The buzzing of the bees was a distant memory. He had survived and, in doing so, had unlocked a new, invaluable skill. He was no longer just a scientist in a child's body. He was becoming something else entirely, a being of both intellect and survival, guided by a system that seemed to have its own logic.The buzzing of the bees was a distant memory. He had survived and, in doing so, had unlocked a new, invaluable skill. He was no longer just a scientist in a child's body. He was becoming something else entirely, a being of both intellect and survival, guided by a system that seemed to have its own logic.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Skill Acquired: Adaptive Analysis Description: The host can now subconsciously analyze environmental threats, resources, and biological weaknesses. Probability of survival increased by 43%.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Skill Acquired: Soul Poppet Description: Allows the host to create a puppet-like construct using fragments of a target's soul essence. The Soul Poppet can imitate basic behaviors, distract enemies, and serve as a temporary vessel for minor soul-bound abilities. Requires a trace of the target's soul or corpse.
He blinked. The blue, translucent interface faded, but its implications remained. It wasn't just about survival now—it was about domination, about understanding this unknown world in ways no native creature could.
The forest around him loomed with ancient trees, their twisted roots gripping the earth like skeletal fingers. Strange, bioluminescent fungi pulsed faintly beneath the undergrowth, casting ghostly lights over his path. He could feel it now—the hum of data. His mind, enhanced by the system, automatically broke down information.
[SPECIES: Carnivorous Vine] Toxicity Level: Moderate Recommended Action: Avoid
[Edible Resource Detected: Scarletroot] Caloric Yield: 800 kcal Harvest Difficulty: Low
His lips curled into a small smile. For the first time since waking in this bizarre, hostile world, he had an edge. A scientific mind was powerful—but coupled with this system, he was becoming something else. Something more.
As he knelt to collect the Scarletroot, the leaves nearby rustled unnaturally. His enhanced awareness screamed a warning.
[Threat Detected: Hostile Lifeform Approaching] Analyzing… Species: Lupine Stalker Rank: E-class Predator Weakness: Ocular Tissue & Soft Underbelly
The hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He didn't have a weapon. Not yet. But survival wasn't always about brute strength.
It was about precision.
It was about intellect.
And now, it was about him.