He turned toward the barrier's edge, where the forest thickened beyond the shimmering dome. A faint trickle echoed from the left—a stream, maybe, Water.
He hesitated, glancing back at the seed. If I leave, it'll be safe. The barrier protects it during the novice period. But what about me? stepping outside meant leaving the safety of the barrier, exposing himself to whatever lurked in the Wilderness, and don't have anything to protect myself and no allies.
If I encounter anything, I'm done for. But if I stay, I will starve to death. He also realized he didn't have a way to carry water or defend himself. I need to prepare first.
Karl scanned the clearing for anything useful. Fallen branches, sturdy vines, and sharp stones littered the ground, branches some as thick as his arm, their wood solid and unrotten. Vines hung from the trees, flexible but tough, and sharp stones glinted in the dirt.
Karl selected a straight, sturdy branch, roughly the length of his arm, its surface smooth and free of imperfections. With a jagged stone, he carefully whittled one end into a sharp, tapered point, the wood peeling away in fragrant curls of sap-scented shavings. The makeshift spear felt heavier than ideal but was well-balanced for thrusting or throwing—a practical tool for survival.
For water, he gathered flexible vines and broad, waxy leaves, deftly weaving them into a makeshift pouch. He pressed the leaves tightly together, forming a crude but functional seal. It might leak over time, but it would hold enough for a short journey.
The spear's weight anchored him, steadying his nerves despite his racing heart. He drew a deep breath to Stay calm, the humid, earthy tang of the forest filling his lungs, and he went towards the barrier.
As he crossed its shimmering threshold, a faint tingle grazed his skin. The air beyond felt denser, charged with a sharp, electric scent, like ozone after a storm. His Breath of Spring talent surged, sensing a vibrant symphony of life—plants pulsing steadily, insects skittering through the underbrush, and a distant, heavier presence that quickened his pulse.
He moved cautiously, his steps—low, quiet, avoiding dry twigs that might snap underfoot. The trickle of water grew louder, a steady murmur that promised relief. He followed it,
The stream came into view, a narrow ribbon of water cutting through the forest floor, its surface clear but flecked with tiny, glowing motes that danced in the current. Essence? His talent confirmed it: the water was infused with faint vitality, pure and nourishing. Safe to drink?
Before approaching, he crouched behind a thick root, observing the surroundings. The stream bank was alive with activity—small, rabbit-like creatures with leafy ears sipped at the water, A few birds, their feathers shimmering with faint green light, flitted between branches. No large predators in sight,
but Karl's eyes caught tracks in the soft mud: different types of paw prints, claw marks weaving through trees and rocks. Some beasts, maybe. But not here now. The area felt safe enough, the animals unalarmed.
He edged forward, filling his vine pouch with water. The liquid was cool, with a slight tingle as he drank, warming his throat and easing the ache in his chest. His stats flickered:
[Status Panel]
Vitality: 10.2 (5 → 6)
It's helping. He drank more, the water easing the dryness in his mouth, sharpening his focus. He splashed his face, the coolness grounding him, then filled the pouch to its brim, careful not to spill the precious liquid. Waters sorted. Now food.
On his way back, he saw a low shrub tucked between two trees, its broad leaves glistening with dew. Clusters of fist-sized, golden fruits hung from its branches, their vitality steady and inviting, almost beckoning him closer.
He approached cautiously, checking for thorns, sap, or any sign of danger. The fruits smelled sweet, like ripe melon with a nutty undertone. No weird vibes. He plucked one, its skin yielding slightly under his fingers, warm and smooth.
He bit into it, the flesh soft and juicy, bursting with flavor—sweet, with a hint of earthiness that reminded him of almonds. His hunger eased, the gnawing ache in his stomach fading. Another prompt appeared:
[Status Panel]
Strength: 7.2 (6 → 7)
Vitality: 10.2 (6 → 7)
The fruit's boosting me. He grinned, a spark of hope igniting. This is better than the pods. He gathered as many fruits as he could carry, stuffing them into his jacket until the pockets bulged. Enough for a day, maybe two.
Their weight was reassuring, a small victory in this strange, hostile world.
But as he turned back toward his base, a rustle froze him in place. His talent flared, sharp and urgent, sensing a predatory vitality nearby—low, coiled, and dangerous. He dropped into a crouch, gripping his spear, his eyes scanning the shadows.
A pair of glowing eyes stared back from the underbrush, half-hidden by leaves. A wolf, its fur matted with dirt, its body lean and tense. Bronze Level 1, his mind supplied, the knowledge unbidden. Weak alone, deadly in packs.
Karl gripped his spear, his breath uneven, each exhale a ragged cloud in the chill air. The wolf's guttural growl rumbled through the clearing, a primal challenge meant to intimidate him. Karl inched backward, his boots scuffing softly against the earth, the barrier's faint shimmer glinting just steps away. He couldn't turn, couldn't expose his back—any hint of vulnerability might unleash the wolf's attack. With measured steps, he retreated, his eyes locked on the beast's predatory, amber gaze.
He slipped through the barrier's threshold, and a wave of relief washed over him. His knees buckled, and he sank to the ground, spear still clutched tightly. The wolf, sensing his guard drop, charged with bared fangs, only to slam into the invisible wall. It snarled, claws raking the barrier, jaws snapping in fury, but the magic held firm. Defeated, the beast slunk back into the underbrush, its form swallowed by the shadows.
Safe, for now. Yet the encounter left Karl's heart pounding, his mind racing. its too dangerous out. One misstep, one moment of carelessness, and I'm done for. He clenched his fists, the weight of his isolation pressing against his chest. I have to get back to Earth. There's no other way.
But escape wasn't simple. To return home, I needed to find a portal node—a rare, ancient structure rumored to be scattered across this hostile world, hidden in forgotten ruins or guarded by monstrous beasts. Building one from scratch was another option, but that required resources he didn't have.
Alternatively, he could hunt for teleportation shards, fragments of shattered nodes said to be carried by the most dangerous creatures here. Each path was fraught with peril, and Karl's survival hinged on choosing wisely.
Another thought flickered, sharp and primal, cutting through his spiraling fears. The barrier's holding—for now. He could use this fleeting safety to his advantage.
The beasts roaming beyond the barrier were deadly, but their essence crystals—glowing cores that powered their unnatural strength—could sustain him. Consuming them might bolster his strength, maybe even unlock abilities to endure this world's dangers. Their meat could stave off the gnawing hunger that weakened him daily.
He could set traps, sharpen his crude spear, and hunt the smaller creatures lurking nearby. A spark of resolve amidst the chaos of his predicament.
Settling beside the seed, its faint pulse steadying his resolve, a plan ignited. The barrier, impenetrable during its protection phase, was the perfect weapon. He could craft snares from vines and sharpened wood, bait the wolf—or others like it—close to the shimmering wall, and strike from safety. Their aggression would be their undoing. He envisioned a network of traps within his base: edible berries to lure the beasts, toxic ones to weaken them, all funneled toward the barrier's edge. A one-sided ambush, precise and ruthless, was within his reach.
[6 days, 20 hours, 50 minutes].