Legendary Shelter Survival Guide

Lucas pondered for a moment before finally deciding to call John again.

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*"Lucas, is everything okay?" John's voice emanated from the hologram in front of Lucas.*

"Uncle John, I'm fine now. The mark is under control. Sorry for worrying you."

*"No worries, as long as you're okay, that's all that matters."*

"Uncle John, how are the weapons faring in the territory? Is anyone still using any uncommon ones?"

*"Yes, most of us are using Uncommon-grade weapons; only a few have rare ones. Why, what's up?"*

"I just completed some dungeon levels and have some good options to choose from, but I can only bring one. The choices are for you, Sarah, Bill, and Jerry. Who has the worst weapon?" Lucas asked in a way that might confuse most people, yet for some reason, he trusted John to understand.

*"So, you're looking for a fire-type weapon, something related to shadows, a ranged weapon, and a brute weapon. Give me a minute, Lucas."*

"Take your time," Lucas muttered, a thoughtful expression on his face.

-"You've got reliable teammates, which is the most vital resource in this place,"- Spoke the room.

*"Alright, I have the data. Sarah has a decent rare-grade staff that boosts her fire output, Jerry has Uncommon gauntlets that have been doing fine against monsters below level 15—any stronger, and the durability drops fast. Bill has good equipment and is fine for now. As for me, I've got a rare-grade bow that's good enough, although I haven't hunted in a while."*

"Then I'll bring something for Jerry this time. But don't worry, Uncle John, we can provide everyone with good equipment now. I've gained a lot of knowledge."

*"Great, let's talk in person. When are you coming back?"*

"In about an hour or so."

*"Alright, stay safe,"* John said before ending the call, making Lucas chuckle. He was as caring as ever.

After taking another piece of paper from the chest, the transportation circle illuminated, and soon the chest vanished completely.

"Overseer…"

-"Yes, Lucas Garde?"-

"I need information about the ability to teleport people. I want my family with me in my territory. If there's a way for me to learn something like that, please tell me," Lucas said, pointing at the runic circle in the center of the room, the same circle from which the boss monsters had emerged.

-"The ability to teleport is a very complex mechanism. If your crafting proficiencies weren't the highest in the Plains of Aemerion, I would have told you it was impossible. But being able to create it and having the opportunity to do so are two different things."-

"What can I do?"

-"The 'any reward contract' we made can help you gain the knowledge, but completing one or two stages of the dungeon isn't enough for such high-level information."-

"How many would it take?" Lucas asked, his tone serious.

-"If you complete 20 dungeon levels without claiming any rewards, the accumulated experience will be enough to gain the knowledge needed to create teleportation circles."-

"Twenty times…" Lucas looked down, deep in thought. No matter how he considered it, 20 times was a lot.

"But… 20 times is nothing if I can reunite with my family and help protect them…"

-"Fair enough. From the next stage onward, the 20x accumulation will start. Is that okay, Lucas Garde?"-

"It's okay. I'll be leaving now, Overseer. I appreciate all your help, and I hope our cooperation will benefit you as well."

-"If you continue completing the dungeon stages at this pace, it will greatly benefit me, which will, in turn, benefit you,"- the room responded again, and Lucas smiled.

"Farewell," he said before stepping into the dark opening at the back. In an instant, the scenery changed back to the forest.

'Teleportation circles won't just bring loved ones together; they'll be invaluable for forming alliances and expanding territory… All those guidelines… I'll need to read them in peace first,' Lucas thought, taking in the fresh, flowing air of the forest through his nostrils. He felt rejuvenated with each breath.

He opened the map again, and after noting all the markers for reference, Lucas started making his way back to the shelter.

He jogged the whole way back, noticing creatures all around the jungle. Lucas observed them with curiosity, and although the creatures fled when they noticed him, he did nothing to harm them.

They ranged from herbivores to scavengers, much like mammals from the time of the dinosaurs. Their levels were between 5 and 11, which was like gaining an ant's worth of EXP for Lucas.

It took him over 10 minutes to finally see the shelter. From afar, it looked like a safe haven for humans.

As he approached, the main gate opened. Lucas stopped jogging and smiled politely at the person standing there.

It was Sandra, the girl who played with the dead. Her eyes were fixed on Lucas, and for some reason, she didn't seem to be in a good mood.

"It's been a while, Sandra. You're as beautiful as ever," Lucas said with a smile as he reached the gate.

Sandra looked Lucas up and down, still showing no reaction.

'What's she up to?' he wondered.

"Hmm… you've changed a little, but it's a relief that you are Lucas," she finally said with a smile before stepping forward to hug him.

Lucas embraced her but still asked, "What do you mean?"

"Things are weird around here. Bill thinks you're someone else and not 'our' Lucas."

"Oh," Lucas mused at the response.

'Is that why he reacted like that? But he can see my stats; that should confirm I'm Lucas… unless,' He checked his status once more and found it the same as always.

"And why do you think I'm Lucas?" he asked after breaking the hug.

"Do you think I am an idiot, your life force is the same. As long as your soul is the same, the life force is the same. It's just your demeanor that has completely changed."

"How so?" Lucas asked with curiosity, he wanted to know what made everyone think that.