《Limitless: New Dawn》


 Chapter 0: Prologue

    Arthur Sully''s world was defined by the grind of routine. The sun rose and set over the quiet streets of Andorham, a coastal town too small to be significant but too large to be close-knit.


    He worked at a scrap metal yard, where rusted memories of machines long past piled high, each piece waiting for its turn to be crushed, melted, and reborn. But Arthur had always felt like one of the forgotten scraps, just another cog in an unfeeling system.


    At twenty-seven, he had little to show for his years. He had no family to speak of, no grand aspirations, and certainly no dreams of heroism. During his childhood the orphanage he was at was shut down when he was 12 years old.


    He lost his chance to study even though he was a curious lad and had to beg in the streets to fill his stomach. So he started to scrap for books and newspapers from any place he got a chance.


    As he grew older his days were spent hauling, sorting, and cataloging metal, mundane, grueling work that left his muscles aching and his mind numb. Yet, there was a stubborn spark inside him, a restless voice that whispered in the quiet hours: You''re meant for more than this.


    Arthur''s evenings were his own. He would retreat to his cramped one-bedroom apartment, where stacks of books on a wide range of topics from biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and politics were cluttered everywhere.


    The fascination had started in childhood, sparked by an old biology textbook he had found in his orphanage. The idea that creatures could change, adapt, and thrive under the harshest conditions resonated deeply with him.


    "If only I could go to a school," he often mused aloud, flipping through pages late into the night. To get a good job one had to have a degree, which he was deprived of during his younger days.


    But in Andorham, ambition was a dangerous luxury. The town''s economy thrived on its scrap yards and factories, and Arthur''s co-workers often mocked his intellectual pursuits. "Studying isn''t going to make that crane work any faster," his boss, a gruff man named Carter, had grumbled more than once.


    One evening, while Arthur was elbow-deep in rusted car parts, his coworker Frank leaned against a stack of pipes nearby. "You''re always reading about all that science junk, Sully. What''s it even for? You planning to mutate yourself outta this place?" Frank chuckled, lighting a cigarette.


    Arthur gave a dry smile, wiping grease off his hands. "Maybe I''ll mutate into something who doesn''t have to listen to your jokes anymore."


    Frank laughed, but there was a hint of envy in his eyes. Arthur''s quiet persistence in self-education was an anomaly in the yard. Most of the men had resigned themselves to lives spent among the scrap, but Arthur''s books hinted at a world beyond the rusted fences.


    Arthur''s frustration simmered beneath a layer of resigned acceptance. He wanted to leave, to explore the world beyond Andorham, to find something worth fighting for, but the weight of routine kept him tethered. It wasn''t that he lacked courage; it was that he lacked direction, as no one is there to guide him to the correct path he thought about.


    The turning point came on a cold, rain-slicked evening. Arthur was closing up the yard, his jacket soaked through, the metal under his boots slick and treacherous. The storm had rolled in fast, and thunder growled in the distance like an angry beast. As he locked the main gate, his eyes caught a glint of something unusual amid the piles of scrap.


    Curiosity had always been his weakness. Leaving his bag by the gate, he picked his way through the yard, the rain pelting down harder with each step.


    There, half-buried under sheets of corroded iron, was a strange fist sized spherical, metallic object that didn''t belong among the jagged, rusted edges of the scrap. It pulsed faintly with a dark hue, as if alive, its surface unmarred by rust or time.


    "What the hell is this?" Arthur muttered, kneeling beside it. He hesitated, glancing around the yard. It was empty save for the relentless rain. Tentatively, he reached out and touched the object.


    A sudden jolt shot through him, sharp and electric, as if the object had sensed his touch. "Ah!" he gasped, stumbling back. His vision blurred, and for a moment, the world around him seemed to dissolve into a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds.


    He heard whispers, fragments of voices in a language he couldn''t understand, and saw fleeting images of vast cosmos within darkness.


    When he came to, the object was gone. He sat back on his heels, drenched and shivering, his heart hammering in his chest. The scrapyard was quiet except for the patter of rain and the distant rumble of thunder.


    ''Did I imagine it? A hallucination brought on by exhaustion and stress?'' He thought


    "Arthur! You''re still out here?" Frank''s voice cut through the rain. He was standing at the gate, his silhouette outlined by the glow of a distant streetlamp.


