The early morning was calm, but Marcus felt a sense of urgency growing. The family had made progress in learning basic survival skills, but it wasn't enough. The walkers were becoming more active in the area, and time was running out to prepare them for what was coming.
Today, Marcus decided to teach them more advanced skills, focusing on crafting weapons and further enhancing their survival instincts.
Introducing the Bow and Arrow
After breakfast, Marcus called everyone into the backyard.
"What's this about?" Jeffrey asked, eyeing the pile of wooden sticks and strings Marcus had gathered.
"We're going to make bows and arrows," Marcus said, his tone casual but firm. "It's a good skill to know—silent and effective if you ever need to hunt."
Rick raised an eyebrow. "Hunt? With bows?"
Marcus nodded. "Guns are loud. They attract attention. A bow is quieter, reusable, and can save your life in the right situation."
Carl's eyes lit up. "Can I make one too?"
"Of course," Marcus said, handing him a small branch.
Crafting the Bow
Marcus demonstrated step by step, referencing knowledge from one of the survival books he'd read.
Choosing the Wood: He explained the importance of selecting flexible yet sturdy branches, like hickory or maple.
Shaping the Bow: Using his knife, he shaved the wood, ensuring a smooth curve.
Stringing the Bow: He used a paracord from his pack, showing how to tie it securely to create tension.
Rick and Jeffrey watched closely, their skepticism fading as they saw the bow take shape.
"Your turn," Marcus said, handing them the tools.
As they worked, he provided guidance, correcting their technique. Carl struggled at first but eventually managed to craft a small bow suitable for his size.
Skill Progression: Teaching (Others) +20%
Skill Unlocked: Bow Crafting (Novice)
Making Arrows
Next, Marcus demonstrated how to make arrows.
Selecting Shafts: He gathered straight sticks and trimmed them to size.
Fletching: Using duct tape, he improvised fletching to stabilize the arrows in flight.
Arrowheads: Marcus fashioned crude tips from scrap metal he'd collected, attaching them with string and glue.
"Not perfect," Marcus admitted, "but they'll work."
Rick tested one of the arrows, drawing the bowstring and releasing it. The arrow wobbled but hit a nearby tree.
"Not bad," Rick said, impressed.
Skill Progression: Weapon Crafting +25%
Skill Unlocked: Basic Arrow Making (Novice)
Teaching Target Practice
Once everyone had their bows, Marcus set up targets using hay bales and old cans.
"Now we practice," Marcus said, showing them how to aim and release the string smoothly.
Jeffrey was a natural, hitting the target consistently. Rick struggled at first but improved with Marcus's guidance. Carl was determined, his small hands gripping the bow tightly.
"Breathe," Marcus coached. "Relax your shoulders."
After a few tries, Carl hit the edge of the can and whooped with excitement.
Family Bond Strengthened
Skill Progression: Teaching (Others) +15%
Gathering More Knowledge
That afternoon, Marcus visited the library again, this time focusing on books related to weapons and advanced crafting:
Archery FundamentalsMetalworking BasicsImprovised Weapons for SurvivalTrapping and Hunting
As he added them to his inventory, his system pinged:
Knowledge Accumulated:
New Skills Unlocked:
Advanced Bow Crafting (Novice)Basic Metalworking (Novice)Improvised Weaponry (Novice)**
On his way back, Marcus noticed more boarded-up houses and abandoned vehicles. The neighborhood was beginning to feel eerie, the tension palpable.
A Family Discussion
That evening, Marcus gathered the family in the living room.
"Why the sudden focus on survival?" Lori asked, her tone cautious.
Marcus hesitated. He couldn't reveal everything yet, but he needed to prepare them. "I've just been reading a lot about how fragile things can be. It doesn't hurt to be ready for anything."
Rick nodded, his face serious. "He's not wrong. The world's unpredictable. It's better to have these skills and not need them than the other way around."
Jeffrey sighed but didn't argue. Even Lori seemed to accept it, albeit reluctantly.
System Check-In
Before bed, Marcus opened his system:
Name: Marcus Grimes
Strength: 5 (+1 from bow crafting)
Agility/Dexterity: 5 (+1 from target practice)
Endurance: 3
Intelligence: 6
Wisdom: 6 (+1 from teaching and observation)
Luck: 10 (Locked)
Skills:
Advanced First Aid (Intermediate)
Basic Mechanics (Intermediate)
Close-Combat: Walker Neutralization (Intermediate)
Survivalist Knowledge (Novice)
Teaching (Novice)
Foraging (Novice)
Urban Gardening (Novice)
Basic Blacksmithing (Novice)
Bow Crafting (Novice)
Basic Metalworking (Novice)
Improvised Weaponry (Novice)**
Marcus closed the interface, his mind racing with plans. The walkers were coming, and soon, he would need to lead his family to safety.
"I've got to be ready—for all of us."