Symbiotic: Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Saying goodbye to the Challenger party and the rest of the Tavern patrons, Sara returned with Tas to her Residence for the night.

Tas shimmered beside Sara as they entered the quiet of her residence, the hum of the System faint in the air. Sara’s voice carried the weight of concern.

“Tas, we are going to need more skilled crafters, laborers, and troops on the walls. Likely sooner rather than later. Is there anything you can suggest to entice NPCs to come settle in Haven? We have the School and the Academy, but the students and trainees there will take weeks just to reach Novice levels. We need defenses on the walls now.”

Tas pulsed thoughtfully, then answered:

“Viscount, Haven Valley already has the foundations that attract settlers. Prosperity, Education, training, and safety. But to draw skilled NCPs more quickly, the System recognizes several enticements you may employ:”

• Housing & Comfort: Construct additional residences or communal lodges. Skilled NCPs are more likely to migrate if they see stable shelter waiting for them.

• Guild Contracts: Establish formal guild halls—Leatherworkers, Blacksmiths, Enchanters. These act as magnets for wandering crafters who seek recognition and steady work.

• Defensive Incentives: Building visible fortifications, such as completed walls and watchtowers, signals safety. NCPs are drawn to strongholds where their skills will be valued without their safety being risked.

• System Recruitment Call: You may spend TAP or SC to trigger a Settlement Recruitment Notice, which broadcasts Haven Valley’s opportunities to wandering NPCs. This increases the chance of skilled arrivals within days rather than weeks.

Tas’s glow steadied. “If you wish to prioritize defenses, I recommend issuing a Recruitment Notice specifically for trained guards and soldiers. It will cost resources, but it will bring NPCs who can man the walls immediately. Pairing that with guild halls will ensure crafters follow soon after.”

“The walls are complete at the Valley entrance,” Sara said, pacing slowly across the room. “The gatehouse is expanded and reinforced. We have two watchtowers, one offensive node, one defensive node, and the barrier we can lock down if we’re truly under siege.”

“We need more skilled crafters, more laborers, and, most of all, troops on the walls. Likely sooner rather than later.”

She turned to Tas, her expression firm. “The Academy and the School are good foundations, but the students there will take weeks just to reach Novice levels. We need defenses now. Tell me more about these Settlement Recruitment Notices.”

Tas pulsed with a thoughtful glow. “Viscount, the System recognizes Settlement Recruitment Notices as a way to draw new arrivals. You may issue them to call for specific groups. With your current resources, two notices are possible, one for skilled workers and families, and one for soldiers or mercenaries.”

Sara folded her arms, listening intently as Tas continued.

“For Skilled Workers and Families, the cost is three TAP or 2,500 SC. The notice would promise housing, guild halls, and schools for their children. It would highlight the safety of the Valley’s walls and watchtowers, and the chance to prosper in a growing stronghold. Skilled artisans, blacksmiths, leatherworkers, carpenters, enchanters, would be drawn here, and families would follow. Expect arrivals within three to seven days.”

Tas’s glow brightened as she shifted to the second option. “For Soldiers and Mercenaries, the cost is four TAP or 3,000 SC. The notice would call for defenders, offering contracts, fair pay, honor, and requiring Loyalty and discretion. It would emphasize the Dungeon’s challenge and the Valley’s need for strong arms. Expect arrivals within two to five days, often in small groups.”

Sara’s eyes gleamed as she imagined the words spreading across the System’s unseen channels, reaching wanderers and adventurers alike. “What would the notices say?”

Tas recited them with crisp clarity:

Skilled Worker & Families Notice

“Haven Valley seeks artisans, builders, and skilled hands to shape a growing stronghold. Housing, guild halls, and schools await your families. Safety is assured behind new walls and watchtowers. Come settle, prosper, and help forge a future together.”

Soldiers & Mercenaries Notice

“Haven Valley calls for defenders. Walls are raised, towers stand, and the Dungeon stirs. Contracts offered for soldiers and mercenaries willing to guard our people. Fair pay, strong arms, and honor await those who answer. Loyalty and discretion for the length of the Contract required. Option open for permanent settlement in Haven Valley to those that prove themselves a friend to Haven.”

Sara nodded slowly, determination settling over her like armor. “Two notices then. One for workers, one for soldiers. We’ll balance growth with defense. Haven Valley will be ready.”