    Arthur shook himself and got to his feet. "Yeah. Just¡­ thought I saw something."


    Frank squinted at him. "You''re soaked. Come on, Carter''ll have your head if you get sick and miss a shift."


    Arthur nodded, trudging back to the gate. As they walked together toward the bus stop, Arthur kept glancing back at the yard, half-expecting the strange object to reappear.


    "You''re acting weird, Sully," Frank said, taking a drag from his cigarette. "You''re not getting ideas about leaving town, are you?"Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Arthur gave a noncommittal grunt. "Maybe I am."


    Frank snorted. "Where would you even go? The city? They''d eat you alive there."


    ''Are there dinosaurs or something in the city?''Arthur thought jokingly but didn''t respond.


    By the time he stumbled back to his apartment, soaked and dazed, Arthur couldn''t help but grumble and thought he had had enough with this life. But for now, though, Arthur Sully slept, oblivious to the storm brewing both within and beyond him.


    ...


    A month passed, and the strange encounter with the object faded into the recesses of Arthur''s memory. Life returned to its monotonous rhythm, though a subtle unease lingered within him.


    He found himself staring at the scrapyard''s piles of metal with a distant, unfocused gaze, as if searching for something, a purpose that eluded him.


    He so wanted to get out of this godforsaken place and go to a city to start a new life. But he reigned in his thoughts.


    ''I still need to save a bit more money'' He thought.


    On a particularly gray afternoon, Arthur was tasked with dismantling a collapsed crane, its skeletal frame looming like a fallen titan amidst the scrap. "Careful with that support beam," Carter barked from the office window. "One wrong move, and you''ll be buried under a mountain of junk."


    Arthur wiped the sweat from his brow and adjusted his gloves. "Yeah, yeah. I got it." He muttered under his breath, frustrated by Carter''s constant micromanagement. Frank was nearby, operating the crane, its claw dangling precariously over the wreckage.


    The day dragged on, the air heavy with the smell of rust and grease. Arthur''s muscles ached as he worked the torch, cutting through the steel beams that held the crane''s structure together. He paused to catch his breath, leaning on the torch and staring up at the gray sky.


    "This job''ll kill me one day," he joked to himself, shaking his head.


    As the final support beam gave way, the crane''s upper section shifted, which should not have happened as it was held together by a gantry crane. A low groan of stressed metal filled the air, and Arthur''s instincts screamed at him to move.


    "Frank! Move the claw!" he shouted, and tried to jump sideways, but it was too late.


    With a deafening crash, the structure came down, a cascade of twisted steel and debris raining down upon him.


    Pain didn''t come immediately due to adrenaline rush, he fell into cold numbness. Then came the pain his world tilted, his vision swimming as he lay pinned beneath the wreckage.


    "Arthur! Arthur, hang on!" Frank''s voice was distant, panicked. The sound of metal scraping against metal and frantic footsteps reached him, but Arthur''s focus wavered. His breaths came shallow, each one a struggle.


    ''So this is it'', he thought. ''This is how it ends.''


    As darkness encroached, he felt an inexplicable pull, as if his very soul was being wrenched from his body. The pain faded entirely, replaced by a sensation of weightlessness. When he opened his eyes, the scrapyard was gone.


    ...¡­


    After what felt like ages Arthur regained his consciousness, he felt like he was floating in space.


    After an unknown period of time a white orb (Arthur''s soul) was seen drifting in an endless void. Arthur slowly regained his consciousness.


    ''What the!!!'' he exclaimed loudly, but no words left his mouth. He tried to move his body but figured he couldn''t.


    ''Where am I?'' He felt he was floating in space, and after recovering from the shock of dying tried to feel if his body was intact or not. He was surprised to see that he was nothing but a floating mass of energy in an orb shape.


    He tried to look around and saw something magnificent, a gigantic black orb with a golden and silver ring around it like the photon ring of a black hole distorting space around it.


    He felt like an ant in front of the sun. Then he felt himself plunging into the gigantic orb.


    After that he lost all of his remaining senses, when he woke up he was in a space with a multicoloured river like structure in front of him, but somehow he was able to see and feel his body. And it was pitch black in colour with golden and silver veins running around his body.


    ''How weird, is this normal? Is this the process one goes through after dying?''


    ''Is that what people called the river of reincarnation? Am I going to reincarnate?'' He thought while being sucked in the river.


