Work in the Sheltered Valley continued with unwavering focus, the Crimson Kindred driven by the tangible progress of their efforts. The first 'Permanent Shelter' was now their primary undertaking. Under Seraphina's astute oversight of her own designs, the structure built against the cliff face rose steadily. Garrick's enhanced strength moved the heavy rock-like fungal blocks with greater ease, while Silas, his 'Deft Hands (Minor)' ensuring each piece fit with remarkable precision, meticulously interlocked them. Ridgeback Vines, treated for extra durability by Seraphina, were used to bind the main support beams crafted from the densest fungal wood.
Adrian, beyond coordinating and assisting with the labor, found moments to apply his 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' with increasing finesse. He chose the main doorframe of the shelter, a critical defensive point. Drawing upon his unique energies, he carefully attempted to imbue the frame not just with increased hardness, but also with a slightly longer duration for the effect. The wood seemed to absorb the faint crimson shimmer more readily this time. [System Notification: Skill 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' – Applied to Shelter Doorframe. Temporary Property: Minor Hardness Increase & Enhanced Resilience. Duration: Extended (several cycles estimate). Understanding of 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' +15%. Control over duration and intensity marginally improved.] This practical application felt more potent, a small but significant step in his 'Progenitor Development'.
In the designated area for 'Advanced Resource Processing', Seraphina made a breakthrough. After several attempts with various local saps and mineral dusts, she successfully treated a section of Crevice Stalker hide. [System Notification: Seraphina using 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)'. New Hide Treatment Process developed. Result: Stalker Hide (Treated) – Increased Pliability, Moderate Water Resistance. Process requires Bitteroil Bush sap and powdered river stones.] "Success!" she announced, holding up the treated hide, which was noticeably softer and shed water easily. "A viable material for waterproof coverings, or perhaps even basic armor components with further refinement." [System Notification: Objective (Advanced Resource Processing) – Successful Hide Treatment Process developed. Progress +40% -> +60%.]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +40 (Material Innovation)] Silas also made progress grinding some of the Stone-Grain Grass seeds into a coarse, gritty flour, though the yield was small, confirming its need for cultivation.
The 'Defensive Enhancements' around the growing settlement also expanded. The main perimeter wall, now incorporating the formidable outer wall of the nearly completed shelter, was extended further, creating a more secure core area. Obsidian shards were carefully embedded along its crest. [System Notification: Objective (Defensive Enhancements) – Reinforced perimeter wall extended. Key sections integrated with permanent shelter. Progress +30% -> +50%.]
Marcus and Elara, maintaining their vigilant watch on the 'Tusker Deterrence Line' and the valley beyond, reported continued respect for the boundary by the Boar herd. They also noted the appearance of new avian species in the valley, seemingly drawn by the slightly altered ecosystem their presence was creating, though none appeared threatening.
By the end of several more cycles of intense labor, the first 'Type 1 Fortified Shelter' stood complete. Its thick, interlocking fungal-stone walls rose high, a sturdy door of reinforced fungal wood set deeply within its frame. Small, defensible slits served as windows, offering a view of the valley while providing cover. It was a testament to their combined efforts.
[System Notification: Objective (Permanent Shelters) – 'Type 1 Fortified Shelter' construction complete. Structural Integrity: Excellent. Progress +45% -> +70% (1 of 3 Shelters Built).]
[Crimson Kindred - Group XP +200 (Major Construction Milestone: First Permanent Shelter)]
The group of six vampires observed the finished structure. It represented a significant change from their previous dwelling. The interior environment was cool and shaded, providing a different level of protection than they had experienced previously. "The first unit is finished," Adrian stated, his tone acknowledging the work done. "We will need to construct two more of similar quality, and then give our full attention to the main perimeter barrier." The tasks ahead remained considerable, yet this initial permanent construction marked a notable point in their ongoing establishment.