One hour after the challenge began, I moved through the bushes, observing the other children from a distance. I wasn't interested in those who were weak or careless—they were just waiting to be eliminated. My focus was only on those who had a chance of surviving.
My eyes locked onto a large-built boy. His muscles were well-defined, and his posture was firm. If this challenge ended in physical combat, he would undoubtedly be a troublesome opponent.
As I watched him, he suddenly moved. Without any prior warning, the boy sprinted with an unbelievable speed for someone his size. Instinctively, I followed him, but the gap between us widened.
"This fast?"
I quickened my pace, but in an instant, he had disappeared behind the trees. Frowning, I hid behind a large tree trunk, steadying my breathing. I had thought he would be an easy target due to his weight, but it turned out to be the opposite.
"Never judge something solely by its appearance."
I scanned my surroundings. Many other children were still roaming around, either looking for a safe place or hunting weaker targets. I had to stay cautious.
Suddenly, the sound of a snapping twig came from behind. I held my breath, lowering my body, ready to disappear into the bushes. Slowly, I peeked in the direction of the sound.
A girl.
She was thin, her hair messy, and she clutched a sharp wooden stick as if it were her only means of protection. Her eyes were wary, anxious—like a small, cornered animal.
Not a threat. But she could be useful.
I stepped out from my hiding spot, intentionally making a slight noise so she would notice my presence before panicking.
"Hey, you."
The girl flinched. Her dark eyes widened, her grip on the stick tightened, and her body tensed.
"I'm not going to hurt you," I said flatly. "But if you keep moving carelessly like that, you'll be dead before nightfall."
She bit her lip. Hesitant. But she didn't run away, meaning she was considering my words.
"Do you have a plan?" I asked.
She shook her head.
I gave a small smile. Good.
"In that case, how about coming with me?"
I led the girl toward the foothills. I was sure that the hilltop, the riverbank, and the caves were already occupied by other children. Meanwhile, the depths of the forest were too dangerous the space was too tight, surrounded by trees, and too flat to be useful for surveillance.
"Hey, come on," I said while climbing the rocks.
"Wait... don't leave me behind."
She hurriedly ran after me but tripped over a rock. I heard a loud sound and turned around.
"Are you okay?" I asked, slightly panicked seeing her fall.
"Y-yeah... I'm fine," she replied, trying to hide her pain.
Without a light source, without food, we kept climbing. Night was approaching quickly, making it impossible to find food, so I had to endure hunger tonight.
"Oh right! I forgot to ask her name," I muttered.
"You... what's your name?"
I hesitated, unsure how to ask. She looked weaker than me, timid, and quiet.
"I...," she spoke uncomfortably. "Abel."
Without looking at her, I simply nodded and kept walking.
"This should be good enough. The slightly steep edge of the hill and that large rock can be used for surveillance," I said, sitting on the rock.
"We'll take turns keeping watch. I'll sleep first. When you start feeling sleepy, wake me up, but don't just wake me up for no reason," I grumbled at my own words.
"Wake me when the moon is right above us," I pointed at the sky, estimating around 2 or 3 AM.
I fell asleep not long after, leaning against the large rocks. In my dreams, I saw glimpses of my past life blurry, yet I looked happy. Just for a moment, I felt warmth, the presence of people who once mattered to me, touching the heart that now belonged to this body.
A heart that had turned to stone.
"Wake up."
Where was that voice coming from? Oh right, we were supposed to take turns keeping watch.
"Please wake up... help me."
Why was the girl Abel standing in front of me? My head spun, my vision blurred. I caught a glimpse of the flickering light from a torch she was holding.
"Why does my neck feel strange?"
I collapsed, my words fading into a whisper as I struggled to move but my body wouldn't obey.