    He could see white orb-like objects the size of ping-pong balls floating in the river.


    ''Maybe these orbs are the souls of people, but why is my soul different from them?''


    After what felt like a long time he felt like he was free falling from the sky and lost his consciousness.


    ...


    Arthur groggily opened his eyes, and blinked against the harsh light filtering through a dense canopy of alien foliage. The sky above was a strange, swirling blend of colors, vivid greens, purples, and golds, and the air buzzed with unfamiliar sounds.


    He sat up abruptly, his heart racing. Around him, towering trees with bioluminescent vines stretched toward the heavens, their leaves glowing faintly in the dim light.


    "What the¡­ where am I?" Arthur''s voice cracked, echoing in the vast silence. He scrambled to his feet, his hands trembling as he took in his surroundings. The ground beneath him was covered in moss that shimmered like crushed gemstones, and strange, insect-like creatures skittered across it.


    This isn''t real. This can''t be real. He pinched his arm, the sharp sting confirming his fears.


    "What...? I¡­ I transmigrated?" he muttered in question, while seeing his body exactly the same as before he died.


    Standing at 5''9" with deep-set black eyes, sharp and perceptive. His fair complexion bore a faint, healthy glow, complementing his well-defined features that, while not strikingly handsome, held a certain allure-one that lingered in the mind of people meeting him.


    There was a balance to him, a harmony between modesty and appeal, that drew people in without him even trying.


    As he was trying to gather himself, he was disturbed by a distant roar that echoed through the forest, low and guttural. Arthur froze, his breath catching in his throat. The sound was unlike anything he had ever heard, primal and menacing, a predator''s call.


    "Oh, come on," he whispered, backing away from the direction of the noise. His instincts screamed at him to run, but his legs felt leaden, rooted to the spot by fear. A shadow moved among the trees, too large and fast to be anything harmless.


    The creature emerged, its form both alien and terrifying. It stood on four legs, its sleek, scaled body rippling with muscle. Glowing yellow eyes locked onto Arthur, and a maw filled with serrated teeth curled into what could only be described as a predatory grin.


    Arthur''s survival instincts finally kicked in. He turned and bolted, his boots slipping on the mossy ground as he ran deeper into the forest. Branches whipped at his face, and his lungs burned with exertion, but the sound of the creature''s pursuit was relentless. It crashed through the undergrowth, closing the distance with terrifying speed.


    "Why is this happening?!" Arthur shouted, his voice hoarse. His mind raced, grasping for any explanation, any solution. He didn''t want to die after just transmigrating. He ducked under a low-hanging branch, his thoughts a chaotic swirl. ''I can''t die here. Not like this''.


    A sudden root caught his foot, sending him sprawling to the ground. Pain shot through his ankle as he tried to scramble to his feet, but it was too late. The creature loomed over him, its glowing eyes filled with predatory glee.


    "No! Get away!" Arthur screamed, throwing a handful of moss at its face in a desperate, futile attempt to defend himself. The monster''s maw opened wide, and Arthur''s final thought before the darkness consumed him was a bitter realization:


    ''Sh*t¡­!!!''


    The forest fell silent once more, the only trace of Arthur''s scream, his blood painting the moss where he had fallen.


    ***

 Chapter 1: Rebirth and Revelation

    The world was black.


    Arthur was vaguely aware of the sensation of his body being torn apart, his flesh devoured by teeth sharper than steel. The pain was unbearable, but soon it faded, leaving only emptiness. For a moment or an eternity there was nothing. No thoughts, no feelings. Just void.


    Then came a spark.


    Arthur''s consciousness surged back into existence, accompanied by an unbearable burning sensation in his chest. It wasn''t the fiery agony of death but something raw, primal, and alive. His body, what he thought had been destroyed was reforming itself. He could feel his muscles knitting back together, his skin regenerating, and even his bones restructuring.


    Air filled his lungs with a desperate gasp. His eyes shot open, revealing the vast forest around him. He lay on the ground where he had fallen, surrounded by the carnage of his previous death. His blood still stained the earth in dark, sticky pools, but somehow, he was whole again.


    "What¡­ the hell¡­?" Arthur whispered, his voice hoarse. He pushed himself upright, his limbs trembling. His hands, caked with dirt and drying blood, looked different¡ªstronger. His fingers flexed with a power he hadn''t possessed before.


