Chapter 7: Unexpected Find
After Kazumi slips away from the wolf encounter, she quickens her pace, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. Her mission is simple but urgent: find a water source before exhaustion claims her.
"I'm so thirsty," she whispers to herself, pressing onward in a straight line through the thick forest.
She has been walking since dawn, yet despite her relentless efforts, there is no sign of water—no streams, no puddles, and not even the promise of rain in the heavy, humid air. Kazumi feels the weight of her situation pressing down on her. How long can she last like this?
As night falls, she searches for shelter and spots a massive tree with its roots exposed, creating a natural barrier against the elements. It stands like a guardian in the encroaching darkness, and she settles beneath its sprawling limbs, grateful for the protection it offers.
She glances around, scanning the area for any signs of water, but the forest remains stubbornly dry. Her injured leg aches, serving as a reminder of her dwindling strength and resources. She knows she must eat to regain her strength, but the thought of what she carries in her bag weighs heavily on her mind.
With a sigh, Kazumi begins to gather kindling and dry leaves, sparking a fire to warm her and cook the orc meat she harvested earlier. The image of the creature flashes in her mind—its fierce eyes, hulking form, and humanoid figure—but hunger drives her forward. She hesitates for a moment, the taste of uncertainty lingering, but she knows she has no choice. Without water and sustenance, weakness will set in, and she cannot afford that. For now, the least she has to worry about is how the meat would taste like.
As the flames crackle to life, Kazumi carefully prepares the meat, skewering it over the fire to roast. Without any salt or seasonings, she can only hope that it won't taste too bad for her.
While the meat cooks over the crackling fire, Kazumi takes a moment to retrieve her gun from its holster. She checks the chamber, ensuring it's loaded and ready, then wipes away any dirt that may have accumulated during her journey. As she handles the gun, she thinks back to the encounters she's faced—both the dangers and the triumphs.
"Bang," she whispers, mimicking the sound of the gun as she points it to the darkness before her.
Meanwhile, the smell of roasting flesh fills the air, its rich aroma a great surprise considering what kind of meat it was. Ironically, it is far more appealing than she had expected, and her stomach growls in response. She stares into the flames, a mix of apprehension and need swirling within her.
Once the meat is cooked, Kazumi takes her first bite. To her astonishment, she exclaims, "This is…" While it's certainly tougher than pork, however, its rich flavor bursts in her mouth like an explosion of savory goodness. A taste no one would expect coming from a literal monster meat.
"How come? This is so good. I can't stop eating." She closes her eyes, savoring the taste, and can't help but feel a wave of happiness wash over her. The umami richness of the meat fuels her strength, slowly returning with each bite, warming her from the inside out.
She gladly devoured the meat she had cooked, savoring every bite until she felt pleasantly full. This was the first time since arriving in this world that her stomach felt content, a small victory amid uncertainty. If only there were water to wash away her thirst, to quench the ache that lingered in her throat.
"That's so good… I should have taken more," she muses, her regret deepening as she recalls the huge body of the orc. Its imposing form had loomed in her mind as a monster, but now she realizes how delicious and nourishing its flesh can be. If only she had taken more than just a small portion, she thinks, wishing she hadn't underestimated the value of her find.
As she finishes the last bites, Kazumi shifts her thoughts to the challenges ahead. "If I can't find water, what should I do?" The question hangs heavy in the air, the severity of her situation sinking in. She knows that without water, her survival is in jeopardy.
…
Tonight, the fire crackles, casting a warm glow that dances against the bark of the giant tree. The heat wraps around her like a comforting embrace, while the roasted meat has granted her renewed strength—perhaps the only reason she can drift into a peaceful sleep. She leans back against the tree roots, feeling the fatigue in her limbs begin to fade, lulled by the rhythmic sounds of the forest.
As sleep pulls her under, she dreams of flowing streams and cool springs, the image of clear water tantalizing her senses. Yet, little does she know, that instead of finding her way out of the dense jungle, she is only venturing deeper into its heart. The forest, with its mysteries and dangers, holds its secrets close, and tomorrow will bring challenges she cannot yet foresee.
In her dreams, she sees glimpses of the enchanting lake that awaits her—a shimmering oasis untouched by the chaos of the outside world. But for now, she rests, oblivious to the winding paths that will lead her toward that promise or deeper into the wilderness.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone