When morning came, the air felt sharper — the kind that bit gently at the skin and filled the lungs with cold clarity.
Ari blinked awake inside her hut, still cocooned in furs. The sounds of the tribe outside had changed from lazy chatter to steady, rhythmic work. Someone was chopping wood. Another was calling out in the distance.
Then, a firm knock at the hut's entrance.
"Up," came Kael's voice.
Ari jolted. "I'm up! I'm—uh—awake!" She scrambled out of her bedding, fumbling with the oversized tunic she'd been given. By the time she stepped outside, her hair was a mess and her eyes still heavy with sleep.
Kael gave her one unimpressed glance. "...You look like you fought a bear."
"I woke up like this," she mumbled defensively.
He grunted, tossing her a small pouch made of beast hide. "Then today you'll fight something smaller. We're testing your survival sense."
"Testing?!"
"Don't look at me like that." His tone was casual, but his eyes sharp. "You said you'd adapt. This is how."
"But—but—" Ari pointed at her small hands. "I'm still a child!"
Kael crossed his arms. "So is half the tribe. And they still learn to track, gather, and defend."
Ari's mouth opened, then closed. She wanted to argue, but Rin's voice from nearby interrupted.
"She's going to the forest already?"
Rin was carrying a basket of roots, followed by Miko and Joon. Miko looked excited; Joon, slightly worried.
"She'll be fine," Kael said. "It's a small trial. She won't go alone."
Rin's eyes sparkled. "Can we go too?"
"No," Kael said instantly.
"Aww—"
"She needs to do this herself. It's part of learning."
Ari gulped. "Learning what, exactly?"
Kael pointed toward the forest edge, where morning fog still clung to the trees. "Finding what you need to survive. Food. Shelter. Awareness."
"That sounds like everything," Ari muttered under her breath.
Kael smirked faintly. "Then you'll learn everything, won't you?"
They left shortly after, with Ari trudging behind him through the tall grass, her pouch bouncing at her side.
"Do I at least get a weapon?" she asked hopefully.
Kael handed her a smooth, palm-sized stone.
She blinked at it. "This is a rock."
"Good observation."
"How do I fight with this?"
"You don't." He crouched, picking up a twig and holding it in front of her. "You use what you find. That's the lesson. Anyone can swing a blade — but only a smart one survives without it."
Ari sighed. "That sounds like something the System would say."
Kael raised a brow. "The what?"
"Uh—nothing! Just… my brain."
He gave her a look but didn't pry.
The forest swallowed them quickly, shadows and light weaving together above their heads. The air smelled of moss and damp bark.
Kael moved like he belonged there — silent, sure-footed. Ari followed, doing her best to step where he stepped, though twigs still snapped under her feet every other step.
After a while, he stopped at a small clearing. "Here."
Ari looked around. There was nothing special — just trees, grass, a few rocks.
Kael folded his arms. "You have until sunset to bring back three things — something edible, something useful, and something that shows you can observe."
Ari's jaw dropped. "How do I know what's edible?!"
"You'll find out," Kael said, turning to leave.
"Wait! You're just—leaving me here?!"
He paused. "You'll be fine. The beasts don't come close in daylight. Mostly."
"Mostly?!"
Kael's grin was fleeting but unmistakable. "Trust your senses. And if you panic, remember what you've already done — you survived worse your first night."
And with that, he disappeared into the trees.
Ari stood frozen, clutching her rock. "...I hate this."
> [Trial Commenced: Basic Survival Test – Stage 1]
Objective: Gather three distinct items.
Time limit: Until sundown.
The System's neutral tone made it sound like a casual school assignment, which didn't help.
Ari puffed her cheeks, scanning the ground. "Okay… edible, useful, and something to show observation…"
Her stomach growled softly. "Let's start with food, then."
She crouched near a cluster of bushes, examining their leaves. They were broad, slightly shiny, with small white berries tucked beneath.
> "Analysis mode: active."
The System's soft hum filled her mind.
> Plant type: unknown. Berries possibly toxic. Do not ingest.
"Right, okay. Not those."
She moved to another patch — long stalks with tiny seeds.
> Edibility: Low. Nutrient value minimal. Digestibility moderate.
Ari sighed. "I miss rice."
After nearly half an hour of crawling, sniffing, and poking various plants, she found a set of thick, leafy stalks growing near a tree. Their roots looked plump, like radishes.
> Edibility: Safe when cooked. Potentially edible raw in small amounts.
"Finally!" She grinned and tugged one free. It smelled earthy, like turnip. She tucked it into her pouch proudly.
"One edible down."
She paused, glancing around nervously. "...Still not eaten by beasts. Good start."
