Eliot immediately began sketching, drawing a rough grid pattern around the main structures to add some important details to the draft.
Shane watched all of this and felt that making this shelter a proper town would certainly happen really soon.
Soon Eliot discussed how he would proceed with the shelterâs development.
"This will be Phase One of our project⊠Roads and Expansion."
Indeed, Shane nodded as he realized that the biggest problem right now was that they had no proper roads.
They mostly have dirt paths work for foot traffic, but if they want more merchants or visitors, theyâll need stone-paved roads at least leading to and from the shelter. Resources from outside would come easily if they had a paved road.
Furthermore, connecting Eclipse Domain to two or three neutral shelters with proper roads would make trade easier and safer.
"What about the second phase?" Shane asked.
"Itâs housing and facilities, Lord Shane." Eliot said. "Right now, weâre using repurposed buildings, but if we expect more people, we need actual housing districts. Just like what youâve envisioned, we need inns and temporary housing for travelers."
After pausing for a moment, Eliot also felt concerned about the workshops for craftsmen and blacksmiths.
"Thereâs also a need proper trading hub instead of a makeshift marketplace."
Shane just nodded at this and allowed him to continue.
"The Phase Three will focus on infrastructure and security⊠We need a water purification system to support a larger population. We might also consider placing a watchtower network along the roads to prevent ambushes. We can also consider placing more gates and entry points for controlled access."
Eliot tapped his pencil on the map after muttering all of this. "All of this is doable. But time and resources will be the biggest issues. Weâll need more workers, materials, and manpower."
Shane nodded as he understood everyone. "We can start smallâfocus on clearing and paving the roads first, then work on expanding the settlement in sections. We should have enough people for that, I will recruit more soon."
Eliot sighed and nodded after seeing how serious Shane was about this. He was aware that Shane knew how dangerous this place could be. They are within Sector 20 and anything could happen here.
He didnât have to remind Shane about the dangers lurking in this place, so he knew that he just needed to focus on what he could do.
"Youâre really serious about this, huh?"
Shane smiled after hearing Eliotâs helpless tone in his voice. "I am."
Eliot could only smile as well, showing he trusts Shane. "Well, shit. You just had to give me the biggest project of my life, didnât you?"
Shane chuckled. "Youâre the only one who can pull it off."
Eliot shook his head but started jotting down supply lists and construction plans.
"Alright, Iâll need at least three days to get all the proper blueprints drafted," he said. "In the meantime, Iâll send a team to scout the surrounding areas for usable materialsâstone, wood, metal, the works. If we can salvage supplies instead of using our reserves, weâll move a lot faster."
Shane grinned. "Thatâs why I came to you."
Although they could also try to purchase in the Marketplace, the prices there were simply too high because of the taxes placed by the system. Buying there in small amounts could be acceptable but relying on Marketplace for the massive supply of resources would not be a smart decision at all.
Eliot snorted. "Damn right. Just donât expect me to be nice about it."
Shane clapped a hand on his shoulder. He liked Eliotâs confidence right now. It seemed that staying in the manor for a long time made him really accustomed to such tasks.
"Wouldnât have it any other way."
As Shane left the workshop, he took one last glance at the rough blueprints of Eclipse Domainâs future.
This wasnât just a shelter anymore. It was the beginning of something far greater⊠At this point, he couldnât help but imagine the advanced civilization he had seen in the A.I. Rebellion and the magical civilization of the Fairy Realm.
***
After a long day of managing Eclipse Domainâs affairs, Shane finally had some time to himself.
He sat on the edge of his soft bed as he opened his InventoryâŠ
His inventory had been steadily filling up, but he had yet to open the five Silver Treasure Chests and three Golden Treasure Chests he had collected over time.
"No point in letting them gather dust."
He took a deep breath and accessed his inventory. One by one, five Silver Treasure Chests materialized before him. Without hesitation, he started opening them up.