    He looked around wildly, his breath coming in short bursts. The towering alien trees, their twisted branches curling like claws against the sky, loomed above him. The monster that had killed him, a hulking creature with spiky fur and glowing red eyes was gone. Only scattered footprints and the eerie silence of the forest remained.


    "I¡­ I died," Arthur murmured, clutching his head. The memory of the attack was vivid, those sharp claws tearing into his flesh, the hot, sticky sensation of blood leaving his body. "How am I¡­ alive?"


    As he sat there, his body continued to feel strangely different. His muscles, which had always been lean but unremarkable from years of manual labor, felt denser. He looked down at his arms, which were now visibly thicker and more defined, as if sculpted by years of training.


    "What''s happening to me?" Arthur muttered, running his hands over his torso.He was buck naked as his shirt, torn and bloodied, lay some distance from him, and his chest beneath was a solid wall of muscle.


    Driven by a mix of fear and curiosity, Arthur scanned the area. A large tree had fallen nearby, its trunk thick and gnarled. He stumbled toward it, his legs shaky but steadily regaining strength.


    "If this is real¡­ if I''ve changed, I need to know how much."


    Bracing himself, Arthur crouched and wrapped his hands around the tree trunk. It felt impossibly heavy, the kind of weight that would have required a crane to move back in the scrapyard. He gritted his teeth and lifted.


    At first, the trunk refused to budge. But then, with a deep growl of effort, Arthur felt the weight shift. Muscles he hadn''t realized he had roared to life, and the massive tree trunk slowly rose off the ground. He held it aloft for a moment, stunned, before letting it drop with a resounding crash.


    Arthur staggered back, staring at his hands. "This¡­ this can''t be real," he said aloud, his voice trembling. His breathing was ragged, but not from exhaustion, more from disbelief.


    He clenched his fists, watching the veins bulge against his skin. ''What the hell happened to me? How did I come back from that¡­ and how am I this strong?''


    Arthur''s mind raced through possibilities. He thought back to the strange thing that had happened to him from the strange object he''d touched a month ago in the scrapyard, its strange hum, and the visions that had flashed through his mind, to the black hole in the endless void .


    "That thing," he murmured. "Did it¡­ do this to me? Is this connected to what happened back home?"


    A shiver ran down his spine as he pieced together the events. The strange object, his sudden death, his unexplained revival. "No way this is just a coincidence," he muttered.


    He looked around the forest, the alien landscape pressing in on him from all sides. The air was thick and heavy, buzzing faintly with unfamiliar sounds. The trees stretched impossibly high, their bark glistening as if coated with resin. In the distance, he could hear the faint rustling of creatures moving through the underbrush.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    Arthur took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Okay," he said, trying to inject some confidence into his voice. "I can''t stay here. If that monster comes back, I''m not dying again. I need to find people. Civilization. Something."


    He started walking, his steps more surefooted now that his strength had returned. Every movement felt easier than before, his body responding with a speed and precision that surprised him. His mind buzzed with questions, but there were no answers here, only the oppressive silence of the forest.


    As he moved deeper into the woods, he couldn''t help but marvel at his surroundings. Strange plants with glowing leaves and spiraling vines grew in clusters, their bioluminescence casting an eerie light on the forest floor. In the distance, he saw a stream of water, its surface shimmering with a faint iridescent glow.


    "This place¡­" Arthur murmured. "It''s beautiful. Terrifying, but beautiful."


    His newfound strength filled him with a cautious sense of hope. Whatever had happened to him, it was clear he wasn''t the same person he''d been before. And while the danger was real, so was the opportunity.


    That hope was tested not long after. As he pushed through a dense thicket of vines, he froze at the sound of rustling ahead. Something was moving, a creature, smaller than the monster that had killed him but large enough to be a threat.


    Arthur crouched, his heart pounding. He scanned the area, his eyes locking onto the source of the sound. From behind a cluster of bushes emerged a creature that looked like a rabbit, if rabbits were the size of wolves and had razor-sharp talons. Its fur was mottled green and brown, blending seamlessly with the foliage, and its eyes glowed a faint red.


    "Oh, come on," Arthur muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. The creature''s ears twitched, and its gaze snapped to him.


    "Great. You heard that," he said, understanding he made a mistake by talking out loud, then he started standing slowly. The rabbit-like monster bared its teeth, which were far sharper than any herbivore''s should be.


