The challenge of the extremely dense Ironwood remained the primary obstacle to completing the first 'Specialized Crafting Station'. Seraphina and Silas had made little headway in shaping the robust beams intended for the 'Advanced Obsidian Shaping Station's' frame. "Our current obsidian tools simply aren't up to the task of efficiently working this material," Seraphina stated, frustration evident in her usually composed voice as she examined a blunted obsidian edge. "The wood's resilience is beyond their effective limits for fine shaping."
Adrian considered the problem. His 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' had shown it could temporarily alter material properties. "Perhaps I can assist," he proposed. "If I can temporarily reduce the Ironwood's resistance, even slightly, your tools might be more effective, Silas." He selected a section of Ironwood. Focusing his will, he attempted to direct his unique energies into its dense structure, not to harden it, but to achieve the opposite – a momentary loosening of its fibrous bonds, a slight increase in its pliability. It was a new application, demanding a different kind of mental projection.
[System Notification: Skill 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' – Application Attempt: Temporarily Reduce Material Density (Ironwood). Partial Success. Ironwood section exhibits minor, short-lived increase in workability. Significant mental strain incurred. Understanding of 'Sanguine Empowerment (Minor)' +10%. New Application Method (Material Property Alteration – Density Reduction) explored.]
The Ironwood did not visibly change, but when Silas carefully applied a freshly sharpened obsidian chisel to the treated section, he found it bit into the wood with noticeably less resistance. "It's… yielding more easily," he observed, a hint of surprise in his voice. Working in tandem, with Adrian periodically treating sections of the Ironwood, Silas was able to begin shaping the difficult material for the station's framework. The progress was slow and mentally taxing for Adrian, but it was progress nonetheless.
[System Notification: Objective (Specialized Crafting Stations) – Ironwood processing for 'Advanced Obsidian Shaping Station' frame now viable through empowered assistance. Progress +10% -> +25%.]
Intrigued by the 'Resonant Crystals'' noted energetic conductivity, Adrian also dedicated time to his 'Progenitor Advancement – Sanguine Alchemy'. He decided to incorporate one of the smaller crystal fragments into his next attempt to refine the 'Basic Sanguine Salve (Grade E)'. He hypothesized the crystal might act as a catalyst or help stabilize the alchemical reaction. He carefully powdered a tiny Resonant Crystal fragment and added it to the mixture of Armored Grazer blood and his own Progenitor blood before attempting the gentle energetic infusion. The reaction this time was subtly different. The mixture seemed to combine more smoothly, and the resulting salve possessed a slightly clearer consistency and a fainter, less metallic aroma.
[System Notification: Sanguine Experimentation Attempt: Refine 'Basic Sanguine Salve' with 'Resonant Crystal' powder as potential catalyst. Success. Result: 'Infused Sanguine Salve (Grade E+)'. Properties: Antiseptic qualities moderately improved, enhanced acceleration of natural healing for minor wounds, stability significantly increased (shelf-life extended to many cycles). Understanding of Sanguine Alchemy principles +15%. Potential of 'Resonant Crystals' as alchemical reagents noted.]
[System Notification: Objective (Progenitor Advancement – Sanguine Alchemy) – 'Basic Sanguine Salve' refined to 'Infused Sanguine Salve (Grade E+)' using Resonant Crystal. Progress +30% -> +50%.]
[Adrian - Group XP +40 (Significant Alchemical Advancement)]
The crystal had indeed acted as a potent agent. This opened up entirely new avenues for his alchemical research.
Seraphina, meanwhile, continued her direct analysis of other 'Resonant Crystal' samples. Using her 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)', she subjected them to various tests – exposing them to heat, different light frequencies from their torches, and even attempting to pass a minute electrical charge (generated by rubbing two pieces of treated Stalker hide together vigorously) through them.
[System Notification: Seraphina using 'Analytical Acumen (Minor)'. 'Resonant Crystal' Analysis Update: Crystals exhibit piezo-luminescence (emit light under pressure/vibration) and minor energy storage/discharge capabilities when subjected to specific energetic frequencies. Full properties still under investigation.]
"These crystals not only conduct energy but can also store and release small amounts of it, and they react to physical stress by emitting light," Seraphina reported to Adrian. "Their potential applications could be numerous, from illumination to more complex energy devices, if we can understand how to harness them."
The discussion then turned to the 'Explore Echoing Caves' objective. "The Crystal Heart Geode's fluctuation warrants further investigation," Adrian stated. "And there may be other passages leading from that large cavern. Marcus, Elara, prepare for another expedition. This time, Garrick will accompany us for added security and strength, should we need to move larger obstructions or defend ourselves."
[System Notification: Objective (Explore Echoing Caves) – Preparations for deeper exploration of 'The Crystal Heart Geode' cavern initiated. Progress +85% -> +90%.]
As the cycle concluded, the frame for the obsidian shaping station showed considerable progress thanks to Adrian's help with the Ironwood. His understanding of alchemy had also advanced after learning about the Resonant Crystals' potential as catalytic agents. Preparations were now in place for a more extensive survey of the Echoing Caves. The group continued to accumulate knowledge about their surroundings and their own particular aptitudes.