As my eyes fall upon the long-awaited shelter recipe, a surge of motivation courses through me, igniting a renewed determination to advance further in the Survival Quest Line. However, as I examine the requirements for the shelter, I realize it will necessitate gathering a substantial amount of materials. Eager to expedite the process, I ponder the most efficient approach and devise a plan: crafting a second stone knife. With both skeletons equipped, they will swiftly amass plant fibers and palm fronds, hastening the shelter construction.

With a watchful eye, I supervise the diligent skeletons as they skillfully harvest plant fibers. Meanwhile, I effortlessly collect nearby stones and tree branches, adding them to my inventory with a wave of my hand. I don't mind exerting a little effort if it means acquiring the necessary materials. Within a mere 10 minutes, the resources are gathered, and I initiate the automatic 5-minute crafting process for the stone knife.

While supervising the skeletons and waiting for the stone knife to finish crafting, the system surprises me with the following message.

[The Skill: Summon Skeletons has reached Level 2. Can now summon 3 Skeleton Minions. All ability score values increased by 1]

A sense of joy illuminates my face as I grasp the newfound potential for increased productivity by summoning an additional Skeleton. With a swift expenditure of 100 mana and the recitation of the summoning incantation, a mere 10 seconds later, a third Skeleton materializes from the depths. Without delay, I assign the new arrival to join its brethren in the task of gathering plant fibers. Recognizing the pressing need for an ample supply of plant fiber cords, essential for crafting tools and constructing my desired shelter, I resolve to craft a third stone knife.

I also take a moment to look at the ability scores of my skeletal minions, realizing that I've been negligent previously and didn't realize they had stats.

[Basic Summoned Skeleton]

Strength: 8

Agility: 8

Endurance: 7

Intelligence: 2

Perception: 5

Wisdom: 2

As I observe the meager intelligence and wisdom scores of the level 1 skeletons, I can't help but feel a mix of sympathy and amusement. However, I swiftly put their capabilities to practical use. A few minutes later, as the crafting progress bar for the stone knife reaches completion, I hand the newly crafted tool to one of my bare-handed skeleton minions. Instantly, their efficiency in harvesting plant fibers surges, their bony fingers moving swiftly and purposefully. With the skeletons diligently tending to the laborious tasks, I take the opportunity to explore my surroundings, scouring the area for loose stones and sturdy tree branches to add to my growing inventory.

With their remarkable productivity, a mere 10 minutes have passed when the third Stone Knife materializes, promptly handed off to the last remaining bare-handed minion. Setting my sights on the next objective, I aim to craft a Stone Axe, enabling my minions to efficiently fell trees and gather valuable wood logs. With an ample supply of stones and tree branches at hand, the only requirement remaining is the acquisition of 30 plant fibers. Equipped with three Stone Knives, the skeletons embark on their botanical mission, completing it in a mere 5 minutes.

Exemplifying efficiency, I waste no time and commence the crafting process for the Stone Axe as soon as the third plant fiber cord finishes its progress bar. Curiously, the crafting time for the Stone Axe proves to be 10 minutes, twice as long as that of the Stone Knife. While uncertain of the reason behind this discrepancy, I embrace the situation, recognizing that there is little I can do to alter it.

My next step is to build the Level 1 Basic Shelter, so I cross-reference the resource requirements with my current inventory and see that I still need the following resources:

* 10 Stones

* 5 Sturdy Tree Branches

* 8 Logs

* 15 Palm Fronds

* 6 Plant Fiber Cords

While still situated by the beach, I delve into my Necro-Coding skills, devising a meticulous series of commands to empower my skeletons in the task of harvesting palm fronds. Positioned atop the palm trees, these valuable resources require the skeletons to secure the stone knife between their teeth, ascend the trunks with nimble maneuvers, and then regain their grip on the tool to sever the fronds. As my Necro-Coding proficiency stands at level 1, each step demands separate instructions. Thus, while the other two skeletons diligently collect plant fibers, I direct the third skeleton to undertake this laborious process.

The sight of a skeleton adroitly climbing a tree brings a smile to my face, finding the spectacle quite amusing. With a sequence of well-executed commands, the skeleton skillfully harvests 8 palm fronds, showcasing its dexterity and efficiency. I then instruct the skeleton to retract the knife into its mouth and descend gracefully to the ground. As the skeleton reaches the ground, another system prompt materializes before my eyes, inviting me to see what it contains.

[The Skill: Necro-Coding has reached Level 2. Can now write basic combinations into code. Can now set a specific number of repetitions into code.]

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Through the creation of innovative code sets and the issuance of numerous commands, I discover that my Necro-Coding skill can be enhanced. Navigating the intuitive interface, I seamlessly amalgamate the individual codes I had crafted for harvesting palm fronds into a unified combination code. Furthermore, I deftly modify my other codes, granting them the ability to work indefinitely or allowing me to specify a desired quantity. For example, I can now opt to harvest stones endlessly or gather precisely 10 stones using the same versatile code function.

Having completed my previous task, I direct the palm frond skeleton to gather an additional 7 palm fronds before returning to me. As for the remaining two skeletons, their assignment is to collect plant fibers until they have harvested a total of 60, after which they will make their way back to me.

