The next thing I remember is a grassy riverbed with a rocky cliffside. It was so beautiful and peaceful. The grass was so soft I felt like I could fall asleep right there and then, but while looking around, I was, to be frank, really pissed off at what I was seeing. A few hundred yards off behind me were a few trees, too little to really be called a forest. Then to the South, there was a start of a desert that kept going as far as I could see, and very far off in the distance ahead, I could see the edge of what was probably a mountain. The entire scene was gorgeous, just the kind of place most city folk would love to travel to, but not me. I was on a mission where I could do whatever I want, but Xeros decided to dump me next to the river, and by the looks of it really damn far from any kind of civilization.
After a while, I forced myself to shake off the allure of the tranquil setting and stood up, dusting off the remnants of grass and dirt clinging to my clothes. Then, I looked myself over in the water and ran my fingers over my face. The feeling was surreal. I felt the touch and warmth like that is me, but the face was that of a stranger. Well not exactly a complete stranger, as I could still see certain lines that were similar to my old face, but still drastically different than anything I was used to. In a good way. I was in all ways an enhanced and beautified version of the old me.
Then I inspected the drip I was rocking. The strange greenish tunic and the shawl Xeros had provided were far from my usual attire, but I couldn't complain. At least I had underpants, a modern pair that brought a touch of familiarity and comfort to this bewildering situation. Thank you, Nixaris, for your small mercies.
Thinking back to my new physique and face I remembered a saying: Dreams come true. But a complete saying should be: Inside dreams, dreams come true.
As I was snickering to my own stupidity I felt like I forgot something important. Did dreams always feel so real?
After being unable to resist the gnawing curiosity any longer, I reached out and pinched myself, hoping that the pain would not be there and that this is all just a surreal dream. To my dismay, the pinch felt all too real, a sharp reminder that I had indeed been talking to a self-proclaimed divine entity just moments prior.
"No no no... This can't be happening. It's simply not possible!"
I grabbed a fallen branch from the forest floor and scratched it against my arm. The sensation was vivid and unmistakable. The sting, the reddening of the skin—it was all too real. A surge of panic shot through me as I realized that I wasn't dreaming.
My breath quickened, and I felt a wave of hyperventilation threatening to overwhelm me. The weight of the unknown pressed down on my chest, suffocating me with its uncertainty. The idea of being trapped in this unfamiliar timeline, far from home and all that was familiar, felt suffocating.
Minutes ticked by as I fought to regain control, my mind racing and my heart pounding. Gradually, the panic subsided, giving way to a newfound resolve. I took deep breaths, grounding myself in the present moment, accepting that this was my new reality, whether I liked it or not.
Even as our previous conversation progressed, I found myself gradually coming to terms with my circumstances. However, it was at this moment that I truly comprehended the severity of my situation.
After I calmed down I surveyed my surroundings, my eyes caught sight of a small drawstring bag lying nearby. It seemed plain and rudimentary, lacking the intricate craftsmanship I was accustomed to seeing. Curiosity piqued, I reached for it and untied the string, revealing a folded piece of paper tucked inside. It was undoubtedly another one of Xeros' last-minute instructions.
> Hey James!
>
> Just to inform you, there was a slight mishap during the experiment.
>
> Instead of landing in the world, we discussed previously, you are in a slightly different one, where to my pleasant surprise, supernatural forces exist. I don't really want to spoil too much of your fun so you will have to figure out the details on your own.
>
> P.S. You are very far away from a human village. I did that because there was a bit of a light show when I sent you down and didn't want the locals to do something stupid.
"Well, shit. I guess that will spice things up a bit," I mumbled to myself. The result was actually expected as the creature was evidently badly hurt and transporting me to a new world, be it a parallel one, must not be easy to do.
After folding the paper and returning it to the bag, I ventured along the river, the sound of rustling leaves and the occasional chirping of birds filled the air, creating a symphony of nature's melodies. The vibrant green hues of the foliage and the dappling sunlight filtering through the canopy added a touch of enchantment to the otherwise unfamiliar terrain.
My eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any signs of civilization or resources that could aid my survival.
I remembered that if you get lost in the forest the first thing to do is find a monument like a road or a river, along which there will eventually be settlements. So I persevered and kept walking.
After a while, my persistence paid off. Amidst the undergrowth, I stumbled upon a cluster of berry bushes, their plump, ripe fruits glistening in the sunlight. Hunger gnawed at my stomach, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since waking up in this strange dimension. Still, I had to ensure that these berries were safe to consume.
Picking a single berry, I examined it closely, checking for any telltale signs of danger. Satisfied with its appearance, I brought it to my lips and took a hesitant bite. The burst of sweetness and juiciness flooded my senses, a welcome respite from the uncertainty and tension that had filled my being.
Relieved to find sustenance that wouldn't lead to my immediate death, I proceeded to gather a small handful of them, using the crappy bag to store them.
Then I cast a silent prayer to the gods above that those berries were not poisonous, which could be fatal in my case.
With the emergency rations secured, I decided to take a moment to rest.
Seeking shelter for the night, I searched for a suitable tree with sturdy branches and a canopy dense enough to shield me from any unforeseen dangers.
