The jungle was vast. The trees extending high enough that they seemed to touch the clouds— which of course wasn't the case, just a simple illusion. There was moss everywhere on the ground, slithering snakes pretending to be vines hanging from the trees and the occasional parrot flying by. It looked like a typical jungle, similar to the Amazon rainforest.
Of course, I can't really compare. It's not like I have been there before. I just saw pictures as a child using the internet. A soft sigh escaped my lips, as I turned my head and gazed up at the pure azure sky, the sun beaming down on my skin. It was hot, even under the shade of a gigantic tree.
"I can't believe Im missing the chilly nights of Winter already...."
I looked around and observed my surroundings. Currently, I was sitting on the trunk of an ancient fallen tree, surrounded by many more of them extending up to the sky, half-blocking out the sunlight that has risen to the middle of the clear azure sky. Strangely enough, there wasn't much animals around. I saw some snakes and birds flying around, but not any bears, tigers or.....other natural predators.
It's only natural to assume that if snakes and parrots can appear inside The Mulligan's arena, other predators can too. It seems I won't just be fighting against humans. But honestly, what's there to worry about? I got supernatural powers! And these fool's don't! Ha!
As that arrogant thought flashed across my mind, I suddenly looked down and noticed something that made my eyes widen in mortification.
I was naked.
"How....how did I not realize sooner?! Dammit!"
Instinctively, I covered my lower half using my hands and stood up. Suddenly uncomfortable of sitting on moss butt-naked. What if some strange insect crawled inside.....No! Get that thought out of my mind! Ew! I immediately began looking around for something I can use as a makeshift piece of clothing, atleast to cover my most vulnerable body part.
'Why did that stupid voice choose a damn jungle for a battle royal....'
After some time, I manage to scavange myself some items to craft myself a loincloth. Yes, im walking around looking like a caveman, with my upper body bare and my lower half hardly covered by the makeshift loincloth. It's not like I know how to make one— I tried my best though!
"This is much better...."
I looked down at myself, properly putting on the makeshift loincloth and smiling proudly. If wasn't my best work, but it doesn't matter. Who cares? It's a battle royal. Looks don't matter. It's not like I really cared much about apperance as a homeless man anyway.
Now there was much more important stuff to do.
I began walking around the area. As expected, there is nothing but trees as far as the eye could see. The jungle seemed endless. Atleast, for the last few kilometers. It seemeded that way. The heat was dire and I had to avoid several natural predators when exploring the area. It was a hassle— but I somehow managed. Perhaps through luck.
"There really doesn't seem to be anything around here."
I frowned, looking at the fallen trunk of the Ancient tree where I came from. I went full circle and didn't manage to find a single person. I was sure I walked atleast a few kilometers. It's been hours— I could tell by the movement of the sun, as it began threatening to dip of the horizon, slowly setting.
'It's been that long already?'
I sighed. Right now, that wasn't important. I needed to create a weapon for myself. But how? And what? I had super cool abilities, sure....but I have no idea how to use them! Until then, I will have to rely on a weapon I created out of thin air. That's a great idea! If only I knew how to make one....
'Hold on a second, let me first see if I can....'
I began to concentrate on something and once again, the same holographic screen with all details about myself appeared before once again. I read them all and realized nothing much changed— besides stamina being increased by two levels. It seems the way for me to increase my physical attributes levels was to train my body, the same way gym enthusiasts did.
However, at the moment, my body is too tired for it. Im hungry and thirsty. I feel like I could pass out at any moment....
But I didn't allow myself to succumb to the exhusation. As the sun began dipping into the horizon, the sky gradually growing darker and the air growing chilly, I began collecting firewood found around the area. It wasn't difficult, considering how many trees is within my vicinity.
Settling down on the ground, under the shade of a gigantic tree, with my back leaning against the large trunk of the fallen tree, I prepared the bonfire.
Or atleast tried to.
"Come on! Come on!!"
I was furiously rubbing my hands over a stick, that was rubbing against the wood below it, waiting for the friction to ignite it. But it wasn't working at all! Before long, I ran out of breath and slumped back against the trunk of the tree, looking up at the darkening sky with a frustrated expression.
"Dammit! My body.....isn't strong enough."
I grit my teeth and take a deep breath.
"I can't give up yet."
With newfound determination, I once again continued doing the same thing. Repeating it over and over again, until my hands were hurting and my back was hunching due to the bad posture. Eventually, my efforts bore fruit and a small spark of fire ignited the wood. That grew brighter and brighter, until it was burning.
I started a fire all by myself.
