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Chapter 13 - Chapter 13 - Expanded Traps & Patrols

The Heartwood Sprout clearing hummed with a renewed sense of purpose, a stark contrast to the chaotic aftermath of the horde just a day prior. The air, crisp and clean, carried the scent of damp earth and the subtle, sweet fragrance of Aethelgardian flora. The rhythmic thud-thud of Heartwood Defenders echoed from the Woodcutter's Hut and Stone Quarry, a testament to the tireless efficiency of automated production. The quiet murmurs of the new recruits, already immersed in their tasks, and the distinct clink of Marcus's tools at the palisade, all contributed to a new, industrious symphony.

Alex stood at the center of it all, a sense of quiet satisfaction settling over him. The immediate crisis was past, and the initial assignments had been made. Now, it was time to put their new capabilities to full use, to transform this nascent sprout into a true bastion of survival. He glanced at his System UI, reviewing their current assets after a night of relentless automated production and the diligent work of the Scavengers.

Overnight, the Woodcutter's Hut, with its two assigned Heartwood Defenders, had produced 320 Wood (Common) (2 Defenders x 20 Wood/hour x 8 hours). The Stone Quarry, with its two Heartwood Defenders and Marcus's Engineer-class optimization, had yielded 440 Stone (Common) (2 Defenders x 15 Stone/hour + 25 Stone/hour from Marcus x 8 hours). This steady influx, combined with the Scavengers' overnight absorption of remaining monster carcasses and their trap checks, had significantly bolstered their reserves.

His Evolution Points had climbed to 90.2 EP. His raw food reserves stood at 110 kg. As for raw materials, he now possessed 1418 Wood (Common) and 1770 Stone (Common). The Gloomfang Hides, Venom Sacs, and other monster drops from the horde were ready for processing, along with the existing 3 Glowmoss and 3 Crystal Shards. He also had 5 Tanned Leather, 4 Healing Salves, 1 Basic Defender's Charm, and 1 Basic Medical Kit from previous efforts.

"Marcus," Alex called out, approaching the engineer who was already at the Tannery, overseeing the production of more Tanned Leather. The engineer's brow was furrowed in concentration, his hands moving with practiced ease over the organic machinery. "How are the new facilities coming along?"

Marcus straightened, wiping his hands on a rag, a smudge of bark dust on his cheek. "Running smoothly, boss. The Tannery's efficient, breaking down those hides nicely. And Elara's already got the Alchemist's Hut humming, brewing up more salves. What's next on the agenda? More walls? Another horde?" He grinned, a glint of excitement in his eyes.

"Traps," Alex stated, his gaze sweeping the perimeter. "We need more. The ones from the horde were effective, but we need a wider, more robust net. I want five more Basic Trap (Upgraded) units."

Marcus nodded, pulling up the blueprint on his own System UI. "Fifteen wood, ten stone each. Five of them, that's seventy-five wood and fifty stone. Easily done with our current reserves."

Alex confirmed the assessment. He had 1418 Wood (Common) and 1770 Stone (Common). The cost was negligible. He accessed the Settlement Overview Map, a translucent grid overlaying the clearing. He mentally designated locations for the new traps along the perimeter, focusing on known game trails and choke points that creatures might use to approach the palisade. The System confirmed the placements, highlighting the optimal zones.

[Construct 5x Basic Trap (Upgraded)?][Cost: 75 Wood (Common), 50 Stone (Common)]

He confirmed. The Heartwood Sprout pulsed with a deep, resonant thrum. From its base, new, fibrous roots snaked out with astonishing speed, burrowing into the designated spots. They rapidly twisted and intertwined with absorbed wood and stone essence, forming the intricate mechanisms of the traps. Within minutes, five new, subtly camouflaged traps sprouted from the ground, their reinforced components blending almost seamlessly with the surrounding flora, their mechanisms ready to ensnare.

[Wood (Common): 1343][Stone (Common): 1720]

"Thomas, Ben!" Alex called to the two Scavengers, who were finishing up a sweep of the immediate perimeter, their eyes constantly scanning the ground for overlooked resources. "You two will be responsible for managing these traps. Check them regularly, retrieve anything caught, and reset them. Prioritize food, but keep an eye out for any useful drops. Your Class aptitudes for resource identification will be invaluable here."

