"Indeed, master. We are currently within Jackalow Forest, where Grade 1 to Grade 5 Copper-Rank beasts roam without restraint."
"I have analyzed your current state through Data Sight, master."
"With your injuries, standing properly will be a challenge, and walking is out of the question."
Cedar smiled bitterly.
"Yeah, I figured as much."
Brushing off his discomfort, he straightened up.
"Cypher, investigate the vicininity and search for anything that can aid in healing my body."
"We're short on time."
Cedar brought his hands together and clapped softly, ensuring the sound was faint and wouldn't travel far.
"This will be our signal," he explained.
"If anything happens, I'll clap to call you back."
"Understood, master."
With a nod, Cypher turned and climbed a nearby tree.
He jumped from branch to branch, disappearing into the thick leaves above.
In the blink of an eye, Cypher was gone, swallowed by the the vast forest.
Cedar felt his eyelids grew heavy with exhaustion.
A long, comfortable rest was all he craved.
But every inch of his body screamed for him to stay alert.
He clenched his fists, forcing himself to focus.
He couldn't allow himself to slip into slumber.
Not while he was this vulnerable.
Fortunately, just a few minutes later, Cypher returned.
He landed lightly beside Cedar, a steel dagger in hand, along with three red berries that resembled grapes.
Cypher transferred the items to Cedar's hands.
"Task completed, master."
"These are Crimson Globe Berries."
"A relatively rare fruit that are commonly used in potion making."
"Although their full potency is unlocked in healing potions, consuming them directly still provides a mild healing effect throughout the body."
Cedar didn't hesitate.
He tossed one into his mouth and chewed quickly.
The berry's sweet juice filled his mouth, and a warm sensation spread through his body.
It was as if his muscles were being soothed, especially in his chest, where the pain began to dissolve bit by bit.
Cedar exhaled in satisfaction.
He glanced at Cypher.
"Thanks, buddy."
He looked down at the remaining berries.
"Can I eat another one?"
"If the healing sensation has fully dissipated, it should be fine to consume another one, master."
"The Data Sight only provided brief information about the berry."
"And the monkey's memories have no data on how many berries are safe before risking an overdose."
Cedar smirked to himself.
Overdose was much better than being eaten by a beast.
He waited patiently until the healing sensation completely faded.
Once it had, he consumed another berry.
The more time he spent in this forest, the more danger he was exposed to.
After finishing the last berry, Cedar felt could feel the transformation.
He felt far better than when he first arrived in this world.
It was as if night had turned into day.
He ran a hand over his chest, feeling only a slight pain.
"Did it really heal my broken bones?"
"What a crazy world we're in now."
With a deep breath, he stood up, his grip tightening on the steel dagger.
"Cypher, do you know the way out of this forest?"
"Yes, master."
"While searching, I climbed a tall tree and reached its highest point for a better view."
"I saw that we are not that deep in the forest."
"We should be able to navigate out within 30 minutes."
Cedar nodded.
"Good. Then lead the way."
"Notify me immediately if you notice anything." he added.
Cypher gave a slight nod in response.
"Understood, master."
With that, Cypher moved ahead, his actions swift and sure.
Cedar followed closely behind.
The sound of the wind rustling through the trees was the only thing breaking the silence.
After a short while of quiet progress, Cypher's voice echoed in Cedar's mind.
"Master, there is a beast ahead."
The same screen panel from earlier appeared in Cedar's mind.
[Twighorn Timber Wolf]
Potential: D
Rank: Grade 2 Copper
Affinity: Nature, Wood
[Abilities]
↳ Wooden Edge: Twighorns harden, taking on a sharp, jagged form. Capable of cutting through metal and other tough defenses.
↳ Timber Rush: Passive ability. Boosts movement speed when in dense forest environment.
Cedar's thoughts snapped to clarity.
"No way we're fighting this wolf, Cypher."
"How far is the wolf?"
"Approximately 30 meters, master."
"Then let's reroute."
"Taking longer is safer than fighting that wolf."
Cypher hasn't replicated a beast yet.
And he wasn't exactly well-versed in combat.
The chances of winning against the wolf were low.
No point in fighting it.
The two of them quickly redirected.
But as luck would have it, they encountered another Twighorn Timber Wolf.
"Not again."
They rerouted once more, keeping their distance.
For the second time, they avoided direct conflict.
The third time, they finally broke free from the beasts.
Cedar let out a relieved sigh.
"We finally made it out."
He glanced around as they emerged from the thick trees.
"Maybe the area we were in earlier was the Twighorn Timber Wolves' territory."
The concrete path stretched ahead of them.
Cedar's eyes scanned the horizon.
Soon, the distant silhouette of the city gate and walls came into view.
His heart lightened at the sight of civilization.
Cypher suddenly jumped onto Cedar's shoulder.
"This is where our real journey in this world begins, Cypher."
A grin spread across his face, his excitement was undeniable.
"Who knows what this world has in store for us?"
After a while, they reached home.
The door creaked open.
Cedar was greeted by a small figure standing in the room.
It was Maya.
Her black hair framed her cute face, eyes red from crying.
Tear marks were still visible on her cheeks.
"Welcome home, big brother! I missed you!" she cried, rushing toward him.
Cedar's heart softened.
"I missed you too, Maya." he said, bending down to give her a hug.
He looked at her, concern in his eyes.
"Why are you still awake? It's so late."
Maya sniffled, wiping her eyes.
"I couldn't sleep… I was worried about you…"
Cedar gently pulled her into his arms, feeling her small body trembling slightly.
Her little hands clung tightly to his shirt.
"I was really scared." she mumbled, burying her face in his chest.
Cedar chuckled softly, brushing a lock of hair away from her face.
"Don't worry, I'm home now."
"I won't go anywhere."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
She nodded, her eyes lighting up just a little.
Maya snuggled closer to him, finally feeling at ease.