalant shrug. "Never mind. At least, with your exceptional skills, you can conjure things effortlessly, bypassing the need for manual creation. Efficiency trumps realism on occasion."

His scrutiny lingered on Sharon as he examined her appearance from head to toe. No longer clad in a simple tunic, she now sported a stylish ensemble that showcased a keen sense of fashion. A crisp white T-shirt peeked from beneath a vibrant blue jumper paired with trendy blue short shorts. Completing the look, she stepped into sleek brown leather shoes, her attire exuding a newfound flair.

Yet, what caught John's attention were the details - the white thigh-high socks accentuating Sharon's legs, a subtle choice that added a touch of charm. Notably, her distinctive pink hair cascaded down, with a lone pigtail adorning the left side, a playful twist to her overall appearance.

Sharon keenly observed John's gaze lingering on her, his eyes betraying a curiosity that danced beneath a composed facade. "Is there a problem, my lord?" she inquired, her voice unwavering despite the subtle tension in the air.

John involuntarily flinched, a flicker of discomfort crossing his features. "Nothing," he muttered, abruptly averting his eyes. "Your clothes fit you very well."

A genuine smile graced Sharon's lips. "Gwendolyn made these for me. I am glad you like them," she replied, her hands delicately shaping a heart in the air. "Do you feel a 'bump bump' in your heart when you see me wearing these?"

John, deep in thought, rested his hand on his chin. "Not exactly. It's more akin to the exhilaration of witnessing your child taking her very first steps. That's what I felt," he admitted, his gaze returning to meet Sharon's. "It's strange, to be honest. I can't perceive you as anything more than my child."

Sharon's lips formed a disapproving pout, her frustration evident. "Once again, you treat me as if I'm a mere child, when it's abundantly clear that I am not."

John chuckled, rising to his feet as he noticed the group entering the base. Heira, Shogun, Allan, Pangil, and Vuha carried the spoils of their hunt – several deer draped over their shoulders.

"My lord, we've brought our dinner!" Allan declared with a smile, a deer balancing on his shoulder.

"You've certainly managed to secure quite a feast," John remarked, approaching them with curiosity.

"Shogun's hunting skills are unparalleled; he can detect prey from miles away!" Allan praised, admiration in his voice.

John turned his gaze to Shogun. "Impressive work," he acknowledged.

In response, Shogun stuck out his tongue, his wolf tail wagging in triumph.

Heira respectfully inclined her head towards John, conveying her departure. "I shall take my leave now, my lord, as I must deliver the herbs I've gathered to Al."

"Proceed," John responded.

Heira, Shogun, Allan, Pangil, and Vuha underwent enhancements in their everyday attire as well.

When not immersed in combat mode, they adorned themselves in ordinary human garments—tunics crafted from cotton fabric infused with silk obtained from the common night spiders that scurried around during nocturnal hours. The result was attire that exuded both comfort and a subtle touch of luxury.

The Clothier hut, a haven of tranquility, was abruptly shattered by the resounding crash of the door flinging wide open. The ensuing silence hung in the air, teetering on the precipice of anticipation.

"Wait, come back," Gwendolyn's mellifluous voice resonated, breaking the quietude that had momentarily settled.

Emerging from the rustic confines of the hut, Aurora graced the scene with an ethereal presence, her long, ivory hair cascading like a waterfall in the wind. Adorning herself in a sky-blue gown, the fabric clung gracefully to her form, an elegant dance accentuating her every movement.

The azure attire harmoniously complemented Aurora's porcelain complexion, casting a radiant glow upon her. The gown, in its subtlety, subtly emphasized the contours of her figure.

Upon locking eyes with John, Aurora swiftly advanced, her pleading expression belying a vulnerability that tugged at the depths of his being. "My lord," she implored, seeking refuge behind the reassuring presence of John.

Gwendolyn, following in Aurora's wake, brandished another sky-blue creation. This time, a diaphanous garment that seemed to ripple in the air like a delicate breeze. "Let's try this on you," Gwendolyn suggested, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she closed the distance.

Perplexed, John sought answers. "What is happening?" he inquired of Gwendolyn, his gaze flickering to the onlookers – Shogun, Allan, Pangil, and Vuha.