Something rustled nearby.
Ari froze, eyes darting toward the sound. A shape moved behind the undergrowth — small, four-legged.
"...Kael?" she whispered.
The leaves parted.
A tiny creature stepped out — it looked like a cross between a fox and a squirrel, with fluffy gray fur and bright green eyes. It tilted its head curiously at her.
"Oh my gosh, you're adorable," Ari whispered.
The creature chirped.
Then it lunged for her pouch.
"Ah! Hey—!" She yelped, grabbing for it, but the little thief was fast, snatching her radish-root and darting into the bushes.
"Come back here, you potato thief!"
Without thinking, Ari chased after it — stumbling through branches, ducking under roots. The creature was quick, darting through narrow gaps, always just out of reach.
> "Ari, note that chasing wild fauna is not an advised survival strategy."
"Too late!"
The chase led her deeper into the forest until the trees opened into another clearing — this one ringed by flowers and scattered stones. The small creature stood on a rock, holding her stolen root like a prize.
Ari glared at it, hands on her hips. "That's mine!"
It chirped again — almost teasing — and took a big bite.
Her mouth dropped. "You little—!"
Then, to her surprise, it winced and dropped the half-eaten root, shaking its head. The animal made a high-pitched squeak, eyes watering, before scurrying away.
Ari blinked. "Wait… was it spicy?"
She picked up the root. A faint smell hit her — sharp, peppery. She wrinkled her nose. "Okay, so… maybe not great raw."
> Observation updated: root requires cooking to remove bitterness.
[Observation +2]
"Well, that's one item and a bonus," Ari muttered.
A soft rustle behind her made her stiffen.
Something larger this time — slow, deliberate.
Her heart jumped. "...Kael?"
No answer.
> "Movement detected. Suggesting immediate evasion or concealment."
Ari crouched low, clutching her rock. The bushes trembled — and a shadow emerged: a deer-like beast, its horns curved and faintly glowing with blue veins.
It wasn't threatening — at least, not yet — but it was big. Easily three times her size.
Ari swallowed. Don't move.
The creature sniffed the air, then turned its head toward her. For a long, tense second, its glowing eyes met hers.
Then, it stepped closer.
Ari froze. Her fingers tightened around the rock.
> "Engaging fight is not advised."
"I know!" she whispered harshly.
She stayed perfectly still as the beast lowered its head… and sniffed the half-eaten root in her hand. Then, to her surprise, it gently nudged the root back toward her — as if offering it.
Ari blinked. "...Are you being nice?"
The creature let out a low, melodic hum — not quite a growl, not quite a purr — then stepped away, disappearing back into the trees.
> [Unique Observation Recorded: Forest Horned Doe – Passive Temperament Confirmed]
[Adaptation +5]
Ari let out a shaky breath and sat down hard on the grass. "That was too close…"
Then she smiled faintly. "But… kinda pretty."
Ari stayed seated for a while, just listening to the quiet forest.
Her heart was still racing, but now it felt… steadier. Like the rhythm of the place was starting to make sense — even if just a little.
The System chimed softly again.
> [Emotional Stability Detected. Cognitive Synchronization: +1%]
"...That sounds fancy," she murmured, brushing dirt off her knees. "But I'll take it."
She tucked the now slightly chewed root back into her pouch, deciding it was still technically edible, and stood. "Okay. That's one. Two more to go."
Something useful.
Ari looked around, biting her lip. "Useful… like tools? Or medicine? Or maybe something shiny?"
> "Define usefulness based on context. You require tools, defense, and shelter capacity."
"Right," she said, scanning the ground again. "So not shiny."
The forest floor was littered with possibilities — twigs, leaves, shells, old feathers. But nothing screamed useful until she spotted a fallen branch shaped almost like a hook.
"Hmm…" Ari picked it up and tested the weight. It was light, but sturdy.
> Durability: 34%. Material: Hardened Vinewood. Potential for crafting.
She smiled a little. "You're hired."
Her next goal was finding something to tie or secure it with. As she walked, she noticed thick vines wrapping around a cluster of trees, their texture slightly rough and flexible.
She tugged at one experimentally. It stretched without snapping.
> Material integrity: acceptable for cordage.
Ari grinned. "Perfect!"
She spent the next fifteen minutes gathering and twisting several strands together. Her small hands fumbled often — dirt under her nails, vines slipping loose — but she persisted, tongue sticking out in concentration.
By the time she tied the vine to her hooked branch, she had something that almost looked like a makeshift sling or trap trigger.
"Useful!" she said proudly.
> [Crafting +1]
[Adaptation +3]
She examined her creation, feeling a flicker of pride. "Kael's gonna be so surprised."