I couldn't conceal the stupid grin that managed to find it's way to my face. It was a ridiculously proud smile.
'I did it! Finally....!'
I continue watching the crackling fire with a proud and satisfied expression, but my mood was soon ruined by an awful groan my stomach made, reminding me of the situation im currently in. No water. No food. No weapons to defend myself and I don't even know where I am.
Atleast, I managed to survive for the first few hours. But can the same be said for the next few hours? Next day? No, I couldn't be sure. That's why I can't let my guard down. I need to craft myself a weapon, learn how to use my blessing and start training my physical attributes. Before long, I'll likely end up running into something and be forced to fight it, since I need food. For food, I need to hunt.
It's time to act like my ancestors now, I guess.
With that, I stood up and walked towards a wooden stick, which wasn't too long or short, that was laying on the grass nearby the bonfire. I stared at it intently for a moment.
"I'm gonna turn you into a spear."
That's right. A spear was the weapon I chose. I could of went for a small dagger or knife, since it's quite easy to make. But what I need is both range and power. A spear is perfect for that. Heh, in the long run, it could even become my main type of weapon! But for now, I'll have to stick to it.
I reach down and grab the stick, examining it. This was quite the ordinary stick I found laying on the ground while I was exploring and searching for firewood. Nothing attacked me during the expedition, of course. However, I did come across several predators. Mostly snakes. I even saw some strange-looking monkeys and a grizzly bear in the distance. Thankfully, I managed to avoid them. Somehow. That's the main reason I decided not to postpone making a weapon.
I just can't be sure how long this momentary respite will last long.
I strolled over towards a large rock that was nearby the fallen trunk of a tree. Actually, there was many of these around. However, I choose this particular rock because of its shape. It seemed perfect enough to be used for carving, even if I don't have much experience with it. Nonetheless, i have to try. You gain experience through failure, after all.
'Hmph!'
I began carving the stick against the rock. Gently but firmly rubbing it against the edges of the rock. Gently enough to not cause cracks, but firm enough to sharpen it. It didn't take long for my efforts to start showing signs of bearing fruit. I can see the tip slowly sharpen. It was a beautiful process, one that made me proud of watching alot of survival Youtube videos growing up.
After a few minutes, I finished and examined my work. Unsurprisingly, it was a bit crude. A little too sharp, perhaps. But that's not a bad thing. Once I fire harden it, everything will be fine. Hopefully? This is my first time ever making a literal spear, after all.
Once more, I walked over towards the bonfire, carefully holding the now sharpened spear. Then, I held it over the fire and began cautiously rotating it, keeping a careful eye on the effects on the wood. From what I know, this type of wood should be perfect, since it's oak. Hardwood like that is ideal, but I still couldn't help but wary. This is my only weapon, after all. My only chance of protecting myself against natural predators in this battle royal, or even other humans.
So I was focused. Very focused. Waiting for the moment where the colour of the sharpen edge of the stick changes to a golden brown....
'There!'
Once I saw it, I pulled the stick away and examined my work with a smile.
'Not bad, not bad....'
Indeed, it wasn't bad. Now, all it needed was just some further refinements and some oil to add even more protection. It would need it when facing against predators with tougher skin. For example bears. Atleast, the hardest part was done. The rest I already prepared for....
With so many trees, bushes, flowers and other kinds of plants around. It wasn't difficult to find a leaf nearby with just the oil I need. Squeezing it a little to make it drip, I rubbed the oil against the sharpened tip of the spear and repeated the process a few times. Then, for further refinement, I sharpened the tip a second time.
"There we go! My new weapon."
I grinned like a fool, sitting by the fire and examining my personally crafted spear with a pleased expression. Perhaps the idea of creating one myself is what really satisfied me. Working hard and being rewarded for it is always a blessing, isn't it?
"Hmm, what shall I name you, my loyal spear?"
I twirled it in my hand, humming softly, lost in thought.
"Ah! How about Retainer of Madness, hm? I am the Knight, you are the Retainer...."
That was an awful name and I knew it. But who cares? It's not like anybody but me will be calling it by that name, anyway. Regardless, im certainly very pleased by how the crafting turned out and how unnaturally peaceful it was in this jungle.
"We are gonna make alot of Memories together, my loyal Retainer...."
Just as I finished that sentence, i suddenly heard something move. It was the sound of something rushing from inside the bushes. Immediately, my shoulders tensed and I gripped the spear tightly, staring at the particular bush with a guarded expression.
"Who is It?!"
Looks like my days of peace may just be over....