Chapter 7: Expansion
The next morning, Eli woke to the hum of the Bloodspring, its faint red glow casting an eerie light over the camp. His body ached from the previous day's battle, but there was no time to rest. The system's notifications still lingered in his mind.
...
System Reminder:
Bloodcore Progression: 80%
Unlocks at 100%: Tier 1 Bloodbound Territory
...
"We're close," Eli muttered, rising from his makeshift bed. The promise of an upgraded territory was tantalizing, but he knew the system wouldn't make it easy.
He turned to Zara, who sat sharpening her obsidian blade. She looked better, her injuries from the fight with the Bloodfang Direwolf healing quickly thanks to the Crimson Ivy Sap.
"Sleep well?" Eli asked, breaking the silence.
Zara snorted. "As well as you can on dirt. What's the plan for today, fearless leader?"
Eli frowned, pulling up the Territory Menu. The recent upgrade to the Weapon Crafting Bench had opened new possibilities, but their resource stockpile was running low.
"We need materials," he said. "If we want to finish upgrading the Bloodcore and stand a chance against whatever this world throws at us next, we have to scavenge."
Zara sheathed her blade and stood. "Let's hope today's scavenging trip doesn't end with us almost getting eaten. Again."
...
System Objective:
Gather Resources
Materials Needed:
Crimson Shards (x3)
Obsidian Bloodwood (x2)
...
Eli and Zara ventured westward, where the forest thinned out into a rocky, barren expanse. The air grew heavier as they walked, the faint smell of iron lingering around them.
The system map highlighted several resource-rich areas, but each came with its own warnings.
...
Resource Node: Obsidian Bloodwood Grove
Location: 1.2 km west
Threat Level: Moderate
Expected Yield: Obsidian Bloodwood (x3)
Resource Node: Crimson Shard Deposits
Location: 800 meters southwest
Threat Level: Low
Expected Yield: Crimson Shards (x2)
...
"Low threat level sounds like a lie," Zara said, glancing at the map.
Eli smirked. "It probably is. But we'll start with the shards. Better to ease into the day."
The trek to the Crimson Shard Deposits was uneventful at first, but as they neared the site, the ground began to tremble slightly.
"Do you feel that?" Zara asked, her voice tense.
Eli nodded, gripping his blade tighter. The air felt charged, and the faint sound of skittering echoed in the distance.
...
Encounter Triggered:
Crimson Husk Swarm
Threat Level: Low
Quantity: x6
...
Six insect-like creatures, their carapaces glowing faintly red, emerged from the cracks in the rocky terrain. Each was about the size of a large dog, their sharp mandibles clicking menacingly.
"Why is everything here oversized and angry?" Zara muttered, readying her weapon.
Eli activated Crimson Pulse, the ability now more efficient after leveling up during the previous fight.
...
Combat Engagement:
Ability Activated: Crimson Pulse
Effect: Damage to all enemies in a 3-meter radius.
...
The shockwave knocked two of the creatures onto their backs, exposing their softer underbellies. Zara took the opportunity, leaping forward and driving her blade into one's exposed torso.
"Nice teamwork!" she shouted, dodging a swipe from another Husk.
Eli focused on the others, using his blade to deflect their attacks while aiming for weak spots in their glowing shells. One by one, the creatures fell, their bodies dissolving into faint red mist.
...
Combat Results:
Enemies Defeated: Crimson Husk (x6)
Resource Acquired: Crimson Shard (x2)
Experience Gained: Moderate
...
"That wasn't so bad," Zara said, wiping her blade clean.
Eli raised an eyebrow. "Speak for yourself. Let's grab the shards and get out of here."
They quickly harvested the Crimson Shard Deposits, the system confirming their success.
...
Resource Acquired:
Crimson Shards (x2)
...
As they prepared to move on, Eli couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The shadows cast by the jagged rocks seemed to shift unnaturally, and the faint smell of iron grew stronger.
"Do you feel... off?" he asked Zara.
She paused, scanning the area. "I thought it was just me. This place is giving me the creeps."
Eli's thoughts spiraled as he considered the possibility of hidden dangers. The system didn't always reveal every threat, and he knew they couldn't rely on it completely.
"We need to stay sharp," he said, forcing himself to focus.
Zara nodded. "No arguments here."
...
Their next destination, the Obsidian Bloodwood Grove, was darker and denser than expected. The twisted trees emitted a faint glow, their black bark laced with veins of red light.
"This place is... unsettling," Zara said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Eli scanned the area, his instincts screaming that something was wrong. The grove was deathly silent, save for the sound of their footsteps.
"Let's grab what we need and go," he said, moving toward one of the larger trees.