Their jaws hung open, an ensemble of astonished expressions fixed upon Aurora, their collective surprise painting a vivid tableau of the unexpected unfolding before them.

John's gaze bore into the four men, his eyes narrowed with a steely intensity. "Boys, retrieve your dropped jaws and stand at attention."

The quartet hastily cleared their throats, avoiding eye contact and feigning nonchalance through awkward whistling.

John's attention shifted to Aurora, a wry smirk playing on John's lips. "Anyway," he continued, his gaze now directed at Gwendolyn, who stood by with a respectful demeanor.

"My lord," Gwendolyn addressed him.

"I believe Aurora has had her fill of the dressing game. Perhaps it's time to select a different companion, someone who delights in adorning themselves in cute dresses and willingly plays the role of your living doll." John's eyes turned towards Sharon.

To his surprise, Sharon had vanished from her previous spot, the door to the Blacksmith hut creaking shut behind her.

John's eyes narrowed further. "Regardless, where is Nikola?" His gaze caught a fleeting glimpse of Nikola sprinting towards the distant walls, a sense of urgency in her movements.

Gwendolyn proudly brandished the exquisite azure dress she had meticulously crafted. "I've been orchestrating the creation of an adorable dress for Kageko," she declared with a determined gleam in her eyes. "However, she has been skillfully eluding my grasp, proving to be swifter than I anticipated."

John, with a subtle smile playing on his lips, interjected, "I wonder why she's evading you so artfully."

Allan chimed in, his eyes fixed on Aurora and her resplendent gown. "Indeed, your dressmaking skills are commendable, Gwendolyn."

John shifted his gaze toward Aurora, who delicately held onto his arm. With a thoughtful exhale, he mused, "It must be me, isn't it?"

Gwendolyn applauded enthusiastically. "Magnificent! I've already fashioned garments tailored for you, my lord. You'll adore them," she declared with boundless energy, springing towards her hut like a sprite eager to unveil her creations.

Gwendolyn's skill was remarkably straightforward and effortless. With minimal materials, she could craft clothing and mold them effortlessly to perfection. Her abilities exceeded the ordinary, making her a master of her craft.

Moreover, the materials she required were easily obtainable, ensuring a consistent supply without any hindrance. This seamless accessibility facilitated her artistry, allowing her to bring her creative visions to life with remarkable ease.

However, this ease pertained primarily to clothing of Common Rarity. John, intrigued by her talent, decided to explore the range of Gwendolyn's creations. As he donned various ensembles meticulously crafted by her hands, each garment not only embraced him flawlessly but also bestowed upon him an air of nobility. Gwendolyn's creations transformed him, seamlessly blending craftsmanship and elegance, rendering him a vision of aristocratic refinement.

John meticulously fastened each button on his sleek, ebony long sleeve, a garment radiating an air of command. "What's your verdict?" he inquired.

Gwendolyn erupted in applause. "Perfection. Just as it should be."

His gaze fell to the mismatched boots and pants. "It'd be splendid if my attire extended its excellence to my combat gear," John remarked, his eyes reflecting a desire for uniformity.

The system voice suggested, "You can seamlessly conceal the aesthetics of your equipment beneath the crafted facade of a Clothier or Blacksmith. The potency of your gear remains unaffected. Would you like to explore this feature?"

"Ah, akin to the intricacies of gaming. Finally, I need not compromise style for efficacy," John rejoiced, envisioning a future where his appearance mirrored his combat prowess seamlessly.

John carefully selected the pants and boots he desired to wear, aiming for a specific appearance. "What's next?"

"Initiating," echoed the authoritative voice of the system.

John observed as his two pairs of pants and boots seamlessly melded into a unified ensemble. The system maintained the statistical attributes of his equipment while transforming its outward appearance.

This innovative process ensured John could enjoy a tailored set of clothes, despite the random nature of his acquired equipment.

As John assessed his transformed attire, he sensed a remarkable lightness. "It feels as if I'm not burdened by two layers of clothing. Incredibly comfortable."

"Your characters possess these features as well," the system voice affirmed.

