Chapter 9: An Unknown World
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As I trotted out of the gates, a cold breeze greeted me, cutting through the gaps in my armor and sending shivers down my spine. Snowflakes clung to my eye lashes and my breath formed misty clouds in the cold air. The sensation of the cold against my exposed skin was harsher than I had expected it to be— a brutal reminder that I was no longer shielded by the comfort of the temple's walls.
The crunch of snow beneath my boots did not echoe. With the body of a preteen, my steps felt lighter than they should have felt, yet the weight of what I had left behind pressed on my shoulders heavily. I had willingly abandoned the security of numbers and the illusion of order that the temple provided.
Now, I was truly alone.
I knew that I wouldn't have the benefits of life in society for a while—no warm meals prepared by others, no roof above my head, no soft bed to lie in.
But I needed to embrace this solitude for my own good. It was the only way to forge my own path and to shape my future with my own hands. If I failed to do so, I would die filled with regret.
Just like I had in my past life.
As I moved deeper into the forest, the towering pine trees closed in around me, their snow-laden branches swaying gently. The temple in the distance grew smaller and smaller until it vanished completely from my view. My connection to the others was now severed.
Now, it was just me in the wilderness.
I didn't know what dangers lurked here, but I was willing to bet that the gods had sent us to this place for a reason.
The temple was limited with resources and filled with an ever-growing number of inhabitants.That wasn't a place to nurture warriors. No, true growth required struggle ans desperation and I had just taken my first step into a battle for survival.
My goals were clear:
1. Gather food and water.
2. Build myself a small hut.
3. Grow stronger.
The first order of business was to understand my environment. If I didn't know what kind of creatures roamed these woods, I wouldn't last for long. I moved carefully, scanning the snow for tracks or any signs of life.
Hours passed with little to show for my efforts. The forest was eerily quiet, as if even the wildlife had retreated to avoid the cold. The sun, once high in the sky, had begun its slow descent, painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink. A creeping sense of unease settled over my small frame. It was getting dark, and I had yet to find food, shelter, or even a location to rest.
A seven-year-old boy—me—alone at night, in freezing temperatures.
I gritted my teeth. If I didn't act soon, exhaustion and cold would set in. Sleeping on the snowy ground wasn't an option in my mind. I needed an alternative.
AaaAAWOOOooo.
My heart froze.
The distant howl sent a jolt of adrenaline through my veins. Wolves. They were near.
I had no confidence in fighting a pack of wolves. Even in my previous life, at my peak physical state, I wouldn't have dared to take on even one wolf without proper weapons or support. Now, in this child's body, I was at an even greater disadvantage.
I needed an elevation. Quickly and hidden.
My eyes darted across the area until I found a large pine tree. The trunk was thick, its branches sturdy. Without hesitation, I grabbed onto the rough bark and hoisted myself up. The snow on my gloves made gripping the bark difficult but I pushed through, climbing until I found a thick branch wide enough for me to lie across.
Settling in, I pressed my back against the trunk and steadied my breathing. The wind howled through the trees, sending loose snowflakes swirling around me. Below, the forest remained still.
I closed my eyes and concentrated on my body. Since birth, the trait Regulated Metabolism had always been part of me. I had never actively controlled it, but I had always understood how to use it instinctively.
Focusing my will, I accelerated my metabolism. Almost instantly warmth spread through my limbs, fighting off the chill. The freezing air no longer bit at my skin but I knew there was a cost—my hunger would come faster. I could survive the night like this, but I needed to eat soon.
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At dawn, I woke up to the sound of birds chirping. The sky had lightened to a pale blue, and the forest was bathed in a soft and warm glow.
I climbed down from my perch, careful to not slip. Hunger gnawed at my stomach but I pushed it aside. First, I needed to find a proper place to establish my base.
I moved around cautiously, scanning the snow for some tracks. Eventually, I spotted a small rabbit in the distance. It was the first living creature I had encountered since leaving the temple.
I crouched low, moving slowly, carefully, step by step. The rabbit scanned it surroundings and as it saw me it perked up. Then, in a blur of motion, it bolted away.
I lunged, but I was too slow.
Frustration burned inside me as my fingers curled into a fist. I couldn't let it cloud my judgment for now. Chasing after it blindly would be a big waste of energy. The thought settled in my mind as I continued forward.
I took out a ration—some dried beef— and ate it.
An hour later, I stumbled upon a river. The sight of flowing water filled me with relief, and I allowed myself to smile. Water was essential for survival and now I had a stable source for it.
Now, for the final step—I needed a shelter.
I followed the river's edge, searching for a suitable location. Eventually, I found what I was looking for: a rocky outcrop near the base of a small mountain. The overhanging rock provided natural cover from the elements, and the nearby trees would offer ample materials for constructing a hut.
With a deep breath, I set my belongings down and surveyed my new surroundings.
This was it. My first step toward independence.
For the first time since leaving the temple, I felt a sense of certainty.