10 One Month

With his mother's voice echoing within his mind, Riku managed to guide himself to a safe landing, although his body bore the weight of fatigue. Encircled by towering 20-foot-tall trees, he found himself hidden from the probing gazes of other monsters.

Splash!

His dark, gleaming wings gradually retracted as he was gently lowered to the ground. "Ahh..." He turned in a dazed circle before finally collapsing onto the earth, gazing upward at the expanse of blue sky, his ears attuned to the cheerful symphony of birdcalls.

A sudden bout of laughter bubbled forth, echoing through the serene forest. Amidst his thoughts, Riku realized he had miraculously survived a perilous ordeal. "Hahaha! I was absolutely convinced I was done for!"

As night descended, Riku's gaze remained fixed on the sky for hours, until a subtle disturbance roused him from his reverie.

Brrr...

Aware that he had narrowly averted a fatal fate, Riku's immediate concerns shifted to hunger and the weariness stemming from his recent ordeal. "I completely forgot about eating. I must have assumed I was still in a game."

He eased himself into a seated position, his attention shifting to his surroundings in this unfamiliar terrain. "Where could I find sustenance in this place? And, of course, the most crucial necessity—water."

Renewed vitality seemed to course through Riku, enabling him to rise to his feet with newfound ease.

"This is a forest, so I should be able to find some resources here," Riku mused to himself.

He ventured into the dense woodland, determined to locate edible sources.

Riku's past research came to his aid as he identified creatures fit for consumption. Over a roaring fire, he grilled his find, a testament to his knowledge of which monsters were safe to eat and which ones were poisonous.

Furthermore, he recalled the lessons Haru had imparted, emphasizing the significance of performing essential tasks with vigor. In the world of mutants, displaying strength was paramount, alongside other vital attributes.

Utilizing large, vibrant green leaves, Riku collected water from the nearby lake. Carefully manipulating them, he fashioned an improvised container, his resourcefulness evident.

Satiating his hunger came next. Riku found solace within a small cave, its confines offering him both comfort and security, free from the threat of encroaching monsters. Here, he could rest, rejuvenate, and prepare for whatever challenges the enigmatic world might bring his way.

...

Time flew by, and before he knew it, a month had slipped away. Riku had adapted to his life within the enigmatic woodland. Each day, he diligently accomplished his daily objectives while meticulously avoiding confrontations with monsters. He'd realized that the creatures residing below the surface were considerably more formidable than those above, particularly when he ventured off the elevated ledge. Additionally, he'd observed that monsters invariably congregated in groups rather than being solitary.

Although initially Riku aimed to explore the forest's perimeter during his initial 10km run, his efforts to locate the forest's boundary proved futile. Regardless of his exertions, he remained trapped within the confines of the small cave, unable to escape its confines.

The hierarchy of monsters became evident as Riku continued his observations, confirming that the creatures on the forest floor were indeed of a higher level than those above. Drawing from the American scientists' understanding of mutant hierarchy, it was established that a level 2 mutant could hold their own against a dozen level 1 creatures, while a level 3 mutant could handle a dozen level 2 adversaries. Nevertheless, personal proficiency was a pivotal factor.

Riku's arsenal consisted solely of the [Claw] skill for offense, lacking other offensive capabilities that could ensure his success in one-on-one encounters. His priority lay in refining his body to serve as a capable vessel, enabling him to wield his abilities without suffering harm.

"I'm positioned at the very bottom of the forest's food chain. Forcing myself into the hunting quest would likely prove fatal," Riku mused, acknowledging the peril he'd face in such a scenario.

In a span of just a month, the transformation in Riku's physique was readily apparent. His muscles had undergone some growth, lending a more robust appearance to his form. Veins coursed visibly along his arms and legs, and his countenance had assumed an air of maturity. Evidently, the daily missions he undertook were playing a substantial role in his physical improvement.

Huff... Huff... Huff...

Concluding his morning routine of kicks and punches, Riku found respite beneath the shelter of a tall tree. As his gaze lingered on the forest's expanse, a sense of longing enveloped him. Thoughts of his father, Haru, and even his fiancée back on Earth stirred within him. The memory of Yui tugged at his heartstrings, and the possibility of never seeing her again made his yearning even more profound. He wished he could once more feel her embrace, inhale her fragrance, witness her smile, and cherish her affectionate nature.

Amidst his thoughts, Riku's attention gravitated towards his yearning for Yui's presence, igniting an unmistakable determination within him.

"What occupies my mind right now? No matter what unfolds in this world, I'll find a way back to Earth and marry her," he declared with unwavering conviction. His resolution was unshakeable. "Though I hope they haven't assumed the worst and declared me dead."

Drawing in a fortifying breath, Riku readied himself for his next stride in this unfamiliar realm. "Exploring this world should lead me to a city or town where I can gather information. Staying here will yield me nothing."

His objective was twofold—discovering a means to return to Earth promptly and locating his mother. With +155 fitness and +93 physical strength accrued over just a month of training, Riku felt well-prepared to utilize his [Fly] skill. However, his mana pool remained capped at 15, showing no increase despite his progress.

The advantageous position of being perched on elevated ground offered Riku an unobstructed vantage point that facilitated rapid assessment of any structures in the vicinity. This strategic high ground granted him a comprehensive view of the entire establishment.

With a hopeful expectation of discovering a village or city, Riku's yearning to interact with fellow humans was palpable. Though accustomed to his own company, he eagerly anticipated the prospect of engaging in conversation with others once more.

[Fly!]

Executing his skill with practiced ease, Riku's dark wings unfurled from his back without causing him any discomfort. "The system was right. Once my vessel improves, the sensation becomes negligible," he reflected, a grin forming on his lips as he observed his wings' motion.

A refreshing breeze brushed against his skin as he took off. "Let's go!" Riku called out, his determination evident. He bounded 12 meters forward before propelling himself into the air, navigating his way out of his initial position.

Swoosh!

With each flap of his wings, he soared through the sky, steadily ascending in height. Though his control wasn't seamless, it marked a notable advancement from his initial attempt at using the [Fly] skill.

"Hey! What is this feeling exactly? It's incredible!" Riku marveled at the scene unfolding before him. In this moment, he found himself genuinely appreciating the vista from above, his usual frustrations and concerns momentarily overshadowed by the sheer joy of the experience.

...

Ninety minutes elapsed. Departing the expanse of the forest, which spanned the size of an entire country, Riku's increased proficiency in flying allowed him to maintain a swift pace. With his growing mastery, he could now traverse the skies more adeptly.

In the distance, Riku spotted a guard stationed at an entrance. "Fortunate timing. I'll conceal myself for now and approach him without startling him due to my wings," he strategized.