Day 17
The camp was alive with activity as the settlers worked tirelessly to prepare for the dual threats looming over them. Alexander Maxwell stood in the center of the clearing, issuing orders with sharp precision. The memory of the beast attack weighed heavily on him, but it also fueled his determination.
"Gareth," Alexander called, gesturing toward the barricades. "Focus on reinforcing this section first. If the beasts break through, we'll need something to slow them down."
Gareth nodded, gripping his hammer tightly. "On it. Dane, get those logs over here!"
"Clara," Alexander continued, turning to her. "Work with Jacob to expand the fire pits around the camp. The beasts were cautious around the flames. We'll use that to our advantage."
Clara wiped her hands on her apron, her expression serious. "We'll need more firewood."
"Then gather a team and get it done," Alexander said.
Elias approached, his rusted sword resting on his shoulder. "What about the bandits? You think they'll sit tight while we're busy?"
Alexander shook his head. "No. That's why we're doubling the traps along the outer perimeter. If the bandits come first, they'll find themselves in a maze of snares and spikes."
"And if the beasts come first?" Elias asked.
"Then we'll make them fight each other," Alexander replied, his tone grim.
Reinforcing the Barricades
Under Gareth's supervision, the settlers worked tirelessly to repair and strengthen the barricades. The wooden walls were reinforced with sharpened stakes angled outward, and additional logs were driven into the ground to form a second layer of defense.
"This'll hold better than before," Gareth said, driving the final stake into place. "Not perfect, but it'll buy us time."
Alexander inspected the work, nodding in approval. "Good. Now focus on the watchtowers. I want clear sightlines over the forest."
Dane, who had been hauling logs all morning, wiped sweat from his brow. "We're going to need more rope for the platforms."
"Check the storage," Alexander said. "If we're out, improvise with vines. Use what you can."
Expanding the Fire Pits
Clara and Jacob worked near the edges of the clearing, digging shallow pits and lining them with stones. A small fire burned in each pit, casting flickering light across the forest floor.
"Keep them spaced evenly," Clara instructed, glancing at Jacob. "If we can create a wall of fire, it might scare off the beasts."
Jacob nodded, carefully placing kindling into one of the pits. "Do you really think it'll work?"
Clara hesitated, then nodded. "It has to. We don't have a choice."
Alexander approached, his gaze sweeping over the pits. "Good work. Once the fires are lit, they'll create a buffer zone. Make sure there's enough wood to keep them burning through the night."
Training the Militia
While the others focused on fortifications, Elias and Tyrell worked with the settlers to sharpen their combat skills. The training area was alive with the sound of clashing weapons and shouted commands.
"Keep your guard up!" Elias barked as Dane sparred with another settler. "If you drop your defense, you're dead."
Tyrell leaned against a nearby post, watching Clara practice with her spear. "You've got good instincts," he said. "But you're hesitating. Don't think—just act."
Clara nodded, tightening her grip on the spear. "I'll try."
Alexander joined them, his gaze sharp. "Focus on group tactics," he said to Elias and Tyrell. "The bandits will outnumber us, but we can overwhelm them with coordination."
"Got it," Elias replied, smirking. "We'll turn this ragtag group into something resembling an army."
Scouting the Forest
That afternoon, Tyrell returned from a scouting mission, his expression grim.
"We've got a problem," he said, approaching Alexander.
"What is it?" Alexander asked.
"The beasts aren't just wandering aimlessly," Tyrell said. "I spotted a pack of them moving toward the bandit camp. They're hunting."
Alexander's brow furrowed. "That might work to our advantage."
"Maybe," Tyrell said. "But if the bandits push them this way, we'll have two enemies crashing into us at once."
Alexander exhaled, his mind racing. "Then we'll use it. Set traps in the southern clearing. If the beasts chase the bandits, we'll lure them into a killing ground."
Tyrell nodded, a faint grin on his face. "You've got a nasty mind, boss."
System Notification
As the settlers worked through the day, the system chimed softly in Alexander's mind.
[Objective Progress: Strengthen the Settlement]
Status: 70% Complete.
Reward: Unlock Second Idea for Path of Fortifications.
The notification was a reminder of the progress they had made—but also of how much was left to do.
Alexander stood near the barricade, watching as the sun dipped lower in the sky. The forest was quiet, but he knew it wouldn't stay that way for long.
Nightfall
As darkness fell, the camp settled into a tense quiet. The fire pits were lit, their warm glow casting long shadows across the clearing. The barricades stood strong, and the traps were set, but the tension in the air was palpable.
Alexander stood near the fire, his spear in hand. Tyrell and Elias joined him, their expressions grim.
"They'll come soon," Elias said, breaking the silence.
Alexander nodded. "When they do, we'll be ready."
Far off in the distance, a faint howl echoed through the forest. It was answered by the sharp, angry shouts of men.
Tyrell smirked. "Sounds like the party's starting without us."
Alexander's grip on his spear tightened. "Not for long."