The Gift Of Prometheus

The day began like any other, with the warm sun casting its golden rays, the gentle sound of the nearby river, and the soothing breeze rustling through the trees. However, today held a special significance, for I had set out to accomplish something extraordinary in this primitive age: to invent fire.

To construct fire, one needed the right materials and a technique that would yield results. I began by scouring the surroundings for dry twigs, though they were scarce. Determined to overcome this obstacle, I resorted to using a chisel to shave thin slices of wood from a log, creating a viable alternative.

Once I had gathered all the necessary materials, I devised a rudimentary fire-making device. I fashioned a stick between the taut rope of a bow, carefully placing the twigs at the bottom, while the upper end cradled a small piece of wood with a circular indentation to support the stick.

With the setup complete, I grasped the bow and began to move it back and forth, causing the stick to spin and rub against the twigs. The friction generated heat, and with each cycle, I eagerly awaited the telltale signs of success: sparks or smoke.

Anticipation coursed through my entire being as I yearned to unlock the gift that Prometheus had bestowed upon humanity. This gift had revolutionized our world, touching every aspect of life—a small but profound chemical reaction between the carbon of wood and the oxygen in the air.

As I persisted, beads of sweat formed on my brow, and my hands grew weary. Yet, my gaze remained fixed on the sight of the stick fervently rubbing against the twigs. And then, in a fleeting moment, a wisp of smoke escaped from the twigs. Ecstasy surged through me, and I momentarily forgot my exhaustion, vigorously spinning the stick even faster.

When sparks began to flicker, my mind conjured an image of Prometheus—a robust, masculine figure, bestowing upon me the gift of fire, the catalyst of revolution. I blew air onto the twigs, providing ample oxygen to fuel the reaction. The tinder sparked to life, and a flame erupted with the force of my breath.

[Fire Gained × 50exp]

In a world where survival was uncertain, where dangers lurked at every corner, and the knowledge of edible resources was limited, this flame became more than just a source of warmth and light. It became a symbol—a testament to the indomitable spirit of humankind, showing that no matter how dire the circumstances, we could forge the best of what we had.

I carefully tended to the fire, adding more twigs and dry leaves, watching as the flames grew and danced within the stove I had constructed. The warmth enveloped me, and a sense of accomplishment washed over me.

With the fire still ablaze, I ventured into the forest and gathered an ample supply of mud. I molded it into bowls, vases, and cups, foreseeing the transformation of these humble earthenware creations into durable ceramic utensils through the power of heat.

[Utensils, Pottery Gained × 40exp]

As the nightfall brought a cool breeze, I chuckled at its feeble attempt to challenge my newfound warmth. Prometheus seemed to stand beside me, mocking the elements themselves.

Days turned into weeks, and my focus shifted between constructing my shelter and exploring other inventions during my fleeting moments of respite. It amazed me how much time I had at my disposal when I was not enslaved by devices designed to captivate and distract.

In these moments, I achieved further milestones:

[Crafting an Axe (with handle) Gained × 10exp]

[Forging a Knife Gained × 15exp]

[Creating Mud or Ceramic Plates Gained × 15exp]

[Crafting a Spear Gained × 20exp]

The skeletal structure of my shelter was now complete. Opting for mud walls instead of sticks or wood, which would require substantial time and may lack durability, proved to be a prudent choice.

Days turned into weeks, and the completion of my humble abode became my focal point. Yet, even during this period of concentrated effort, I managed to find time to refine my skills and broaden my inventory:

[Crafting Arrows Gained × 10exp]

[Creating Ceramic Roof Tiles Gained × 15exp]

I started by laying a foundation of flat stones, elevating the floor and smoothing it with a layer of mud. The walls took shape as I strategically arranged stones, using the mud as an effective cementing agent. For the roof, I secured large, leafy fronds from the forest, reminiscent of coconuts, and fortified them with the ceramic tiles I had crafted.

In just two short weeks, I crossed the threshold of my completed house, and an overwhelming sense of pride and joy engulfed me.

[Shelter Gained × 100exp]

The ensuing month was a whirlwind of activities. Gathering wood consumed much of my time, and I devoted countless hours to testing the edibility of fruits, berries, and vegetables sourced from the forest.

Each test followed a strict set of rules. I abstained from eating before the assessment, subjecting the produce to boiling as the primary measure of preparation. If the scent proved strong and unpleasant, I discarded it immediately. I then rubbed a sample against the sensitive skin of my elbow, observing any adverse reactions for 15 minutes. Only if it showed no signs of toxicity would I proceed to the next stage.

Placing the food at the corner of my mouth for 15 minutes and subsequently on my tongue, I gauged any potential reactions. If no adverse effects were noted, I chewed a small portion without swallowing for 15 minutes. Finally, if the sample caused no harm, I consumed a small amount and monitored my health for the following 8 hours.

After careful assessment, I added the approved food items to my diet. To date, I have discovered what I believe to be ancestors of carrots, potatoes, yams, peas, and corn. I even stumbled upon certain grasses that bore a resemblance to wheat, rice, and sugarcane.

Though the variety was still limited, it provided a foundation for future sustenance.

During my leisure time, I fashioned a simple bed and a blanket made of dried hay. The stove, my faithful companion for warmth, found its rightful place within the shelter's confines.

In one of my expeditions, I encountered a grazing herd of deer. The presence of these fellow inhabitants of the forest offered solace, reminding me that I was not alone in this vast wilderness. It also presented an opportunity for sustenance, albeit a daunting one.

Summoning every ounce of skill and determination, I managed to hunt a deer using a makeshift bow and arrow. The endeavor proved challenging, as the deer far surpassed the size I had witnessed on television. Nevertheless, I persevered, dragging the prized quarry back to my shelter.

That night, I treated myself to succulent roasted meat, savoring each bite. The remaining meat, I smoked, preserving it for future consumption. Additionally, I kept the deer's skin, envisioning its potential in crafting clothing.

Content with my current lifestyle, a single worry gnawed at the back of my mind: winter was approaching. The chill in the air served as a chilling reminder of the impending season, which could potentially deplete the forest's resources upon which I relied.

Thus, a new mission revealed itself: to prepare for the harsh realities of winter. With an unyielding spirit and newfound determination, I ventured deeper into the forest, in search of a sturdy tree from which I could fashion a sled.

[Crafting a Sled Gained × 20exp]

The sturdy sled would facilitate the transportation of large quantities of firewood, ensuring I had an ample supply to survive the frigid months ahead.

As the sun began its descent, casting a warm orange glow upon the horizon, I found myself back at the shelter, admiring the fruits of my labor. The flickering flames in the stove danced in harmony with the symphony of nature, as if applauding my accomplishments.

My journey in this prehistoric age was far from over, but I had come a long way since my arrival. I had conquered fire, constructed a shelter, explored the realm of culinary possibilities, and acquired the skills of a skilled hunter and craftsman.

With the lessons learned and milestones achieved, I eagerly awaited the challenges that awaited me, confident in my ability to adapt and thrive. The prehistoric age, once foreign and unforgiving, had become my new home—a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of humanity.