After standing there stunned for a few moments, I open the door again to see what lies beyond the cabin.
As I push aside the worn wood, the tropical climate and salty breeze leave no doubt: I'm on an island. Outside, a few simple objects are scattered around, as if I've already lived here for some time.
I see a sun-bleached bucket, an improvised hammock stretched between two trees, a wooden spear resting on the ground, and other rustic items.
— Did I really have to end up in a place like this? — I mutter to myself, walking cautiously.
I take a few turns around the area, examining my surroundings. There's no immediate sign of danger, and I let out a sigh of relief.
— Phew… Seems like I'm the only one here. — I think, sitting on a large rock. — Alright, let's see what I have.
In this world, there's a magic system that all inhabitants are connected to the planet's core. It's what defines and reveals each person's unique characteristics.
Remembering how the system worked in the novel, I recite:
— Open panel.
At that moment, a static-filled screen appears before my eyes. Slowly, the distortions fade, and my data begins to form.
[Name]: Rafael
[Race]: Human
[Level]: 1
— …That's it? Not even showing my skills or magic!? — I exclaim, but the screen remains unchanged. — …Could it be that I don't have any, so nothing appears?
I let out a frustrated sigh and try to recall exactly how skills and magic worked in this world, hoping to find a way to survive and not die alone on an island.
— Magic… I could only train it if I had some magical affinity, but skills are another story. — I stand and pick up the wooden spear. — …What's the proper way to use a spear?
As I fumble with the weapon, I remind myself that even a poorly executed punch can hurt me more than my opponent.
— I don't want to sprain my wrist on a thrust…
Despite my slight hesitation, it's the only weapon I have right now, so I decide to carry it with me.
— Time to take a closer look at this island…
The forest isn't too dense, so I can slowly move deeper, keeping an eye out for anything that might appear.
— I need to secure drinking water and food… This heat will kill me, and there are probably tons of insects swarming around.
As I continue through the island, pessimistic thoughts flood my mind, along with the awareness of all the discomforts I'll face in the coming days.
— Survive for a month… I just want to go home!
Even if I say that, my situation won't change. I keep walking through the forest until, finally, I hear the sound of running water. Without a second thought, I follow it and find a small stream cutting through the island, probably coming from a hill ahead.
— If I follow this, I should find the source… — I think, scanning the surroundings. — Aren't there any animals on this island? I don't see a single one near this stream.
Perhaps it's thoughts like these that make fate play tricks, because as soon as I look ahead, I see a creature that makes me tremble with fear.
— N-No way…
My eyes widen as the figure approaches. At first, I can't comprehend what I'm seeing… until the horror takes shape before me.
A cockroach, the size of a dog, emerges from the vegetation. Its antennae twitch restlessly, and its rigid brown wings glint slightly in the filtered light of the forest canopy. Each step echoes on the damp ground, cracking dry leaves and broken twigs.
It's not huge, probably no more than a meter long, but its form is what terrifies the most.
And, on top of everything… it can fly.
— …I'm out! — I run without looking back.
[To be continued]