As the shadows of evening began to creep across the dense forest floor, Elias Stark moved carefully, each step deliberate and cautious. His initial panic had given way to a steady rhythm of calm determination. He reminded himself repeatedly that he had seven days—seven precious days during which, according to the system message, the creatures of Terra Nova would tolerate his presence as long as he didn't provoke them.
Seven days to prepare for a reality he still barely understood.
Despite the surreal situation, Elias found comfort in focusing on practical tasks. It was an anchor against the chaos swirling around him. As his shock wore off, his rational, analytical mind took over, guiding him one step at a time. He needed resources, a plan, and above all, shelter.
He knelt by a cluster of smooth stones near a fallen tree, carefully picking them up one by one, testing their weight and sturdiness. As he lifted the fifth stone, a soft chime echoed in his ear.
[SYSTEM NOTICE]✦ You have gained experience in [Stone Gathering].✦ [Stone Gathering] has increased to Lv. 2.
Elias blinked. The notification had appeared seamlessly in the corner of his vision, like a floating HUD. No helmet. No device. It was just… there.
He exhaled sharply and added the stone to the growing pile he'd designated near what would serve as his temporary base. Whether or not it was truly a "game," the system worked—and every action brought progress. That knowledge alone gave him structure. Motivation.
He rubbed the dirt from his hands and took a step back. His mind wandered briefly to his old apartment—modern, sterile, full of conveniences. He'd never needed to think about survival. Warmth, food, water—they had always been there. Not earned. Not fought for. But here, he'd have to build everything from nothing.
"Think basics," he muttered aloud, his voice steadier now. Shelter. Water. Food. The pillars of staying alive.
He turned his attention to the canopy overhead. The trees here were massive, with wide fan-like leaves that filtered the light in surreal green hues. Those leaves could be useful for roofing, insulation—maybe even as makeshift bedding.
Elias began gathering fallen branches, vines, and any plant fibers he could find. The work was slow but satisfying. The repetition calmed his thoughts, and for the first time, the forest felt less like a threat and more like a source of potential.
[SYSTEM NOTICE]✦ You have gained experience in [Woodcutting].✦ [Woodcutting] has increased to Lv. 2.✦ You have gained experience in [Foraging].✦ [Foraging] has increased to Lv. 2.✦ New Blueprint Unlocked: Primitive Shelter (Tier 0)
He stared at the message in awe. Blueprints? The implications hit him hard—if leveling up unlocked structures, tools, maybe even advanced technology, then progress wasn't just survival—it was growth. Civilization.
The moment was interrupted by a subtle chime and a new interface window sliding softly into view.
[REGIONAL CHAT – Verdant Wilds]
Elias watched the messages scroll past, marveling at how surreal it felt to chat with other stranded people, as if they were logging into an MMO—only this world wasn't forgiving. There were no respawns. Every decision mattered.
Still, it was a relief to know he wasn't alone.
Motivated anew, Elias returned to his resource piles and focused on shelter. Using vines, he began tying branches into a frame. His hands moved faster now, more confidently, guided partially by instinct, partially by the subtle influence of the system.
Each binding felt stronger, more precise than the last.
[SYSTEM NOTICE]✦ You have gained experience in [Carpentry].✦ [Carpentry] has increased to Lv. 1.
The structure began to take shape. It wasn't large—just enough for one man to crouch or lie down in—but it was stable. Functional. He layered the top with broad leaves and bark to insulate against wind and moisture.
By the time the sun dipped low in the sky, Elias had built something that felt like a foothold in the wilderness. Not a home—not yet—but a beginning.
Still, one thing remained: water.
He recalled a patch of damp earth not far from where he'd explored earlier. Following the signs, he pushed through brush and soon heard the soft, gentle trickle of running water. A small stream.
Kneeling beside it, Elias tested the water carefully. It was clear, cool, and—thankfully—tasteless. He drank deeply, then rinsed the grime from his face and arms. The refreshment was immediate, both physical and psychological.
As he returned to his shelter, hunger gnawed at him, but he ignored it for now. Survival would come in stages. Today, he'd secured shelter and water. Tomorrow, he would hunt—or find something edible. And soon… he would begin crafting tools.
He sat at the edge of the lean-to, the sky now painted in deep purples and oranges. The forest had changed once again—its bright, wild energy replaced with mystery and silence.
But Elias felt different too.
Grounded. Present. Determined.
His thoughts drifted, unbidden, to Anna. Was she alone? Was she safe? Did she also see these messages—gain these skills? The idea that they were experiencing the same world, separated only by distance, gave him comfort—and urgency.
He would survive. Not just for himself, but for her.
As darkness crept in, Elias settled against the rough frame of his shelter, letting his eyes close slowly. Notifications flickered faintly at the edge of his vision—experience logs, skill prompts, unread messages. But they could wait until morning.
The system would not protect him.
But maybe—just maybe—it would help him become strong enough to protect others.