With his strength growing, Kaizen decided it was time to explore the island more thoroughly. Up until now, he had stayed near his base, focusing on training. But if he wanted to survive long-term, he needed to understand his surroundings better—food sources, dangers, hidden locations.
He packed what little he had—a sharpened spear, a stone knife, and a makeshift bag woven from vines. He set out at sunrise, cautiously moving through the dense jungle. The further he walked, the more he realized how vast this island was.
The first thing he noticed was the wildlife. Small creatures scurried between the bushes, while larger predators prowled in the shadows. He observed them carefully, learning their habits. Knowledge was power. If he knew when and where they hunted, he could avoid—or hunt—them efficiently.
[New Skill Acquired: Survival Instinct]
Kaizen smirked. His efforts were paying off. His senses felt sharper, more attuned to his surroundings.
Hours into his journey, he stumbled upon a river. The water was crystal clear, and he could see fish swimming below. This was a valuable find. Not only did it mean fresh water, but it also meant a steady food source. He made a mental note to craft better fishing tools.
Continuing onward, he encountered something unexpected—a series of strange markings carved into the trees. They didn't look natural. Could there have been other people here? Or was this the work of some intelligent beast?
His grip on his spear tightened. He wasn't alone on this island.
As he moved deeper, he came across a cave entrance. Dark, foreboding, yet tempting. He needed a secure place to sleep during storms or in case he was hunted. Carefully, he stepped inside, spear at the ready.
The air was cool, the ground smooth. As his eyes adjusted, he saw something glinting in the dim light—old bones. Whatever had lived here wasn't small.
Then, a low growl echoed through the cave.
Kaizen's heart pounded. Something was here.
With his spear raised, he took a deep breath. If he wanted to survive, he had to be ready to fight.