Human

Although he was predisposed to hate the villagers for banishing him, Lem also had to admit that they had given him generous water supplies.

In the dry season, rain was scarce, and there was precious little available in their stores.

In all the simulations, he had not found any drinking water to speak of, and yet he still had never run out of water.

He also was certain that the village elder had not intended to mislead him about the prevalence of streams. The problem was that the villagers knew very little of the forest. The only information they gathered was from traveling to Lang Town.

If this was the case, then he could assume that their knowledge was specific to the area around the river. It made sense that they assumed that he would come across many streams.

Once he had finished filling up the water skins, Lem's simulated self found a narrow point in the stream. He used his spear as a vaulting pole, as he crossed over and continued forward.

[As you travel, you notice that the riverbank is growing muddier. You suspect that there is deep-water mud ahead, so you walk away from the riverbank to circumvent it…

After walking for several minutes, you begin walking back towards the riverbank. You notice that it is still muddy, so you walk away again…

A few minutes later, you come back towards the riverbank, and find that it is more solid. You begin walking on the riverbank again…]

Lem felt encouraged.

In the thick of the forest, every tyrant sloth, deathbear, and dust cat seemed to want to tear him to pieces on sight.

By comparison, the river was a far more harmonious place.

Even though his simulated self was forced to constantly monitor his surroundings, he had yet to encounter any beast that had threatened him.

The big fish stayed in the river, and the swan simply drifted by.

Another few hours passed by uneventfully.

Apart from sighting a few more fish and different aquatic plants, Lem's simulated self had not come across anything interesting.

The afternoon light was beginning to fade when he suddenly came to a stop.

Lem's mind stopped wandering, as he focused on the object of his simulated self's attention.

There was a large figure out ahead, on the riverbank.

Was it a deathbear or a tyrant sloth stopping by the river to get a drink of water?

Why did it look…like a human?

Lem could feel the excitement bubbling up from his body.

His simulated self began approaching eagerly.

Had he found Lang Town at last?