As Light stood within the silent forest of the Magic World, gazing at his glowing green-blue interface, the screen faded just as thunder rumbled from the dark clouds above. Lightning crackled.
"Storm incoming," Light muttered.
He quickly activated his Focus and Cool Mind skills. A wave of awareness washed over him. Every rustling leaf, every shift in the wind—he could almost feel the world breathing. Guided by that intuition, he set off.
Relying purely on instinct and a sense of subtle directional pull, Light hiked for over an hour.
Eventually, he reached a steep slope. Climbing cautiously, he spotted a hidden nook—not visible from near or far.
A small cave.
"Guess luck's still on my side," Light smiled.
He descended quickly, collected his gear, and returned to the slope. The climb was grueling. Despite his physical stamina, the steepness tested him. But Cool Mind steadied him, and he reached the cave without incident.
It was perfect: invisible from outside, shielded from storm winds and flooding.
He began setting up: sleeping gear, food supplies, mosquito nets, medicine, defense tools, lighting—everything arranged with efficiency. It was time to secure shelter before exploring.
After final setup, Light ventured into the forest.
He moved cautiously, keeping within a safe radius from his cave. He spotted fruit-bearing trees, collected samples, filled a pouch, and marked trees mentally. When he was sure the area was secure, he turned back.
Rain began.
Light ran. The downpour turned violent just as he reached the cave.
Within five minutes, a furious storm raged outside—but inside, he was dry and safe.
He changed clothes, slid into his sleeping bag, and opened a survival manual. The cave echoed with wind, but Light was calm, methodical. He pulled out a pen and a journal.
Day 1 Notes:
Map of the Area:
Cave location (center)
North slope → fruit trees
West → distant water stream
East → dense dark trees (unexplored)
South → slope access path
Inventory Log:
Essentials:
1x Tent, 1x Sleeping Bag
1x Hammock, 1x Ground Mat
Mosquito Net, Insect Repellent Spray
Food & Cooking:
15x Freeze-dried Meals
10x MREs (Meal Ready to Eat)
5x Protein Bars
1x Portable Stove + Fuel
1x Water Purifier + Bottle
Clothing:
2x Quick-Dry Shirts
1x Waterproof Jacket
1x Pants
2x Wool Socks
Gloves, Hat
Medical & Tools:
First Aid Kit, Bandages, Antiseptic
Multi-tool Knife
Lighter + Firestarter
Flashlight + Extra Battery
Navigation & Misc:
Compass
Map Booklet
Notebook + Pen
1x Emergency Whistle
Energy:
Portable solar charger
iPod with preloaded music
Light leaned back and checked every corner of the cave. He marked the walls gently for measurements, ensuring no leak or crack. Then, he drew his surroundings, documented everything he saw.
Finally, he dimmed his lamp, slid on headphones, and drifted to sleep with music playing softly.
---
Next Morning
Light woke, ate a small meal, cleaned up, and stood at the cave's entrance. The skies were still overcast. The wind was soft but no longer dangerous.
It wasn't a bright morning, but it wasn't gloomy either a quiet balance.
Then came the sound.
Distant at first. Faint echoes through the jungle. Then louder. It sounded like dozens of drums, horns—and marching. Many people.
He activated Focus again. Closing his eyes, he traced the origin. "Not from ahead... it's coming from above."
Just as he opened his eyes, a figure dropped down from the cliff above—falling straight toward his location.
Light jumped into gear. His hands flew to his weapons. He stood firm. A sense of danger pulsed through him.
He scanned upward—more figures moved above. There were people atop the mountain. A lot of them.
"Time to climb."
He smirked.
Not because he wasn't scared. But because... he wasn't that scared anymore.
"What a gift," he whispered, looking at his hands. "To not fear death so easily."
He began his ascent.
Step by step, he climbed, using both Focus and Cool Mind to stay sharp.
At the top, Light immediately found cover.
He peeked.
There it was—a war had broken out. From his hidden position, he saw armies clashing. Steel clashed. Banners rippled in the wind. Commanders barked orders. The air trembled with the march of disciplined soldiers and the cries of men—not monsters.
The jungle edge trembled.
Light's eyes narrowed.
"So this is the Magic World..."
And it was already burning.