When I wake, my watch reads 5 a.m.—morning time on Earth. That means I’ve had a total of four hours of sleep, more than enough for me.

The cave remains shrouded in darkness, its silence almost unnervingly complete. There’s no hint of sunlight filtering through the entrance. I wonder if the sun has risen outside or if it’s still cloaked in night. Then again, does this world even follow the same 24-hour day pattern as Earth? The thought lingers in my mind, sparking curiosity I’ll need to satisfy later.

For now, the air is cool and still, imbued with a tranquility that feels almost sacred. As I glance around, I notice Sophia and Yumi still fast asleep. Their breathing is soft and rhythmic, offering a rare sense of peace amidst the chaos of our recent ordeal.

Stretching, I work out the stiffness that comes from sleeping on the hard, uneven floor. Despite my enhancements, my body isn’t entirely immune to discomfort. My shoulders ache faintly, and my back protests with a dull throb, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.

Deciding to use the quiet moment productively, I pull my backpack closer. A thorough inventory check is in order. Preparing for this unknown journey had required meticulous planning. I’d faced countless unknowns before being summoned here—an environment that could have been anything from an icy tundra to a scorching desert or a jungle teeming with venomous creatures. With so much uncertainty, I’d approached packing like a seasoned survivalist, determined to be ready for any scenario.

I unzip the bag and begin methodically removing its contents. Each item is precisely arranged, carefully packed, and clearly labeled. Retrieving the item list I’d written beforehand, I click my pen open and begin marking off supplies, making note of anything out of place.

I handle each item with care, inspecting it closely. After all, the journey between worlds might have caused some unseen damage, and I can’t afford to have faulty gear in a place like this.

Every item in my pack is a lifeline, and ensuring everything is in peak condition is not just necessary—it’s essential.

First up: medical supplies.

I examine the meds and first aid kit carefully. So far, the items I’ve needed most are my sleeping pills, hemostatic gauzes, and a compact surgical kit. Being an enhanced human, I don’t require painkillers—my body modifications allow me to control and suppress pain at will. Similarly, my digestive system, respiratory system, and even my blood vessels are coated with a cutting-edge bio-layer. This layer neutralizes most toxins and eliminates harmful bacteria, rendering antidotes and antibiotics unnecessary. Fever medication is redundant, too, since I can regulate my body temperature as needed.

But there’s a caveat: the microorganisms and pathogens in this world could be vastly different from Earth’s. New diseases might exist here, ones my enhancements are not designed to combat. I’ll need to investigate this further. Accessing a library or any repository of knowledge will be crucial for survival.

Satisfied with the condition of my medical supplies, I move on to the next category: weapons.

My two custom-made Desert Eagles are always within reach, secured in holsters hidden around my waist. The matte black finish of the handguns gleams faintly under the dim light. These weapons are not just for show—they are some of the most powerful handguns ever made on Earth.

But why Desert Eagles?

Why .50 AE?

The answer is simple: sheer firepower, as they are some of the most powerful handguns available on Earth.

While they’re known for their drawbacks—small magazine size and punishing recoil—those aren’t issues for me. My augmented arms easily absorb the recoil, and my precision training allows me to dual-wield them effectively. Against unknown enemies, from humans to beasts to demonic creatures, raw stopping power takes precedence. I will be fighting not just humans but beasts, monsters, or even demonic creatures, which only a monster of a gun will suffice.

And of course, the Deagles aren’t my only weapons.

I also carry a tranquilizer pistol, loaded with neurotoxin bullets so potent that a single shot could immobilize a whale for several minutes. This weapon is my fallback for encounters where brute force won’t suffice—a contingency for neutralizing or slowing down particularly formidable monsters.

Next: ammunition.

I take stock of my bullets. Between the two firearms, I have one hundred rounds in total. Some are standard hollow-point rounds, while others are infused with neurotoxins. After accounting for the seven rounds I used earlier, I’m left with 93 bullets. It’s a decent supply for now, but I’ll need to be conservative with my usage until I find a way to replenish them.

And for situations where ammunition conservation is critical, I have my trusty combat knife. The blade, forged from high-carbon steel, is matte black and deceptively unassuming. Its edge is razor-sharp, capable of slicing through a variety of materials, and its durability makes it an indispensable tool. Whether for close-quarters combat or practical utility, the knife is a reliable backup.

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I’ve also packed emergency food, essential for surviving any potential scarcity. Among my supplies are twenty highly nutritious bars designed to replace full meals. Each bar delivers 500 calories and 50 grams of protein, making them an efficient source of sustenance. The entire stash can sustain me for a few days, giving me enough time to secure a sustainable food source in this unfamiliar world. They aren’t exactly gourmet, but their nutritional value takes priority over taste.

And then, there’s my most critical item: my phone.

Without internet or service in this world, its functionality is limited. However, it still holds immeasurable value. My phone contains billions of gigabytes of stored information, encompassing everything from survival guides to scientific data—essentially, a portable library. Moreover, it can serve as a tool to collect and store new information about this world as I encounter it. Charging it isn’t a concern, either. Powered by a nuclear battery, my phone is designed to last thousands of years.

