Mark was able to get to camp just before sunset. Everyone was there around the fire just enjoying the evening conversation about the day.
Ava ran over. “Mark, you missed out. The cave was full of fungus that spat spores at us. Bramble was amazing; he tore them to shreds.”
Lena was less enthusiastic. The creatures ranged from Levels 2 to 3, ending with huge mushroom growths and a central spore mound. Cora added that axes worked poorly, but spears worked well.
Tom called the cave a goldmine, though there was no actual gold. They had found plants with possible medical uses, along with new fibers, fungi, and membranes for crafting. Breathing and visibility had been difficult, but Cora and Lena handled the threats.
Ava butted in. “Bramble helped a lot too. He was able to detect them before we could see them. I used my bow too, but well, I can’t shoot well yet, so it did not help much. But Bramble killed a bunch.”
Dale finally spoke up. “Some of the fungi they brought back are edible. We can add more variation to what we eat. Some of the plants they brought back might be able to be dried and used to spice things too.”
Cora then spoke again. “Cave changed. Still four chambers. More exits. Taller tunnels got skinnier. Wet too.”
When they finally stopped, Mark said, “I found some pretty cool things too. And I unlocked something new from the zone. It looks like I can share it. Give me a second and let me see how it works.”
He brought up his system message about the territory awareness, and another screen popped up.
[Shared Territory Awareness Activated]
Designated Members:0/5
◈ ◈ ◈
He thought about sharing, and the message changed from 0/5 to 5/5 and another message appeared below it.
[Territory Awareness Shared]
Known Routes and Points of Interest Available Within Controlled Territory
◈ ◈ ◈
Ava squealed, “Oh cool, just got a message asking if I want to have territory awareness. When I accepted, I could sense that the stream was that way.” She pointed toward the stream. “Oh, and I can tell the path too; it should be safe.”
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Mark asked, “Anyone else get the message?” They all replied that they did. “Can you guys bring up a map of the zone?”
They all had puzzled looks on their faces as they tried to interact with the system.
Finally, Lena said, “No map, but I can sense where the traps you placed east and west are. There is a vague feeling of more info, but I can’t figure out what yet.”
Mark said, “Interesting; we will have to see what all it can be used for. One of the spots I visited today was a marsh; it had a lot of life, both plants and animals. Oh Dale, I also found these eggs. Do you think that you could make something with them?”
Cora pointed directly in the direction of the marsh and said, “It’s that way.”
Dale came over and took the eggs from Mark. “Yes, these have many uses. Marshes are full of life, most likely many things of use. Edible and for crafting. We need to explore it more.”
Cora said, “I will explore it tomorrow and bring you back samples and scout out safe paths and threats.” With that said, she opened the east gate, walked through and closed it, and headed off into the forest.
Mark chuckled and turned back to the others. “I found other things; also, let me tell you about them.”
Ava said, “Wait, just tell us a location description. I want to see if I can figure out where.”
Mark laughed and said, “Ruined Camp.”
Ava started to spin around and finally pointed south directly towards the camp. Then a frown showed up on her face. “That’s sad; maybe this is not so much fun.” With that, she headed over to her A-frame and went into bed. Bramble just looked at Mark, then to where Ava had gone off to, and then back at Mark with one of those looks, like, ‘What did you do to her?’ Then he too went off to follow Ava.
Dale then softly spoke up. “It almost gives off an emotion of sadness when you think of a ruined camp, but yes, I can feel it that way also.”
Mark said, “Oops, I did not mean to kill the mood. Maybe I should have shared that last.”
Lena replied, “She is young. The thought that something could go that bad is hard on her. But I want to know what else you found.”
Mark said, “The first place I found was labeled on my map as burrow cluster. It was an interesting area. It was full of different types of lizards. They were everywhere. They were not aggressive, but they did not sit still. I bet we could make a series of traps and be able to easily catch them for materials.”
Mark then pulled out the items he got from the lizards and put them on one of the crafting tables. Both Dale and Tom came over looking excited. They started picking up items and mumbling to themselves ideas about what they could be used for.
When the conversation died out, they just all looked around at each other. Tom suddenly snapped his fingers like he remembered something. “I forgot to tell you when you got back. I was able to cobble together a few leather wristbands. Made a few pairs of them, and this pair is yours.” He then handed over a pair of wristbands.
He then continued. “They are not great and won’t help much, but they are a start. I have learned a lot about how to sew them. I think we need to figure out how to process the leather more; they are stiff and not as comfortable as I would like.”
Dale said, “Okay, I need to get to sleep if you all want food in the morning. Have a great night all.” With that, he headed off towards his A-frame.
With that said, they all headed off to bed. As Mark lay down on his bedroll on the ground, he thought about one more thing on his list that he kept forgetting to do. He needed to make a real bed; he was getting too old for this getting up and down from the ground.
So many things to do. Never enough time.