Inside the forest, a large boar is grazing on the grass, seemingly relaxed despite the many dangers in the forest, as it hears a rustle in the bush.

  Turning to look, the boar takes cautious steps as it steps closer to the bush, and nothing is there. Then another rustling sound is heard from another and the boar curious goes to investigate.

  After some time, the boar goes to investigate the noise and finds nothing, and another is heard. It finally reaches one where the rustling grows loud.

  Then, all it remembered was falling into a pit of wooden spikes.

  ...

  Sora perched on a low branch, his golden eyes fixed on the large boar grazing below.

  The beast seemed relaxed, its massive tusks glinting in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. It was a formidable creature, but Sora had learned to be patient.

  Over the past three weeks, he had honed his survival skills, adapting to the dangers of this floating island. This boar was just another challenge—one he was prepared to face.

  He had set up the trap days ago, digging a deep pit and lining it with sharpened wooden spikes.

  The rustling sounds he created by moving through the bushes had lured the boar closer, step by cautious step. Now, as the beast investigated the final rustle, it stumbled into the pit with a thunderous crash.

  The spikes did their job, piercing its tough hide and ending its life almost instantly.

  A notification appeared before Sora’s eyes, glowing faintly in the dim light of the forest.

  You have slain a level 12 Iron Tusk Boar. You have gained 173 exp.

  Sora allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction. Another successful hunt, he thought, his wings flexing as he prepared to glide down to the pit.

  He had come a long way since his first days in this world, when he had been little more than a frightened hatchling. Now, he was a survivor, learning to navigate the dangers of this strange and unpredictable land.

  As he descended into the pit, he carefully maneuvered around the wooden spikes, his talons gripping the rough edges of the pit walls.

  The boar lay at the bottom, its lifeless body impaled on the spikes. Sora wrapped a rope around the beast and began the slow, laborious process of hauling it out.

  It was hard work, but he had grown stronger since his arrival, both physically and mentally.

  As he worked, his mind wandered back to the events of the past few weeks. The island was vast and filled with wonders and dangers alike.

  He had explored much of it, mapping out its geography and learning its secrets.

  The lake with the multi-headed hydra still haunted his memories, as did the peaceful grove where he had first taken refuge.

  The towering waterfall at the edge of the island had left him in awe, its misty abyss a constant reminder of how isolated he truly was.

  But it wasn’t just the landscape that had tested him. The creatures of this island were unlike anything he had ever imagined.

  The goblin village he had discovered was a stark reminder of the caravan attack that had marked his arrival.

  The troll village, with its tusked inhabitants, had been a surprise, though he had managed to avoid detection.

  The orcs, however, had nearly been his undoing.

  He still remembered the day he had stumbled upon their hunting party. They had caught him off guard, their brute strength and numbers overwhelming him.

  They had bound his wings and dragged him toward their village, their guttural voices filled with triumph. But Sora had refused to give up.

  When the opportunity arose, he had used his wings to launch himself into the air, escaping into the trees and narrowly avoiding capture.

  The experience had left him shaken but more determined than ever to survive.

  As dusk finally settled in, the sky painted with hues of orange and purple, Sora finally arrived back at the cave—the very place where his journey began.

  Flying up here was trickier than I thought the first couple of times, but it helps me learn to fly even though not by much, as I see. The sight of the familiar rocky entrance brought a sense of comfort Sora, a reminder that, despite the challenges and dangers, I had managed to survive this long.

  Stepping inside, the cool air of the cave washing over him, and began unpacking the supplies he had gathered.

  The boar’s meat was heavy, but it would be worth the effort. After setting up his makeshift fire pit, he carefully laid the meat out, using some of the herbs he had gathered to season it.

  The sizzle of the meat as it hit the fire was a welcome sound, and the aroma quickly filled the cave, making his mouth water.

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  Sora sat cross-legged by the crackling fire, the warm glow illuminating the walls of the cave he now called home.

  The scent of roasting boar meat filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the cave. It had been a long day, but a productive one.

  The boar he had hunted would provide him with enough food to last for days, and its hide could be used to craft better clothing or tools.

  As he waited for the meat to cook, he took a moment to reflect on his journey so far.

  The cave had become more than just a shelter—it was his sanctuary. The same place where he had hatched from that golden egg now served as his base of operations, a place where he could store his supplies, rest, and plan his next moves.

  The island was vast and filled with dangers, but within these stone walls, Sora felt a sense of safety and stability.

  As the fire crackled, he pulled up his status screen, the glowing interface appearing before his eyes.

  It had become a familiar sight over the past three weeks, a constant reminder of his progress and growth. He scanned the details, taking in the changes since his last check.

  Sora’s eyes lingered on the new titles he had earned.

