The sun raised its head over this unknown land, and with it, we—its new denizens—emerged from our makeshift homes.
Despite months of survival, we still hadn't uncovered the name of this world.
I believed it must be as grand and mysterious as the land itself.
Astonishingly, we hadn't encountered any other species.
It could be dangerous, but I longed for it—to see them, study them, and maybe even tame a few.
A reckless thought, perhaps, but one I chose to ignore for now.
Stretching wide, I stepped outside, inhaling the crisp morning air. A light breeze brushed my face, refreshing and pure.
Compared to Earth, this place was paradise.
Dangerous, yes—but its beauty made the risks worthwhile. I went through my morning routine before heading to the river to freshen up and catch some fish.
At the water's edge, I peered into the clear surface, my reflection staring back at me.
A wild beard, shoulder-length hair, sunken eyes with dark circles from sleepless nights.
My teeth, once yellowing, were slowly regaining their whiteness. Why? Who knows.
Draped in beast hide, scarred and worn, I looked like a savage from a primitive era. The scars on my skin healed slowly, but I didn't mind.
Most would detest this appearance, but I welcomed it.
It was proof of my transformation.
I was shedding my old self—the man bound by morality, overthinking every decision, weighed down by consequences.
I recalled Robert's final moments—the anguish in his eyes, his mangled corpse, the silent scream frozen on his face.
I needed to change.
Unlike the others, I wasn't clinging to the past. They still sought solace in shared memories of Earth, reminiscing about their lives before.
But not me.
The more I let go, the stronger I became.
To fully adapt to this world, it is best to completely forget what I have been, to let go of my identity.
To let lose all the inhibitions and fears that may hold me back.
I was no longer who I was on Earth. I was Cayne.
The day I forget my past completely will be a moment to remember for me—perhaps a moment of despair for others.
I smiled at the thought.
I had once heard somewhere that when humans reduce their dependency on external things they might tap into their original potential thinking.
Maybe, I am on the right track.
Tossing a stone into the river, I watched my reflection distort and disappear.
Calming myself, I willed for my status to appear.
"Name- Cayne
Mortal Human
Mortal- {Quick Hands},{Calculation},{Archery},{Sprint}"
Quick Hands, Archery, Calculation—if I could use them together, I'd be unstoppable.
My focus now was to master them in tandem, to move seamlessly from one to the next.
Strength was paramount, especially with Riverdale Village on the horizon. Its leader might not be so easy to deal with.
—
Back at camp, I prepared breakfast. The others were already up, busying themselves with chores.
Something was off.
No one greeted me.
I had said good morning, but the usual responses were absent.
Normally, I wasn't particularly close to anyone, yet there was always a mutual respect. Today, however, their demeanor had shifted.
Then, there was Jia—glaring at me with pure hatred, the kind reserved for mortal enemies.
I glanced at Reid, the old man. He acted the same as always, but I knew he had made his move.
I scanned the others.
Hate.
Anger.
Doubt.
And above all, Fear.
They were afraid of me.
Reid must have shared his suspicions, though they hadn't fully accepted them yet. Still, I knew none of them would take my side.
People rarely oppose the tide. The weight of public opinion is an invisible force, shaping and breaking convictions.
Not that I needed their approval.
I had killed Robert. That was the truth. And no matter how well-kept a secret is, it always finds a way to surface.
It was only a matter of time.
I needed to prepare.
Once we reached Riverdale, I would separate from them as soon as possible.
And I made a promise to myself—
I would never leave loose ends.
One by one, I looked at them all.
Especially you, Reid.