[6] Survival III

Next, I needed to gather firewood. However, it wouldn't be enough just to collect dry twigs. I would have to chop down a tree to supply myself with wood.

"Well, Ciel-sensei, do you have any ideas for this?" I asked, relying on the embodiment of artificial intelligence implanted in my mind.

[Hmm... I suggest checking this hut more thoroughly. Use Gabriel's Blessing in this situation.]

"I see." My gaze shifted to the dark interior of the hut, despite it being daytime and the fire being out. I decided to create a small flame in my hand using Uriel's Blessing.

It just required focus and belief, and soon I could see every detail of the room, even its structure. My eyes gleamed gold as this happened, and I could see and feel everything around me.

This sensation was like when I caught the fish earlier—truly a fortunate ease I had received. Under the cloth in front of the fireplace, there was something. Without a second thought, I pushed aside the woven mat and discovered a hidden safe. As I pulled it open with my strength, seeing that it was made of wood, I looked inside with wide eyes.

Inside were small packages that, when I looked closer, contained grains of sand with a strong sea smell. This must be salt. Then there were tools like an axe, a knife, and flour.

"Wow, I'm so lucky." No, upon reflection, this was surely guidance from the Father. "Oh Lord residing in the heavenly paradise, thank you for the blessings I have received today."

Filled with gratitude, I began planning my next steps. This axe would be very useful for chopping trees and ensuring I had enough firewood. The knife would also help with various daily needs, and the flour could serve as valuable food.

However, the axe and knife weren't in good condition. They were rusty, and even as I touched the edges, they felt rough. Therefore, after clearing up the mess, I hurried to the river and sharpened the axe and knife on a river stone.

It took several hours, and the sun was high in the sky when I finished sharpening the blades. Now I was ready to chop down a tree. I looked for a tree that was small enough for my twelve-year-old body, and when I found a suitable one, I got to work.

Walking barefoot on the snowy ground made me feel the unavoidable sting of the cold, but I had to endure. Somehow, my miracles might have activated automatically, because even though the weather was freezing, I still felt energetic and able to work all day. Still, I didn't know if there were any side effects to ignoring such things. I hoped I wouldn't get frostbite. I needed to quickly find proper clothing or make some from animal skins.

After my mind raced with thoughts, I ventured deeper into the forest, axe in my right hand and the knife hanging at my waist. I was fortunate, as my survival difficulty level was still at the medium level. I hadn't come here empty-handed.

This was surely a blessing from the Father guiding me. Yes, it must be. If not, why would there continue to be good news?

[By the way, with Uriel's power, you don't need to search for the right tree. Choose a tree at random, and let me help you use Uriel's power.]

My steps halted, and the atmosphere suddenly darkened. 'Hah, why didn't you say so earlier?' I sighed wearily. It seemed the logic I had on Earth couldn't be applied here.

This was really starting to make no sense.

With Ciel-sensei's help, I chose a tree at random and began chopping it down with the sharpened axe. Taking aim, I swung the axe at the trunk of a tree about the thickness of a palm tree.

As the axe swung, something happened to my body. Unknown energy began to spread, strengthening every muscle fibre. When the blade struck the tree, it took just one swing to cut through the thick trunk as easily as slicing tofu.

Crash!

"Huh?"

The sound echoed.

The tree slowly fell to the ground with a loud noise. Meanwhile, I was still astonished by the force I had used to fell the tree. One word crossed my mind.

"INSANE!"

I took a deep breath, still in disbelief over what had just happened. I looked at the axe in my hand, which seemed ordinary despite having easily chopped down a large tree.

[This is just a fraction of Uriel's power that your body can release. If you feel it's insufficient, you need to train to unlock the true potential of Uriel's power that I previously mentioned.]

Ciel explained with a tone full of pride.

"Really? Incredible! Once I gather enough supplies, I'll start training immediately! But Uriel isn't the only one I can improve, right?" I asked, curiosity burning within me.

[Oh, certainly not. All four of your Miracles have great potential that can change your perspective on power in this world as a whole.]

"I see, so my survival level is no longer medium, but now easy! Damn, am I the protagonist of a fantasy story?" I shouted, laughing at my own thought.

[No, you're not part of this world. There are no real protagonists; every living being in this world is the protagonist of their own life. So, don't get too full of yourself.]

"Oh come on, you're so rigid. Why can't you let me have a little fun?" I complained, feeling a bit annoyed.

[Hah, suit yourself.]

I smiled at Ciel's resolute and calculating response. Even though he sometimes felt like a lecturer supervising a student, I realised that every piece of advice and word he gave was for my own good.

Easily, I dragged the fallen tree back to the hut and chopped it into small pieces like slicing carrots with a knife once I arrived. For my ongoing survival, everything would be easier at this easy level.