Okay, so panicking is not allowed. It’s how you die early. So, let’s start with the facts: My name is Azaiah Star. I am 26 years old. I have three sisters and one brother. So, I am not suffering from memory loss, because I know who I am. So, this must be real because I can feel the elements, and I’m self-aware. Next step, I am in the wilderness. I need to cover my basic needs: water, food, and shelter.

Oh, my goodness! I’m losing my sight. There are things in the corner of my eyes. Actually, they are blinking … icons. Focusing on the little square box opens up the familiar blue screen from before.

Welcome to Altiria! You have been selected from among a group of your fellow human beings to integrate into the world of Altiria. after the tragic demise of your planet. As such, we have created a support system to help with your integration. Due to your experience and interest in building and management you have been selected for the frontier division. You and a group of ten others with similar interests will be the foundation of your village. Family members and other future villagers are being held until specific requirements are met to avoid overloading infrastructure.

So, I should have finished reading the blue screen before panicking. The box gives me a bit more context, at least. Status update: I am on a foreign planet, dressed in only what I slept in last night, I will create a settlement, and something other has control over our lives.

Focus on what you can change. First, I need to get somewhere safe to finish the integration; I can't say the word; otherwise, the lesson might start, and I'm definitely not ready. Second, complete said tutorial. Third, find and scope out fellow "founders." Fourth, meet basic needs. Fifth, find pants. Sixth, Begin construction of the settlement. The pants might be more important but harder to pull off.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Okay, I got this! My best bet is to climb a tree, then read through all of whatever this is. Scanning the trees in front of me leaves me with only three options and two significant problems. Problem-solving can only begin with acknowledging the problem. First, I don't know how to climb a tree, and second, I have no shoes. I have to hold my hand over my mouth to keep from screaming my frustration. Screaming in the middle of a forest is the dumbest thing a person can do. Okay, so an "inventory" of my surroundings is called for. Who knew talking to yourself could be so helpful. I apparently have an inventory thing now that honestly defies the laws of physics. God is good; there are shoes in here, well to be technical boots, with socks! Now that I'm looking, there seems to be a decent amount of stuff in there. Okay, breathe, no cheering in the woods, and focus. Problem 5 from list A and 2 from list B are resolved.

I still don't know how to climb a tree, but I need a tree to climb first. So, the first tree seems like a straight ladder to climb up and is only the size of a small house. The second tree looks weird like it's moving with no wind. Hard pass. The last tree is a higher up step ladder tree like the first tree. The best tree is obviously the higher up step ladder one, but can I get up there is the question.

After two very embarrassing hops and an insane amount of sliding, I decided to take a running jump and barely managed to grasp the lowest branch. It took what felt like a burning forever which might have only been thirty minutes to pull my body up to the first branch, not to mention afterward, where I had to drag my body to the next highest branch. Looking down proved to be a mistake. It feels like I’m thirteen feet off the ground. It was a very easy decision to decide not to climb another branch for my own safety. While I’ve always loved nature, the view from the top of the tree branch proved to be very insightful. I love how clean the air is, the lack of cars, and the background noise is different and lovely. The bird calls and insect noises without the growling and shrieking of cars is beyond neat. That being said, I’m right outside of a clearing. The forest has obviously been here for a while; with the forest beginning to be taller than a two-story house. However, the height of the grass is wrong for this to be the absolute wild. I don’t seem to hear any water in the direct vicinity, and my ears are beyond amazing.

Focus. The next step in the plan is to complete the tutorial.