The sun was high in the sky as Iden stood before the growing shelter, now sturdier and more imposing than ever. The Bone Shed had become a symbol of resilience amid the wild chaos of the forest.
Iden accessed the building interface in his mind, the translucent menu glowing with options. Wood, stone, scrap metal, and beast hides—all resources painstakingly gathered by his skeletons—lay ready to be used.
The shelter needed reinforcement. Stronger walls, better defenses, and more storage to support their growing operation.
He began by upgrading the wooden walls with stone reinforcements, using the ores the Miner had excavated. Each upgrade increased the structure's durability and resistance to beast attacks.
Crafting materials melded with bone and timber, the Bone Shed transforming into a near-fortress.
System Message:Shelter Upgrade Complete: Stone-Reinforced Walls (+25% durability)Storage Capacity Increased (+50%)
Rael observed quietly, her eyes reflecting pride. "This will keep us safe longer."
Iden nodded, already planning the next improvements—better traps, watchtowers, and even a small farm for sustainable food.
With the Warrior's recent success hunting beasts, food supplies were abundant—fresh meat and hides piled neatly, preserved carefully by Rael's knowledge of survival skills.
Iden opened the World Chat interface and typed a message:
"Offering fresh meat and hides for trade. Need scrap metal, rare ores, and crafting materials. Location: Northern Forest Clearing. Contact if interested."
Almost immediately, replies began trickling in—some cautious, some eager. A few survivors offered weapons; others proposed rare ores or even information about nearby ruins.
One message stood out:
"Interested in trading. Heard about a hidden treasure nearby. Could guide you there. — Trader_Viper"
Curious and driven by the chance for rare loot, Iden agreed to meet Trader_Viper near a rocky ridge not far from the clearing.
With Rael and the Warrior at his side, he set out while the other summons carried on their tasks.
The Scout mapped the area meticulously, the Woodcutter prepared firewood for their journey, and the Miner gathered more stone near the camp.
Following the trader's directions, they uncovered a narrow cave mouth partially hidden beneath thick vines.
Inside, the air was cool and damp. Bones of unknown creatures littered the floor, but in the shadows, an old chest rested, sealed but intact.
Iden forced the lock open, revealing treasures inside: refined ores, rare crafting components, and a strange glowing artifact pulsing softly.
Loot Acquired:– Refined Iron Ore ×12– Enchanted Bone Shards ×5– Mysterious Energy Core ×1
System Update:New Crafting Recipes Unlocked: Energy-Infused Weapons and Armor
Iden's heart raced. This treasure would accelerate their upgrades and strengthen his skeleton army immensely.
Returning triumphant, Iden allocated resources to begin forging new weapons and reinforcing armor for his summons.
The Miner continued digging deeper into nearby caves, the Scout expanded the perimeter, and the Woodcutter prepared more timber for construction.
Iden knew this was only the beginning.
Their shelter would become a fortress, their army a legend.