As I run along the stream, I try to remember the way I came from.
— Where did I even come from… Damn it, I'll just follow the stream to the end and hope it leads to the sea.
After running for a while, I look back and no longer see the insect. I stop, finally catching my breath and trying to calm my racing heart.
— Haa… Now what? Do I go back to the cabin or try to find another way to reach the spring?
Between the two options, the safest would be to return to the cabin. But if I do that, I'll die of thirst, and my throat is already dry after all that running.
On the other hand, heading toward the spring could make me run into that giant cockroach again, and I'd have to flee once more.
— There's nothing I can use…!? — I think, scanning the surroundings. That's when my eyes lock onto another colossal being. — That's… a slug!?
A shiver runs down my spine as I see the slimy creature, over two meters long, swaying its antennae slowly.
— Gulp… W-Well, at least it's slow. Maybe I can use it for training…
I grip the spear tightly with both hands, keeping my eyes fixed on it. Advancing cautiously, I close in just enough before thrusting the spear, then quickly retreat.
The slug begins to writhe grotesquely, oozing viscous fluids. Even so, it doesn't look like it'll die anytime soon.
— Well… just a few more strikes and I should be able to finish it.
As I consider how to make the next move, I notice the spot I hit starting to dry out.
— That… must be because of the salt. The spear was lying in the sand earlier, so it probably absorbed some. Too bad I'm not near the beach, but at least I can use this advantage.
Shaking the spear to get rid of the excess slime, I close in again and deliver a quick thrust before retreating once more.
— Looks like this is going to work… — I think, watching the monster squirm.
I repeat the process several times until, finally, the creature stops moving.
All that remains on the ground is a sticky mess spread across the soil, marking the giant slug's defeat.
— Somehow… I did it. — I take a deep breath, trying to calm my body. — I'm so thirsty… I have to find water no matter what.
With that conviction in mind, I resume following the stream toward the spring, though now far more cautious of my surroundings.
— Actually… better check my situation before going on. — I lean against a tree. — Open panel.
[Rafael]
[Human]
[Level]: 1
[Skills]
[Spearman]: 1
— The Spearman skill is at the lowest level possible, but just acquiring it is already enough.
According to the story, skill levels don't just show how proficient you are, they also pass on to your body the information stored in the planet's core for that level.
Basically, my body should now have the reflexes and control of someone who has just started learning how to use a spear.
— There are people who can raise their skill levels to the point of becoming masters without ever being taught, but it's much easier when guided.
At the initial stages, skills can be leveled up fairly easily. But the further you progress, the more your mind is expected to have the same knowledge as your body. In other words, I'll need to learn the principles of spear techniques if I want to develop this skill in the future.
— Not that I really want to become a spearman… but it would be good to raise this skill as much as I can. At least then I'll be able to fight more safely.
After checking my level and seeing it's still at 1, I let out a small sigh and resume walking toward the spring.
The sun is practically right above me, meaning it must be around noon. As a result, the heat feels even more intense.
— … Should I just give up and drink from the stream? — I think, glancing at it.
The thought that another cockroach or slug might be lurking upstream makes me abandon the idea and keep climbing toward the source.
— I hope it's not too far…
As I make my way up the hill, I scan the surroundings carefully, praying the cockroach doesn't show up again. After about half an hour, I finally find a small stretch of water feeding into the stream. Getting closer, I realize it's a spring.
— Please, no germs… no germs… gulp.
I drink the water, almost praying nothing in it will make me sick.
— So refreshing… maybe I can even wash a bit.
The spring is far too small for a bath, but I scoop some water with my hands and splash it over my face and body, also rinsing the spear that was still dirty.
— Well, I guess I can head back no— Eh!?
As I turn around, I spot an enormous caterpillar before me. Its elongated body stretches over three meters, segmented into thick rings that undulate in slow, coordinated waves. Its skin is covered in dark bristles—some as stiff as spikes, others fine and almost translucent, swaying like strands of hair in the breeze.
— … Is this really an island, or did I just shrink!?
[To be continued]