The dawn sun spilled over the jagged horizon, bathing the fortress in a warm, amber glow. Outside, the air still carried the scent of scorched earth and crushed undergrowth from the previous night's brutal battle. Though the beast tide had been pushed back, Rael knew it was only a matter of time before the next wave arrived.
From the highest tower, Rael observed the sprawling fortress below. Mechanical limbs clanked as workers—both human and mechanized—hastened to reinforce the walls and repair damages. The once small outpost was swiftly evolving into a formidable bastion of power. The air buzzed faintly with energy as elemental crystals embedded in the fortifications pulsed softly, evidence of the ongoing research and upgrades.
Beside Rael, Eren's fingers danced over his portable terminal, eyes sharp and intent.
"We need to keep pushing the limits," Eren said, his voice steady but tinged with excitement. "Every core we gather, every crystal we analyze, it all accelerates our progress. If we want to survive—and thrive—we can't afford to rest."
Rael nodded, determination tightening his jaw. "Our priority is to reach Level 5 as quickly as possible. The next ability unlock will make a huge difference."
Clad in lightweight combat armor and equipped with a data-linked helmet, Rael rode Iron Fang—the mechanized beast he had painstakingly assembled. Its metal joints hissed softly as it moved with an uncanny blend of mechanical precision and animal grace.
Eren followed on foot, carrying a compact research kit strapped to his back. The forest canopy above was thick, but the fading light filtered through in shafts that danced on the undergrowth.
Rael's HUD flickered with system updates:
[Current Level: 4 - EXP: 82%]
[Inventory: 15 Beast Cores, 8 Elemental Crystals, 12 Research Components]
Ahead, a rustle in the bushes caught their attention. A snarling corrupted beast lunged forward, its body twisted with dark energy.
"Iron Fang, engage target Alpha!" Rael commanded.
The mechanized beast surged forward, plasma claws extended. The beast's hide smoked under the intense energy as Iron Fang tore through it.
[Beast defeated — Core collected: 1 unit]
Eren rushed forward, scanning the core with a handheld analyzer.
"Another high-purity core," he reported. "Its elemental affinity is Fire. Perfect for integrating into our weapons."
Rael smiled, the satisfaction of progress filling him.
Back at the fortress lab, Eren immediately set to work on refining the cores.
"Elemental crystals enhance the raw power of the cores by aligning their energy signatures," Eren explained, arranging the crystals in precise patterns around the core samples. "This will unlock unique abilities for the mechanized units—fire blasts, shockwave pulses, and even energy shields."
Rael watched, mentally cataloging the possibilities.
The fortress itself was more than a home—it was becoming a living, breathing war machine, and he was its master engineer.
As night descended, the ominous red glow of the blood moon once again painted the sky. The faint howls of wild beasts grew louder and closer, echoing through the dense forest like a chorus of nightmares.
Rael activated the Artillery Conversion Mode.
The entire fortress rumbled. Walls shifted, turrets rose from hidden compartments, and artillery cannons locked into place.
Rael's HUD displayed:
[Artillery Conversion Mode: ACTIVE]
[Defense systems: Online]
The monstrous tide surged forward. Beast after beast charged the walls, but was met with a furious barrage of shells, plasma bolts, and magnetic traps.
From Rael's viewpoint, the fortress was a giant machine of destruction, firing relentlessly through the night.
The Artillery Experience Bonus Unlocked
As the battle raged, Rael noticed a new notification pop up on his HUD:
[LEVEL 5 ACHIEVED]
[New Ability Unlocked: Artillery Experience Bonus]
"Experience gained from all monsters destroyed during Artillery Conversion Mode, both day and night."
A surge of satisfaction coursed through him.
This meant Rael would grow stronger even while commanding defenses, allowing him to gain experience passively during battles without directly engaging.
The next morning, Rael convened with Eren and several key officers.
"We've reached an important milestone," Rael began. "With the Artillery Experience Bonus, we can accelerate growth faster than before."
Eren nodded. "And with elemental crystal research advancing, our mechanized units will soon possess more devastating abilities."
Rael pointed toward the map table.
"We need to push deeper into the forest, collect more cores, and secure vital resource points. This fortress is the heart of our power—and it must grow stronger every day."
Eren grinned.
"Ready for another hunt?"
Rael mounted Iron Fang, his mechanized companion humming with renewed vigor.
"Let's forge our future."
System Interface Summary: Chapter 3 Progress
Level: 5
New Ability: Artillery Experience Bonus (EXP gained from all kills during fortress artillery mode)
Current Resources:
Beast Cores: 20
Elemental Crystals: 12
Research Components: 18
Fortress Status: Fully fortified with active artillery mode, ongoing upgrades to research labs and mechanized units
Troops: Iron Fang (upgraded mechanized beast with fire elemental integration)
Companion: Eren (research specialist, supports resource gathering and upgrades)
Rael's journey was only beginning. With his fortress growing stronger, and the power of mechanized beasts evolving through science and strategy, the world beyond held both great dangers—and unimaginable possibilities.