章 10: Changing Plans

Sitting back in the chair, I found myself gazing towards the corner where I kept my collection of magic books. My eyes lingered on a particular passage from the beginner's guide: "Be always aware, for merely obsessing over magic will not enhance your physical strength." Reflecting on these words, I envisioned the potential risks of solely focusing on magic. What if I was suddenly ambushed at close range? I'd have no time to conjure a spell. That realization prompted me to broaden my skill set beyond magic to include Swordsmanship and martial arts.

However, there was a significant threat while I thought about delving into the art of Swordsmanship - I lacked the necessary equipment. I possessed no sword, nor did I have a bow, let alone arrows.

Faced with this realization, I resolved not only to master diverse combat techniques like Swordsmanship, magic, and martial arts but also to delve into craftsmanship.

Yet, my journey didn't stop there. It dawned on me that survival extended beyond combat skills. The growling of my stomach reminded me of the need to learn culinary arts. Moreover, the brewing of potions is a crucial skill for magicians and another essential skill I needed to acquire for my plan to become a great magician.

As I contemplated my expanded path, the notion of delving into craftsmanship seized my attention. I stood up and began searching for a book that teaches about crafting, to unlock the secrets of forging tools and honing skills, or at least the skill of working with wood.

After finding a book that fulfilled my wishes I started reading. With each site of the book I read, I started to realize that there is much more to watch to create things than just the actual creating and forming part.

After reading more than half of the book, I looked up and went to the other wooden room to search for tools. I was so lost in thoughts that I didn't even acknowledge that the sun was rising and it was almost midday. After half an hour of searching for tools that could help me achieve my goal.

I was just about to give up and continue reading the book to get a peek at creating the required tools myself when I found a brown wooden crate standing in a corner, all covered with dust. Fascinated, I approached and opened it, revealing a treasure trove of tools made for woodworking. Inside, nestled amongst the layers of dust, were many different wooden tools essential for working with wood. There were hand saws for accurate cuts, chisels for carving complex details, mallets for driving joints together, and planes for smoothing surfaces. Besides, I found drawing and measuring tools for exactness, and hand drills for drilling holes. It was as though fate had intervened, providing me with the means to embark on my journey without delay. With these new tools, I directly went back into the house and continued reading more about craftsmanship.

After completing reading the book I took a deep breath and looked out of the window. Noticing that the sun was already about to disappear. I suddenly felt the exhaustion. "I guess, to sleep this night would be the right choice," I thought, and just as my head settled on the table, I started drifting off to sleep. Suddenly a mixed feeling of achievement and tension for the journey ahead. I thought with this excitement I wouldn't sleep but my body was still exhausted from arriving in this new world so I closed my eyes and everything went black.

I realized that it was still dark outside before I opened my eyes. After looking around I determined that I only slept around five hours. Far less than I expected. But I was feeling wonderful. It was like I slept in the best bed for ages. My body and mind were filled with energy, ready for the coming days. "How can that be? The time shouldn't be enough to regenerate my physically and mental strength in this short time. It didn't only just regenerate - it also improved it. System how can that be? Do I have a special skill in doing that?

» The effect you are describing is one of the side effects from your passive skill "Time shield. It not only makes you sleep only every two or three days it also improves the time you need to rest and the recovery process. And since sleep is crucial for processing information and improving your strength mentally and physically - this skill is super handy for you.«

"The more I hear about this skill, the more I think that it's completely overpowered!" I shouted into the room. "But I guess since it's a unique skill it would be not unique if it was bad. And I also have to remember that I got this skill from a powerful being. Maybe I should show appreciation and build him a statue." I thought and stood up from the chair, stretching myself. "It would be good practice and maybe someday I can build something better suitable than a desk to sleep on.

After thinking of a plan for today I had a good but maybe also lazy idea: "I should just start doing things with wood. I'll just be getting better by just doing stuff with wood and these tools I found yesterday.

With this plan for today, I made my way into the forest to gather wood. Outside of the old wooden house, I saw a wooden bench. Placing the tools I would need later there, I continued walking to a giant tree staying in front of the two small rooms.

System how long would it take me to cut down this tree?

» With your current strength, it would take roundabout 48 hours«

"So long! Am I so weak?" I said with a mix of angry and embarrassed emotions. But the system wasn't finished and continued talking:

» This is caused that you are in the middle of the forest. Here the trees are the oldest and obsess Mana which strengthens their structure and form having a great defense against attackers.«

"That are Mana trees?" I started thinking about it. "That does mean they have a high quality and would be great to construct some things." I was thinking loud. "System, can they also be used to create magic items and catalysts?"

» Indeed they can be used to create good quality magic wands or other magic tools.«

Even though I know that I have a Mana core, with a magic wand I could hopefully use more or stronger magic. So I should consider cutting down a tree and making some tools and maybe other stuff out of it.

After a while of thinking about it an idea of a plan I could follow was forming in my mind. I would chop the tree when the sun was shining so I would not have to worry much about night active animals distancing me and I could see well enough to spot possible enemies far away. I'm the night time I would continue working on my magic skills and maybe I'll learn something helpful to speed up the chopping or to create tools more easily.

With this plan in mind, I went back to get the saw I found yesterday.