Shelter and Survival

Edited by: Xzider

Since it was still early in the day, Jackson had plenty of time.

First, he prowled around and picked up several dry bamboo sticks from the ground.

He also collected some stones that were the size of his palm.

Upon returning, he then used his artisan talent.

Jackson made a hole in the center of the stone and attached it to a stick, he took another stone and sharpened it, creating a makeshift knife.

The knife was not the best but it paid off.

He then collected some vines from the surrounding area.

Jackson then used his talents and set up a makeshift bed.

Using the very sturdy bamboo, he made the frame of the bed and to attach everything tightly collectively, he used the vines.

After finishing, he used straw for the mattress.

At bedtime, he won't have any discomfort to face, it was a good start.

Now that the bed was ready, he needed to get food.

With the remaining sticks and vines, he made some fish traps and a basket.

Jackson then climbed the river that fed into the lake.

As he walked, he observed the water, so it wasn't long before he found the fish swimming among the rocks at the bottom of the river.

He then set up traps in the water. When he was done, Jackson went toward the trees to look for fruits and vegetables.

While roaming around, he found an exotic plant.

It had a white fruit hanging from the top, the stem was twisted down because of not being able to bear the weight.

He then plucked the fruit and cut it in two with his knife.

Inside, it was hollow and a whitish liquid was within.

He didn't suspect it was poisonous since if it was, his botany talent would warn him instinctively.

After putting his finger in the liquid, he tasted it. It had an extremely salty taste.

This was strange, after all, he had heard of sweet and citrus fruit but never of salted fruit.

Jackson would have thrown it away if it hadn't been for him to realize that he had nowhere to get salt.

The methods for acquiring salt were seawater or a salt mine.

Since he had neither, the saltwater of the fruit will do.

He collected three fruits and went to the river, he was glad to see that the traps worked.

Of the three traps placed, he caught only two fish. He collected them and returned to the shelter.

In front of the abode, Jackson made a fire. He just had to make a circle of stones and put firewood.

After igniting the wood, he went to prepare the fish.

Jackson didn't know how to cook. But his cooking talent would help him in correcting.

He took the knife and made a clean cut in the fish's belly, removed all the organs except the scales, as it would prevent the fire from burning the meat.

Jackson then took the salted fruit and poured its liquid onto the parts of the fish.

'Something is missing,' after reflecting for a minute, he recalled, lacking spice.

He then went into the forest and collected various plants to use as seasoning.

When he returned, he seasoned the fish, now it was time to put it on the fire.

After putting the fish to heat, he went to prepare the other fish, he used the same method, after placing it on the fire, he waited for a few minutes.

Twenty minutes later, a pleasant aroma permeated the surroundings.

He took the fish out of the fire, as he peeled off the scaly skin, the aroma became even more tempting.

'Not bad, at least now I have food, I'm not going to starve anymore,' he then went to the river to enjoy his meal.

While eating, a golden carp appeared at the edges.

'What a beautiful carp!' Jackson smiled at the carp.

He then took a piece of the fish and gave it to the carp.

After eating it, the golden fish was wholly happy.

'What a funny guy,' Jackson giggled when he saw the golden fish being all merry, so he gave it more meat, which made it happier.

'Wait, the carp is a type of fish and I'm giving it fish to eat. That would be cannibalism, man how wrong!' When he realized how bad that was, he gazed at the carp strangely.

Roooaaarrr!!

Jackson was startled by the roar, the trees swayed fiercely and the water in the lake formed waves that hit the rocks.

It only reminded him of his insignificance in this forest.

"System, do you have any method for me to become stronger?"

[ Yes but currently you can't get them, so I suggest you train through martial arts talent ]

"I understand." Jackson searched his mind for martial arts talent.

Various information came to his mind.

It was about basic concepts of swords, halberd, saber, bow and arrow, fists, foot movements, among several others.

He then took some tree twigs and made a sword and started training with the sword.

Cutting, punching, defense, attack diversion, and body positioning.

These were the five basic moves of a swordsman.

He trained against a tree, struck it several times.

While training in cutting and drilling, his body was constantly moving.

At first, he was clumsy and flawed but the flaws quickly diminished until he became perfect in his manner.

He had entered a trance state, where he gave complete focus in practicing with the sword.

By the time his senses returned, it was already afternoon.

'Damn, a few hours went by and I didn't even notice, I'd better eat first.'

He went back to the fire and ate the other fish.

'I better go catch more fish and get some herbs.' Jackson thought.