Chapter 3: A shelter
As I trudged through the woods, my fatigue weighed heavily on me. Just as I was on the verge of giving up, a cave caught my eye in the distance. It was covered with vines and moss, but it seemed uninhabited. I grabbed a sturdy branch, cleared away some of the vines, and peered inside. Seeing no signs of life, I mustered my courage and cautiously entered the cave.
Inside the cave, darkness enveloped me, accompanied by a chilly dampness that sent shivers down my spine. To navigate, I relied on my sense of touch, extending my hand to explore the rough, cold walls. As I cautiously moved forward, I strained my ears and detected the faint sound of water droplets, echoing from the distant corners of the cave.
Searching for a dry spot amidst the moisture, I spotted a patch of withered moss at the far end, opposite to where the water was dripping. I approached it cautiously, inspecting it for any signs of danger. I prodded and disturbed the moss, but there was no movement or sound to indicate any hidden threats. Convinced it was a safe place, I decided to rest there. I lay down, reflecting on the events that had brought me to this point.
Today has been absolutely unbelievable! I managed to escape from that dreadful camp by leaping into a portal, narrowly avoiding the bullets. And now, here I am, in a completely strange and unfamiliar land, my body covered in bruises and wounds.
This forest is unlike any I've ever encountered. The trees stand tall and twisted, and the thick fog obscures my vision, limiting my sight to a short distance. Surprisingly, there is no sign of food, even though trees surround me. The only edible thing I've come across so far are these peculiar mushrooms, but I'm hesitant to eat them without knowing if they're safe. Furthermore, I haven't encountered any animals, birds, or insects in the vicinity. It feels as if I'm the sole living creature here.
I can't help but wonder if I'm trapped in some kind of dream or under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs. Perhaps my exhaustion is clouding my ability to search more thoroughly. Nonetheless, I did manage to find a damp cave, which will serve as my shelter for the night. Hopefully, I won't become a meal for some lurking beast.
Drained from my arduous journey, I settled down in the cave, grateful for its refuge from the harsh elements. Nestling on the ground, I closed my eyes, and sleep quickly overtook me.
I had a dream about my home, my loved ones, and the life I had left behind. It painted a picture of a safe and secure future.
Upon awakening, I felt rejuvenated and full of energy. I understood that finding my way back home would require patience and taking things one step at a time. I rose to my feet, stretched my body, and took a deep breath of the fresh air. I was prepared to confront any obstacles that lay ahead.
Stepping out of the cave, I was greeted by the warm sunlight. I surveyed my surroundings, still unfamiliar and strange, yet surprisingly pleasant. The landscape was adorned with lush greenery, enveloped in a tranquil silence, and infused with the earthly fragrance of herbs and shrubs.
With a clear mind, I contemplated ways to enhance my chances of survival. Despite a restful night's sleep, I reminded myself that dangers might still lurk nearby. It was crucial to remain vigilant and attentive to my surroundings.
Upon assessing my surroundings, I gathered the following information:
The open space between the cave and the forest spans approximately 20 feet. It is mostly clear, with patches of grass that reach up to my knees. This area provides a good vantage point to spot any approaching objects or creatures.
The stream I discovered earlier is a 15- to 20-minute walk away from my current location.
Near the cave, I noticed colorful crystals. While they might hold value, they serve no immediate purpose for me.
The distant forest is engulfed in thick fog, with unusually tall trees. It would be wise to rest in the cave and gather strength before venturing into this uncharted territory. Exploring unknown areas without an escape plan is not advisable.
My priority now is to find food and water. I can rely on the berries I collected yesterday or search for alternative food sources. Storing some of the food in leaves might be a temporary solution, but it won't last for long.
Water is crucial, and while storing it is challenging, I must find plants or makeshift containers capable of holding water for an extended period.
With these considerations in mind, I embarked on my search. To avoid getting lost, I marked the trees with arrows pointing towards the cave. I refreshed myself near the stream, consumed some berries, and then set off to locate the desired items.
A few hours later, the sun was directly overhead, indicating that it was nearly noon. Despite my efforts, I had not yet come across anything suitable as a fluid container. Determined to continue, I pressed on, hoping that either the forest would soon end or that I would stumble upon what I needed.
In the distance, I spotted tall and sturdy bamboo plants. Excitedly, I rushed towards them. These bamboos were impressive, and the air around them felt noticeably colder than the rest of the forest. They seemed like a promising solution, but there was a challenge to overcome. The bamboos proved too tough to break with the rocks lying nearby. However, I noticed some cracked sections on the fallen bamboo stems. I decided to salvage these cracked pieces as usable cylinders and utilize the broken ones as sticks.
Scanning the area, I found a few rocks on the ground. I picked up one and positioned a larger stone beneath the point where I intended to strike. Taking a deep breath, I swung the rock at the bamboo, ensuring that I hit only the cracked portions. With a loud crack, the bamboo broke into pieces. I repeated this process from different angles, separating the intact cylinders from the broken fragments.
A triumphant smile crossed my face. I had succeeded! I had managed to obtain fluid containers. I carefully broke the other bamboos and gathered the pieces. Returning to the stream, I cleaned them thoroughly. Using the sticks, I hollowed out the bamboos and allowed them to dry. Now, I had a collection of three large pitchers and two medium-sized ones.
Filled with satisfaction, I knew these pitchers would prove invaluable in the cave. To transport them all at once, I fashioned a long bamboo stick into a lever and secured the pitchers with vines. Two large pitchers were fastened to one end, while the remaining large and smaller ones were tied to the other end.
Carrying the pitchers back to the cave, I placed them away from the dripping droplets. Thankfully, the pitchers did not leak any water, providing a sense of relief. Engrossed in my task, I lost track of time, and now it was almost evening. With only one meal today, it would be wise to gather some berries before the sun set. Returning to the stream, I plucked a handful of berries. However, their quantity seemed to be dwindling. I had almost forgotten that this forest had limited fruit availability, so I needed to find a more abundant food source in this unfamiliar place. I noticed some peculiar fruit-like formations near the bamboo area, and I made a mental note to investigate their edibility the next day.
As I made my way back to the cave, I savored the berries, relishing every bite. Memories of the facility I had been trapped in resurfaced. We were treated like animals, given raw or undercooked food, and sometimes no food at all. In an attempt to motivate us, they would offer a month of better sustenance, sleep, and exemption from the daily torments to those who volunteered to try the new drugs they introduced. It was a twisted way of providing incentive, but surprisingly, it often worked on most people.
As I sit and relish the taste of the tangy berries, their slightly chewy texture brings a mix of gratitude and resentment. I wonder if my life would have been any different had the portal transported me to the city instead of this forest.
With my meal finished, I retreat into the cave to sleep. The chill of the night is settling in, and the midnight brings the coldest temperatures. While I yearn for warmth, I lack the means to start a fire without matches or a lighter. Though I consider creating sparks with the colorful translucent crystals found in the cave, exhaustion overtakes me. Instead, I nestle into the dry moss, using broad leaves as a makeshift blanket for my body.
Gradually, my breathing and heart rate slow down. I feel my body becoming heavier, sinking into the comfort of my bed. Deep sleep embraces me, offering a true sense of rest and relaxation.
It has been a while since I experienced such profound sleep. Today, rather than heading to the stream for water, I take a sip from the pitchers. The cool water quenches my thirst, and I relish the sensation. With my eyes closed, I savor each drop as it flows down my throat and into my stomach. The relief of quenching my thirst after a long night's rest is indescribable.
New day, new possibilities.
My objective for the day is to search for a new source of food. I embark on an exploration of the area, eager for the possibilities that a new day brings.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone