My journey down the mountain was long and harrowing, and by the time I reached the bottom of it my arms were heavy, my hands were blistered, and my back ached. Not to mention the constant pang of hunger I felt in my stomach. I had to stop multiple times while climbing for rest and almost fell multiple times. Not every rock could support my weight after all.

My rock climbing skill hasn’t leveled up at all either. Which is… disappointing. I guess I need to do more? Or maybe I’m at the limit? I don’t know. Again; another problem for another time.

Right now I have a problem right in front of me that needs addressing: shelter and food. Actually, speaking of food, I haven’t seen any animals. Or heard any. It wasn’t noticeable earlier, due to my labored breathing and the shifting of rocks, but now? Now it’s all too noticeable. The Earth was eerily quiet, it was as if I was the only one alive. I felt a hint of emotion rising up in me at that implication, however, the ‘System’s Calmness’ took over and squashed it before it grew any.

Okay, so, no food. Well, actually, not any I could see, but what about the river? There had to fish, right? Oh, I hope so.

--

After a short rest, I decided now was as good as ever to walk to the river; and with the sun hidden behind the mountains, painting large shadows across the valley, I wouldn’t have long before nightfall.

The rocky, gravely, ground slowly turned to dry dirt the further I moved from the mountain. Then, after walking further along, the ground shifted to a richer dirt, growing small tufts of grass as I walked ever closer to the river. The river wasn’t that wide, maybe ten feet across, but it stretched far. Winding its way past a mountain, leaving my sight.

The surface of the water was calm, showing off my reflection on its surface. My hair was dark and unkempt, bordering on the long side. My face was average, at least I believe it to be, and with brown eyes, it brought my whole look together. Ignoring my reflection, the river seemed relatively empty. No sign of fish near this side of the river. Damn… The pang in my stomach was starting to get annoying. Ya’know … If I could feel annoyed. But, it's still just calmness.

I have two more choices to make now: to follow the river out of the valley, or follow it further in. Now, I like mountains and all that, but, this place looked barren. It was nothing but stone, except when you walked close to the river. So, following it out we go.

--

So, I made a few discoveries. One: even if you find a fish, it does not mean you can catch it. Two: it gets pretty cold at night. And three: I don’t know how to make a fire. So, each one is all bad. But, there is one good discovery. The river water doesn’t taste that bad. So, no more thirst. Hopefully, no disease will come from it.

Oh, and also, the moon is different. Like Woah. I guess the energy didn’t just hit Earth or something? Because now the moon was bigger and was filled with what looked like deep ravines in it. Not a big deal. Not a big deal at all. We’ll just ignore it.

I was starting to get tired now though. This day has been… weird. Waking up on a mountain, having to climb down for hours, learning that I have two different energies in my body, then walking for another hour trying to catch a fish. Right now I want to rest. But, looking around, the mountains were further back and there didn’t seem to be any hidden place to take shelter. I could just lie on the ground and hope for the best…

I rubbed my tired arms, bringing some warmth to them. I really don’t know what to do. Anywhere I go tonight I’ll be cold and hungry with the chance of dying to the unknown. At least if I keep moving I’ll warm up somewhat...

--

Walking around another bend in the river was when I saw it. A small hole in the ground a few feet away from the river. It looked like heaven from here. I may have to scrunch up somewhat to fit in, but at least I would be protected somewhat.

I moved quickly over to the hole, it looked like a small boulder was once there. It’ll be a somewhat tight fight, but anything is better than laying out in the open. I ignored my cramping muscles and burrowed my way down into the hole, imagining all of the food that I would be eating if I were at home. Before the change.

Man, I hope this isn't an animal's den.

Acott Myers Level: 0 Race: Human Mana: 10/10 Status:

Strength-9

Constitution-7 Agility-6 Dexterity-6 Intelligence-11 Wisdom-8 Skills: Rock Climbing: 1 Effects: System Calmness Hunger