A new day dawned in the forest. I woke up early again and went to the river to wash my face.
Today, my goals are simple: I want to explore the area where I am, see if I can find animals or anything else alive.
Of course, my main objective is to find salt, but I don't have much hope.
I returned to my house with a fish in hand. After learning the water magic, catching them was easy.
I regretted my previous thoughts a lot. I used to think magic was only for combat and didn't realize how convenient it could be.
If I had known earlier, I would have asked the gods for the knowledge necessary for this.
Well, it's no use crying over spilled milk. I should be happy to be able to use magic, and it wasn't really difficult to learn.
I don't know if it's the same for everyone, but I just need to have a clear image of what I want to do.
I also discovered that I don't have to shout "Burn" or "Water" to cast the magic.
I was grateful to be alone when I did this; it would be very embarrassing if anyone saw me like that.
When I was practicing magic, I felt like I was acting like those high school 'Chūnibyō'. It was really embarrassing.
[Chūnibyō (中二病) is a Japanese colloquial term that translates as "eighth-grade syndrome," commonly used to describe teenagers who have delusions of grandeur, often believing they have hidden knowledge or powers.]
...
After a meal, I decided on a direction and set out on my little exploration journey.
I entered the forest and advanced with great courage.
Part of my courage came from the fact that I hadn't encountered any living creatures so far.
On my way, I collected some medicinal herbs scattered here and there.
I also found something resembling Ryokucha (green tea), which I harvested excitedly, thinking about having a good afternoon tea.
Thinking about drinking good tea, I realized that I don't have any teapots or cups. I'll have to think of something later.
...
I walked cheerfully through the forest, feeling like I was getting used to living in nature.
I have no problem being alone, although I sometimes think about having a wife and children, it's not exactly a priority for me.
All I could see were trees and bushes; the only sound I could hear was the wind rustling through the leaves.
I paid attention to everything around me, looking for resources that could be useful.
At some point, I found a mulberry tree. Most of the berries were still green, but some were already a deep purple, indicating they were ripe and ready to eat.
Delicious, bittersweet—a perfect combination.
I made a small basket using vines and dry branches to facilitate carrying the things I found.
It's not pretty, but it's definitely useful.
I kept some ripe mulberries and some herbs in my pockets before.
One thing worth mentioning is my clothes. I don't know if it was the god of creation, but I didn't recognize them as being from my previous world.
They are light but very durable. They seem like villager clothes, similar to those I've seen in games set in the Middle Ages.
Carrying my small basket of mulberries and herbs, I continued to explore.
Useful things are everywhere—so many herbs that serve different purposes. I also found some minerals, but I had no idea what to do with them, so I left them where they were.
Later, I saw something that caught my attention: the carcass of a large animal. I think it must have been a wild boar or something, based on the size of the bones. When it was alive, it must have been about three meters long.
I definitely don't want to encounter one of those alive.
That was the first sign of other living beings around. I don't think this animal died a natural death; I assume another predator ate it.
Well, its bones are useful to me, especially its tusks. I can use them to make some tools. With that in mind, I tied some bones with vines and made a small bundle to carry them more easily.
Today, I've already gained a lot from my exploration. I got some herbs, mulberries, and the bones of a wild boar.
I can say that I was successful, even though I didn't find any living beings, I had evidence that they exist nearby.
After a few more minutes of exploring the area, I found another fruit tree that looked like a mango tree.
I found only five ripe fruits, tried one on the spot, and almost shed tears of joy. This mango-like fruit was incredibly sweet. Comparing it to the mangoes I knew before... well, there's no comparison.
With that, I concluded the day's exploration. I was extremely satisfied.
I returned home, still collecting some more herbs on the way. You never know when you might need them, so I prefer to have them available.
...
I got home around noon, stored what I found in the forest inside my house, and went to the river to get my lunch.
At some point, I know I'll get tired of eating fish, but for now, that's what I have.
I didn't find any other animals in the forest, at least not near my house. I still don't want to venture far; I'm a little afraid of what I'll find, especially after seeing that boar's carcass.
After 'catching' a fish in the river, I roasted it over the fire and ate it. The taste remains the same—it's not bad, but with salt, it would be much better.
Finishing eating, I went to the riverbank again to train my magic.
I can already use fire and water, so I had the idea to test other elements.
On the riverbank, I tried to use magic to move the earth, and I was successful.
With the use of magic, a small mound of earth rose in front of me. After this success, I tried to do different things with the earth. I managed to create holes and even a small earthen wall.
This magic will be very convenient. If I can use it well, I can start renovating my house.
After more than an hour of testing, I was already well-versed in the use of earth magic.
I even made a small sculpture of the god of creation using earth.
Impressive! For someone who didn't prioritize magic, I discovered brilliant uses for it.
Once again, I said a little prayer to thank the gods.
...
After I stopped testing the use of earth magic, I started doing some exercises.
A fit and healthy body is a priority for me.
Even if I don't want to get involved in unnecessary fights, it's good to be able to protect myself, especially because I'm living alone in a forest.
I did some push-ups and a little running. Even though I now have the blessing of the goddess of health, I can't be careless. I don't want to end up sedentary.
Although, with the amount of activities I'll be involved in here, I doubt that's possible.
...
I caught some more fish in the river and came home. My fish diet will continue for some time, at least I have some mulberries and mangoes.
[Today's results:
Ability acquired: Earth magic.
Acquired items: Bones of the Great Boar.
Acquired food: Sweet mangoes.
Acquired food: Purple mulberries.
Acquired herbs: Unknown.]