> "Statistically, surprise probability is low."
"Let me believe."
Hours passed as sunlight dappled through the canopy. Ari's initial nerves gave way to curiosity — she followed the sound of birds, touched tree bark, and even hummed quietly.
Her fear of being alone began to soften into something else: awareness.
Still, she hadn't forgotten the last part of the trial. "Something that shows I can… observe."
She looked around, trying to think. "What does that even mean?"
> "Interpretation: An item that reflects understanding of the environment."
"So… like proof I noticed something?"
> "Affirmative."
Ari thought hard. Then, a memory from earlier flickered — the Forest Horned Doe, its horns glowing faintly blue.
She turned toward the direction it had gone and began walking quietly, pushing aside leaves and branches. After a few minutes, she found a small patch of ground where faint, hoof-shaped prints glowed softly, almost invisible unless the light hit right.
Ari crouched, eyes widening. "Whoa…"
> Observation: Residual luminescent moss activated by creature passage. Rare phenomenon.
The glow was delicate — soft blue tendrils spreading through the moss, fading where the soil was disturbed. She reached out and brushed it gently. It shimmered under her fingers, cool to the touch.
She couldn't take the moss itself — it was too embedded — but she carefully picked a few small stones stained with that faint luminescent hue.
"There," she whispered, smiling. "Something to show I was paying attention."
> [Observation +5]
[Item Acquired: Luminous Moss Stones]
By the time Ari finished, the sun had dipped lower. Golden light filtered through the trees, turning the air warm and hazy. Her stomach grumbled softly again.
"I guess it's time to head back."
> "Affirmative. Estimated distance to starting point: 0.8 kilometers northwest."
She turned and started walking — and that's when she heard it.
A rustle. Quick. Close.
Then, a low growl.
Ari froze. "...That's not Kael."
From the shadows between trees, a pair of yellow eyes glinted. A wolf-like beast stepped forward, its fur bristling, fangs bared.
Her breath hitched. "Oh no—"
> "Hostile entity detected. Threat level: Minor to Moderate. Recommended action: retreat."
"Retreat to where?!" she hissed.
The beast growled again, circling her slowly. Ari's mind raced. She had a rock, a stick with vines, and… a pouch of roots. Not great options.
Then her gaze flicked to the glowing stones in her hand.
"...Maybe?"
She crouched slightly, holding up one of the luminous stones. The wolf's eyes followed it, curiosity flickering for a split second. Ari took the chance — she tossed the stone as far as she could to the side.
The glowing arc caught the wolf's attention; it turned sharply and bolted after it.
Ari didn't wait. She ran.
Branches whipped against her arms as she sprinted through the undergrowth, heart pounding so loud it drowned out everything else.
> "Heart rate elevated. Direction deviation: 12 degrees south."
"Not now!" she gasped.
The trees finally began to thin. Light — she saw light ahead —
And then a familiar figure stepped from the shadows, grabbing her wrist just as she stumbled out of the forest.
Kael.
He caught her with practiced ease, his eyes narrowing. "What happened?"
Ari gasped for air. "W-wolf! I saw— glowing stones— it chased—"
He looked past her toward the trees. Nothing moved. Then he looked back down at her — at her flushed face, trembling hands, and the dirt-streaked pouch she clutched tightly.
"What did you bring?" he asked quietly.
Ari blinked, panting, then held up the items one by one — the radish-like root, the vine-tied stick, and the faintly glowing stones.
Kael was silent for a long moment.
Then, finally — very faintly — he smiled.
"You did better than I expected."
"R-really?"
He nodded, eyes softening. "You didn't panic completely. You used what you had. That's survival."
The System chimed in her head.
> [Trial Completed: Basic Survival Test – Stage 1]
Rewards: +10 Adaptation, +2 Crafting, +3 Observation**
Bonus: Emotional Control +1**
Ari slumped in relief. "I… thought I was gonna die."
Kael's mouth twitched. "If a small forest wolf scares you this much, we'll need to work on that."
"That was not small!"
He chuckled lowly. "Come on. Let's head back before dark."
As they walked, Ari glanced at her glowing stones again — still faintly shining in the dim light.
Maybe the forest wasn't trying to hurt her. Maybe it was teaching her.
She smiled to herself, quiet but sure. "I'll get better."
> [Adaptation Progress: 38/100 – Stage 1 Ongoing]
The forest canopy shimmered with green light, morning dew catching the sun like threads of glass. Ari followed Kael's wide strides as best she could, clutching the small knife he'd given her. Her legs were shorter, steps smaller, but she tried her hardest to keep up.
