Unable to write to config directory bug, cant launch game

Hello there, I tried to set up a dedicated server for DST but ran into a multitude of issues. The first guide I attempted to follow the Windows setup and went through the configuration process. Note: I did not use the AMP install as it seemed optional. I made the network settings file and edited it, but I had some difficulties generating the server token with the launch command. Below is the error message I was receiving when I used the 'TheNet:GenerateClusterToken()' using the in-game command. I proceeded with following the link and created a server configuration, downloaded the files, and placed them in the \DoNotStarveTogether filepath. Issue still occurred.

I saw that there was a simpler guide linked within the wiki so I started there. I was unable to set up a preconfigured server as I was still encountering the command prompt error message below. I attempted to skip ahead and try configuring the files as listed. I ran into an issue where the DoNotStarveTogetherDedicated folder was not generating. To fix this I ended up trying to start 'fresh' and deleted all the game folders, uninstalled both the main game and the server tool. I then reinstalled both and ran the tool again where the Dedicated folder did generate. Despite setting up the system.ini and server_token.txt steps, I continued to encounter the error message below. I tried to look up solutions online but most inquiries were either outdated, unresolved, or didn't match my issue.

I decided to delete the server configs from my klei account, unsubscribe from all mods, and deleted all folders again for a 'fresh start'. This time I did not reinstall the dedicated server tool, and only reinstalled the base game as normal. Here I was hit with a new error message saying that the game is unable to write to config directory. I followed all 7 steps linked in the message but none have solved my issue. Some fix attempts I made: restarted computer (no updates), launched Steam and DST in administrator mode, selected all DST related files > properties > security > made sure all permissions had full access, ensured that my windows defender and firewall are not blocking all 4 DST exe, tried to relocate the save file path. I am currently at a loss on how to go about fixing this issue, as the only way I can bypass the error screen is through the provided command '-persistent_storage_root c:\DontStarveTogether'.

[00:01:09]: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[00:01:09]: !!!! Your Server Will Not Start !!!!
[00:01:09]: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[00:01:09]: No auth token could be found.
[00:01:09]: Please visit https://accounts.klei.com/account/game/servers?game=DontStarveTogether
[00:01:09]: to generate server configuration files

client_log.txt