The island, once a serene paradise, had transformed into a deadly labyrinth. With each passing day, the survivors grew weaker, their hope dwindling with every failed attempt to find food and shelter. The initial shock of their abduction had worn off, replaced by a grim determination to survive.
The situation was dire. My stomach rumbled like a dying engine, a constant reminder of our dwindling food supply. Seraph had vanished into the dense foliage. Nova, the enigmatic figure, had disappeared without a trace. Elara, ever hopeful, wandered aimlessly. The other one—the one who annoyed me for no reason—had also set off on his own, his motives as mysterious as the island itself.
As for me, I was left to my own devices. I needed food, shelter, and a way off this godforsaken island. But where to start?
I trudged through the dense undergrowth, each step a painful reminder of my physical limitations. The sun beat down mercilessly, and the humidity was stifling. I wiped the sweat from my brow, wondering if I shouldn't have resisted the abduction. I mean, they were obvious about it. Shit, the sun's getting into my head. I can't think straight anymore. I need to find something to eat first.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the island, I found a small clearing and collapsed onto the damp ground. My body ached, and my mind whirled with thoughts. I needed food, water, and shelter, and fast.
I lay there, wondering about the others. Had Seraph found food? Had Nova uncovered a clue? And Elara... was she still clinging to hope, or had despair consumed her?
Determined, I pushed myself up and ventured deeper into the jungle. The dense foliage blurred my vision, the air thick with humidity, insects buzzing incessantly. After a long, grueling trek, I stumbled upon a small stream. The clear, cool water refreshed me, filling me with a fleeting surge of energy.
With renewed resolve, I pressed on until I found a small cave as darkness fell. Damp and cold, it wasn't ideal, but it would suffice. I curled up inside, hoping the night would pass quickly.
Yet, as I drifted off, I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The island was full of secrets. But for now, I needed rest.
---
The first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. Stirring awake, I stretched my weary limbs and sat up, the jungle's symphony of birds, rustling leaves, and buzzing insects surrounding me. "Even this forest can have a harmony like this, huh," I muttered, taking in my surroundings.
I knew I had to move. I needed food, water, and shelter. But first, I needed to remember everything leading to this moment. Sigh. This is getting annoying.
Okay. First priority: food. The man's hint about food sources seemed more like a distraction. I decided to search for fruit instead. The sun rising in the east would guide me. With a few hours of walking, I stumbled upon what looked like a wild apple tree.
Tall, maybe over 30 feet, its wide canopy spread out invitingly. I gathered stones and aimed at the apples, missing repeatedly before finally knocking a few down. I collected a bushel and felt momentary relief.
"That's one problem solved," I muttered, sitting beneath the tree.
I still had two weeks to find three badges, and the cryptic Japanese clue Ra Kali gave echoed in my mind:
"An'yami ni ki o tsukete, ha ni chūi shite, ippo ippo ga eien ni kewashiku naru deshou."
I wasn't confident in my Japanese, but I knew I'd have to figure it out soon.
For now, I needed firewood. And maybe meat. Meat would be the fastest way to recover.
In a forest like this, rabbits seemed the most likely prey. I considered three traps:
1. Box trap—impossible without tools like nails and a hammer.
2. Snare trap—not viable without wire.
3. Pit trap—the most feasible.
Using my hands, I dug a pit, lined it with sharpened branches as stakes, and covered it with leaves. I placed an apple on top as bait. I wouldn't let my meat escape.
Satisfied with the trap, I made a mental list: water, a weapon, anything useful. The forest wouldn't give me much, but I'd take whatever I could get. A spear, a dagger… anything.