The Scavengers, gaunt but now with a flicker of purpose in their eyes, nodded, their faces grimly determined. They moved off, already beginning to inspect the newly formed traps, their movements quiet and efficient.

Next, Alex turned his attention to Kael, the Brawler. Kael was a whirlwind of focused energy, already putting the five general-purpose Heartwood Defenders through a series of strenuous drills. The plant-based units, though still moving with a deliberate gait, responded to Kael's booming commands with a newfound coordination, their root-fists pounding the air in practiced strikes.

"Kael," Alex said, his voice carrying over the grunts of exertion. "It's time for our first proper patrol. We need to push out beyond the palisade, clear any immediate threats, and get a better understanding of our immediate surroundings. You'll lead, with two Heartwood Defenders."

Kael's eyes lit up, a feral grin spreading across his face. "Finally, some real action, boss. Which Defenders do you want?"

"Heartwood Defenders 5 and 6," Alex designated, checking his Follower Overview to ensure they were at full health. "Maintain a tight formation. Engage any hostile creatures. Focus on efficiency, minimize damage to the Defenders. And keep an eye out for any new resources, especially Glowmoss or Crystal Shards. Report back anything unusual."

"Understood!" Kael replied, his enthusiasm infectious. He barked orders at his chosen Defenders, and the trio lumbered towards the reinforced gate, disappearing into the twilight of the obsidian forest.

Alex watched them depart, a sense of calculated risk in his gut. Patrols were essential for security and expansion, but they were also inherently dangerous. He spent the next few hours overseeing the cultivation efforts. Lena and Sarah, the Farmers, were diligently working the terraformed ground near the Heartwood Sprout. Their movements were precise, their hands gentle as they cleared the surface moss, exposing the rich, dark soil beneath. The ground itself seemed to hum with a faint energy, a testament to the Heartwood Sprout's passive "Minor Terraforming" ability, which slowly expanded patches of viable land. They carefully prepared small depressions and meticulously planted the basic Heartwood Seeds, a promise of future harvests and a stable, cultivated food source. It was a slow, patient process, but a vital one for the long-term sustainability of the settlement.

Throughout the day, the Heartwood Sprout vibrated with activity. Marcus oversaw the Tannery and Alchemist's Hut, ensuring a steady output of Tanned Leather and Healing Salves. The internal glow of the buildings pulsed rhythmically as they processed the raw materials. Thomas and Ben moved silently along the palisade, checking the newly laid traps, retrieving small, ensnared creatures, and efficiently absorbing their essence for food and EP. Their keen eyes, sharpened by their Scavenger Class, also spotted overlooked patches of Glowmoss and glinting Crystal Shards, adding to the settlement's precious reserves.

Kael's patrol, meanwhile, ventured further into the obsidian forest, the sounds of minor skirmishes occasionally reaching the clearing – the distant thud of a Heartwood Defender's powerful fist, the high-pitched shriek of a defeated creature, followed by Kael's triumphant yell. Each time, Alex felt a small surge of EP, confirming their success. They were not just surviving; they were actively pushing back the wilderness.

As the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of deep violet and orange, Kael and his two Heartwood Defenders returned, their forms slightly scuffed, but intact. Kael's face was flushed with exertion, but his eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

"Cleared out a few more Gloomfang Squirrels and even a small pack of those burrowing 'Rock-Beetles'," Kael reported, gesturing with his club. "They drop some hard chitin, boss. Might be useful for something."

Alex nodded, checking his updated UI. The day's efforts had yielded significant gains. His Evolution Points had increased to 100.2 EP, a crucial milestone. His food reserves were stabilizing at 113 kg. From the processing and patrols, he now had 5 Tanned Leather, 4 Healing Salves, 7 Glowmoss, 5 Crystal Shards, and 8 Rock-Beetle Chitin. The Wood and Stone reserves, bolstered by the automated production, were now at 1423 Wood (Common) and 1680 Stone (Common).

The Heartwood Sprout was no longer just a shelter; it was a functioning, growing base, a beacon of order in the chaos of Aethelgard. Alex looked out at the darkening forest, a sense of confidence swelling within him. They were consolidating their power, expanding their reach, and preparing for whatever Aethelgard might throw at them next. The path to a true dominion was being forged, one strategic step at a time.

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