With all six Kindred members at Level 2, their group's coordinated efforts and general effectiveness showed improvement. Silas began to apply his newly learned 'Deft Hands (Minor)' proficiency in tangible ways. He took one of the obsidian spearheads he had previously knapped and, with a precision that was noticeably enhanced, further refined its edges and balance, even etching a minute, almost invisible maker's mark near its base. The improvement was subtle but spoke volumes of his increased potential. [Silas – Skill 'Crafting (Basic)' proficiency increased due to synergy with 'Deft Hands (Minor)'.]
As the Kindred gathered to discuss their next cycle's endeavors, the familiar mental overlay of the System presented itself to Adrian, its directives evolving with their progress. [System Objectives (New Cycle):1. Progenitor Development: Adrian to continue focused study and experimentation with unique blood-related abilities. Aim for tangible application or refinement. (0/1)2. Kindred Fortification: Begin the process of establishing a permanent, defensible settlement (Initial Rank: 'Tier 0 - Den Site'). Select a suitable location and lay foundational plans. (0/1)3. Resource Diversification: Identify and secure a source of edible (non-blood) sustenance or a method for its cultivation/preservation. (0/1)4. Territorial Awareness: Conduct a broad survey of the lands within a half-cycle's travel radius of the current den, noting significant environmental features, creature populations, and potential anomalies. (0/1)]
Adrian considered the updated list of tasks from the System. He then said to the group, "The latest instructions suggest a new phase for us, one centered on establishing a more permanent foothold."
Before they delved into planning, Adrian dedicated several hours to Objective One. He retreated to a secluded area, drawing a small amount of his own blood onto a flat piece of obsidian. He focused his will, recalling the nascent sensations of 'Sanguine Resonance' and the more refined control of 'Blood Focus (Rudimentary)'. This time, he wasn't trying to sense externally or heal internally. He concentrated on the drawn blood itself, attempting to influence its physical properties. He willed it to thicken, to become more viscous. The effort was immense, beads of sweat forming on his brow despite the cool air. For long minutes, nothing happened. Then, slowly, almost imperceptibly, the small pool of crimson seemed to lose some of its fluidity, clinging more tenaciously to the obsidian when he tilted it. He then tried the opposite, willing it to become momentarily thinner, less coagulated. [System Notification: Skill 'Blood Focus (Rudimentary)' applied to externalized blood. Success (Minor alteration of viscosity – temporary). Significant mental strain incurred.]
[System Notification: Understanding of Progenitor Blood Composition +2%. Potential path towards 'Sanguine Alchemy (Basic)' identified. Requires further dedicated research, specific catalysts, or potent blood sources.]
Though the result was small, its potential significance was considerable. This marked the very beginning of his developing personalized blood-related abilities, a path specific to his Progenitor role. When he later gathered with the Kindred, he addressed their next steps. "The directive to establish a settlement is evident," he started. "Our present shelter has served its purpose, but it's insufficient for long-term needs or for the expansion our Overseer expects."
Seraphina, her 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)' already engaged, nodded. "A new location should offer several advantages: superior defensibility, reliable access to fresh water if such a thing exists beyond morning dew on fungi, proximity to diverse resources – including the Armored Grazers and the obsidian deposit – and room for future expansion."
"And it must be a place we can truly fortify," Garrick added, his hand resting on his Ironshroom club. "Something better than just a cave entrance."
"This calls for a dedicated survey," Marcus stated. "Objective Four aligns with this. A wider sweep of the land than we've done before."
"Agreed," Adrian said. "Marcus, you will lead the survey. Elara, your stealth and keen senses will be invaluable. I will accompany you. We need to assess potential locations not just for resources, but for strategic positioning." The thought of the ever-expanding world underscored the need to claim and develop a strong central point.
"While you are gone," Seraphina proposed, "Silas, Garrick, and I can focus on Resource Diversification. The Crevice Stalkers were noted as having 'moderate vital essence.' Perhaps their meat, if properly prepared, is a viable non-blood food source, or we could investigate edible fungi more thoroughly. Storing food would also be a priority."
The roles were set. The Kindred, now all at Level 2, felt a new current of purpose. They were moving beyond immediate survival. They were laying the first true stones of what Adrian envisioned as a future vampire dominion, however distant that future seemed. The weight of their shared destiny as Originals, pioneers in this alien reality, settled upon them, not as a burden, but as a driving force. The first step was to find the ground upon which their legacy would be built.