The blue screen flickered to life, illuminating Lucas's bewildered face with a dazzling map. It was a sight to behold, an island paradise brimming with secrets and possibilities. Dense forests, snaking rivers, and vast plains sprawled across the parchment, enticing him with their untamed beauty.
Lucas's eyes darted across the map, his mind racing with excitement and confusion. This was definitely not Africa. That much was clear. But where the heck was he?
The words "Isle of Everwild, Verdantian realm" adorned the top of the map, like a riddle begging to be solved. It was as if he had stumbled upon an uncharted gem, a remote haven yet to be discovered by the rest of the world.
A surge of curiosity coursed through his veins, leaving him with more questions than answers. What kind of place was this Verdantian realm? Was it some mystical land of mythical creatures? Or maybe just a hidden gem teeming with undiscovered wonders?
But before Lucas could delve deeper into his musings, a gnawing sensation gripped his stomach, jolting him back to reality. The hunger, once tamed by a refreshing drink, had returned with a vengeance. It clawed at him, demanding attention and nourishment.
His legs wobbled for a moment, threatening to give way beneath him. Hunger had turned him into a ravenous beast, a creature driven by a primal instinct to survive. The office days of snacking on stale chips and microwave dinners were nothing compared to this hunger that rattled his bones.
Lucas steadied himself, determination etched on his face. Survival was now his top priority. He had to find food and fast. There was no time to waste pondering maps and realms when his belly growled like an angry bear.
His gaze shifted from the map to the dense forest surrounding him. Nature seemed to beckon, whispering promises of nourishment hidden amidst its leafy embrace. With a determined swagger, he set off into the unknown, his white paws carrying him with a renewed purpose.
The forest engulfed Lucas in its vibrant embrace, a living canvas of colors and whispers. Yet, he was just a little wolf pup, a pint-sized creature at the bottom of the food chain. What chance did he stand in this wild world? What could he possibly hunt?
His hunger grew more insatiable, pushing him to the brink of desperation. Lucas's mind veered back to the lifeless wolf lying nearby. It could very well be his own mother, but survival was the name of the game now.
Would it be so terrible to give in to his ravenous urges and devour her remains?
The battle within Lucas intensified, the clash between his logical reasoning and primal instincts becoming fiercer. Caught between the call of the wild and the remnants of his humanity, he grappled with the morality of his choice.
Yet, the scales seemed to tip in favor of the untamed. Perhaps with his species changed, his humanity also decreased? As he steeled himself to do whatever it took to stay alive, a sudden burst of movement jolted him from his internal struggle.
There, amidst the underbrush, a flash of fur darted by—a small, unsuspecting rabbit. Perhaps he was so weak and wounded that the rabbit did not consider him a threat and boldly wandered around. If so, that rabbit had made its last grave mistake.
Lucas's heart raced, his mouth watering at the thought of sinking his teeth into the juicy meal. He did not care that he was extremely weak at the moment, and the rabbit and him were probably of the same size.
With a primal burst of speed, he pounced, claws extended, his wolf form propelling him like a blur of fur and determination. Adrenaline surged through his veins, momentarily eclipsing his pain and weariness.
The underbrush exploded with a symphony of rustling leaves and twigs as Lucas closed the gap between himself and his quarry. His jaws parted, sharp teeth gleaming, ready to claim his meal. The rabbit, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught, attempted a frantic escape, its little legs propelling it through the dense foliage.
The chase was on.
The rabbit was fast, but Lucas was relentless. His crazed hunger made him surpass the limits of his weakened body. In the end, the poor rabbit was no match for the grown man inside the small pup's body.
With a calculated strike, Lucas managed to snag the rabbit's hind leg, his claws sinking into its soft flesh. A triumphant growl reverberated from his chest as he wrestled the creature to the ground, exerting his dominance over the struggling prey.
The rabbit's frantic struggles weakened, surrendering to the inevitable fate that had befallen it. Lucas, now holding his prize firmly, could feel a mix of exhilaration and a strange sense of satisfaction.
His stomach yearned for nourishment, and the rabbit, though small, would provide a much-needed reprieve from his hunger. With a swift, instinctive motion, he sunk his teeth into the rabbit's tender flesh, savoring the taste of his hard-earned victory.
The warm, succulent meat provided a burst of energy that coursed through his weary body, revitalizing him from within. All thoughts and uncertainties vaporized from his mind momentarily as he tore into the small creature without holding back.
For a small pup, he was unexpectedly fast in devouring the meal. Witnessing the speed and determination with which Lucas devoured the meal would have surprised anyone. His teeth tore through flesh and bone, leaving nothing behind but a picked-clean carcass.
As the last remnants of the rabbit disappeared into Lucas's belly, a deep satisfaction washed over him, and along with it… another blue screen popped out, and a message flashed.
Ding!
Name: Lucas
Level: 1
Species: Common Dire Wolf (Evolution possible)
Health: 100/100
Stamina: 75/100
Astral Essence: 0/100
Strength: 10
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 5
Endurance: 10
Skills:
Claw Slash (Level 1)
Bite (Level 1)