With renewed determination, he set his sights on the next objective: securing shelter. While various methods of building temporary shelters were present in this unfamiliar realm, his mindset urged him to consider potential dangers beyond ordinary wildlife in this unfamiliar, ruthless land.
Concentrating on the task on hands, he fixated his gaze on the tree before him, captivated by the crackling of burning wood as the fire danced in the afternoon light.
‘If this world adheres to a 24-hour cycle, I still have approximately 5-7 hours of daylight…’
In this unforgiving world, safety was a fleeting concept, especially considering Erin's vulnerable childlike form. However, he was determined to minimize potential threats, starting with ground-dwelling creatures.
His eyes surveyed the towering tree before him, searching for a suitable spot. And there it was, a promising site with two branches extending parallel to each other, separated by approximately 1.3 meters. It served as the foundation and primary structure for his makeshift refuge.
“Treehouse it is. At least it’s not made out of dirt.”
Though in reality, he planned to fashion a simple platform with a simple covering covered with leaves for the time being. After all, he didn't intend to stay in this location for an extended period.
He also noticed something peculiar about his body. It had been approximately five hours since he woke up, yet he felt no urge to relieve himself or respond to nature's call, literally. This seemed odd, considering he had consumed over two kilograms of meat and a substantial amount of water. He looked at the jewel questioningly, but it remained unresponsive.
"And now that I think about it, my recovery seems unusually fast."
He touched his earlobe, noting that the pain had subsided more quickly than expected. Even the scab that formed seemed stronger than it should be. Likewise, the ache in his arm, which had almost been yanked out, seemed to diminish.
Setting aside these peculiarities, Erin returned to a fallen tree where he had previously collected tinder. While not particularly large in comparison to the vast forest, the tree's inner bark revealed itself to be remarkably fibrous.
To his surprise, after removing the outer bark, the tree yielded fibers as long as 10 meters. Curiosity piqued, Erin decided to test their strength. Using two strands of the inner bark, he suspended himself from the same branch where the last piece of meat hung. The fibers held without issue.
Satisfied with the results, Erin gathered a bundle of approximately ten fiber pieces, intending to use sets of two as ropes. After all, it would be the branches growing from the tree that would bear the weight.
By his estimation, it was around two in the afternoon, according to Earth's standard. Choosing another tree, one adorned with small leaves, he collected a bunch of branches and twigs with leaves, forming a modest pile. This would serve as his makeshift mattress during the night.
Erin had chosen this particular tree for its small and thin leaves, which he believed would provide a softer and more comfortable surface for resting. Additionally, he noticed that the branches of the tree appeared relatively straight, making them a suitable choice for constructing a stable platform.
With that out of the way, Erin embarked on the task of ascending the tree to create a small platform.
The spot he selected on the tree stood at approximately 12 meters, just below the start of its crown. With the bundle of fibers securely fastened to his back, attached to two sturdy branches he had meticulously chosen, Erin embarked on his ascent. The shapeshifting metal of his glove proved invaluable, transforming into a specialized tool with small hooks on the fingertips and minuscule hooks on the palm. This ingenious design ensured he had a reliable grip on the tree, allowing him to climb with greater ease. When the need arose, the metal would obediently soften, enabling him to release his hold without struggle.
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It was an arduous yet necessary task. Arriving at the designated spot, he nonchalantly placed the branches and loosely tied them together. The twigs with leaves remained untouched, awaiting a proper place for relocation.
Descending wearily, ascending with determination. This laborious undertaking consumed approximately one and a half hours of Erin's time, punctuated by three necessary breaks for rest. His limbs quivered with fatigue, prompting him to indulge in a brief 30-minute rest and partake in a modest meal.
Returning to the creek, he glanced at the lifeless body of the adversary from which he narrowly escaped. Seeking respite in the refreshing waters once more, his nudity made him acutely aware of the rapid accumulation of dirt and grime.
Having cleansed himself, he approached the carcass and procured a portion of its meat, willing the metal to transform into a makeshift fishing line, complete with an attached hook. Improvising a fishing pole using a sizable branch, he employed the fruit he had gathered, although he dared not consume it, as bait. The fruit possessed a blue hue and was small and round, reminiscent of a grape, yet its texture resembled that of an apple. Surprisingly, his efforts yielded no catch.
"I'm not sure if it's poisonous, but even the fish seem uninterested," he pondered.
Switching to the meat of the giant eel, Erin was taken aback when, a mere ten seconds after casting his line, he felt a robust tug. Engaging in a brief struggle against the aquatic creature, he successfully reeled in a seemingly ordinary-looking fish.
"Dinner, check."
He mused, savoring the fact that, for once, he encountered a creature of normal appearance rather than an unpleasant surprise. Seeking solace in the shade, he sprawled out for approximately 30 minutes, relishing the respite.
Returning to his makeshift shelter, Erin embarked on constructing a simple yet functional abode. It wouldn't be a grand treehouse, but rather a humble sleeping space. Hanging the fish and monster meat together, he ascended to the platform with more practiced movements, ready to commence his work.
Creating a base using two larger branches, he proceeded to "floor" the designated area. While he took care to secure the larger branches more meticulously, the rest were fastened with simple cross loops, avoiding unnecessary complexity. The completed platform measured approximately 160 by 80 centimeters in size.
Next came the uncomplicated roof, sloping towards the tree with a single lean. He added two small poles on the outward side to create an entryway just big enough for him to fit inside. To cover the roof, he utilized a framework of branches and twigs with leaves, securing them in place with fibered tree bark.
"Phew, home sweet home."
As the realization dawned that sunset was approaching, he swiftly gathered and spread leaves on the platform, fashioning a nest-like arrangement.
With darkness descending and the last rays of sunshine filtering through the dense canopy, Erin, now sweaty, dirty, and unclothed, could truly appreciate the comforts and conveniences of modern life. He hurried to the creek for a final bath and to replenish his water supply.
Transforming his metal into a pouch, he filled it with water and returned to his shelter, where the encroaching darkness made visibility increasingly challenging. Preparing his fire kit, he soon had a blazing bonfire illuminating the surroundings. Weary eyes fixed on the fish, which bore a resemblance to a trout, as it cooked over the flames. He recollected a show that had taught him the intuitive process of cleaning fish using materials found in the wild.
And there he stood, amidst the tranquility of the moment, aware that this peacefulness was merely a veil concealing the lurking dangers and harsh conditions of his surroundings.
*Crackle*
As the aroma of the fully cooked fish wafted through the air, enticing his senses, Erin decided it was time for his final meal of the day. He rinsed his mouth with water, took a few refreshing sips, and made his way back to his unassuming yet comforting nest. With no immediate danger apparent, he chose not to extinguish the fire entirely, only leaving a single branch of fire to provide enough light for him to get to his nest.
Sliding into the improvised nest, he sought refuge from the encroaching cold of the night. Curling himself into a fetal position, he couldn't help but express a hint of contentment.
"At least I have a roof now,” he muttered softly. Surrendering to exhaustion, he closed his eyes, ready to embrace a night of rest.
…
*Rustle*
Erin found himself immersed in a dream of his tragic past when he was abruptly awakened by unnatural sounds and the rustling of leaves. His drowsiness and exhaustion taking a toll on his reaction time. In the darkness, especially under the shadow of the tree, illuminated only by the faint moonlight, he discerned a humanoid figure ascending the tree.
*SNARSH*
A vocalized sound reached his ears from a few meters below his branch. Adrenaline surged through his body, dispelling his sleepiness as he swiftly crawled out of the shelter. Now, he could vaguely make out two small human-like figures climbing the tree towards him.