Day 1: From Gamer to Survivor

Chester ran until the sun started to set. The fear he felt was unlike anything he had experienced while playing the game before. Even the Boss monsters on the 100th floor of the tower paled in comparison to the unsettling presence he had encountered. Despite running for almost half the day, a cold shiver still ran down his spine.

As darkness fell, Chester realized the challenges he faced. The steep and treacherous path made further climbing impossible. Thoughts of survival flooded his mind. "How will I find water? I don't recall seeing a stream, only a well," he pondered. With daylight fading, he knew he had to act quickly. In the game, there were floors where inventory was disabled, and the theme was survival. Memories of his childhood fascination with survival skills resurfaced. He had always dreamt of living like his idols in the wilderness, away from his strict parents. Little did he know that those skills would become essential in this unexpected real-life situation.

Using his knowledge as a gatherer and alchemist, Chester scavenged for edible plants and berries, finding some that could supplement his dried rations for the next week. Mindful not to draw attention, he hiked for two more hours and discovered a spot where three trees provided sufficient cover. "Finding shelter is my priority. Once that's settled, I can focus on boiling water and preparing food," he thought, frustration mounting as he tried unsuccessfully to access his game UI. The surreal nature of his situation made him question everything. "Could this really be another world? The sensory experience feels too real."

After two days of walking, Chester finally found a flat spot suitable for a temporary residence. Over the next three days, he built a makeshift cabin using a rice cauldron as his main tool. It was wrapped in a blanket, along with other essential supplies. "Thankfully, I grabbed the sword. Although I'm more accustomed to machetes and hatchets, I can make do with this," he mused, adjusting to the reality of his new surroundings. As he worked, he couldn't shake the feeling that something had gone wrong. "Maybe I'm still at level 0, trapped in some testing phase."

For the next five days, Chester dedicated himself to completing his cabin, carefully constructing each component with the limited resources he had. He utilized fallen branches, sturdy vines, and strips of fabric to form the frame, reinforcing it with pieces of dried bark to provide stability. The walls consisted of tightly woven branches, creating a protective barrier against the elements. It was a humble abode, but it offered him a sense of security and shelter amidst the unknown.

With his cabin now standing proudly, Chester turned his attention to the surrounding flora, eager to gather herbs and roots that could serve both as sustenance and potential remedies. He recalled the knowledge he had acquired from his gatherer profession in the game and cautiously identified the various plants. Some were familiar, their virtual counterparts having shared similar properties, while others were entirely new to him. He approached his task with reverence, aware that a misstep could lead to dire consequences.

As he carefully uprooted medicinal herbs and collected edible roots, a sense of connection with nature enveloped him. He marveled at the resilience of the plants, their ability to adapt and survive in this wilderness. Each discovery brought a surge of hope, a reminder that even in this unfamiliar world, there was a delicate balance to be found. Chester meticulously stored his findings, carefully separating them into different bundles and labeling them for future use.

Having secured his provisions and gathered the necessary herbs and roots, Chester's focus shifted to finding a reliable source of water. He remembered the well he had come across earlier, but its distance from his cabin made it an inconvenient option. Determined to find a closer alternative, he embarked on a search, following his intuition and the subtle signs of nature's guidance.

After a brief exploration, he stumbled upon a small stream nestled within the thick foliage. The sound of flowing water was a soothing melody that resonated with his parched senses. Chester knelt down by the stream, cupped his hands, and took a refreshing sip. The coolness of the water washed away his weariness and provided a renewed sense of vitality.

Satisfied with his discovery, Chester devised a simple filtration system using moss and sand to ensure the water was safe for consumption. He filled containers he had salvaged from the village, carefully pouring the clear liquid into them. It was a precious resource that he would cherish and protect.

Returning to his cabin, Chester felt a glimmer of accomplishment. He had created a sanctuary amidst the wilderness, equipped with provisions and a reliable water source. As he settled in for the night, he couldn't help but feel a deep appreciation for the resilience and adaptability of both nature and himself. In this uncharted world, he was determined to survive and uncover the truth that lay hidden within its depths.

He had fallen into a pattern of survival during the day, then at night, he tirelessly practiced his calibration, determined to uncover the truth behind his current state. "The calibration is improving, and I can sense the outline of the healing class core. Perhaps I need to increase my mastery through practice to unlock the skills," he speculated.

On the eleventh day of living in the mountains, as Chester gathered berries, he heard a chirp, a sound that broke the silence of the wilderness and caught his attention.