The luminous moss emitted a greenish luminescence that danced along the tenebrosity covering the chamber. The chamber's cool interior allows for a comfortable sleeping environment.
Sprawled out on the moss, Jack was soundly asleep. Although the moss did little to provide a comfortable place to sleep, he was left without a better option and too exhausted to be concerned about it.
Jack awoke from his slumber and stretched. A dull aching pain radiated throughout his body.
Jack winced from the stimulus. "Ah, my entire body is sore." He massaged the sore muscles in his neck while slowly opening his eyes. Being in a daze from just waking, he was left confused about why he was sore and why it was so dark.
Jack scanned his surroundings as the fogginess of his mind dissipated. Memories of last night's dreams swiftly fled as he reoriented himself. Recalling last night's events, an inkling of sadness rose inside him. That's right. I'm stuck on a different planet.
With weary eyes, Jack checked his system window.
[Divinity System]
[Strength: Weak human]
[Endurance: Weak human]
[Agility: Weak human]
[Mind: Feeble imitation]
[Divinity: 80]
Maybe I should try increasing one of my physical abilities again. Jack shuddered, remembering the agonizing pain he had gone through the last time.
At least this time, I'll be expecting it.
After mentally preparing, Jack decided to choose the one he was already familiar with.
[Expend 40 divinity to improve strength?]
[Weak human -> Inadequate human]
It seems the cost increases with each improvement. I have 80 left, so I can only upgrade two. Jack stroked his jaw. I need to decide which two to invest in.
Jack pondered which two physical abilities to improve and considered the advantages of all three.
Improving my strength would give me an advantage in a fight, but it's also useless if I'm exhausted quickly.
While endurance should increase my stamina, it can only assist me in outlasting my opponent. If I encountered an opponent significantly stronger or faster, endurance would be of little help.
Agility would allow me to escape danger and be crucial to my survival. However, its value sharply declines if I am unable to flee.
"Hmmmmm," Jack squinted slightly, deep in thought.
The advantage of strength negates the weakness of endurance and vice-versa. Considering that, the choice of which two to choose is obvious.
Laying down on the moss, Jack decided to improve his strength first. Quickly clamping his eyes shut and clenching his teeth, he prepared himself for the pain he anticipated.
Several seconds pass by, but the expected pain fails to arrive.
What's going on? Jack opened his eyes and looked at the system window.
[Inadequate human physique required]
What? Physique? How do I eve-
A loud growl originating from Jack's abdomen echoed throughout the chamber.
Jack placed his hands on his abdomen. That's right. I haven't eaten anything since I woke up in the forest. I should find something to eat.
Rising to his feet, Jack navigated the dim passage.
Stepping out of the cave, beams of light assaulted Jack's dark-adapted eyes. Blocking most of the morning sunshine with one of his hands, Jack peered at his surroundings.
Remembering the possible dangers of this place, Jack first scanned the tree line. I don't see any kizen. He let out a sigh of relief. Hopefully, I don't run into any of them.
The forest was quiet other than the sound of a soft intermittent breeze rustling the leaves of the trees. Closing his eyes, Jack inhaled deeply. As the fresh air passed through his lungs, he felt a strong calmness wash over him. Opening his eyes, he looked in the direction of the pond.
Spears of light reflected off the pond, exposing its beautiful clear blue water. As Jack walked over to rehydrate his dry mouth, he noticed movement underneath the surface of the water.
Carefully observing the water, Jack noticed an aquatic animal with scales and fins swimming around. Filled with joy, his lips and cheeks unconsciously lifted, forming a smile. I could fill my stomach if I caught these fish.
Jack looked at the surrounding trees. I can make a makeshift fishing pole if I can find a sturdy branch and some green vines.
Jack searched around the line of trees near the pond. After spending an hour searching, his efforts proved fruitful. Awesome, now I need to craft these into a fishing pole with a line.
[Opening crafting interface]
Jack flinched, startled by the sudden appearance of the system window and the angelic voice shattering the quiet atmosphere of the forest.
[Crafting]
[Low-class human artificer: 0/500]
So, the Divinity System has a crafting function. That's quite useful and saves me a lot of time and effort. "Hmm..." He contemplated the new information with a pensive look. How do I use the crafting function? Do I just imagine what I want to create? Holding the branch and green vine in his hands, he imagined a fishing pole.
[Expend 1 divinity to craft wooden fishing pole?]
It worked! Confirm crafting!
[Crafting in progress...]
A bright light slowly enveloped the branch and green vines in Jack's hands. The light seemed to be reshaping the objects. After a short period, a pole six feet long strung with a fishing line appeared in his hands.
[Crafting complete]
Jack examined the newly crafted item with astonishment. Wow, this looks just like a modern fishing pole, except it's made entirely of wood, including the reel. Now all I need is a fishing hook, scaler, and some bait. Spotting a rock nearby, an idea popped into his mind.
Maybe I can use the system to craft a stone hook and scaler? Jack placed one of his hands on the rock and imagined crafting it into the desired items.
[Expend 1 divinity to craft stone fishing hook and fish scaler?]
It's also 1 divinity? Even though both are much smaller than the fishing pole? Is it because it's stone and harder to work with or because all crafting costs at least 1 divinity? Regardless, I need these two items. After crafting them, Jack opened the crafting window out of curiosity.
[Crafting]
[Low-class human artificer: 2/500]
I used 2 divinity to craft both items, and the number next to my crafting level rose by two. It looks like ill have to use 500 divinity crafting items to improve my crafting ability.
After looking under a rock and finding a worm to use as bait, Jack returned to the pond.
Placing the pole vertically on the ground and holding it between his legs, Jack pierced the slimy exterior of the worm with the hook. With the worm secured, he cast the line into the pond and patiently waited for a bite.
As time passed, Jack's stomach growled with great ferocity as his hunger increased. I'm starving. I hope I can catch something soon. Suddenly, he felt his pole jerk.
Finally! Jack pulled back on his pole as he began reeling in the line. "I won't let you escape!" The fish tugged on the line in a desperate attempt to escape. Its effort was in vain as Jack slowly inched toward victory, drawing the fish closer to him.
The battle was short, and the fish now in his hands proved Jack was the victor. "Haha. Now it's time to scale and cook you." Holding the fish in one hand and the scaler in the other, he cleaned the fish of all its scales.
Grabbing thick sticks and dry leaves from the surrounding, Jack built a small fire near the pond. The smell of the fish roasting over the fire was intoxicating to Jack. Salivating, he watched the fish closely, rotating it often to cook it evenly.
Removing the fish from the fire and bringing it close to his face, Jack was eager to dig in. Biting a piece of meat off, his mouth was filled with a savory taste. This fish is delicious. Is it because I'm so hungry or because this fish is different from Earth's fish? Not thinking about it too much, Jack indulged in his meal.
Hearing a twig snap behind him, Jack swiftly turned around. His eyes widened from fear as his heart dropped. He shook slightly as he stared at the kizen only a few feet away.