As I run along the stream, I try to recall the path I came from.
— Where did I come from… Dammit, I’ll just follow the stream to the end and hope it leads to the sea.
Given how long I’ve been walking, I’m probably not too far from the cabin, but since I changed course to follow the stream, I no longer know the exact way back.
Branches scratch my face as I run without looking where I’m stepping.
After running for a while, I look back and no longer see the insect, just the dense forest and the sound of the stream beside me.
I gradually slow down until I come to a complete stop, leaning against a tree as I try to catch my breath. My heart is still beating fast because of the effort I put in or because of fear.
— Haa… It didn’t come after me?
I stand still for a few seconds, listening to the wind and the rushing water, paying close attention to make sure it isn’t nearby.
— …And now? Do I go back to the cabin or try to find another way to get to the spring?
Of the two options, the safest would be to go back to the cabin, but in that case, I’ll get thirsty, and my throat is already dry after running so much.
On the other hand, heading toward the spring might mean running into that giant cockroach again, and I’ll have to run away from it yet another time.
— There’s nothing I can use…!? — I think, looking around. At that moment, my eyes lock onto another colossal creature. — Is that… a slug!?
A chill runs down my spine as I see that viscous insect, over two meters long, slowly swaying its antennae.
— Gulp… W-Well, at least it’s slow… Maybe it’ll be good for some practice…
I grip the spear tightly with both hands as I watch it closely. I cautiously advance, and as soon as I get close enough, I stab it, then quickly step back.
The slug begins to contort grotesquely, releasing a slimy liquid. Still, it doesn’t look like it’s going to die anytime soon.
— Good… Just a few more strikes and I should be able to finish it off… It would be useful to have some salt…
As I think about how to execute the next strike, I notice the affected area is shriveling up.
— Wait… Is there salt on this spear?
I remember the spear was lying in the sand, so it probably got coated in it.
— Too bad I’m not near the beach, but at least I can take advantage of this opportunity.
Shaking the spear to remove the excess fluids, I advance again and deliver a quick thrust, retreating immediately afterward.
— Looks like this is going to work… — I think, watching the monster writhe. — But it’s going to take a while…
I repeat the process several times, watching the slug writhe less and less with each attack. The only problem is that I’m getting tired too, and my hands are hurting.
— How many times do I have to attack?
To make it worse, its viscous liquid keeps gushing out with every attack, and some even splashes onto me.
— I hope this comes off with water…
I keep attacking until, finally, the creature stops moving. On the ground, there’s nothing left but a slimy pile spread across the soil, marking the giant slug’s defeat.
— Somehow… I did it. — I take a deep breath, trying to calm my body. — I’m so thirsty… I need to find water no matter what.
With that conviction in mind, I resume following the stream toward the spring, but now even more attentive to my surroundings.
— Actually… I’d better check my status before going any further. — I lean against a tree. — Open panel.
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| [Name]: Rafael | | [Race]: Human |
| [Level]: 01 |
───────────────────────────────────
[Skills]
| [Spearman]: 01 |
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— The spearman skill is at the lowest possible level, but just acquiring it is enough.
According to the story, skill levels don’t just show how proficient you are in them, but also transfer the information contained in the planet’s core regarding that level to your body.
Basically, my body should now have the reflexes and control of someone who is just beginning to learn how to use a spear.
— There are people who can raise this level to the point of becoming masters without ever having been taught, but it’s much easier to be guided.
In the early levels, it’s possible to level up the skill easily, but as you progress, it’s expected that, at the very least, your mind will have the same knowledge as your body. In other words, I’ll need to learn the principles of the art of the spear if I want to continue with this skill in the future.
— Not that I really want to become a spearman, but it would be good to raise this skill as high as possible. That way, at least, I’ll be able to fight with more confidence.
After checking my level and seeing that I’m still at 1, I let out a slight sigh and resume my path toward the spring.
The sun is practically directly overhead, and the heat is making my skin burn, indicating that it must be around noon. The humid air of the forest seems to prevent my sweat from evaporating properly, making me uncomfortable.
— … Should I just give up and get water from the stream? — I think, looking in its direction.
The water looks clean, but there’s no guarantee of that. The thought that some cockroach or slug might be in the stream further ahead makes me abandon the plan and continue climbing toward the spring.
— I hope it’s not too far…
I start climbing the hill again, but more slowly now. My legs feel heavy after the run, and I haven’t eaten anything yet today. On top of that, the lack of sleep is starting to give me a headache.
— Let there be nothing in the way…
As I move forward, I scan my surroundings carefully, hoping the cockroach doesn't show up again. After about half an hour, I come across a small pool of water connected to the stream, and as I get closer, I realize it's a spring.
— Please, no germs… no germs… gulp.
I drink the refreshing water, almost as if I were praying that nothing in it will make me sick. It’s cold, clean, and invigorating, making me feel a little better.
— Ah, so refreshing… maybe it’ll even be good enough to wash myself a little.
The spring is too small for a bath, but I cup some water in my hands and splash it on my face and body, as well as washing the spear I’m still carrying, which is dirty.
Well, I think I can go back no— Eh!?
When I turn around, I notice a huge stinging caterpillar in front of me. Its elongated body is over three meters long, divided into thick rings that move like slow, coordinated waves. Its skin is covered in dark bristles, some as stiff as thorns, others thin and almost translucent, resembling strands of hair fluttering in the wind.
— … Is this really an island, or did I shrink!?
[To be continued…]
[???]:
— Actually, it’s the opposite, this place has been enlarged…
[+++]:
— … Hm? How long has this island been here?
[???]:
— I think it’s always been there…