I turned and began walking, using the map to guide me back toward the stream I had found earlier. The forest passed quietly around me this time, the earlier chaos gone, and within a few minutes, I reached the area again, the sound of flowing water steady in the background.
I stepped a little away from the stream, choosing a spot that felt right, then crouched down and started digging with my hands, pushing the soil aside until I had a small pit deep enough to hold the token. I placed it inside, covered it carefully, and stepped back, watching.
Nothing happened.
A few seconds passed.
Then more.
"Now what do I do, system?" I asked, frowning slightly.
A response came immediately.
[Would you like to establish your first safe zone here.]
"Yes," I replied without hesitation.
