The academy dorms were no longer an option, and staying in the city was a risk I wasn't willing to take. If I wanted to survive, I needed a place where I could train, plan, and most importantly—stay out of sight.
The forest near the academy was vast and dangerous, but it also offered the perfect hiding place. With the system's help, I could make it work.
[System Notice: Basic Construction Module Unlocked]
I frowned as the notification flickered in my vision. "You're giving me tools now?"
[Response: Survival Priority Detected. Basic Shelter Blueprint Available. Materials Required: Wood, Stone, Metal (Optional)]
That was convenient. Too convenient. The system had a habit of only helping when it found my suffering amusing. Still, I wasn't going to complain about free assistance.
I spent the next several hours gathering supplies. The forest was rich with resources—sturdy trees, loose stones, and even remnants of an old, abandoned structure that I could scavenge metal from. The system guided my actions with precise instructions, reducing trial and error.
By nightfall, I had a basic foundation set. Using the system's blueprint, I crafted a small, reinforced cabin. It was nothing fancy—just a single room with a sturdy door, thick walls, and a roof designed to withstand the elements. It would serve as my base, my safe zone away from the academy's politics and dangers.
As I stood outside, surveying my work, a new notification appeared.
[System Notice: Temporary Shelter Established. Survival Probability Increased by 15%.]
I let out a breath. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Tomorrow, I would begin training. If I wanted to survive what was coming, I couldn't just hide.
I had to become strong enough to fight back.