The snow crunched beneath Aria's small paws as she trudged forward, her body still aching from exhaustion. Her earlier success in catching the bird had been short-lived. Hunger gnawed at her belly once again, and the cold seemed more biting than ever.
The system's cold, mechanical voice chimed in her mind.
"Host vitals stable. Recommend seeking shelter and sustenance."
"No kidding," she muttered internally. If she had the strength, she might have snapped at the voice, but all she could manage was a weary glare at the expanse of white around her.
The Frozen Wildlands stretched endlessly in every direction. Jagged cliffs loomed in the distance, their icy faces gleaming under the pale sun. Sparse, brittle shrubs dotted the snow-covered plains, offering no comfort or cover.
Aria kept moving, her instincts and determination driving her forward.
"Current Quest: Survive the First Week. Progress: 10%."
She sighed. It felt like the system was mocking her. Every inch she crawled forward seemed insignificant in the face of the endless wilderness.
---
Her ears perked up at a sudden sound—a faint rustling carried on the wind. Aria froze, her small body lowering instinctively to the ground. Her sharp eyes scanned the area, searching for the source.
A moment later, a hare darted out from behind a snowbank, its brown fur stark against the white backdrop.
Hunger surged through her, sharpening her focus. She crept forward, her movements slow and deliberate, every muscle in her body coiled with tension. Her human memories provided no guidance for hunting, but her snow leopard instincts took over, guiding her steps.
The hare paused, its ears twitching. Aria held her breath, her body still as the wind shifted.
Then, she pounced.
Her small claws raked against the snow as she landed, but the hare darted to the side, narrowly escaping. Aria let out a frustrated snarl, her limbs trembling as she gave chase.
The hare zigzagged across the snow, its speed unmatched by Aria's weakened state. Still, she pushed herself harder, her breath coming in shallow pants.
"Prey detected. Success probability: 12%," the system noted.
"Shut up!" she snapped inwardly.
The hare's path veered suddenly, and Aria lunged with all her remaining strength. Her claws grazed its hind leg, and the hare stumbled, its momentum faltering. She seized the opportunity, her jaws closing around its neck.
The struggle was brief.
Aria stood over the lifeless hare, her chest heaving. The taste of blood lingered on her tongue, and for a moment, she felt a pang of guilt. But the hollow ache in her stomach quickly overpowered it.
"Quest Progress: 15%."
She devoured her meal quickly, the warmth spreading through her body as energy returned to her limbs.
---
As night fell, the temperature plummeted further. Aria curled up in the hollow of a dead tree she'd found earlier, her body pressed tightly against the rough bark. Her thick fur provided some protection from the cold, but the bitter wind still seeped through, making her shiver.
"Passive Skill: Cold Resistance I activated. Host temperature stabilized."
The system's announcement brought her a small measure of comfort. It was a reminder that she wasn't completely alone, even if the voice wasn't exactly friendly.
Her thoughts drifted as she stared at the faint glow of the moon through the branches above. Memories of her past life flickered in her mind—the monotony of school, the loneliness of being overlooked, and the icy pond that had ended her human life.
She clenched her paws, her claws digging into the bark.
"I won't be weak anymore," she whispered to herself.
---
The next morning, Aria woke to the sound of distant howls. Her heart raced as she pushed herself upright, her ears swiveling toward the noise.
"Danger detected. Predators approaching."
The system's warning was unnecessary. She could already hear the crunch of snow beneath heavy paws and the guttural growls that accompanied it.
A pack of wolves emerged from the tree line, their gray forms blending almost seamlessly with the snow. Their eyes glinted with hunger as they spotted her.
Aria's body tensed. She was no match for an entire pack.
"Recommendation: Evade. Escape routes available: South, through the ravine."
Her gaze darted to the rocky outcrop to her left. The ravine was narrow and steep, but it offered some cover. She didn't have time to weigh her options.
The wolves advanced, their movements slow and deliberate. The largest of the group let out a low growl, baring its teeth.
Aria bolted.
The wolves gave chase, their snarls echoing through the air. Her small frame darted between rocks and shrubs, her paws skidding against the icy ground. The ravine loomed ahead, its dark depths offering a glimmer of hope.
She leaped into the narrow crevice, her claws scrambling for purchase on the jagged rocks. The wolves snarled above her, their forms silhouetted against the pale sky.
Aria pressed herself against the cold stone, her breaths coming in rapid bursts. The wolves couldn't reach her here, but she was far from safe.
Her body ached from the effort, and her mind raced as she tried to think of her next move.
"New Quest: Escape the Ravine. Objective: Navigate the terrain and avoid predators. Reward: +20 EXP, Minor Skill Upgrade."
---
The ravine was treacherous, its rocky walls slick with ice. Aria moved cautiously, her claws scraping against the stone as she climbed. The wolves' snarls grew fainter as she descended, but she didn't let her guard down.
The narrow passage opened into a small clearing, where a cluster of frost-covered bushes stood. A faint, sweet scent wafted from them, drawing her closer.
"Item detected: Frostberry Bush. Effect: Restores stamina and minor health regeneration."
Aria hesitated, her instincts warning her to stay alert. But the promise of relief was too tempting to ignore. She nipped at the berries, their tart flavor spreading across her tongue.
The effect was immediate. Warmth spread through her limbs, and her trembling subsided.
"Quest Progress: 75%."
Encouraged, she pushed forward, her steps steadier now.
---
As she emerged from the ravine, the sky began to lighten, the first hints of dawn painting the horizon. Aria collapsed onto the snow, her chest heaving.
"Quest Complete. Reward: +20 EXP, Minor Skill Upgrade: Agility I."
The system's announcement filled her with a small sense of accomplishment. It wasn't much, but it was a step forward.
For the first time since waking in this new world, she allowed herself a moment of hope.