Surviving the Beastworld

Camping in the Beastworld (1)

Okay, so last week I was meant to publish only the first 3 chapters of this story and chapter 4 today. That clearly didn't happen because chapter 4 got published too. That'll teach me to never set up schedules at 11pm lol.

Anyway, here's chapter 5. Hope you enjoy!

Despite wanting to stay in the water for longer, my better judgment had me being quick about washing up. I also needed to set up camp which was going to take some time in the dark. I could ditch the tent since my sleeping bag would be enough to keep me warm.

That decided, I finished up and got dressed, thankful for the full moons, three of them, shining brightly along with countless stars. The pond was near a clearing which allowed the natural light to come through.

When I got back to my bag, I found a tinfoil covered container lying next to it. It took me a minute to realize that it was my reward for accepting Ahi's help. My stomach grumbled upon realization, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since this morning.

Shaking my head, I focused my attention back on setting up camp when I realized I didn't have firewood. And looking out to the jungle, I decided to stay put.

A dangerous jungle and nighttime were a combination I didn't want to mess with.

So, instead, I used the time alone to do something I'd been meaning to do. I wanted to look into the system and see what it had to offer. I knew there was a system shop and had read enough system books to know there had to be some kind of status page.

[Player: Elisa Wood

Age: 23

Species: Human

Powers: None

Level: Locked

Quests Completed: 0

Money: 1000 Coins

Locked

Statistics: Strength 1, Intelligence 1, Wisdom 1, Endurance 1, Agility 1, Charisma 1

Standard Skills: Locked

Special Skills: Locked]

I gazed at the screen that suddenly popped up, realizing two things. One, I didn't have to say things out loud, thank heavens, and two, this was really like a game system.

Of course, I hated all the locked stuff and wondered how to level up. Or even increase my stats. Those would be helpful along with skills...

If only there was a guide to this. But that was unlikely. So rather than dwell on something I'd probably never figure out, I decided to look into other things.

System Shop.

[System Shop: Currently Locked]

[Requires Level 5 to Unlock]

That's it! I'm done with this system. It's of no help to me and I'd rather focus on resting than losing my mind over something so stupid. Of course, if I ever got my hands on the person that created this system...

After getting in my sleeping bag, I turned my attention to the tin foil container, hunger beginning to gnaw at me. But before I could even dig in, I heard some rustling nearby.

The jungle had been mostly quiet, save for an animal cry here and there. I didn't worry too much, thinking Ahi had something to do with it. But the sudden rustling seemed to be coming closer and I couldn't help but tense up.

The container quickly went down and I picked up my trusty taser, ready for action.

Only to let out the biggest sigh of relief when I gazed upon a giant, black snake carrying something large in its tail. The snake shifted as it came closer to me.

"I brought some food." Ahi declared in a proud tone.

It made me feel bad that he had gone hunting to only find out I had food already. "Ahi... I already have food. Actually, I have enough for the next ten days so you don't have to go hunting... for me, that is."

I picked up the container to show him and I swear if he had dog ears, they would be totally drooping right now. It surprised me a little, seeing a dangerous feral act like a cinnamon roll.

That was totally my bias...

"I see..." Ahi sighed before taking a seat next to me. Well, he just curled up on his tail, leaving the hunted animal some distance away. "Guess I'll eat it so I won't have to go hunting for the next few days."

I gave him a weak smile, turning back to my food as the situation got a little awkward between us. I carefully removed the tin foil, wanting to save it for later, and found two omelets with chips and salad inside the container.

It wasn't what I was expecting, but who was I to complain about getting a free, warm meal. The system at least was generous with its potions. Probably guilty about all the nonsense it had caused.

"It smells good." Ahi murmured, making me turn to him.

Right, snakes liked eggs. Maybe...

"Do you want some?" I offered, pointing at the omelet. "This is too much food for me and I feel weird about eating alone."

It was a half truth because while I did really feel a little weirded out with having someone watch me eat alone, I could eat everything in the container. The system after all had catered for me.

I could spare an omelet and honestly, it'd be my way of thanking Ahi for his help.

"I can't take your food." Ahi shook his head. "I'll only eat once you've had your fill."

"No way." I grabbed the metal fork I had gotten from my mess kit and scooped some omelet onto it before holding it up. "I won't take a single bite of food until you eat this."

Ahi paled at my words, but I didn't feel guilty. Maybe just a tiny bit because I was using my status as a female against him, but I didn't regret my choice. I wanted to see how he would react to eating some omelet for the first time.

He gazed at the forkful of omelet, tongue flickering out for a moment before he sighed, "You promise to eat once I've eaten this?"

"Promise." I nodded my head as I brought the fork closer to his mouth. "Now try it."

Ahi gazed at it nervously for a moment before finally taking a bite. His eyes widened as he quickly swallowed the omelet up, making me smirk. Knew he would like it.

[5 Loyalty Points]

"It's good right?" I teased, ignoring the system message for the moment.

"It is... Warm like you and tasty." Ahi mused before suddenly taking the fork from me and grabbing some omelet with it. "Now, you need to eat."

I silently let him feed me, hoping that he had not noticed my heating face. Of course, it was only when the fork was in my mouth did my short circuited brain realize that Ahi just had this fork in his mouth. 

***

Thank you for reading! Chapter 6 will be released next week Friday (12 July 2024) unless I mess up scheduling the chapters again.