After some careful consideration, I found a massive oak tree that seemed to possess the qualities I sought. Its thick trunk provided a stable foundation, and the branches above formed a natural roof, providing protection from the elements.
Using human ingenuity I took a few vines and wrapped them into a makeshift rope. After a final prayer, that the rope will hold, I put it around the tree, wrapped each end of it to my hands, and hoisted myself higher into the tree's embrace.
The climb was tougher than I thought. My hands felt sore from holding onto the rope so tightly and my back was killing me.
Thankfully the changes he made to my appearance were not only cosmetic but the lean physique also came with quite a bit more muscle than my previous body ever had.
Once I reached a suitable height, I surveyed the area from my arboreal vantage point.
The river shimmered in the distance, a silver ribbon winding its way through the landscape. Beyond, the forest a desert stretched out in a captivating expanse, inviting both exploration and caution.
In this precarious situation, I knew that maintaining a heightened sense of awareness was paramount to my survival, especially after learning about the supernaturals. So my plan was too keep an eye out for anything dangerous durong the night but things don't usually go according to plan.
Using the bag as a makeshift pillow, I settled into a relatively comfortable position on one of the sturdier branches. The fatigue of the day's events began to weigh on me, and as the sunlight waned, the forest enveloped me in its nocturnal symphony. The rustling leaves and distant calls of unseen creatures created a lullaby that carried me closer to sleep. No matter how much I resisted, the slumber claimed me, and my fate once again fell into the gods hands.
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Thankfully or otherwise, my respite was short-lived.
In the early hours of the morning, I was jolted awake by an intense rumbling in my stomach. Panic gripped me as I realized the urgency of the situation.
After carefully descending from the tree, a sense of urgency took hold of me.
The discomfort in my stomach had escalated to a point where I couldn't afford to waste a single moment, so I simply jumped the last few feet.
After arriving on the firm ground, I hastely knelt, while knowing that I don't have much more time.
The greenish tunic and underpants were also removed with blazing speed and dropped to the ground without a second thought.
Then, not a second later, it came.
Relief and a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead washed over me, as I explosively emptied my bowels.
This was a moment that forced me to confront the consequences of my past actions and the missteps that led me here. Namely eating the unknown berries and river water full of different bacteria that my body was probably not accustomed to.
I say maybe because I know that my body was made to evolve to these world, but there is a posibility that the mishap he spoke about in the letter also messed up the bacteria and viruses that I carry, and am immune to.
As I found myself crouching behind bushes, I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Here I was, a time-traveling wanderer with extraordinary powers, dealing with the most mundane of bodily functions. It was a humbling reminder that even in the face of incredible abilities, we're all still subject to the quirks of our physical forms. Well for now at least.
Armed with a sense of humor and an extra roll of leaves, I soldiered on, determined to navigate the challenges of both time and digestive distress. Because when you're traveling through parallel worlds and about to face unknown dangers, a little bout of diarrhea is just a blip on the grand scale of things.
Once the ordeal subsided, I cleaned myself with the utmost care, determined to maintain at least a bit of dignity and not dirty the last piece of clothing I owned.
As I redressed in the greenish tunic, a sense of resilience welled within me. Hopefully, after repeating this kind of ordeal a few more times, I would develop an immunity to such discomforts. The thought of being able to consume the river water without spilling my guts out filled me with anticipation. It will just take some time for my body to get accustomed to the bacteria and all the other crap that's inside it, just like other people that grew up in this place.
Unfortunately, a persistent pang of hunger gnawed at my stomach, reminding me that survival meant more than just enduring discomfort. Determined to find sustenance and push forward, I resisted the temptation to seek solace in the refuge of my makeshift shelter. Instead, my weary feet propelled me along the course of the river, hopeful that fortune would smile upon me.
As I continued my trek along the riverbank, hunger urged me to explore alternative means of sustenance. My eyes fell upon the glistening water, teeming with life and potential nourishment. Determined to secure a meal, I cast my gaze upon a collection of sharp rocks, worn smooth by the relentless flow of water. With a spark of hope igniting within me, I picked up one of the rocks and ran my fingers along its jagged surface, testing its potential as a carving tool.
Gripping a sturdy branch in my other hand, I carefully inspected its length and thickness. It would serve as the foundation of my spear, a means to defend myself and perhaps even secure food.
Using the edge of the rock, I began scraping away at the wooden surface of the branch. My hands moved with purpose, the rhythmic motion of the scraping echoing the hunger within me. With each stroke, the branch gradually transformed, taking on a more pointed and tapered shape.
The process was slow and required patience, but I remained resolute. I knew that this spear would be crucial to my survival. As I continued to scrape and shape, the sound of wood being chipped away mingled with the gentle rustle of the river and the distant calls of birds.
After what felt like an eternity, I held in my hands a functional spear. The rough edges of the spearhead gave it an unrefined appearance, but I hoped it would prove effective enough to catch a fish or two. Either way, its wooden shaft was sturdy and balanced, and its tip honed to a point that promised effectiveness in self-defense and fishing.