John pondered the potential of this concealed advantage. "This feature you've just unveiled seems too potent to be merely glossed over. Can you imagine the strategic possibilities? One could conceal a full suit of iron armor beneath a silk ensemble, deceiving enemies while maintaining full functionality."

John studied Aurora with intensity, envisioning her striding into battle with deceptive elegance. "Aurora can infiltrate the battlefield clad in a gown, and the enemy will remain oblivious to the fact that she's encased in full-body armor."

"I wholeheartedly approve of that notion," Gwendolyn declared, offering a resounding endorsement by raising her thumb in agreement.

Aurora, however, couldn't conceal her embarrassment, her face flushing crimson as she cast her gaze downward in modesty.

Rather than harboring resentment towards the suggestion, she exhibited a commendable level of consideration for the idea, driven primarily by the fact that it originated from John.

"This feature is a privilege, one I acquired through growth," declared the authoritative voice of the system.

John, intrigued, narrowed his eyes and questioned, "What precisely do you mean by 'growth'?"

Stepping out of Gwendolyn's hut, John emerged clad in a sleek, ebony suit, tailored slacks, and sturdy combat shoes that exuded an air of authority. The meticulous attire served as a stark contrast to the rustic surroundings, capturing the attention of his subordinates whose faces lit up with amazement upon witnessing their leader's formidable presence.

Yet, amidst the admiration, John's mind was a battleground of contemplation, preoccupied with something far more intriguing than the envious glances that surrounded him. There existed an elusive curiosity, a puzzle that beckoned his intellect, diverting his focus from the conventional niceties of the moment.

As the whispers of astonishment continued around him, John's thoughts delved deeper, transcending the superficial. The lingering curiosity grew into an insatiable desire for understanding, compelling him to delve into the recesses of his own musings. It was within this mental labyrinth that a profound theory, born from the depths of contemplation, finally materialized.

John strode purposefully toward the town hall, a colossal edifice crafted from a harmonious blend of sturdy wood and enduring stones, standing as the pinnacle of architectural prowess within the settlement. This monumental structure, grandiose in its presence, served as the epicenter of significance for the entire base.

Contemplating the potential ramifications of its destruction, John found himself in a state of uncertainty, pondering the consequences that would unfold if this pivotal building were to meet its demise.

In an attempt to gain a comprehensive understanding, John embarked on a methodical circumnavigation of the base. With a keen eye, he scrutinized every nook and cranny of the infrastructure, his gaze sharp and discerning, absorbing the intricacies that defined the essence of the town hall. Engrossed in his observation, John meticulously surveyed the details, recognizing the interconnectedness that rendered this edifice not just a physical structure but a linchpin holding the foundation of the entire community.

In the search for information about the townhall at his base, John's keen eyes yielded no results. Initially tempted to dismiss his pursuit, a persistent thought gripped his mind. Refusing to succumb to frustration, John straightened his posture, fixing his gaze upon the imposing townhall before him. A spark of inspiration ignited within him as a compelling idea took root in his mind.

John's authoritative voice echoed across the open space as he commanded, "Dawn."

In swift response, a voice replied, "Do you require assistance?" The system's voice maintained its customary monotone delivery.

A triumphant smile graced John's face, for his hypothesis had been confirmed. The answer materialized right before him, validating his theory.

Simultaneously with the system's response, a Status Board materialized, presenting information in a sleek display. This creation bore a name, one personally bestowed upon it by John himself.

"Found you," John declared with a sense of accomplishment, solidifying the connection between the commanding voice and the responsive entity he had sought.

[Dawn (Uncommon).

Type: Base.

Skills: EchoGuide, SynerGear Nexus (Uncommon).]

"EchoGuide: Enable the base with an interactive voice feature capable of answering player queries. The scope of questions it can address is determined by the rarity level of the townhall. Upgrade your townhall for more comprehensive and advanced responses."

"SynerGear Nexus (Uncommon): Unlock the Town Hall's unique feature that enables merging equipment for both the player and summoned characters. Customize the appearance, stats, and weight, and seamlessly separate the combined gear at any time for optimal flexibility."