Since I killed the monocle man, it's only a matter of time before someone realizes he's missing and traces him back here. I decided to pack my things and move out by tomorrow—it's too dangerous to stay any longer. As for where to go... deeper into the forest seems safest for now.
I need to learn this world's language and culture as fast as possible. It's going to be a problem if I keep relying on guesses.
Then there's the guy tied to the rock with vines. I made sure to wrap him up six times. While I was packing, the guy woke up—yelling something in that gibberish language. From his expression, I could tell he wasn't exactly thanking me. Probably pissed that I stripped him nearly naked and stole all his stuff... while packing it right in front of him.
A problem hit me—I don't have proper shoes anymore. Most of my clothes are torn too. Well, whatever. I looted the monocle man's clothes earlier and stuffed them into my bag.
I got rid of most of the canned boxes—they were taking too much space. Then I walked up to the man, held my book, and drew a stick figure with confused scribbles to show that I didn't understand what he was saying.
His tone changed after that. He calmed down a little, though he kept speaking in gibberish. Probably begging to be untied.
Looking at his frail frame and the fact that he was nearly naked, I tossed him some torn clothes. Then I tied his arms behind his back, packed my things, and prepared to leave my first shelter in this world.
Before I left, I covered the cave entrance with leaves, some animal bones, and even a little... well, animal poop. Anything to make it look abandoned.
With sunlight falling on the man's face now, I noticed more details: thin wrinkles, black hair fading into grey in patches. He looked old. Frail. But sharp.
Then, using his feet, he started drawing on the ground—stick figures marked with "X" to the north. A warning, maybe. Probably saying not to go there. He pointed with his leg toward the southeast and made a line. Maybe a human settlement?
But I couldn't let him go. What if he alerts others? What if they come looking for me? What if they find out I'm not from this world?
I picked up a stick and drew a person speaking. He paused, looked at me strangely, and then nodded.
The sun dipped lower, and we started a small camp. I untied him just for the night.
We spent hours back and forth with basic gestures. He tried teaching me the names of trees and simple characters.
Day 57I woke up, ate a few berries, and untied him. I still didn't trust him. I never used the PC or played the game in front of him. At night, I tied him up before sleeping. I only gave him enough food and water to survive—nothing more. I couldn't take any chances.
He didn't hesitate to kill the monocle man back then. Betrayal usually comes from the ones you trust. I kept my gun close and only slept 4 hours at night, then a 30-minute nap after lunch. I was barely holding it together.
Day 60Started learning their language properly. It's a bit similar to English—some characters look familiar, but not quite. He began teaching me the alphabet and how they're pronounced.
Day 69I heard distant vehicles. Nothing happened, but it was a reminder—I'm not safe here.
Day 73I began recognizing basic words—"food," "meat," "water," "night," "sun." I memorized all 32 letters of their language. It really does feel like a twisted version of English.
Day 77I can form basic sentences now. He's been helping me write and speak. The embarrassing stick figure conversations are mostly over.
Day 80Making decent progress. I study 3 hours in the morning, 2 after lunch, 1 after dinner. I can now understand most of what he says. Still not fluent, but I'm getting there.
Day 85Heavy rain all day. Couldn't leave the shelter.
Day 87Still raining. Food supply's running low.
Day 88Rain finally stopped. I went out immediately and began foraging again.
Day 90Moved to a new cave. It's cramped, barely counts as shelter, but it's better than nothing.
Day 92Had a feeling it would rain again. Stockpiled food just in case—should last 4 or 5 days.
Day 95Didn't rain much. I was lazy and didn't go out anyway.
Day 96Tried building a floating bed out of vines and leaves, tied to rocks at the corners. It collapsed. Oh well.
Day 97Still learning to read and write. Progress is steady.
I don't know how long this will last. I don't know if I can trust him. But for now... this strange old man is my only teacher.
And I still don't know if I'm even on the right path.