Tas shimmered warmly, her voice carrying a note of approval. “Issuing both together will strengthen the Valley’s foundation. The System favors settlements that show both resilience and sustainability. Soon, Viscount, you will see new faces at your gates.”

Sara exhaled, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. “New faces at the gates is also the worry I have, Tas. Let’s hope we see friendly faces before we see hostile ones!”

Sara pondered her options. Sara paused at the door to her bedroom, turning to Tas with a thoughtful look. “If we were to ask Glory whether the Life Lions could shepherd traveling NPCs who respond to the Recruitment Notices… would that help? Increase the response, or speed the timeframes? If Glory agrees, of course. And if we added that safety to the notices?”

Tas shimmered, her glow pulsing with consideration.

“Viscount, yes. The System recognizes escorts and guardians as modifiers to Recruitment Notices. If Glory agrees to assign the Life Lions to shepherd incoming settlers, the following benefits would apply:”

• Increased Response Rate: More NPCs would be willing to travel to Haven Valley, knowing they will be protected along the way. Families, in particular, would feel safer making the journey.

• Reduced Travel Time: The Life Lions’ presence would deter ambushes and speed progress, shortening arrival windows by 1–2 days. Soldiers and mercenaries would also respect the added security, seeing Haven Valley as a stronghold worth joining.

• Enhanced Reputation: Notices that mention “Life Lions will guard your journey” would spread quickly. Word of Haven Valley’s guardianship would make it a more attractive destination, drawing not only crafters and soldiers but also merchants and wanderers seeking safety.

Tas’s glow steadied. “If Glory consents, the System will allow you to append this promise to the Notices. It will cost no additional TAP or SC, but it will bind the Life Lions to the duty of escorting arrivals. The effect will be immediate, NCPs will begin their journeys with greater confidence.”

Sara smiled faintly, already imagining caravans of settlers walking into the Valley under the watchful eyes of radiant lions. “Ok then. Set aside the 5500 SC. I’ll speak with Glory in the morning. If he agrees, we will post the notices first thing.”

Before climbing into bed, Sara utilized Create Basic Item x8 to summon 6 sets of 20 Fungal Arrows, sending 2 sets of 20 to go to Cadri, and another set of 2 Fungal Daggers, knowing her network would be full again by morning.

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The morning sun spilled golden light across Haven Valley, its warmth glinting off the reinforced gatehouse. Sara stirred at Tas’s gentle reminder, then rose and teleported to the Valley gates. The shimmer of her arrival startled the pair of Valley Defense Force guards on duty, but she greeted them with a nod and a calm smile. They saluted back, quickly moving to swing the heavy gates open for her.

Sara stepped beyond the walls, her boots crunching softly against the earth as she strolled toward the edge of the Lifewheat fields. The stalks swayed in the morning breeze, tall and whispering, their pale glow catching the light like a sea of gold.

She closed her eyes briefly, sending her Sporesight outward in a wide sweep, two hundred feet in every direction. The fungal network pulsed with awareness, mapping life across the fields. She expected watchers; Baron Glory was too wise to leave the valley unwatched. Yet her senses caught nothing. The fields seemed empty, quiet, deceptively still.

Then, without warning, the silence broke. A ripple of presence surged through her Sporesight, and a massive form stepped out of the stalks directly before her. One moment, nothing. The next, a towering Life Lion, its mane shimmering faintly with radiant spores, its body blending seamlessly into the wheat until it chose to reveal itself.

Sara gasped, instinctively taking a step back. The sheer size of the creature dwarfed her, its golden eyes fixed upon her with calm intensity. But she quickly steadied herself, drawing in a breath and composing her stance.

Her mind reached outward, linking with the lion’s presence. The connection was immediate, a deep resonance of thought and spirit.

“Greetings, Pride member,” Sara said aloud, her voice firm though respectful. She studied the lion’s features, certain this was not Baron Glory himself, nor Silent Stalker. “I am Sara Bloom. I seek Baron The Glorious Lion who Roars at the Sun. I have a request I desire him to fulfill, and would ask what he would desire in return.”

The Life Lion’s tail flicked once, its gaze unwavering. Silent understanding passed between them, the air heavy with the weight of ancient power. Sara stood her ground, waiting for the Pride’s answer, knowing that in this moment she was measured not just by her words, but by her resolve.

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The towering Life Lion’s golden eyes locked onto Sara’s, and in the stillness of the Lifewheat field, a voice resonated, not spoken aloud, but carried directly into her mind.

