The python's massive body lies sprawled across the ground like a grotesque monument to last night's terror. My breath hitches as I stare at the scaled tail, still coiled in death. My hands tremble, clutching the knives that saved my life, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. The night was a blur of fear, each creak of a branch or rustle in the leaves sending my thoughts spiraling into panic. Every hiss felt like a death sentence. Yet somehow, against all odds, I survived.
When the morning light finally breaks through the canopy, I can't help but let out a shaky breath. I was lucky—really lucky. If I hadn't caught that creature off guard, I'd be dead. The reality of it hits me like a ton of bricks, and for a moment, I just sit there, staring at the lifeless beast beneath me. My limbs feel heavy, drained of the last reserves of energy. The aftermath of the fight leaves me feeling hollow, yet somehow, there's a lingering sense of disbelief. I can't believe I made it.
I eventually force myself to move, my body sticky with sweat and grime. The smell of blood hangs thick in the air, clinging to my skin. With shaking hands, I grab a towel, soap, and sanitizer from my pack. Wiping myself down is a slow, methodical process, but it's necessary. I need to get rid of the filth, to feel even a small semblance of cleanliness. As I scrub the dried blood off my arms, I can't help but shudder. I feel disgusting, inside and out.
Once I'm clean—or as clean as I can get—I turn my attention to my clothes. They're just as filthy, stained with dirt and blood. I do my best to dry clean them, but I know it's only a temporary fix. I need to find a proper water source soon.
Finally, I climb down from the tree, my legs unsteady beneath me. Standing before the dead python, I can't shake the feeling that something about this creature isn't quite finished. There's a pull, a strange compulsion drawing me closer to its carcass. What could it be? I hesitate for only a second before stripping down to my underwear and grabbing my knife. I don't know what I'm searching for, but I can't ignore this feeling.
"Here goes nothing," I mutter under my breath. With grim determination, I begin to cut into the python's flesh, my knife slicing through the tough scales. The hours blur together as I dig deeper, my mind focused on the task at hand. Blood and gore cover my hands, the smell overwhelming, but I push through.
Then, finally, after what feels like an eternity, my knife strikes something solid. My heart skips a beat as I pull out a circular object, slick with blood. It's a ball, smooth and faintly glowing. I wipe the blood off on the grass, revealing a crystalline surface beneath. The moment the last bit of grime is gone, everything changes.
Without warning, I'm pulled into a different space, a foggy, surreal landscape. My pulse quickens as I look around, disoriented. And then I see it—the python, somehow whole and alive again, staring at me with those cold, dead eyes. Fear grips me, but anger surges forward, drowning it out. Without thinking, I lunge at the creature, but before I can strike, it vanishes into the fog, leaving me standing there, holding the now-fading crystal ball.
*Well, that was odd,* I think to myself, trying to shake off the lingering weirdness of the vision I just experienced. The crystal ball, the fog, the python—it all feels like a fever dream. But the mess on my body is real, and it's the one thing I can control right now.
I wipe myself down as best I can, the routine bringing a strange sense of normalcy back to me. I never thought of myself as a clean freak, but I guess I've never been this dirty before. The need to find a proper source of water gnaws at me, but for now, this will have to do. Once I'm satisfied, I get dressed again and sling my pack over my shoulder.
Oddly enough, the bag feels lighter than it did before. I'm not sure why, but I'm not complaining. With a deep breath, I start walking east, the direction I've decided to follow for now. I don't know where I'm going, but something tells me I'll find what I need out there.
As I walk, I decide to check my status update—something I haven't done since waking up in this strange new world. The familiar interface pops up in my mind's eye, and my eyes widen as I see the numbers. *Whoa, guess who finally crossed the Level 2 mark.*
**Race**: Human
**Age**: 19
**Level**: 2.1
**Attributes**:
- **Strength**: 2.0
- **Agility**: 1.7
- **Perception**: 1.2
- **Endurance**: 0.8
- **Stamina**: 1.4
- **Mana**: 0.3
**Talent**: A
**Skills**:
- **Hunting**: F
- **Martial Arts**: C
- **Fishing**: F
- **Acting**: A
- **Foraging**: E
- **Cooking**: F
**SP**: 100/10,000
I can't help but let out a low whistle. *Not bad, not bad at all.* Leveling up might not have been easy, but it's definitely satisfying to see the progress. My strength has doubled, and even my agility and perception have improved. The boost to my stamina is a relief, too—I'll need it if I'm going to keep moving through this dense, unforgiving forest.
I notice my mana has increased too, a small but significant jump. *Huh, this really is like a game,* I think to myself, staring at the numbers. *Is it because I killed the snake?* The thought lingers as I place my bag down and shrug off my jacket. Curiosity gnaws at me, a need to test this newfound strength.
I walk up to the nearest tree, its trunk thick and sturdy. Clenching my fist, I throw a punch with all the force I can muster. The impact reverberates through the wood, a loud crack echoing through the forest. My knuckles feel fine—no pain, no sting. Just a solid hit. *Impressive.*
Excitement bubbles up inside me. I draw back and punch again, harder this time. The sound is even louder, the vibration traveling up my arm. I feel the power coursing through me, and without thinking, I land another blow. And another.
But then I stop myself, realizing I'm getting carried away. *This isn't the time to waste my stamina,* I remind myself, shaking off the rush of adrenaline. I grab my bag and sling it over my shoulder, preparing to move on.
Just as I turn to leave, I hear a loud thud behind me. I whirl around, eyes wide, to see the tree I'd been punching teetering and then crashing to the ground. I stare at it, stunned.
*Well, shit.*