[ You have opened a Silver Treasure Chest. ]
[ You have received Exploding Throwing Knives x10 ]
[ You have received Exploding Machete x10 ]
[ You have received Power Cores x30 ]
[ You have received Zombie Cores x100 ]
[ All items have been transferred to your Inventory. ]
These items werenât that great if not for the Power Cores it contained. At this time, the exploding items were no longer that useful for him since his punches would most likely be stronger than them unless he upgraded these items to the highest level.
"Letâs continue, Shane muttered as he opened the next chest.
[ You have opened a Silver Treasure Chest. ]
[ You have received Reinforced Tactical Armor ( Rare ) x1 ]
[ You have received a Lightweight Combat Helmet ( Rare ) x1 ]
[ You have received Power Cores x10 ]
[ You have received Starlight Silver Ingot x50 ]
[ All items have been transferred to your Inventory. ]
"Two items, power cores, and ingots⊠Not bad." Shane muttered as he felt satisfied with this pull. There wasnât anything incredible but he wasnât expecting that much from Silver Treasure Chests.
Anyway, he continued opening the rest of the Silver Treasure Chests and obtained more pieces of equipment, power cores, and various raw materials that could be used for crafting.
Aside from the exploding items he obtained from the first Silver Treasure Chest, there was only one other weapon he obtained and it came from the last chest. It was a Sniper Rifle that could be useful for their Snipers like Tieria.
Now, Shane glanced at this collection of Golden Treasure Chests.
He didnât think too much and started opening one of them.
[ You have opened a Golden Treasure Chest. ]
[ You have received a Gold Dagger ( Exceptional ) x1 ]
[ You have received a Spirit Amplification Ring ( Exceptional ) x1 ]
[ You have received Enhanced Black Steel Ingot x10 ]
[ You have received a Mid-Grade Weapon Blueprint x1 ]
[ All items have been transferred to your Inventory. ]
Shane was obviously first curious about the Spirit Amplification Ring and it certainly did not disappoint him. Just being an Exceptional Grade, he could already receive 8% Amplication while wearing it, it was already a huge amount of Spirit Points and he would certainly upgrade this item to the highest possible grade and use it for himself.
The Mid-Grade Weapon Blueprint, on the other hand, was actually for an Enhanced Ballista capable of firing two heavy bolts at the same time. It was also quite an interesting weaponry.
Then, the next Golden Treasure Chest was actually a jackpot.
[ You have opened a Golden Treasure Chest. ]
[ You have received a Small Storage Bracelet x1 ]
[ You have received a Magical Fireworks Crate x5 ]
[ You have received a Random Skill Scroll x5 ]
[ You have received a Talent Expansion Scroll x1 ]
[ All items have been transferred to your Inventory. ]
It had been quite some time ever since Shane obtained a Talent Expansion Scroll. They were extremely rare and even if they appeared in the Marketplace, other Survivors would immediately take them away.
Their price may be exorbitant but if it was a whole clan supporting the purchase, the price would not be a problem at all.
Then, Shane turned his attention to the Fireworks Crate. It was something he had never seen before after all.
[ A set of spectacular fireworks that light up the sky. ]
"AhhâŠ" Shane was stunned after seeing the simple description.
He doesnât have other uses for these fireworks except for a celebration.
âI guess when one of our projects is completed, we can use these fireworks. The only problem is that it may attract Zombies.â Shane thought as he felt a bit concerned about the noise it would produce.
Although he was confident with his defense, he didnât like attracting unwanted attention.
Anyway, Shane continued with the last Golden Treasure Chest
[ You have opened a Golden Treasure Chest. ]
[ You have received an Assassin Cloak x1 ]
[ You have received a Tricksterâs Mask x1 ]
[ You have received a Power Cores x15 ]
[ You have received a Heavy Ballista Bolt x50 ]
[ You have received an Advanced Skill Scroll x1 ]
[ All items have been transferred to your Inventory. ]
"Advanced Skill Scroll this time⊠Not bad." Shane gently nodded as he would certainly choose an Advanced Skill over five Random Skills from the previous Golden Treasure Chest.
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âItâs a pity I didnât get any more Talent Expansion Scroll but this is already really good. I should just find another TalentâŠâ Shane thought as he also prayed that he wouldnât have any issues getting another Survivor Talent since he already had quite many of them.