Scavenger Stronghold

Choose to post another 2 chapters after the shit show that is chapter last one

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Following the scavenger for approximately two hours, Finn was left feeling confused and worried that they might encounter a predator. However, his worries appeared to be unwarranted, as the scavenger skillfully navigated around all obstacles, including monsters, while leading Finn to an unknown destination.

Fin wondered if the scavenger was leading him to its home, pondering why it would do so as he trailed behind it through a vent, which Upon emerging from the vent, he found himself momentarily paralyzed by the sight of the place to which the scavenger had guided him.

An imposing fortress, fortified with remnants salvaged from an apocalyptic world. Its walls, constructed from weathered steel and concrete, loom high and imposing, creating an almost impenetrable barrier against the desolation beyond. Guard towers, fashioned from scrap metal and rusted remnants, dot the stronghold's perimeter, their watchful eyes surveying the harsh landscape for any signs of danger.

"Is this a scavenger stronghold? No, this appeared to be more akin to a settlement or a town," Finn mused, his mind racing as he trailed the scavenger who guided him toward the door of the place.

"#%#&#(#( #&#&#" One of the four scavengers yelled in Finn's direction, causing him to halt while the injured scavenger continued walking forward towards the other four scavengers, who, upon noticing their wounded comrade, immediately rushed up to check on him.

After drawing near, the injured scavenger seem to give an explanation, utilizing a combination of hand gestures and the sparse vocabulary of their language. Eventually, one of the gate guards escorted him away. This left three others who approached Finn, causing a slight unease to well up within him as he gazed upon their imposing figures. The presence of four spears resting on each of their backs only heightened their intimidation factor.

Even with that Finn did not run as he knew they did not mean harm as they would have simply thrown a spear at him or just came at him threatening to do so.

"#^##&#" As they drew nearer, the scavenger leading the group extended his hand in a demanding gesture, leaving Finn perplexed, as he couldn't fathom the request being made.

"#^#&#*" The scavenger, perceiving Finn's bewilderment, swiftly approached him. With a gentle touch, he grasped Finn's arm and commenced sketching an enigmatic design upon it with weird black paint which blended well with Finn's skin, leaving Finn utterly perplexed.

[Congratulations to the host for achieving a remarkable feat! you have successfully cultivated a burgeoning rapport of 10 points with the enigmatic scavenger, effectively transforming a relationship that previously stood at a mere 0 out of 100, classified as entirely unknown, into a now substantial 10 out of 100, categorically identified as non-threatening.]

Hearing the notification left Finn in shock as he continued to watch the scavenger sketch out additional bizarre symbols on his arm. The only recognizable element was the vulture mask drawn at the top of his shoulder blade, which was drawn with a vivid green pigment that, judging by the scent, was most likely lizard blood. Once the scavenger finished the drawing, another notification chimed.

[The host has been granted basic access to the scavenger fortress for the total time of 2 cycles]

'Starter village unlocked' Finn thought to himself jestingly as he examined his new tattoo, which snaked up his arm in an incredibly intricate design, distinct from the existing black lines already present. Instead of overlapping with them, it skillfully wove into those lines, using them as a framework to segment each set of symbols.

In the meantime, while Finn was carefully inspecting his new tattoo, the scavenger responsible for creating Finn's tattoo engaged in conversation with his two friends. who had all accompanied him back to the gate, resuming their guard duty.

'Well, I guess there's no time like the present,' Finn thought as he walked through the gate, passing the scavengers who didn't react much as they stared ahead, on high alert.

''WOW" Finn exclaimed in a hushed squeak as he observed the brilliantly illuminated scene before him, which was teeming with dozens of diminutive houses crafted from weathered steel and stone, skillfully repurposing the debris from the crumbling buildings on the outskirts.

'Now where is the trader' Finn's amazement was short-lived, for he quickly redirected his focus toward the very purpose that had driven him to step foot inside the formidable fortress.

Fortunately, it didn't take him long to stumble upon a scavenger who bore the striking appearance of a seasoned merchant. After a few minutes of aimless wandering through the desolate landscape, during which he occasionally caught curious sidelong glances from other scavengers he passed by, destiny finally led him to a remarkable sight. There, before him, stood a scavenger adorned with exquisite pearls, surrounded by an eclectic assortment of items that ranged from delicate spore puffs to menacing explosive spears.

Less than two seconds elapsed before he locked eyes with the merchant, who reciprocated the gaze as their paths converged. The merchant's unwavering stare remained fixed upon him until he drew nearer, at which point their attention shifted primarily to the shield he clutched tightly.

"#^$&$*&$*" The merchant's voice resonated through the brightly lit fortress as it extended a weathered hand, proudly displaying what appeared to be a vulture mask. Simultaneously, its other hand gestured toward Finn's trusty shield, a gesture that suggested a proposition for trade. The unexpectedness of this offer left Finn utterly surprised; he hadn't anticipated that the shield that he created could hold a candle to the vulture mask in value.

Finn extended his hand, presenting the scavenger with a shield that seemed somewhat undersized for its robust frame. Without a moment's pause, the merchant flung the mask toward Finn, who skillfully snatched it from the air. The merchant, displaying an air of indifference toward Finn, locked its gaze intently upon its newfound possession.

'Now how do i wear this?' Finn gazed upon the newly acquired mask, his heart filled with anticipation. He yearned for it to possess the same mystical properties as in the game—a chance to strike fear into the hearts of his adversaries and send them fleeing in terror.

[Would the user be inclined to equip the item known as the "Vulture's Mask"?]

[Y/N]

With little hesitation, Finn instinctively chose to accept, causing the mask to swiftly leap onto his face, jolting him with a sudden startle as its interior effortlessly molded itself to snugly embrace his features.

'Now that was scary' Finn thought idle as he surveyed his surroundings, the mask snugly fitted on his face. Immediately, he discerned that his peripheral vision had been subtly compromised.

'Nothing that being more alert cant handle'

He contemplated with a heavy heart, a gnawing sense of foreboding clawing at his insides. Yet, with time, he managed to quell those unsettling emotions. A spark of inspiration ignited within him, birthing an idea to creating a new shield, one that he could trade for a weapon like a explosive spear, but As he turned around to set his plan into motion, the reality he faced was starkly different from his expectations. The merchant, along with every single item he had carried, had vanished into thin air.

'You know what maybe i should go turn in for the day im feeling a bit tired' Finn, burdened by a creeping sense of fatigue, found himself overwhelmed by the mere contemplation of seeking out the merchant once more. In response to this weariness, he altered his course, diverting his steps toward the gate which he swiftly exited.

*2 hours later*

It took Finn a considerable amount of time to ultimately rediscover his path to the very location where he had committed his initial act of violence. To claim that he was merely exhausted would be a gross understatement. Without a moment's delay, he commenced a slow and laborious crawl through the tunnel, which served as the passage to the diminutive chamber where he had first regained consciousness in this unfamiliar world.

'Tomorrow, I should consider exploring the various tabs within the system menu.'