20 Creating an Illusion

As the group got ready to head back, Key had them grab all the remaining fruits left on the tree. He had already deduced that they could be more useful than helping one become a three-star Adapter. But to test his theory, he still needed the help of a three-star Adapter first.

With everything secured, they made their way in the direction Key just came. Even Ford who was badly injured showed signs of being able to walk on his own. Catching this, Key couldn't help the small astonishment he felt at an Adapter's body.

This ability showed that one would be able to adapt to anything given enough time. Key figured, his body would also be able to recover faster than the average human if he got hurt. "Wait a minute Key! Aren't we going in the wrong direction?" Black spoke up.

"No. I want to try skinning that big polar bear we encountered. Besides that, have none of you noticed yet? Two things should have caught your attention since we got to this strange large world." Key stated.

"So you noticed too huh? Figures, since it's you. But why skin the pest? We don't need the meat or new clothes." Donn also gave his opinion. "Okay stop! You need to explain so we all understand you, idiots! What two things?!" Ford shouted annoyed.

Key chuckle slightly as he continued on his way while giving Ford the answers he wanted. "Its simple, we have been here for a little over two weeks with no signs of giant animals, and yet the tribespeople is afraid of the surface." Here he paused to let them comprehend his words before he spoke next.

"We, on the other hand, are afraid because we know what the world could be like if it's like our own world but bigger. This tells us for the first thing; there are things scarier than the insects harassing the tribespeople. While we don't know what yet, we can assume its flying bugs or flying animals, like mosquitos and birds. Or it could be normal animals like squirrels, rabbits, and such that are commonly found in a person's home yard. Now think, what would be the other tribes' reaction to seeing fur from an animal? Although we don't have the ability to kill a giant animal, we can still trick the insects and tribes into believing that we are that strong now." Key explained.

"You're right, that makes sense but why only small animals? Wouldn't a tiger or lion be more reasonable since they live in the wild?" Black asked, voicing his doubts. "As I said, it's only a possibility given how wild animals can be found anywhere, but Green Grass Field shouldn't be located in the wild. Remember the Divine Door area has concrete. It's better to think of our location as a front lawn, grass in a public park, or somewhere with grass that is close to buildings." Key informed him.

"What's the second thing?" Ford asked. Instead of Key answering, it was Donn who spoke. "Fire." Surprise filled the other two. "Fire? what about it?" Ford asked again, still not understand what fire had to do with anything.

"There hasn't been anyone using fire to stay warm or see at night. The people here only been using the moonlight. I don't know how they kept warm for cold seasons, but there are no trees to use sticks to start a fire near the Hill tribe. These deductions lead me to believe they don't know what fire is." Key said.

Disbelief was seen on both Black's and Ford's faces. How could somebody not know what fire was? It was something that was almost needed as much as food and water. Of course, a person could live without fire, but it wouldn't be easy.

Key smiled a little at their expressions, but he doubted they understood just how vital having fire would be. At this stage of development, it was like having a gun while his enemies were still using knives and swords.

Unfortunately, he didn't know how to make guns or have materials too. Otherwise, the Queen and her insects wouldn't be able to bully them. Still, animal skin and fire should buy them more time than a month to grow stronger. After all, a month was really too short.

Soon, they came upon the dead giant polar bear. Its size was about three times the size of a regular polar bear. Thankfully, their own sizes where normal instead of ant sizes, or the giant polar bear would have been a nightmare.

"You really managed to kill it by yourself? I guess I need to work harder." Black stated after seeing the dead giant polar bear. "Relax, the bear was weaker than you think. It was only a three-star beast with an increase in attack power and ambition." Key reminded him.

Three-star beast? Did he think a two-star Adapter fighting and killing a three-star creature was normal?

"Alright, while I skin this polar bear, you guys gather the items we need for the fire." Said Key. Not checking to see if they listened or not, he bent down to get started. With cluelessness and struggling, a few hours passed before Key finally managed to skin the giant polar bear completely.

By that time, the others had finished gathering what they felt was needed for a fire. With everything set, Key had the group continue their way to the Evolver Door while informing them to kill the beasts cleanly if they saw any.

He planned to get as much animal skin as possible. During the one day's worth of travel, the group ended up running into four more beasts that were one-star beasts. They quickly killed them, while Key skinned them.

In the end, a single day travel, became a two-day travel as Key sharpen his skinning ability. By the time it was the sixth day since they enter the Evolver Door, they finally got to the entrance to lead them back to the Divine Door area.

Key was the first to enter the door as they all arrived outside the evolver place. Glancing around the area, he spoke to the other three. "Alright, let go create an illusion for the people."