Day 5
The sound of steady hammering echoed through the camp as Alexander and Elias worked tirelessly on the new shelter. The early morning sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows over the clearing. The framework of the building stood tall, its wooden beams lashed together with strips of bark and vine. Without nails or refined tools, every joint had to be secured manually, adding hours of effort to the task.
"Pass me that beam," Alexander said, gesturing to a nearby log he had stripped and smoothed the day before.
Elias hoisted the log with a grunt and carried it over. "You sure this is going to hold? No nails, no iron—feels like it could fall apart in a stiff wind."
Alexander crouched, tying the beam into place with practiced hands. The vines, tough and fibrous, wrapped around the wood like steel wire. "It'll hold. If it doesn't, we'll make it better next time. Right now, we just need something livable."
Elias smirked, leaning on a nearby support post. "Livable, huh? Guess I shouldn't expect a welcome mat and curtains."
Alexander allowed himself a faint smile. "One step at a time."
Building Without Tools
The hours ticked by as the shelter began to take its final form. The walls were made of rough-hewn logs, their bark stripped and edges sharpened to fit together tightly. The roof was layered with overlapping wooden slats, held in place by heavy stones at the corners.
The lack of proper tools and materials made every step a challenge. Elias muttered under his breath as he carved notches into a log with a sharpened stone, his hands blistered from the effort. Alexander worked beside him, his movements methodical but equally strained.
The Shelter is Complete
By late afternoon, the final piece of the roof was secured. The shelter stood tall in the center of the camp, its rough exterior a testament to the settlers' determination. Inside, the floor was lined with packed dirt, and the walls were reinforced with smaller branches to keep out the wind. It wasn't comfortable, but it was safe.
Elias stepped back, wiping his hands on his trousers. "I'll admit it—I didn't think this would work. But here we are."
Alexander surveyed their work with a critical eye. "It'll do for now. We can improve it later."
As he spoke, the system chimed softly, drawing his attention.
[Objective Complete: Establish a Territory]
Reward: Unlock Path of Expansion.
[Path of Expansion: First Idea Unlocked]
Idea 1: Expansionist's Drive Active
Personal Buff: +15% efficiency when gathering construction resources.
Territory Buff: +10% construction speed for all tasks.
The notification brought a faint smile to Alexander's lips. Finally. The buff wasn't just about making things easier—it was about accelerating progress. With this, the camp could grow faster and attract more settlers.
Elias peered over his shoulder at the glowing notification. "What's that look for? Got another bright idea?"
Alexander shook his head. "Just thinking about what comes next."
The Next Objective
The system chimed again, displaying a new notification.
[New Objective: Establish Defenses]
Requirements: Build a basic barricade or watchtower to protect the camp.
Reward: Unlock Path of Fortifications.
Elias read the notification over Alexander's shoulder, his expression turning serious. "I take it that means we're not safe yet."
Alexander nodded, his gaze sweeping the perimeter of the camp. "We'll need to fortify the clearing—build something to slow down attackers."
"You think someone's going to attack us already?" Elias asked.
"It's not a question of if," Alexander replied, his tone grim. "It's when."
Building the Barricade
The two men set to work immediately, using the leftover wood to construct a rudimentary barricade around the camp's most vulnerable points. Sharpened stakes were driven into the ground at angles, creating a defensive barrier. The gaps between the stakes were filled with dense brush and stones, adding an extra layer of deterrence.
[Buff Active: Path of Expansion – Expansionist's Drive]
Construction tasks completed 10% faster.
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the barricade's first section was complete. It wasn't impenetrable, but it was a start.
Elias leaned against one of the stakes, catching his breath. "Not bad for a couple of guys with no tools."
Alexander nodded, his expression unreadable. "It'll hold for now."
Reflections
As the fire crackled in the evening, Alexander allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. The camp wasn't just surviving anymore—it was growing. The shelter and barricade weren't just structures; they were symbols of progress, of a future that didn't rely on fear and desperation.
But the system's focus on defenses left a nagging sense of unease. If it wants us to prepare, that means something is coming. And we won't be caught off guard.