“You stand with courage, Sara Bloom,” the thought voice rumbled, deep and steady, like sunlight striking stone. “The Baron has already been informed of your arrival. The Glorious Lion who Roars at the Sun comes even now to greet you.”

Sara felt the weight of the words, the certainty of them. The lion’s mane shimmered faintly, spores drifting like motes of light as the bond deepened.

The lion’s thoughts shifted, carrying a note of pride and mirth. “I am She Who Laughs Last. Warrior, and Pridesister to the Baron. It is my duty this day to watch the Valley’s edge, and my honor to meet those who seek him with courage in their hearts.”

Sara inclined her head respectfully, sensing the immense strength behind the lion’s calm presence. The telepathic link carried not only words but impressions, warmth of the Pride, the echo of hunts shared, the unyielding bond of guardianship.

“You will have your audience,” She Who Laughs Last continued, her tail flicking once through the wheat. “The Baron values those who speak plainly and stand without fear. Whatever request you carry, he will hear it. And he will name what he desires in return.”

Sara’s heart quickened, but she held her composure, nodding once. The wheat stirred behind the lion, a ripple of movement spreading outward. Somewhere beyond, she could feel it, the unmistakable presence of Baron The Glorious Lion who Roars at the Sun, drawing closer with each leap.

She Who Laughs Last’s golden eyes gleamed as she added, “Stand ready, Viscount. The sun itself bends to his roar.”

And with that, the field seemed to hush, waiting for the Baron’s arrival.

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The Lifewheat stirred as though the field itself bowed, and then he was there. Baron The Glorious Lion who Roars at the Sun. His mane caught the dawn’s light, blazing gold, his body vast and immovable as a mountain suddenly revealed towering above the stalks. The air thickened with his presence, every breath Sara drew filled with the weight of his power.

Sara straightened, her heart quickening but her voice steady. She bowed her head in respect. “Baron Glory,” she said through their mental bond, bowing to him as a noble equal across the wheat. “As promised, I have taken ownership of this Valley. And I have declared your fields sacred. No two legs from Haven Valley will ever harm or threaten your Pride again.”

The Baron’s golden eyes fixed upon her, deep and unyielding, and she felt the resonance of his spirit pressing against hers. She held her ground, proud and resolute.

“I come with an offer,” Sara continued, her voice strong though reverent. “Families, parents with their cubs, will soon travel to my Valley at my summons. I ask your Pride’s aid to see them safely through the Lifewheat. None would dare risk the anger of the Pride to attack what you guard. With your protection, they will arrive unscathed.”

The Baron’s tail flicked once, a ripple of sunlight through the stalks. Sara pressed on, her tone earnest.

“There is more. A trade agreement. My people could make great use of Lifewheat. To feed, to heal, to empower themselves and their young. In return, I can offer Energy Crystals, if your Pride has interest. Or meat. Cows, goats, whatever you desire. Even access to the Dungeon, should your Pride wish to grow stronger within its depths. Or if there is something else you desire, name it, and I will do all within my power to see it done.”

She lifted her chin, pride and sincerity mingling in her words. “I am honored to call you friend, Baron Glory. And I will prove myself a valued ally. Haven Valley will stand beside the Pride, as the Pride stands beside the Valley.”

The Lifewheat stilled, the wind ceased, the golden mountain of the Baron looming over her, his presence like the sun itself. Sara waited, unwavering, for his answer, knowing that whatever bond was forged here would shape the fate of Haven Valley forever.

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“Sara Bloom,” the Baron’s thoughts rumbled, “you have declared my fields sacred, and you have promised that no two legs of your Valley will harm my Pride. This pleases me. You honor the bond between land and guardian.”

The lion’s eyes gleamed, and Sara felt the weight of his approval.

“Your request is wise. Families who travel to your Valley at your summons shall be shepherded through the Lifewheat. My Pride will guard them. None would dare strike at those under our protection, for to do so would be to invite our wrath. This I grant.”

The Baron’s mane shimmered brighter, sunlight sparkling across his fur like golden dust. His thoughts shifted to the matter of trade.

“As for Lifewheat… it is sacred to us, but it grows in abundance. If your people use it to feed, heal, and strengthen themselves, then Haven Valley will prosper—and a strong Valley is a strong ally. We will allow trade.”

Sara felt the pause, the deliberate weight of his consideration.

