As I stumbled through the dense underbrush, the aftermath of adrenaline still coursing through my veins, every snag of a branch and rustle of leaves, heightened my senses. The encroaching darkness turned each morphing shadow into a potential threat, transforming the forest into an endless maze of uncertainty. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, each breath a reminder of the wild, untamed world surrounding me.
Pushing forward, the trees began to thin, revealing a small clearing bathed in the soft hues of twilight. The transition from dense woods to open space was abrupt, like stepping from one realm to another. In the center of the clearing rose a large boulder, its surface draped with moss and vines, offering a sturdy vantage point.
Climbing onto the boulder, I scanned the surroundings. The elevated position afforded me a broader view, and my eyes caught sight of a cave entrance partially concealed by overgrown foliage at the base of a nearby hill. It beckoned like a dark maw in the landscape, its shadows pulsing with an eerie allure. Beside it, a gentle stream meandered, its cool, clear waters glinting in the fading light, promising much-needed refreshment and respite.
At a steady pace, I made my way toward the cave. The ground beneath my feet softened, padded with layers of fallen leaves that muffled my footsteps. As I drew nearer, the cave entrance revealed itself to be larger than initially perceived, framed by thick clusters of ferns and wildflowers that seemed to guard its secrets.
Approaching cautiously, I paused at the entrance, peering into the darkness within. The air inside was cool and musty, carrying hints of earth and damp stone, an unadulterated reminder of nature’s untouched beauty and its secrets. Shadows danced on the cavern walls, stirred by a gentle draft that whispered secrets of forgotten times. The sound of dripping water echoed softly from deeper within, adding to the mysterious ambiance.
The darkness seemed to swallow the feeble light of twilight, extending far beyond the reach of my sight. I hesitated at the threshold, struck by the contrast between the cool, musty air emanating from within and the humid warmth of the forest outside.
Before plunging into the unknown depths, I knelt by the stream at the clearing’s edge and cupped my hands to drink. The water flowed, refreshing over my parched throat, its chill permeating my body and clearing my mind. With each sip, the tension from my arduous trek through the dense forest began to ebb, replaced by a growing curiosity about the mysteries that awaited me inside the cave.
Rejuvenated and fortified, I turned my attention back to the shadowy entrance. Vines draped over its mouth, obscuring what lay beyond. With a cautious hand, I began to pull aside the foliage, revealing more of the cave’s interior. For a moment, I hesitated, a twinge of apprehension fluttering in my chest at the thought of encountering more of the bizarre creatures that had already tested my mettle.
“Excuse me,” I called into the darkness, my voice echoing softly. “Anyone home?”
The silence that followed was reassuring. Stepping inside, I found the cave cool and dimly lit, but spacious enough to move around comfortably. I pressed deeper, the echoes of my footsteps bouncing off the stone walls. Satisfied it was uninhabited, I gathered some loose stones and branches from outside, fashioning a makeshift barrier at the entrance, leaving a small gap just large enough for me to squeeze through.
After setting up my defense, I allowed myself to relax. I leaned against the cave wall, closing my eyes and letting the fatigue from the battle drain away. My mind wandered to the events of the day, the surrealness of fighting horny rabbits in a world that felt like a twisted fantasy.
I brought forth the Status Window, and the first thing that caught my eyes was the blinking Online Store tab.
“Ah, right,” I murmured to myself. Now that I’ve leveled up, there would be new items available for me to purchase.
I selected the option, and the blue screen became part of my vision. There were several categories, and the one that caught my eye was weapons. I selected it and began to read the content.
***
Blademaster Weapons
Mage Weapons
Marksman Weapons
Tanker Weapons
Support Weapons
***
I selected the Marksman option, and the screen changed.
Based on your level and subclass, the following weapons are available for your usage:
Hunter Slingshot (50 gold)
I sighed while staring at the description.
Seriously? My first weapon is a sling, and it’s bloody expensive, too. The store is literally swindling the players.
Despite my grumbling, I knew the slingshot was better than hurling rocks. With a reluctant tap, I purchased the weapon. It materialized in my hand, sleek and promising. I examined it with my Sight Status skill.
***
Hunter Slingshot: a modern, high-quality slingshot designed for hunting and outdoor activities. These slingshots are built to provide power, accuracy, and durability, making them suitable for small game hunting and target shooting. To use, pull the pouch, chant the loading phrase, and then release the projectile.
***
“I see,” I nodded, pulling the slingshot’s pouch. “Sōten Ishi,” I chanted, aiming at the wall in front of me and releasing the pouch. The rock hit with a loud thud before rebounding back toward my position.
“Ack!” I dove aside, narrowly avoiding a painful encounter. Luckily, I didn’t split my head open, recalling the goblin’s self-inflicted demise.
Grinning, I resolved to test the slingshot thoroughly in the morning. The recent level-up had awarded me four free stat points, which I considered carefully. Strength and dexterity were crucial, but enhancing other skills could be equally important.
I debated with myself for a moment, my fingers hovering over the options. Could I increase my strength and dexterity through training? It seemed plausible. After a decisive nod, I decided to save the free points for later.
Feeling more prepared, I settled into the cave for the night. Pulling a rabbit and the goblin’s knife from the Tool/Items inventory, I began the messy task of preparing it for cooking. Survival instincts kicked in, guiding my hands. Soon, a small fire crackled with the help of flint purchased from the online store. After skinning the rabbits, I roasted them over the flames. The aroma filled the cave, a comforting reminder of simpler times. I ate slowly, savoring the tender meat.
“Wow, even though you were horny, your meat is darn delicious,” I chuckled, savoring the tender meat courtesy of my fallen adversary.
Once my hunger was sated, I emerged from the cave and knelt beside the stream, filling a newly bought canteen with its crisp, clear water. The full moon hung high in the night sky, casting the clearing in a silvery glow that bathed everything in a serene, otherworldly light. I decided then and there that this cave would serve as a suitable base camp for the coming days.
Returning inside, I settled on the cool stone floor of the cave. The day’s tumultuous events replayed in my mind—a strange mix of fear and exhilaration. The encounters with bizarre creatures, the excitement of battle, and the mysteries of this unfamiliar world all swirled together. Despite the lingering ambiguity, a spark of eagerness kindled within me at the prospect of what lay ahead.
As fatigue crept over me, I leaned back against the cave wall, feeling the coolness seep through my clothes. With a deep sigh, I closed my eyes, surrendering to sleep’s embrace. Before drifting off, I made a silent promise to myself: no matter how absurd or dangerous this world might become, I would face it head-on. I would uncover its secrets, embrace its trials, and adapt to its mysteries with unwavering fortitude.
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