So, basically, I will be long dead before my phone reaches the end of its life.

With my inventory check complete, I feel a small sense of relief. Everything I brought from Earth is accounted for, and that alone steadies my resolve.

Rising from the floor, I decide to begin my morning exercises. Simple routines—push-ups, planks, and stretches—help keep my body in peak condition. The quiet rhythm of movement clears my mind and prepares me for the challenges ahead.

———————————

Half an hour later, I hear someone stirring awake.

“Huh? Jack? Sophia? What’s happening? Where am I?”

It’s Yumi. Her voice is shaky, and her wide eyes hold a mixture of confusion and anxiety. She looks around, clearly disoriented, as if trying to make sense of the unfamiliar cave walls around her. I give her a moment, letting her gather herself before explaining everything.

Patiently, I recount the events—our summoning, the banquet, the escape, and the harsh reality of this new world. Yumi listens quietly at first, her expression shifting from shock to disbelief, and then to something heavier. Tears soon spill down her cheeks, and I wait, knowing she needs time to process it all.

When she finally speaks, her voice trembles but carries an unexpected strength. “So… there’s no way to go back?”

I shake my head. “No. Not with what we know right now.”

Yumi nods slowly, wiping her tears. “I see…” She takes a deep breath, her shoulders rising and falling before looking at Sophia. For a moment, I wonder if resentment might flare, but instead, Yumi surprises me with her maturity.

“Like you said, Sophia was just doing her job, following the King’s orders. And… being mad at her isn’t going to change anything,” she says, her voice steadying. She lets out a sigh, her youthful face carrying a surprising depth of acceptance. “Besides, without her, we wouldn’t have made it out alive.”

With her respond, I feel lighter now.

“Thank you for understanding,” I say, offering Yumi a reassuring smile. “And please don’t worry, I will do my best to protect you from now on. I will not let you be in such danger like that anymore.”

“Yes, I believe you. Please take care of me.”

“Of course.”

I pat her head slightly, and she gives me a smile.

And then, when Sophia fully wakes, she and Yumi exchange a few tentative words. Though the conversation is brief, the air between them feels more amicable than I expected. Things seem to be going well between them.

“Anyway,” I say, breaking the quiet. “Are you guys hungry?”

I pull out a couple of meal-replacement bars from my backpack and hand them over. Predictably, Yumi wrinkles her nose after a single bite, clearly unimpressed.

Sophia, on the other hand, lights up like a child discovering candy for the first time. “Delicious! This mini chocolate bar is so good!” she exclaims, chewing with enthusiasm. “It’s bitter but sweet at the same time. The texture is firm and chewy—it’s amazing! I’ve never had anything like this before!”

I can’t help but laugh at her reaction. “Glad you like it. But don’t eat more than two, or you’ll regret it.”

“Why? Is it dangerous?” Sophia asks, pausing mid-bite. “But you just ate four!”

“Well,” I say with a smirk, “I’m built differently. If you don’t believe me, go ahead—test it for yourself.”

Sophia narrows her eyes, clearly torn, before clicking her tongue in defeat and reluctantly putting the bar down. “Fine. But it’s not fair…” she mutters, clearly disappointed.

Smart move. Those bars are loaded with sugar alcohol, and eating too many could lead to… uncomfortable side effects in the bathroom. Considering this is her first time eating one, I doubt her body would handle it well.

After we finish our quick snack, Sophia rummages through the hideout and finds some old, hooded cloaks. They’re dusty and worn but serviceable for blending into the crowds.

“So, are we ready to head to the city?” Sophia asks, pulling her cloak over her head.

“Yeah,” I reply, securing my gear.

There is something very important we need to buy, and the only place where we can get them is from the black market.

“And are you sure you want to go with us instead of waiting here?” I turn and ask Yumi. “There are many people who are after us. If something bad happens, you could be in great danger.”

“But if something bad happens to you, then I wouldn’t be able to survive anyway. And besides, I’m… I’m scared of being alone…”

I chuckle softly at her honesty. “Fair point.”

“So, please,” she continues. “Let me go with you. I promise I won’t cause any trouble!”

“Alright,” I concede. If Yumi insists, there’s no reason not to bring her along. In fact, taking her with us will save time and energy since we won’t need to return to this hideout later.

With our preparations complete, we step out of the cave at 8 a.m. The forest greets us with a lingering darkness, the thick canopy overhead shrouding everything in shadow. The stillness of the woods is broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant chirping of unseen birds.

After a short walk, the trees begin to thin, and faint rays of sunlight filter through the foliage. The morning light gradually brightens our path, casting long, dappled shadows across the forest floor. The cool air feels refreshing, carrying a sharp, piny scent that stirs a faint memory of my time in Canada.

Sophia leads the way, confidently navigates the winding paths. As we weave through the undergrowth, the forest slowly gives way to clearer paths, the density of the trees lessening with each step.changes.

Finally, after three hours of navigating through, the forest gives way to open fields, and in the distance, the bustling outskirts of Valeria’s capital come into view. The city stretches across the horizon, its towering walls and spires standing as a vivid contrast to the natural wilderness we’ve just left behind.