They were deep into the territory now — farther than she had ever gone. The trees here were older, their bark clawed by creatures she didn't want to imagine. The air was thick with animal scent — musk, fur, and something faintly metallic.
Kael slowed, motioning for silence. The others — four warriors — fanned out in practiced formation. Ari crouched behind a root, holding her breath.
"Remember what I told you," Kael murmured, his voice a low rumble. "If the signal is raised, you run back to the clearing. Do not hesitate."
She nodded. Her heart pounded so loud she was sure everything could hear it.
The warriors crept forward, spears ready. Ari's eyes followed one — a young man named Ryn — who moved like a shadow. He stopped suddenly, sniffing the air. "Wild tusk ahead," he whispered.
Ari's system flickered to life — [Danger Level: 4].
She bit her lip. That's… high.
Kael raised a hand, signaling the others to circle. He turned slightly toward her. "Stay low. Don't move."
The ground trembled — a warning. Then the beast emerged.
It was enormous — thick, gray fur streaked with scars, twin tusks curving like sickles from its jaw. Its eyes were amber, furious and sharp. It roared, shaking loose birds from the trees.
Ari froze. She'd seen wild animals before, but nothing like this — this was primal power made flesh.
Kael leapt first, spear flashing. The others followed, shouts echoing in the air. The clash of bone and blade filled the clearing.
Ari's instincts screamed at her to hide — and she did, pressing herself flat behind the roots. But her system blinked again.
[Quest: Observe. Record. Learn from the pack.]
[Reward: +2 Survival Points]
Observe? Record?! she thought desperately, peeking over the log. Are you crazy?!
She caught sight of Kael twisting midair, planting his spear in the beast's neck. The tusked monster shrieked, slamming its head side to side. Ryn darted in, cutting across its flank. Blood spattered the leaves.
Kael landed hard, rolled, and shouted, "Now!"
Two others lunged, striking together — coordinated, precise. The beast stumbled, its legs collapsing under its weight.
The battle was brutal, short, and loud. When the dust settled, the great boar lay still.
Ari could only stare. Her chest hurt from holding her breath. Kael turned toward her — blood streaking his arm — and gave a short nod. "Come here."
She stumbled to her feet, hesitant. "It's… dead?"
"Yes," he said simply. "You watched well?"
"I— I tried."
"Good." He crouched, pressing a hand against the beast's thick fur. "Respect the prey. It gave its life for the tribe. Remember that."
Ari bowed her head automatically, unsure why, but it felt right.
The others began the work — cutting meat, collecting hide. Kael handed her a smaller knife. "You'll learn this next."
"M-me?"
"You are one of us now," he said. "Even the smallest hand helps feed the den."
She swallowed hard and knelt beside him. The smell was sharp, earthy and metallic. Her hands trembled, but Kael's voice guided her steadily.
"Here. Slice along the grain. Not across. Don't fear the blood. It means life."
Bit by bit, she copied him — clumsy, but determined. The system chimed softly.
[Skill: Butchering (Novice) acquired]
[+1 Survival Point]
Her eyes widened. That was… actually easy?
Kael noticed her expression. "What is it?"
"Ah— nothing! Just… the knife's sharp."
He smirked faintly. "Good. Then use it well."
They worked until noon. By the time they finished, Ari's hands were slick and her arms sore — but something warm settled in her chest. Pride, maybe.
When they started back, Kael let her walk beside him this time. The forest didn't feel quite so terrifying anymore.
"Kael-seon…" she said softly, trying the title she'd heard others use.
He glanced down, surprised, but didn't correct her.
"Yes?"
"Why… did you bring me along? I thought I'd just get in the way."
Kael looked forward, eyes steady. "Because the tribe survives together. No one learns by hiding."
"…Even someone small?"
He gave a quiet laugh. "Especially someone small. The world eats the weak, little cub. Better to bite back early."
Ari smiled faintly, a bit of courage flickering in her chest.
The trees thinned as they neared the village. Smoke curled above the huts — a sign of cooking fires already burning.
Kael stopped before they entered the main path. "Tell Elder Naen what you saw. Every detail."
She blinked. "Elder Naen? The scary one?"
He chuckled. "Scary, yes. But fair. She keeps record of every hunt. You'll learn from her."
Ari hesitated but nodded. "O-okay…"
Kael handed her a strip of dried meat. "For strength."
She took it shyly, chewing slowly as he walked ahead to the other hunters.
The flavor was smoky, strange, but good.
Her system pinged softly.
[Daily Survival Progress: +7%]
[Title Condition: "Adopted Cub" — 72% complete]
Ari's heart skipped. "Adopted… cub?" she whispered under her breath.
For the first time since waking in this world, the word home didn't sound so impossible.