The following morning, all the players gather at the village center to discuss last night's events. Alex, of course, weaves together a carefully crafted story to avoid any criticism for his solo actions. He isn't keen on explaining that he shot Robin without thinking or that he was motivated purely by selfish reasons. Instead, he leans into the narrative that he saved everyone by exposing the traitor.
Thato is thoroughly impressed. First, Alex killed a wolf in one strike, and now, he has taken down a traitor who could have endangered them all with a single, well-placed arrow. To Thato, Alex emerges as a competent, if not somewhat lucky, fighter.
But Alex's emotions are more conflicted. On one hand, he had wanted to make Robin a social outcast, not actually kill him, let alone erase his soul from existence. Maybe that douchebag had a family somewhere. On the other hand, Robin betrayed them, choosing to ally himself with Baroque Works, and Alex unintentionally did the group a huge favor by taking him out. Though he doesn't see himself as a killer, Alex feels this strange mixture of fate and inevitability washing over him. He has no regrets, but he also can't shake the unease settling in his gut.
Still, he has earned a nice pile of contribution points, enough to feel like a winner, and a fresh target on his back with that new 1 million Berry bounty.
"Well, whatever happened, happened. Time to focus on what's next," he thinks.
The day is filled with various tasks. Alex, being the cautious sort, decides to save most of his contribution points. He only spends a small amount to buy some basic food for himself. He busies himself with gathering tasks around the island, deliberately avoiding the deeper parts of the forest. The memory of the wolf attack is fresh in his mind, and he doesn't want a repeat of that situation. Besides, he feels it's smarter to avoid unnecessary exhaustion. If he wears himself out during the day, he won't be at his best when defending the village at night. To him, that risk isn't worth a few extra contribution points.
"Let the others chop wood all day. I'll keep my energy up and take fewer risks," Alex muses, convinced that his strategy is sound.
Throughout the day, Alex earns another 350 contribution points from various gathering tasks. Exploring the island yields more than just points, though—his LUK stat once again works its magic. While navigating the cliffs surrounding the village, he stumbles upon a rare find:
[Healing Herb]
Quality: Light Green
Effect: Heals 30 HP over 30 seconds. More effective when processed into medicine.
Note: A rare find! A good boi would turn this in and get praised... a smart man would keep it to save his life!
Alex cringes at the system's sarcastic note but can't help but agree. He has no intention of turning this herb in. With his 50 HP, this herb could heal more than half of his health. Only a fool would throw away such a potentially life-saving item for a few contribution points. Alex might be greedy, but even he knows when to prioritize survival over points. He stuffs the herb into his pocket, comforted by the thought that he now has a safety net in case things go south.
"I'll keep it. Maybe I'll trade it later, but for now, I need every advantage I can get," he decides, feeling much more secure.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, Alex can't help but wonder how anyone could possibly earn 10,000 contribution points. He has been productive all day and has only managed 350 points. Even his heroic act from the night before had only netted him 1000 points. The realization hits him that achieving that much would require taking risks, perhaps far greater risks than he's willing to entertain.
After a quick rest, the players gather once more at the village center to prepare for the night watch. The southern palisade is their responsibility again, and they take up their positions.
As expected, the night passes without incident. The attack from the night before had been an anomaly, and Baroque Works, it seems, isn't going to launch another raid so soon.
"Nothing to report," Alex thinks, half-relieved, half-bored. "Another quiet night."
The next day follows much like the one before it. Alex gathers more supplies and completes tasks around the village, earning an additional 400 contribution points.
By now, Alex is settling into the routine of village life. It's a hard life, but it's oddly satisfying. There's a simple rhythm to it, work during the day, defend during the night. He hasn't felt this free in years. No endless hours spent in front of a computer screen, no toxic forum posts, no aimless existence. For once, he has a purpose.
Thato has become a solid friend. They share stories, Thato's tales of growing up in South Africa a stark contrast to Alex's own experiences in Europe. Alex can't help but feel admiration for the man. Despite their wildly different backgrounds, they both seem to appreciate this fresh start the Fantasy Realm has offered them.
Even the other players are starting to warm up. The atmosphere in the village has become lighter, more cooperative. Roja, who had previously been standoffish, begins asking Alex more about the world of One Piece, though she still manages to keep her air of superiority.
But with half the mission already completed and only one traitor eliminated, there's a cautious optimism hanging in the air.
"We've made it this far. Just a few more nights," Alex thinks, feeling a sense of unity among the players. We can do this.
As the third night approaches, Alex returns to his position on the palisade. Another uneventful night would be perfect for him; he could catch a little sleep again, maybe just enough to keep him sharp for the next day's grind.
However, just as he's getting comfortable, a blood-curdling scream shatters the silence.
"ENEMY ATTACK! ENEMY ATTACK! HELP!!!!"
The shout echoes through the village, sending a chill down Alex's spine.
"So much for a quiet night…" he thinks, his heart pounding as he grips his bow, ready for whatever comes next.