An idea comes to me when I remember the small charcoal fragments in the fire pit. Charcoal can absorb moisture and odors, so I decide to experiment. After sprinkling the ash, I add a thin layer of crushed charcoal. The result is quite promising—the bad smell significantly decreases. To complete the process, I cover the hole's opening with dry branches and fallen leaves after each use. This not only keeps insects out but also greatly reduces the spread of odors.
Aside from the main pit, I also dig a smaller hole about 15 meters from the hut as a designated spot for urination. This pit is simpler in design, only about 50 cm deep. After each use, I sprinkle a little wood ash and cover the opening with dry branches. I choose a location slightly downhill from the hut to avoid the risk of rainwater washing waste back towards my living area.
By implementing these measures, I find the environment around me becomes much more pleasant. More importantly, I feel reassured knowing I've addressed one of the most basic issues of living in the wild.
In the first few days under the trees, I convince myself that this setup is safe and simple enough. But sudden rainstorms and cold, windy nights make me realize this is far from adequate. The temporary hut I had built earlier collapses after a night of strong winds. I can't keep living like this. I need a proper shelter.
Day One
I decide to start searching for a safe place to build a proper home. I venture deeper into the forest and by midday discover a large cave. Initially, I think this could be an ideal shelter: concealed and safe from rain and wind. But upon closer inspection, I notice scattered animal bones on the ground. Moreover, I find a large nest of eggs, each about the size of a basketball, deep within the cave. These eggs don't resemble any species I know, and the fact that they are in a cave rather than a tree or hidden nest worries me. This suggests the cave might belong to a large, fierce creature. Not wanting to take any risks, I leave immediately.
By afternoon, I find a flat area near where I had dug the waste disposal pits earlier. This spot isn't too far from the water source, and the surroundings are clear with few bushes but plenty of trees to block the wind. I decide this will be the site for my new shelter.
I choose to build a debris hut—a simple yet effective design using leaves and branches. First, I gather large branches to construct the main frame. Then, I cover it with smaller branches, leaves, and a layer of mud to improve wind and rain resistance. I seal both ends of the hut, leaving only a small entrance just big enough to crawl through. By the time I finish, it's already dark. Exhausted, I eat some berries I had gathered earlier and crawl into the hut to rest.
Day Two
The next morning, I start feeling uneasy. The new hut is decent, but I can't stop thinking about the fact that this place isn't Earth. There must be animals here I've never encountered before, and if they decide to attack, I won't be able to react in time. To enhance security, I spend the entire day clearing the surrounding bushes to create an open area for better visibility. Then, I collect small branches and construct a low fence around the living area.
I reinforce the fence with vines I find nearby, tying the branches tightly together to create a simple barrier that can deter small animals or alert me if something tries to get through.
Day Three
Feeling more secure, I shift my focus to improving the living space. I realize that the damp ground is a major issue, especially at night when the moisture makes my body cold. To insulate against this, I gather dry leaves, grass, and some small logs to create a thick layer on the hut's floor. This task takes the entire morning, but the result is worth it—my sleep improves noticeably that night.
In the afternoon, I add another layer of mud or clay to the leaf roof to prevent rainwater from seeping inside. This clay layer not only strengthens the hut but also enhances its insulation.
Day Four and Five
Over the next two days, I observe the wind patterns. I notice that strong winds from the northeast can shake the hut's structure. To fix this, I construct additional windbreaks using large branches and leaves, covering the sides exposed to the strongest gusts. Each morning, I inspect the entire hut, reinforcing any weak spots as needed.
Day Six and Seven
Although I'm now fairly satisfied with the shelter, I want to further improve its resilience against nature. Using vines, I tie branches together to create a basic net. I place this net between trees at distances of 7 meters, 18 meters, and 20 meters from the hut. Its main purpose is to reduce wind force before it reaches the hut and to act as an early warning system if something large tries to pass through.
Finally, I gather large, soft, non-irritating leaves to use as makeshift blankets and pillows. While they can't compare to a real blanket, they at least make the cold nights more bearable.
When everything is complete, I sit back and look at my work. From a flimsy temporary hut, I now have a shelter strong enough to withstand rain and wind, keep me warm, and provide some safety from wild animals. In this situation, it feels like a small miracle. However, I know the challenges are far from over, and I must remain vigilant to survive in the long run."
"After a few days, things are no longer as peaceful as they once seemed…"