AN HOUR LATER
XAVIER'S POINT OF VIEW:
I step out of the cave, the cool evening air hitting my face. The forest looks different somehow, like it's more alive now, as if I can sense every little shift in the breeze and each rustle of leaves. My senses are heightened in ways that make my skin prickle. I swallow hard. Is this part of the whole Omega thing? But there's no time to dwell on it. The system isn't going to wait around while I try to figure out what the hell's going on with me.
"Alright, let's find some food." I muttered to myself, stepping cautiously toward the forest.
The hunger's still there, but it's faint now, like the system's magic is just enough to get me by. I'm starting to feel like I'm not completely useless here. Maybe I can make this work. But first, I've got to survive. And that means food.
After a few minutes of walking, I find a stream trickling through the trees. The sound of water running over rocks calms me for a moment, and I kneel down, cupping my hands to drink. The water's cold and refreshing, cooling the heat in my body, but I can't help feeling like I'm still on edge.
Just when I think about standing up, something else catches my attention, small fruits, growing low to the ground by the water's edge. They look like wild berries, red and plump, glistening in the fading light. My stomach growls again, and I reach down, plucking a few from the bush.
I lean back against a nearby tree, sighing in relief. The heat that's been simmering inside me since I woke up is still there, but at least it's manageable now. The food helped, but there's still that gnawing feeling in the back of my mind.
Something's off, and I can't ignore it any longer. I reach up, running my fingers through my hair, only to realize how long it's gotten. It's been a while since I checked, but now that I think about it, my hair's completely out of control, falling past my shoulders in dark, tangled waves. I scowl at the strands that fall into my face.
"This is ridiculous." I mutter, frustrated. I can't exactly live like this. It's only going to get worse.
I look around, desperate for anything that could help. A pair of scissors would be nice, something simple to cut away the mess.
"System." I call out, a bit more impatient than I intended. "Can you give me scissors or something? I need to cut my hair. It's too long."
There's a brief pause before the system responds, and this time, the voice sounds almost too cheerful for my liking.
"Scissors unavailable in inventory. However, a solution is provided."System said.
Suddenly, a strange shimmering light surrounds me. Before I can react, the warmth of magic swirls around my head, and I feel a sharp tug as the system's spell begins to work its magic. I gasp, watching in disbelief as the excess length of my hair is trimmed away in perfect, clean slices. The strands float to the ground, the spell cutting through my hair with precise ease. It feels like the spell is cutting, but it's not painful, just a strange tingly sensation as my hair shortens.
Within moments, the mass of dark hair is neatly trimmed, the ends falling just below my ears. I touch it, still half expecting to feel the mess it used to be, but it's perfect now. I can't help but blink at the result.
"You seriously just used magic to cut my hair?"I asked.
"Affirmative. Functioning efficiently. Task complete."The system said.
I can't decide whether I'm relieved or pissed. The spell was effective, sure, but I was hoping for something more normal, something I could physically hold in my hand. Still, my hair is more manageable now, so I guess it's not the worst thing that's happened today.
I lean back against the tree, brushing the last bits of stray hair off my shoulders. It's a relief to feel lighter, but as I glance down at my clothes, still torn, dirty, and barely holding together I grimace. I can't keep running around like this. Not if I want to blend in…or survive. I push myself up, dusting off my pants.
"System." I call out, half-expecting it to ignore me. "Where can I get some clothes that aren't…you know, falling apart?"
There's a brief pause before the system's voice chimes back in its usual monotone.
"Nearest marketplace is located 5.4 kilometers southeast, in the village of Willowdale. Suitable attire and supplies available."System said.
I nod to myself. That's not too far.
"Alright, and how much…uh, money do I need?" I asked.
"Standard currency in Willowdale is silver crowns. Basic clothing costs approximately 3 silver crowns. Current balance: 0 silver crowns."System said.
I huff, crossing my arms.
"Of course. So, how exactly am I supposed to get money?"I asked.
There's a beat of silence before the system responds.
"Recommended method: hunting or gathering resources. Willowdale trades fur, meat, and herbs for currency. Additional suggestion: higher quality pelts increase trade value."System said.
I take a deep breath, glancing around the forest. Hunting, huh? I'm not exactly a survivalist, but I did watch enough documentaries to know the basics. I guess it's time to see if any of it stuck My stomach growls in agreement, and I can't help but chuckle bitterly.
"Alright then." I muttered, stretching my arms out. "Guess I'm going hunting."
The sounds of wildlife get louder the further I go birds chirping, leaves rustling, and somewhere off to my left, the faint scurry of paws over dry leaves. I slow my pace, keeping my steps light. My senses are still sharp from whatever that potion did to me, and I find myself almost instinctively locking onto sounds I would normally never notice.
Ahead, a flash of gray fur catches my eye. A rabbit, nibbling on some clover. I duck low, moving as silently as I can, slipping through the brush. My heart pounds as I close the distance, barely breathing. When I'm close enough, I snap a sturdy branch off a nearby tree, sharpening its end against a rough patch of stone. Makeshift spear. It's not perfect, but it'll do.
I crouch low, my eyes fixed on the rabbit. I remember the tips, aim just ahead, lead with the throw. I take a deep breath, hold it…then snap! I throw the spear, the sharpened edge whistling through the air. It's not perfect, but it's enough. The rabbit jerks and collapses. I swallow hard, rushing over to pick it up. My stomach turns slightly, but I force myself to stay steady. Survival is survival. The system's voice chimes in suddenly.
"First successful hunt detected. Progressing towards survival mastery. 2 SP awarded."System said.
I blink, glancing around.
"You're…keeping track of that?"I asked.
"Affirmative. All actions contribute to progression and skill mastery. Suggestion: Continue hunting for additional trade materials."The system said.
I look down at the rabbit, then back into the woods. I'm not exactly thrilled about it, but I can't show up to this village with nothing to trade. I steel myself, gripping the makeshift spear a little tighter.
"All right." I whisper to the trees. "Let's get this over with."
I move further into the woods, keeping low and quiet. Two more rabbits and a wild pheasant later, my hands are sticky with blood, and I've got a small pile of pelts and meat wrapped up in the largest leaves I could find. It's not much, but it's something. I glance back at the path I came from, knowing I could head back to the cave…but my eyes turn southeast. Toward Willowdale. If I want clothes, I need to make the trip. I take a deep breath, slinging the makeshift pack of furs over my shoulder.
"Alright, System. Let's go see what this village has to offer."I said.
"Acknowledged. Route mapped. Proceed southeast."System said.
I take one last look at the forest, then set off through the trees, my hands aching but my heart a little steadier. Maybe, just maybe I can make this work.