I let out a sigh, my hands behind my back while contemplating how convenient it would be if my minions could deposit items directly into my inventory. Alas, I acknowledge that not everything can be perfect, and I will have to manage with the existing system of retrieval. If the other humans who are still struggling to finish the 1st and 2nd quest could hear my thoughts, they’d probably vomit blood and yell at me.

In the midst of my contemplation, the palm frond skeleton diligently completes the task, successfully gathering the final 7 fronds needed. Simultaneously, the progress bar for the Stone Axe reaches its culmination, hitting 100%. Leveraging my Necro-Coding ability, I skillfully create a combination function, enabling the skeleton to chop down the tree and efficiently retrieve the wooden logs.

I hand the Stone Axe from my inventory to the palm frond skeleton, observing as it approaches the nearest tree with purpose. Swinging the axe with remarkable efficiency, the skeleton brings the tree crashing down in a mesmerizing display. Instead of witnessing a single long trunk falling, a touch of magic infuses the scene as the tree splits into three equally-sized round logs. One by one, the skeleton retrieves the logs, presenting them to me before returning for another. A sense of awe washes over me as I contemplate the blend of a game-like world and the tangible reality before me.

It only takes another 20 minutes or so before all of the materials have entered my inventory. Whenever I gain 10 plant fibers, I start crafting them into plant fiber cords.

Eager to establish my shelter near the picturesque lake nestled in the heart of the island, I plan a half-mile trek through the lush tropical forest. Although the distance isn't significant, the uncertainty of encountering wild beasts makes me cautious. To ensure the safety of my party, I resolve to arm each skeleton with a wooden spear before embarking on the inland journey. This endeavor calls for 3 sturdy tree branches and an additional 6 plant fiber cords.

Employing my efficient delegation skills, I craft the 3 wooden spears efficiently, dedicating approximately 30 minutes to the task. With each spear requiring 5 minutes of careful craftsmanship, I ensure that my skeletal companions are well-equipped for the expedition ahead.

Arming my loyal skeletons with the freshly crafted Wooden Spears, I carefully collect their previous tools and securely stow them in my inventory. Now, my inventory showcases an arsenal comprising 3 stone knives and 1 stone axe, alongside the essential materials required for constructing the shelter. Filled with a sense of accomplishment, I command the skeletons to fan out, forming a defensive formation, while I consult the system map to chart our path toward the nearby lake. The system clock displays 5:45 pm, and I aim to complete the shelter before darkness descends, urging me to quicken my pace.

As luck would have it, equipping my skeletons proves to be an astute decision. In the midst of our journey from the beach to the lake, an imposing sight greets me—an imposing wild boar. Swiftly, my skeletons surround the creature, ready for combat. At this moment, the system provides me with valuable information: [Wild Boar - Level 1] Appearance: Robust and muscular, the wild boar possesses a coarse, dark brown fur that accentuates its intimidating physique. Its snout boasts sharp tusks, further emphasizing its formidable presence.

I'm far from unintelligent, having been a diligent master's student in Civil Engineering before my arrival on this mysterious island. However, when it comes to combat, I find I'm a bit of an idiot.

With strategic thinking born from my civil engineering background, I orchestrate a simple yet effective plan against the charging wild boar. One skeleton bravely engages it head-on, drawing its attention, while the other two flank the creature from the sides. Maintaining a safe distance, I seek cover behind a sturdy tree, keenly observing the unfolding battle.

Unversed in combat tactics, my approach relies on quick thinking and evasive maneuvers. Skillfully commanding the skeleton in the boar's path, I direct it to dodge the charging assault. From my vantage point, peering cautiously from behind the tree, I ensure a clear view of the overall situation.

The subsequent struggle spans a tense ten minutes, during which I orchestrate a dance of evasion and precise strikes. The engaged skeleton expertly evades the boar's onslaught, while the remaining two skeletons relentlessly jab at the creature with their wooden spears, exploiting every opening.

As the boar's wounds multiply, sapping its strength, it succumbs to the relentless assault. With a final, decisive thrust, the wild boar fades from existence, leaving me with a sense of triumph. The system promptly presents me with the following prompts, marking my hard-earned victory.

[Killed: Wild Boar - Level 1]

[Earned 25 Experience Points]

[Gained: Wild Boar Hide x 2]

[Gained: Boar Tusk x 2]

[Gained: Boar Meat x 4]

It takes me a few minutes to come down from the adrenaline of my first real combat experience. Even though I spent the entire fight hiding behind a tree, it was still a very tense situation, okay?

With the acquisition of experience points and valuable animal parts from the fallen boar, I can't help but appreciate the convenience of the system. No longer burdened by the need to haul the carcass or attract potential predators with lingering bloodstains, I find myself at ease. Satisfied with the condition of my trusty skeletons, we press onward, making steady progress. After approximately 10 more minutes of travel, a breathtaking sight unfolds before my eyes as I arrive at the shimmering lake, a true spectacle of natural beauty.

At least that is what I had hoped to find upon reaching the lake. Contrary to my initial expectations of grandeur, the body of water appears rather lackluster. It is small in size, its surface now muddied and murky. The surrounding vegetation is sparse, and the overall ambiance feels underwhelming. Nevertheless, my resilient spirit urges me to seek the silver lining amidst the disappointment, hoping that this seemingly ordinary lake holds untapped potential and hidden secrets.