Liam awoke to the soft glow of a campfire and the rustle of leaves overhead. His body ached, and his back throbbed with pain, but he was alive. He blinked, adjusting to the dim light, and saw a figure sitting across the fire, tending to a pot of stew.
"You're awake," the figure said without looking up. The voice was calm and steady.
Liam struggled to sit up, grimacing as the pain flared. "Where am I?"
"In a safe place," the figure replied. The person turned, revealing a young woman with sharp, intelligent eyes and a hood pulled low over her face. "You were in bad shape when I found you. You're lucky I came along when I did."
"Thank you," Liam said, his voice hoarse. "You saved my life."
The woman nodded. "Name's Arisa. I work alone, but I couldn't leave you there to die."
Liam managed a weak smile. "I'm Liam. And I owe you one."
Arisa handed him a bowl of stew. "Eat. You'll need your strength."
As Liam ate, the events of the dungeon raid replayed in his mind. The betrayal, the pain, the fight for survival. He looked at Arisa, her demeanor guarded but not unfriendly. "I thought I could trust him," he said quietly. "Marcus. He seemed... genuine."
Arisa sighed. "This world can be harsh, Liam. Trust is a rare commodity. People will do anything for power and wealth. You learned that the hard way."
Liam nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "I can't believe I was so naive."
"You're not the first, and you won't be the last," Arisa said. "But you survived. That counts for something."
They sat in silence for a while, the crackle of the fire filling the void. Liam's mind churned with thoughts and emotions, but one thing became clear: he couldn't let this betrayal break him. He had to adapt, to grow stronger, and most importantly, to rely on himself.
"I've made a decision," Liam said, his voice steady. "From now on, I'll play solo. No more trusting others. I need to be self-reliant."
Arisa raised an eyebrow. "Solo play is tough. Are you sure about this?"
Liam nodded. "I'm sure. I can't afford to be betrayed again."
"Suit yourself," Arisa said. "But remember, being solo doesn't mean you have to isolate yourself completely. You can still learn from others, just... be cautious."
"I understand," Liam replied. "Thank you, Arisa. For everything."
Arisa shrugged. "Just be careful out there. This world is full of surprises, not all of them pleasant."
Liam rested for a while longer, letting his body recover. As dawn approached, he prepared to leave. Arisa handed him a small pouch filled with herbs and potions. "These should help with the pain and speed up your healing."
"Thank you," Liam said, grateful for her kindness.
"Take care, Liam," Arisa said, watching him as he strapped on his katana and shouldered his pack.
"You too, Arisa," Liam replied. "Maybe we'll meet again."
"Maybe," she said with a faint smile. "Good luck."
With a final nod, Liam set off into the forest, the lessons of the past day etched deeply into his mind. He moved with purpose, his resolve steeled. From now on, he would walk his path alone, learning to trust in his own strength and instincts.
As he ventured deeper into the world of Elder Tale, Liam knew one thing for certain: he would never let himself be caught off guard again.