Stepping into the shallow water, I waded carefully, mindful of any sharp rocks or treacherous inhabitants. The fish, agile and elusive, darted beneath the surface, testing my patience and skill.
After several failed attempts, I finally spotted a flash of silver as a fish swam near the water's edge. My heart quickened with anticipation as I steadied my grip on the makeshift spear. With a swift lunge, I thrust the spear forward, aiming to impale my fleeting prey.
But fate had other plans. My inexperience with hunting and the crude nature of my tool conspired against me. The fish darted away with lightning speed, leaving only ripples in its wake. Frustration mingled with determination as I retrieved the spear, undeterred by my initial failure.
I spent hours by the riverbank, refining my technique and adapting to the rhythms of this unfamiliar environment. Each attempt brought me closer to success, as I learned to anticipate the movements of the fish and adjust my aim accordingly. The hours turned into a timeless dance, my focus fixed solely on the elusive quarry before me.
Just as the daylight began to wane, when my energy was almost spent, a stroke of luck graced my persistence. The spearhead struck true, piercing the silvery scales of a small fish. A mix of relief and triumph surged through me as I carefully retrieved my catch from the water.
With the food I needed finally secured, I decided to continue my journey, hoping to find a suitable spot to cook and savor my hard-earned meal.
When the night was descending upon the riverside, I finally found a suitable spot to settle down. The crackling sounds of dry leaves underfoot accompanied my weary steps as I sought refuge in the embrace of a small clearing. Excitement swirled within me as I anticipated the satisfaction of a cooked meal, knowing that my perseverance had paid off.
Determined to savor the fruits of my labor, I set about gathering dry twigs and arranging them in a small pit. Placing the fish on a bed of leaves, I carefully positioned it over the assembled kindling. A flicker of uncertainty fluttered within me as I contemplated the task of igniting the fire. This was a skill I had only seen performed on television, never having needed to learn it firsthand.
Undeterred by my lack of experience, I recalled the few fragments of knowledge I possessed on fire-making. Positioning myself before the carefully arranged twigs, I clasped the stick between my hands, its rough surface poised for friction. With a resolute breath, I began to rub them together, fervently working to generate the necessary heat.
Time seemed to lose meaning as I persevered, the muscles in my arms straining with each determined stroke. Sweat trickled down my brow, mingling with the dirt and grime accumulated throughout my journey. Doubt began to creep in, whispering words of futility in my ear.
But just as my spirits were about to waver, a spark ignited. A tiny ember glowed amidst the friction, signaling the potential for success. Nurturing the nascent flame, I carefully blew on it, coaxing it to grow. Soon, a small fire emerged, casting dancing shadows upon the surrounding trees.
A sense of triumph washed over me as I watched the flames leap and dance, their warmth a comforting embrace against the encroaching night.
Carefully, I cleaned the fish, removing scales and entrails with a sharp rock I had found earlier. The process was messy and unfamiliar, but I relished the opportunity to reconnect with nature's primal rituals. The silver glimmer of the fish's flesh contrasted against the dark backdrop of the night, a reminder of the delicate balance between life and sustenance.
With the fish prepared, I skewered it on a makeshift spit and held it over the flames, watching as the heat caused the flesh to sizzle and release an enticing fragrance. The hunger that had plagued me for hours heightened my anticipation, making every crackle and pop of the fire feel like an eternity.
As the fish cooked, its skin turned golden and crispy, promising succulent tenderness within. The aroma intensified, teasing my senses and stimulating my salivation. The crackling flames cast dancing shadows on the riverbank, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for my impromptu feast.
Finally, the moment of indulgence arrived. I plucked the cooked fish from the spit, careful not to burn my hands. The skin crackled as I peeled it back, revealing the moist and flaky flesh beneath. A hint of smoke mingled with the natural flavors, adding a rustic charm to the experience.
I took my first bite, savoring the explosion of flavors that burst upon my tongue. The fish was tender and delicate, its meat infused with a subtle hint of river freshness. The only thing missing was salt and garlic-infused oil.
With the remnants of the meal in hand, I disposed of them respectfully, returning them to the river from which they came.
It was then that I spotted it, a wooden vessel floating gently on the river's shimmering surface. Excitement surged through me as I hurried toward the boat, my heart filled with gratitude for the unexpected stroke of luck.
Approaching the boat cautiously, I caught the attention of its occupants, a group of rugged individuals who appeared to be seasoned travelers. My attempt to communicate my desperation for aid and sustenance proved futile, as their language was completely foreign to me. Nonetheless, their initial demeanor seemed welcoming, as if they understood my plight and were willing to offer assistance.
"Excuse me," I said, my voice filled with hope. "I'm lost and in need of help. Can you understand me?"
The tallest of the group, a weathered man with a scar across his cheek, furrowed his brow and exchanged puzzled glances with his companions. They spoke among themselves in a language that was as alien to me as the dimension I found myself in. I quickly realized that my lighter skin might be a problem.
One of the others, a wiry woman with piercing eyes, approached me cautiously and gestured for me to come aboard. I hesitated, my gut instinct urging caution, but I still decided to go on board. What’s the worst thing that could happen?