As he began to harvest the Obsidian Bloodwood, a chilling growl echoed through the grove.
...
Event Triggered:
Bloodshadow Stalker
Threat Level: High
...
A sleek, panther-like creature emerged from the shadows, its body shimmering as though partially transparent. Its crimson eyes locked onto them, and it bared its fangs in a predatory snarl.
"Why can't we have one day without this crap?" Zara groaned, raising her weapon.
Eli readied himself, his pulse quickening. This wasn't going to be an easy fight.
...
The Bloodshadow Stalker circled the clearing, its translucent form flickering as it melted into the shadows and reappeared elsewhere. It moved with predatory grace, its crimson eyes glowing like embers in the gloom of the grove.
"Do you see where it went?" Zara whispered, her voice tight with fear.
Eli gripped his rock blade, scanning the treeline. "No. It's toying with us."
A low growl rumbled from behind, and Zara spun just in time to see the creature lunge. She barely dodged, the Stalker's claws tearing through the air where she had been standing.
"Stay close!" Eli shouted, stepping between Zara and the beast.
...
System Analysis:
Bloodshadow Stalker
Type: Apex Predator
Strengths: Stealth, Speed, High Damage
Weaknesses: Vulnerable to bright light
...
Eli's interface blinked with the system's analysis, and his mind raced as he read the entry.
"We need light!" he yelled, backing away.
"Where are we supposed to get light in this cursed forest?" Zara shot back, slashing at the Stalker as it darted past her. Her blade struck only air.
Eli glanced around, his eyes landing on the faintly glowing veins in the trees. "The Bloodwood! Strike the trees—see if we can make them brighter!"
Zara didn't hesitate. She turned and slammed her blade into the nearest tree, and the glowing veins pulsed brighter for a moment before dimming again.
"Not enough," she muttered. "What now?"
The Stalker growled again, fading into the shadows. Eli's heart pounded as he realized it was preparing another attack.
...
Eli activated Crimson Pulse, sending out a wave of energy. The shockwave rippled through the clearing, scattering leaves and forcing the Stalker to materialize briefly.
"There!" Zara shouted, lunging at the creature. Her blade scraped against its shimmering hide, drawing a thin line of blood.
The Stalker howled in rage, retreating into the shadows once more.
"Keep it on the defensive!" Eli called, readying his weapon.
They worked together, forcing the beast to reveal itself with quick strikes and well-timed dodges. The Stalker's speed was unmatched, but each time it lunged, they managed to land small, critical blows.
...
System Notification:
Ability Unlocked: Bloodflame Spark
Description: Ignite a small area with Bloodflame, illuminating surroundings and causing moderate fire damage.
Cost: 10% Bloodcore Energy
...
Eli's interface lit up, and he didn't hesitate.
"Get back!" he yelled, activating the ability.
...
Ability Activated: Bloodflame Spark
Effect: A burst of crimson flames erupts, illuminating the area and dealing sustained damage.
...
The grove lit up with a fiery glow as crimson flames engulfed the base of the trees. The Stalker screeched in pain, its translucent form fully revealed in the light.
"Now!" Eli shouted, charging forward.
Zara followed, her blade catching the Stalker's side as Eli plunged his weapon into its chest. The creature thrashed, letting out one final, guttural roar before collapsing in a heap.
...
Combat Results:
Enemy Defeated: Bloodshadow Stalker
Experience Gained: Significant
Loot Acquired: Bloodshadow Essence (x1)
...
The grove fell silent once more, save for the crackling of the Bloodflame.
Zara collapsed onto the ground, panting. "Please tell me that's the last one for today."
Eli wiped sweat from his brow, his body trembling from adrenaline and exhaustion. "No promises."
...
With the Stalker defeated, they resumed harvesting the Obsidian Bloodwood, careful to stay within the glowing light of the flames.
...
Resource Acquired:
Obsidian Bloodwood (x2)
...
As they packed the materials into their makeshift satchels, Zara turned to Eli. "So... what was that ability back there? The fire thing?"
Eli hesitated. "I don't know. It just... unlocked. The system must have recognized we needed it."
Zara frowned. "Convenient. Almost too convenient."
Eli didn't respond. The system had always been an enigma, guiding them while withholding critical information. He couldn't shake the feeling that it was manipulating them for its own purposes.
...
As they made their way back to the Bloodspring, Eli's thoughts churned. The system had saved them, but it had also brought them here in the first place. Was it really trying to help them, or was it just testing them?
"Eli," Zara said, breaking the silence. "What if the system isn't on our side?"
He looked at her, startled.
"I mean, think about it," she continued. "It keeps pushing us into these impossible situations. Sure, we're surviving, but for how long? What happens when we can't keep up?"
Eli didn't have an answer.