A lone boy wrapped in a fur coat walked on top of the thick layer of snow. Looking ahead with determination, he set his sights on the mountain range in the distance.

***

Huff-

It has been about 20 mins since i left the hut.

I could see the sun clearly in the sky. Unobstructed from clouds, it stood there shining its blessing on me, keeping me from freezing.

Compared to the blizzard i had experienced not long ago, this was childsplay.

…

Growllll

My stomach rumbled once again.

I salivated, craving for sugar of any kind

(Come to think of it, the last time i ate was about 2 days ago)

Its amazing, really. How im even walking after not eating for that long. Its certainly a first time for me.

Walking in a straight line to a mountain range that seems to be about 25km away. A simple task, yet demanding of stamina.

I could feel my tiredness catching up to me somewhat. Maybe its because of adrenaline or my will to live that i am able stay focused in walking.

Current i am walking beside a bunch dead trees beside me. If you look hard enough and have a broad imagination, they would be companions accompanying me in my journey.

“Don't you think so … bob”

I talked to the tree branch i was fidgeting with through my fur coat

(I wonder how long i can keep this up.)

Ah. I should have brought water with me…

…

(Order up! Snow is on the menu to today with a special dessert… tree bark from yours truly- bob)

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

I slightly teared up. Bob.. i will remember your sacrifice.

***

2 hours in.

Growlll

now that i think about it, i really should have appreciated food. Even that porridge the robot made for me would be good. It would be hundreds of times better than gnawing on tree bark and snow water.

…

At this time, i saw a white patch on the snow move.

Two little white ears popped out of the snow, twitching as if it was scanning its surroundings.

I slowly crouched down, lowering my body ready to pounce on it.

I tensed up my body.Utilising the muscles in my calf, i exerted a sudden burst of force. Propelling me forward.

On the first step. I saw its ear twitch, showing that it is aware of my presence

On my second step, i was halfway there. I felt the snow sink further than that of the first step.

Third step. I tucked my feet together, ready to pounce on the alerted creature which had already turned around, facing me. It stared at me with its red beady eyes. It seemed like a rabbit of sorts about the size of a hare.

I then observed the snow around its two hind legs disperse as if wind had blown it away.

(De ja vu?)

I immediately changed directions and jumped to the right which was rather unimpressive given how i had clumsily stopped myself and rolled to the side instead of jumping.

WHOOSH

A small but concentrated gust of wind rivalling the blizzard brushed past me. Blowing the surroundings snow into the air. Creating a cloud of snow, covering me in a thin layer of snow while acting as a smoke bomb.

Swooosh

The rabbit jumped through the cloud of snow, pouncing on me. I immediately grabbed my coat to cover myself

Rip*

The tiny yet sharp claws of the rabbit easily tore through the fur coat. In this instance, i flipped the fur coat over my head, wrapping the bloodthirsty rabbit in my coat, stunning it for a second. Without hesitation, i plunged it into the ground and relentlessly punched it.

The rabbit squirmed in the coat, shredding the cloak, cutting my fists in the process. Backing up from the heavily injured rabbit, i stomped at its head, putting it to rest.

It was my first time killing a living creature in this world.

…

With the snow and coat dyed crimson, i harvested the claws of the rabbit. Using it to cut open its own body.

Seperating its skin with its body, i used it as a scarf. Though smelly, it added an extra layer of protection against the cold. I once again wrapped myself with the fur coat. Taking the corpse with me, i journeyed on.

***

The silence was loud.

My head empty with my blood cold. There was no longer any random thoughts bugging me.

One step at a time, i felt my surroundings darken as i recalled the fight with the rabbit.

…

Over time discomfort set in, in my stomach, causing me to retch and gag. Almost choking on the cold air.

As much as my stomach squirmed in discomfort, it didn't make any sound as if its hunger was sated.

The sticky dried blood clung to my body, making be feel as if i was encased, making me have unsteady steps that trudged along the snow, leaving marks and scraps.

Slowly reaching my limit, i was feeling fatigue and a lack of energy

(I…I want to live)

My hand, tightly gripping onto the rabbit corpse approached my mouth

Crunch*

Tear*

A chunk of meat was ripped off, entering my mouth with a mouth wrenching taste

Gag*

I retched out digestive juices. Reluctant, i clenched my lips together and kept the vomit inside. Gulping down the piece of meat together with the vomit.

Bite*

Before i knew it, only the skeleton and organs of the corpse was left.

As a result of eating, i felt full. However, i felt the actions of my consequences.

GRooWll

My stomach was clearly dissatisfied with the food it was given. I gave it food and in return it gave me pain and indigestion…

…

I finished my business in the snow and continued my journey

Distance from mountain - about 15km