    Arthur''s instincts screamed at him to run, but he held his ground. His body, still buzzing with the strange energy from his revival, felt ready to fight. He clenched his fists, the memory of his newfound strength giving him confidence.


    ''I can handle this. I have to.''


    The creature lunged, its talons slashing through the air with terrifying speed. Arthur dodged to the side, his movements faster and more fluid than he''d ever thought possible. The creature''s claws raked against a tree trunk, leaving deep gouges.


    Arthur retaliated, swinging a fist at the creature''s side. His punch connected with a solid thud, sending the monster skidding across the forest floor. He stared at his hand in shock.


    ''I did that?''


    The creature recovered quickly, snarling as it charged again. This time, Arthur grabbed a fallen branch and swung it like a club. The impact sent the creature sprawling, but not before its talons caught his arm, leaving three shallow gashes.


    "Ah, damn it!" Arthur hissed, clutching his bleeding arm. The pain was sharp but bearable. He stared at the creature, which was circling him now, wary but determined.


    ''This thing isn''t going to stop until one of us is dead'', Arthur realized. He tightened his grip on the branch.


    ''Fine. Let''s end this.''


    The fight was brutal. The creature was faster than Arthur expected, its talons slicing through the air with deadly precision. But Arthur''s strength and determination gave him the edge. After a fierce exchange of blows, he managed to pin the creature beneath the branch, using all his weight to keep it down. With a final surge of effort, he drove the sharpened end of the branch through its chest.


    The creature let out a choked snarl before falling still.


    Arthur collapsed to his knees, breathing heavily. Blood dripped from his arm, mixing with the dirt and the creature''s dark ichor. He stared at the lifeless body, his mind racing.


    "I killed it," he said aloud, his voice shaking. "I actually killed it."


    A mixture of emotions surged through him, relief, pride, and a lingering sense of horror. He looked at his hands, still trembling from the fight. ''I''m not the same. I can''t be. But¡­ what am I now?''


    Arthur sat there for several minutes, his chest heaving as he stared into the distance. He thought back to his old life, the monotony of the scrapyard, the quiet resignation he''d carried for years. That version of him was gone. This world didn''t care about his past or his dreams. It only cared about strength and survival.


    ''I''m in a different league now'', he thought. ''But why? Is this a test? A punishment?''


    The scratches on his arm had already begun to scab over, the wounds sealing faster than humanly possible. He flexed his fingers, marveling at his body''s newfound resilience. The adrenaline was fading now, replaced by a steely resolve. This world might be harsh, but it hadn''t killed him, not permanently, anyway.


    Looking around the alien forest, Arthur''s expression hardened. "If I can survive this, I can survive whatever else is out there," he muttered. "I need to find out why I''m here. And I need answers."


    With that, he got to his feet, wiping the blood from his hands. The forest seemed less intimidating now, though he knew it was still full of dangers. But for the first time, Arthur felt something he hadn''t felt in years: a sense of purpose.


    He took a deep breath and saw his naked form.


    ''Maybe I can use the hide of the rabbit as a temporary cover for me'' and started to skin the rabbit like monster with difficulty with the tree branch as there were no tools to do so.


    After donning the makeshift pants he started towards the direction of the sun rising.


    The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear, Arthur Sully was no longer the man he used to be. And this world, strange and hostile as it was, would have to contend with the force he was becoming.


    ***

 Chapter 2: Adaptation

    Arthur stood over the lifeless body of the rabbit-like creature, its fur matted with blood. His breath came in short, sharp gasps as he stared at his hands, now covered in scratches from the fight. The reality of his situation was sinking in.


    This was no dream. He had died and come back, stronger than before. And now, with the taste of survival fresh on his tongue, he realized that his power was the key to staying alive in this alien world.


    ''Adaptation. Evolution. That''s what''s happening to me.''


    Arthur wiped his hands on the grass and glanced around. The forest was alive with sound¡ªchirps, clicks, and distant roars echoed through the dense canopy.


    He felt a surge of determination. If he was going to survive here, he needed to understand his powers. What were their limits? How far could they take him?


    ...


    Arthur tugged at the makeshift pants he had fashioned from the hide of the rabbit-like creature. The process of skinning it with only a jagged branch had been grueling and messy, but the end result, while crude, offered some degree of modesty and protection.


    He glanced at the horizon, where the sun was beginning to rise, and started walking toward it.


