Daniel followed his Velociraptor through the dense Anatolian jungle, with his ceratopsid and Coelophysis close behind. The morning sun cast long shadows, and the air smelled of damp earth and foliage. Every rustle of leaves and every distant animal cry made him tense: this world was unknown and dangerous.
A regretful screech signaled that the Velociraptor had found something. Daniel quickly pushed forward, cutting through the thick undergrowth. His dinosaur was perched on a rocky ledge, observing a small stream running through the valley. The Coelophysis chirped excitedly, confirming their first significant discovery: water.
Daniel felt immense relief. He knelt beside the stream, cupping his hands to drink. The water was cold and refreshing. "Alright, it's a good start," he muttered. He turned to his ceratopsid, who sniffed the water before taking a few gulps. "We'll camp here."
He opened the app on his phone, hoping for help. A new message appeared:
Mission: Establish a base. Rewards: 10 XP, Survival Guide unlocked.
Daniel's mind raced. If the app could offer missions, it meant he could progress strategically. He tapped the mission details.
"Build a shelter, secure food, and create a defendable area."
He looked at his dinosaurs. "Alright, let's get to work."
The ceratopsid was strong: it could help fell trees and build barriers. The Velociraptor was fast: it could explore and keep watch. The Coelophysis, small and agile, could help find food.
Daniel took a sturdy branch and began marking the perimeter. He had no idea how long he would be trapped in this world, but one thing was certain: survival had begun.
As the sun set on the horizon, Daniel worked tirelessly to complete his shelter. With fallen branches and thick leaves, he managed to build a simple shed near the stream. It wasn't much, but it would keep him dry and safe from potential threats.
His ceratopsid helped place logs, creating a natural barrier around the camp, while the Velociraptor patrolled the perimeter, alert for any danger. The Coelophysis had already caught some small lizards, which proved useful for gathering food.
Daniel sat near the stream, pulling out his phone. The screen flickered as a notification appeared:
Mission Complete: Establish a base. Rewards: 10 XP, Survival Guide unlocked.
Excited, he tapped the new menu. The Survival Guide displayed tips for making fire, crafting tools, and even basic fortifications. "This will make things a lot easier," he murmured.
His stomach growled, reminding him he hadn't eaten much. He took a bite of dried meat from his backpack—one of the few provisions he still had from his old world. It wouldn't last forever. He needed to find a reliable food source soon.
As night fell, the sounds of the wilderness grew louder. Strange cries echoed through the trees, and a rustling in the undergrowth made him grip his improvised spear tightly. The Velociraptor let out a low growl, staying close to him, protective.
Daniel exhaled slowly. "This is only the beginning," he whispered. He had survived the first day, but the real challenges were still to come.
For now, all he could do was rest and prepare for whatever the morning would bring.
Daniel woke with the first rays of sun filtering through the trees. The night had been restless: every distant howl, every crack of branches, and every unknown sound had kept him on edge. But he had survived. His Velociraptor stood at the edge of the camp, scanning the surroundings, while his ceratopsid lay nearby, breathing heavily. The ever-alert Coelophysis perched on a low branch, watching the morning activity.
He stretched and checked his phone. The Survival Guide had a new notification:
New Objective: Secure food sources. Reward: 10 XP, Foraging Guide unlocked.
Daniel sighed. Food. His supplies were running low, and although his Coelophysis had caught small creatures, it wasn't sustainable. He needed something more reliable. Looking at his ceratopsid, he wondered if it could help uproot edible plants. His Velociraptor could explore for prey, but he wasn't sure if hunting was the best option yet.
Determined to explore, he grabbed a spear he had crafted the night before and headed into the forest. His Velociraptor followed closely, while the ceratopsid stayed behind to guard the camp. The air smelled of damp earth, and the distant sound of running water hinted at another nearby stream.
Suddenly, the Velociraptor stopped abruptly, emitting a warning signal. Daniel froze, gripping his spear tightly. Something was watching them.
A shadow moved among the trees. A chill ran down Daniel's spine as he realized he wasn't alone in this world.
Daniel felt a shiver crawl down his back. The stranger's words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Was he not the only one with animals?
He tightened his grip on the spear. "What do you mean? Who else is out there?"
At first, Daniel couldn't understand a word the stranger said. The man spoke in a harsh, unfamiliar language, his tone urgent. Daniel frowned, frustrated. How am I supposed to communicate?
Then, almost instinctively, he pulled out his phone. The Bestiary app flickered for a moment, and suddenly, a new message appeared: "Language synchronization activated."
A wave of clarity washed over him. The stranger's words shifted in his mind, rearranging into something he could understand.
"...not from here," the man said, now comprehensible. "You're different."
Daniel's eyes widened. Did my phone just translate that? He tested it. "Who are you?"
The man hesitated before replying. "A servant of Lord Askan. He rules these lands and does not look kindly on outsiders. If he learns of you, he won't let you wander freely."
Daniel frowned. "Is he dangerous?"
The man took a deep breath and nodded. "He is powerful, and his men enforce his will. If you plan to stay, you will have to face him eventually."
Daniel exhaled sharply. So he wasn't just in an ancient world, but in a land ruled by warlords.
A new notification appeared on his phone: "Historical period identified: 500 B.C."
Daniel looked at the screen, his mind racing. Now he had a timeframe. He was in the ancient world, long before modern civilization.
Looking back at the stranger, he made a decision: "Then I need to be ready."