“Energy Crystals interest us. They hum with power, and my Pride may use them to deepen our bond with the land. Meat is welcome. I have grown fond of these Cow beasts. Access to your Dungeon… intriguing. Some among us may choose to test themselves there. But above all, Sara Bloom, we desire respect. Honor our ways, honor our hunts, and honor our fields. That is the price we ask.”

Sara nodded eagerly. “Any that would not look upon your Pride with Honor is a fool, Baron Glory. And Fools are now who I call to my banner. Should you have issue with a two-leg, then call on me. If it is one of mine, I will stomp it out and see your Pride’s honor restored. If the two legs is not one of mine, I will gladly join you in the hunt!”

The Baron’s golden eyes fixed upon her, unblinking. Sara’s words settled like stone, heavy yet fair. And then, softer, a warmth entered the bond:

“I accept your offer, Sara Bloom. You are bold, and boldness is the seed of strength. Let Haven Valley and the Pride grow together.”

The Lifewheat swayed as though bowing to the pact, and Sara knew the alliance had been sealed.

“We will harvest the Lifewheat only within a stone throw of our walls, Baron. Should any grow greedy and seek more, then let their end show the Greedy what stalks the Baron’s Fields!”

“Expect the first two-legs responding to my banner’s call in tow days time. Honor to the Pride of Baron The Glorious Lion who Roars at the Sun. And I am better now for having gazed upon you, Pridesister She Who Laughs Last.”, she said with a deep bow.

Sara bowed and turned back towards her Valley, already sending to Tas as she went, “Tas. Baron Glory has agreed. Send the Settlement Recruitment Notices, and include that passage through the Lifewheat fields is guarded by the Pride of Baron The Glorious Lion who Roars at the Sun for all who travel to join the Haven Valley Banner!”

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Sara’s boots crunched softly on the path back toward the Valley gates, her mind already linked with Tas.

“Tas. It’s a go. Baron Glory has agreed,” she sent, her thoughts sharp with purpose. “Send the Settlement Recruitment Notices, and include that passage through the Lifewheat fields is guarded by the Pride of The Glorious Lion Who Roars at the Sun for all who travel to join the Haven Valley Banner!”

Tas shimmered in her awareness, her voice warm and precise.

“Confirmed, Viscount. The Notices have been drafted and dispatched. The System required a total of 5,500 Settlement Credits. That sum has been spent. Both Notices are now active. You should be receiving them on your display momentarily.”

Sara smiled faintly, satisfaction settling in her chest. She added quickly, “Adjust the Crystal Mines to be 30% stored for the Village, 50% sale for profit, and 20% to be delivered to Baron Glory per out agreement. And buy a dozen Meat Cows from Rancher Darwin. Tell him his son Padraig will be getting his wish. Another ranch to call his own, if he can maintain production. Warn Padraig that upsetting his main customer is not recommended. That customer, after all, is a three ton Life Lion.”

Tas’s glow rippled with amusement. “Understood. The cows will be purchased from Darwin, and Padraig will be reminded of the importance of keeping the Pride well fed. Padraig will be pleased with his new responsibility.”

Then, as if the System itself spoke, two crisp notifications echoed in Sara’s mind:

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System Notification: Settlement Recruitment Notice – Skilled Workers & Families

Status: Active, 30 days

Cost: 2,500 SC

Message Broadcast:

“Haven Valley seeks artisans, builders, and skilled hands to shape a growing stronghold, and welcomes those with families. Housing, guild halls, and schools await your families. Safety is assured behind new walls and watchtowers. Passage through the Lifewheat Fields is guarded by the Pride of Baron The Glorious Lion who Roars at the Sun. Come settle, prosper, and help forge a Glory-ous future together.”

Expected Arrival: 2–3 days

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System Notification: Settlement Recruitment Notice – Soldiers & Mercenaries

Status: Active, 30 days

Cost: 3,000 SC

Message Broadcast:

“Haven Valley calls for defenders. Walls are raised, towers stand, and the Dungeon stirs. Contracts offered for soldiers and mercenaries willing to guard our people. Fair pay, strong arms, and honor await those who answer. Passage through the Lifewheat Fields is guarded by the Pride of Baron The Glorious Lion who Roars at the Sun. Join Haven and help build the foundation that will grow an Empire. Let those who would oppose us be blinded by our Glory.”

Expected Arrival: 2–4 days

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“Oh, Excellent work with the Double meaning of Glory, Tas. I’m sure he is laughing while he awaits his Cow!”

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