Day 18
The camp stirred to life at first light, but the usual rhythm of daily tasks felt strained under the weight of looming threats. Alexander Maxwell stood by the fire, his dark eyes scanning the clearing as settlers moved with purpose—carrying wood, sharpening weapons, and tending to the fire pits.
The system's notification about Strengthen the Settlement lingered in his mind. One of the conditions was to build additional shelters, but the urgency of the beasts and the bandits had forced him to reprioritize.
"We'll have to put the shelters on hold," Alexander said to Gareth, who had approached with a hammer slung over his shoulder.
Gareth frowned but nodded. "I figured as much. No point building new homes if we don't survive to use them."
Alexander placed a hand on the blacksmith's shoulder. "Once this is over, we'll get back to it. But for now, focus on fortifications and weapons. That's where we need you most."
Gareth grunted in agreement. "Understood. I'll make sure the barricades hold."
The Southern Clearing
By mid-morning, Alexander led a group to the southern clearing, the narrow choke point they had chosen as a strategic advantage. The ground was already marked with traps, sharpened stakes, and hidden pits, but it wasn't enough.
"Reinforce this section," Alexander said, gesturing to a line of traps near the treeline. "If the beasts come, they'll be funneled straight into the stakes."
The settlers worked quickly, securing trigger mechanisms and laying additional spikes. Tyrell and Elias flanked Alexander, their eyes scanning the forest edge for movement.
"This should do," Tyrell said after inspecting one of the snares. "If anything charges through here, they won't make it far."
Alexander nodded, his mind racing. This was their best shot—force the beasts into the bandits' camp or neutralize both threats before either reached the settlement.
A Divisive Strategy
Back at camp, Alexander gathered the settlers around the fire. The tension in the air was palpable as he explained the plan.
"We'll use the southern clearing as a trap," Alexander began. "Tyrell, Elias, and I will head into the forest to create enough chaos to lure the beasts toward the bandits. If it works, we'll weaken both groups."
"What if it doesn't work?" Clara asked, her voice steady but laced with concern.
"Then we'll fight them here," Alexander replied. "The barricades and traps will give us the advantage. You've all worked hard to prepare for this moment, and I know you won't falter."
The group exchanged uneasy glances, but Gareth stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. "You heard him. Stick to the plan. If they come, we'll be ready."
The settlers nodded in agreement, their resolve hardening despite the uncertainty.
Into the Forest
As the moon rose over the settlement, Alexander, Tyrell, and Elias set out with torches and supplies to the southern clearing. The air was cold and heavy, the forest eerily quiet save for the crunch of leaves beneath their boots.
"We light the fires near the clearing's edge," Alexander instructed, his voice low. "Once the beasts are drawn in, we move quickly and drive them toward the bandits."
Tyrell smirked. "Simple enough. Let's hope the beasts don't get any ideas of their own."
The trio worked in silence, lighting small fires and creating noise to stir the beasts. The distant howls and guttural growls that followed sent chills down their spines, but it was exactly what they needed.
"They're coming," Elias whispered, his grip tightening on his sword.
Alexander's eyes narrowed. "Let's move. The bandits will be next."
System Notification
As they retreated toward the bandits' camp, the system chimed softly in Alexander's mind.
[Objective Progress: Strengthen the Settlement]
Status: 80% Complete.
Reward: Unlock Second Idea for Path of Fortifications.
The notification faded, but Alexander's focus remained sharp. The plan was risky, but it was their best chance to turn the tide in their favor.
The howls grew louder, mingling with the shouts of surprised bandits in the distance. The trap had been sprung. Now, it was a matter of survival.