  [Tenacious Survivor] and [Lone Wanderer] were badges of his resilience and adaptability.

  The first title, earned after narrowly escaping death at the claws of a panther, had boosted his physical stats.

  [Tenacious Survivor] - Survive almost being killed while killing your opponent. Adds 5% damage boost when low HP +2 to all PHYSICAL stats.

  That panther… Sora shuddered at the memory. The sleek, black-furred predator had ambushed him while he was foraging.

  The fight had been brutal, and he had barely escaped with his life. But in the end, he had emerged victorious, earning this title and a boost to his physical stats. I’m lucky to be alive, he thought, flexing his talons. But I’m stronger for it.

  [Lone Wanderer] - Be alone for an entire week. Increased Perception and Stealth by 10%. +2 to WILL.

  I’ve been alone for three weeks now, Sora mused, his gaze drifting to the cave entrance.

  The title was a reminder of his isolation, but also of his resilience. I hope I won’t be alone for long, he thought, though he wasn’t sure if he was ready to trust others in this world. The orcs had taught him that not all humanoid creatures were friendly.

  He focused on his skills next, reading their descriptions with a mix of pride and exasperation.

  The system’s snarky comments had become a running joke, though they still managed to annoy him.

  [Tracking] - Congrats, you now know how to stalk someone without their permission. Increased chance of spotting prints or marks left behind by 7%.

  It’s only for animals, Sora thought defensively. It’s not like I’d use it on humans… right? He shook his head, amused despite himself.

  These skill descriptions are so mean. Why can’t they just be straightforward?

  [Grit] - Congrats, you’re now a masochist. 30% increased defense and pain tolerance.

  I still don’t even know what a masochist is, Sora grumbled internally. But I’ll take the defense boost, even if it comes with an insult.

  With a sigh, he closed the status screen and turned his attention back to the fire. The boar meat was almost done, its rich aroma making his stomach growl.

  He poked at it with a stick, ensuring it was cooked evenly, before pulling a piece off to cool.

  As he ate, Sora allowed himself a moment of peace. The past three weeks had been a whirlwind of challenges and discoveries, but he had managed to adapt.

  He had learned to hunt, to track, to fight, and to survive in a world that seemed determined to test him at every turn.

  The island was still full of mysteries, but he was no longer the frightened hatchling he had been when he first emerged from the egg.

  Everything is looking okay so far, he thought, leaning back against the cave wall. But I can’t get complacent. There’s still so much I don’t know.

  The firelight flickered, casting dancing shadows on the walls as Sora finished his meal. He felt a sense of contentment, but also a quiet determination.

  The island was vast, and there was still so much to explore. The goblin village, the trolls, the orcs—they were just the beginning. There were likely other dangers, other secrets waiting to be uncovered.

  For now, though, he was safe. The cave was his sanctuary, and the fire was warm.

  Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, he would rest. With a final glance at the fire, Sora curled up on his makeshift bed of leaves and fur, his golden wings wrapping around him like a blanket.

  The sounds of the forest outside were a distant hum, and soon, he drifted off to sleep, ready to face whatever the next day might bring.

  <> ? <>

  "All right, you fuck wits, we better find that bird, or else the warlock will have our heads," Kragg demanded as he watched his men search for that blasted bird that escaped their clutches.

  The head warlock needed a sacrifice for their spells, they needed those spells on the frontlines for the fight between the Eclipse Hoarder goblin tribe and the Dark Magi troll tribe and maybe he could finally get into the fray himself instead of gathering grass, herbs, and animals for the food and sacrifices for the warlock he needed a fight that gives him glory, sure the beast can put up a fight or two but they are few and far between which is exactly why he needs to go to the frontlines and why he needed that bird, it's his ticket out there in the battlefield.

  He grinned. The sight of fighting something to test his metal on got him excited, and the warlock's words in his head.

  "Chief hunter, you said you found this human bird and captured it but it escaped, yes?"

  "If you can bring it to me, I'll see to it and ask the chieftain to let you go into the frontlines and let you test out something once I've finished with that bird."

  Kragg was interrupted from his memory as one of the orcs called

  "Chief hunter Kragg, we may have found something," one of the orcs said as Kragg turned his head to look at the orc, expecting good news. "All right, what is it."

  "You might want to see this," the orc said as he led Kragg towards a hole.

  "Seriously this is what you found a random hole!" He shouted at the orc.

  "But Chief Hunter, this is no ordinary hole. It has wooden spikes underneath. Look," the orc then gestured at the others as one of the orcs climbed from the hole with a wooden spear on his back. The orc in question then got the spear or, rather, spike once Kragg was handed the spike.

  As he examines the spike more thoroughly, he sees its broken tip with some blood on its shaft, which means this has been used, and a grin grew. "Get the wolves, looks like we found our bird."