Scavenging Hunt

Instead of using the Fortcracker as a portable artillery, I brainstormed all sorts of modifications that should turn it into an arm that could be utilized in everyday fights by my side.

Just like how Verina's main weapon was a musket that she used as a catalyst for spellcasting.

I shall definitely transform this glorified six-throwing-armed ballista into a hand weapon.

"But this is not my priority as of the current."

Before I dealt with my excitement for converting the Fortcracker into a proper functioning weapon, I preferred to use this duration of peace to scavenge and loot all of the available materials within the perimeters of the bastion.

So I merely extracted it back to our current camp and had it stored until I got back to it.

"Ah, the Fortcracker." Verina nodded with eyes closed. "That was a good time."

"A good time indeed."

And then off I go again to continue my scavenging hunt.

—

[The Sorrow Weaver]

[Description: A spider-like creature that weaves webs of pure emotion, the Sorrow Weaver preys on the individual's grief and despair. Its web glows with a sickly blue light, trapping its targets in their darkest memories]

[Hint: The Weaver drains the will to live from its victims, leaving them in a catatonic state. Destroying the web is the only way to free those ensnared, but the Weaver fiercely defends its lair]

—

"Lair, huh. I didn't see one. Perhaps the lair spawned outside and got caught in the clash?"

Most body parts of the Sorrow Weaver's were missing, so I couldn't even imagine what the original entity looked like.

Since this corpse over here could barely be deemed as a spider-like creature. It looked more like a horse with an eight legs scorpion tail.

"At least this thing is dead, since it didn't leave this realm where the Ordeal ended."

However, I found an abundant amount of the aforementioned webs that glowed with sickly blue light.

In fact, it was one of the reasons why it was the first thing I stumbled on my scavenger hunt.

Out of curiosity, I used my hand with the Wraithgrip to touch the webs to see if there were any lingering anomaly effects upon those who touched it after the Calamity Object was dead.

"And now with my left hand…"

Fortunately, nothing happened.

More surprisingly, the webs were surprisingly thicker than your usual silk and were really durable. It took me an actual attempt with my enhanced strength and impossibly dexterous precision to cut it with my makeshift stone knife.

"Huh, isn't this really good?"

The web was still coated with a form of protein that makes them sticky, something that was actually within the trait of an actual spider.

I could remove those stickiness by either soaking it in water combined with some sort of solvents, or even do the traditional rinse and repeat.

There were also multiple methods to make the silk even more stronger if used as textile material.

One of them was to stretch the silk webs while they dry to align the fibers and improve their tensile strength. Stretching helps the protein chains in the silk align more uniformly, which enhances its durability and flexibility.

There was also a method to abuse the ohrtending capability that Verina possessed to tinker with the textile itself.

"So many possibilities…"

Before lingering any further, I proceeded to harvest all of them and retrieve them back to the camp.

"That is some rather interesting material you have there," Verina commented. 

"I'm going to process it into something useful later. Primarily, protective clothing."

"Indeed. You really need one right now, especially with how ragged the clothes you're wearing."

"It's the only thing I have, after all."

"I didn't comment much because you didn't seem to mind it."

"... You didn't comment much because you enjoyed seeing me in this."

"It is a feast for my eyes, especially with how close you're to naked."

"I'm surprised at how perverted you can become."

I didn't find much discomfort from it. Beside. My past self without the Wraithgrip would benefit from the lack of weight added to my skin. 

It also made me more alert in the moment of danger.

But now, I would definitely prefer to get some layers of protection. 

"We still have an abundant amount of wood, huh. I might as well craft another wagon."

"Well, you almost deforested the entire biome."

Without much complication, I decided to just craft an entire carriage for my logistic purposes. 

The design was anything but modern, but it was sufficient to say that I won't be using this as a mainstream method of transportation.

Because I designed this carriage to be towed by me instead of a machine or horses.

"And off I go again to the ruination~"

I did a couple back and forth for some of the scavengable materials from a familiar remains, only to properly stop by an unknown one as I opened their information screen and self-dabbled on their characteristic and usage.

Like this one.

—

[The Lantern Keeper]

[Description: A mysterious figure cloaked in shadow, carrying an ever-glowing lantern that emits a soft, warm light. The Lantern Keeper appears when the bastion is on the brink of despair, offering guidance through the darkest of times]

[Hint: The Keeper leads individuals to hidden resources or safe havens during crises, and its light wards off nightmarish creatures. However, the Keeper's help comes at a price—you must offer something dear to them in exchange for its aid]

—

"Now you're just a dead entity with a very enticing fabric cloak on you."

It must have been manifested on the surface when we were still underground, and then got caught in the calamitous conflict between the Wild Hunt and the Headless Horseman.

The fact that it still remained here as a lifeless remains must imply that it had already died.

"The lantern however, is still in a rather good condition."

Just like the description of the Calamity Object, the lantern appeared to be ever-glowing with a warm yet gentle light, encased in an artistically sculpted ancient metal and thick protective glass.

It was definitely something that one would expect from the word 'fantasy'.