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The forest

I exited the dimly lit alleyway, the sudden burst of light stinging my eyes, prompting me to instinctively shut them tight. To shield myself from the overwhelming brightness, I turned my gaze towards the ground as I continued my journey. Gradually, my eyes adjusted to the increased luminosity, allowing me to peer ahead.

I found myself amidst the squalor of the slums. Dilapidated houses loomed overhead, narrow, winding streets forming a bewildering maze, and the residents wore expressions of perpetual wariness. These slums were situated within Roberta, the sole port city of the Vermillion Empire. While my knowledge about this place was limited, I understood that the Empire functioned as a "powertocracy" – a hierarchy determined by one's strength. For those lacking in power, the only path to a decent life involved serving someone influential, provided you possessed the intelligence for such a role. Some wealthy individuals, despite their feeble nature, could afford protection, but they were typically foreign merchants.

My mother, unfortunately, fell into the weaker category, earning her livelihood in a local tavern. The bar's proprietor, not particularly influential himself, likely served another higher authority. Hence, our humble abode nestled within the slums. Now, I no longer had a place to call home, relegated to life on the streets. Nevertheless, this was not the future I envisioned for myself, and I held onto the hope of surviving long enough to utilize the knowledge I had gained or until fate smiled upon me once more.

After a while, I reached a forest with dark oak trees and bushes. I kept walking until I reached a lake. The water looked clean but a bit dark. I went to the edge of the lake and saw my reflection: a boy with a pretty face, blue eyes, and white hair. However, my hair wasn't that white due to the dirt, so I washed my face, Then I took my clothes and cleaned them, made a fire with some rocks and sticks that I gathered around and put the clothes close enough to dry but distant enough to not get burned. After that, I got into the lake myself. The water was cold, but it was better than staying all dirty. After I washed myself, I went to the campfire and waited for my clothes to dry. After that, I got dressed.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

My stomach started to make noises again, so I thought about getting some food. But the problem was how; the lake didn't seem to have any fish. So, the only thing I could get to eat were animals. But all the animals in this forest weren't the type you could hunt without weapons; they're all either too fast or too strong. Maybe I should really do some pickpocketing and then buy a sword or something. But it's not like I can use it either; what should I do?

Suddenly, I heard noise from the bushes; it was a boar.

-Shit!

The boar started running in my direction; it was an open zone, the only place to run was the trees in the boar's direction or the lake. But I would get caught before I made it. Even so, I got up and put all my strength in my legs and started running. But when I made the first impulse on the floor, I got a surprise; I was inside the lake.

I had jumped a distance of at least 50 meters in a single leap! I had heard stories of people doing incredible things when they were in danger, but this was unbelievable. How was this even possible?

I looked at the boar, which had stopped and seemed unsure of what to do. My sudden speed must have scared it.

Then, I remembered the strange dream I had. Could it be that I had gained more than just knowledge from it? There was only one way to find out. I got out of the lake and looked at the boar, which was about 80 meters away. I crouched down, pushed off the ground with all my strength, and in an instant, I was right in front of the boar. I punched it, and it flew until it crashed into the ground, leaving a trail in the dirt.

I walked up to the boar and checked; it was definitely dead.

"Food problem solved."