    The forest was still and quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or distant calls of unknown creatures. Arthur''s muscles ached, and his mind buzzed with unanswered questions.


    He had survived so much in this alien world already, and yet, he felt as though his journey had only just begun.


    ....


    Arthur ventured deeper into the forest, weaving between towering trees with bark as tough as metal and vines that glowed faintly in the dim light.


    The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and alien flora. Every step felt like a gamble, but he was growing more confident. His body felt stronger, more resilient.


    After wandering for sometime, he spotted a broken branch lying in the underbrush. It was nearly two meters long, with a sharp, jagged end on one side. He picked it up, testing its weight and balance.


    "This could work," Arthur murmured, holding the branch like a spear. The jagged edge could pierce, and the length would give him some range. It wasn''t much, but it was better than nothing. He felt a surge of determination as he gripped the makeshift weapon.


    "This forest doesn''t seem to be giving me a break. If I''m going to survive here, I''ll need more than just luck." He exhaled deeply, his resolve hardening.


    ...¡­..


    After securing his weapon, Arthur''s journey led him to a strange tree with a cluster of glowing purple fruits hanging from its branches. The fruits were the size of peaches, their surface shimmering as if dusted with stardust.


    "What in the world are these?" Arthur murmured, stepping closer. He reached out and plucked one of the fruits, marveling at its weight and texture. A faint, sweet aroma wafted up, enticing and mysterious.


    ''It could be food. Or it could kill me.''


    Arthur''s mind raced. Back on Earth, he had always admired how certain species could adapt to poisons, turning what was once deadly into a source of strength.


    ''Maybe my powers work like that. There''s only one way to find out.''


    He hesitated for a moment before biting into the fruit. The taste was unexpectedly sweet, with a tangy aftertaste that lingered on his tongue. He finished the fruit and waited, his heart pounding in anticipation.


    At first, nothing happened. Arthur began to think he might have lucked out, but then a burning sensation spread through his chest. His throat tightened, and his vision blurred.


    "Argg¡­ damn it¡­" he gasped, stumbling to his knees. Pain shot through his body as his breaths came in shallow gulps. His heart raced as panic set in.


    ''What if this is the one thing I can''t adapt to?''


    Arthur collapsed, clutching at his throat. Darkness crept in, and for the second time in this alien world, he died.


    ...¡­..


    A sharp gasp escaped his lips as Arthur jolted back to life. The burning sensation was gone, replaced by a cool clarity. He sat up, blinking in disbelief.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "I¡­ I''m alive," he whispered, his voice trembling. His fingers touched his throat, where the pain had been most intense, but there was no trace of injury.


    Then it hit him: he felt different. Stronger. More resistant. The memory of the fruit''s effects lingered in his mind, but the fear was gone. He picked up another fruit from the pile he had gathered before eating the first.


    ''If I died and came back immune to its poison, then¡­''


    Without hesitation, Arthur consumed the rest of the fruits. Each time, his body reacted violently - convulsions, burning pain, and even temporary blindness.


    But each time, his body adapted to the toxins. By the time he finished the last fruit, he felt an undeniable change.


    "I''m immune to its poison now," Arthur said aloud, his voice steady. He clenched his fists, marveling at the strength coursing through his veins.


    ...


    Arthur''s mind raced with possibilities. If there were other such fruits in the forest, they could be the key to unlocking more abilities.


    He began searching the surrounding area, scanning for similar trees. Hours passed as he wandered, his eyes sharp and his senses heightened.


    Eventually, he found another tree, this one bearing blue, pear-shaped fruits with an iridescent sheen. He approached cautiously, plucking one and examining it closely.


    "Here goes nothing," he muttered, taking a bite. The fruit was tart, with a hint of bitterness. Moments later, his vision dimmed, and his muscles seized up. His body hit the ground as paralysis set in.


    .....


    As Arthur thought for how long he was going to stay paralyzed¡­ a few minutes later, he felt a rush of clarity. His senses had sharpened, his reactions quicker.


    Testing his newfound agility, he sprinted around the clearing, marveling at how fast and light he felt.


    "This is incredible," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "It''s like every death and harmful thing I consume makes me better, stronger."


    His search continued. He found a tree with red, bulbous fruits that emitted a faint heat. Eating one caused his skin to blister and his body to burn from within, but after a few agonizing minutes he started to adapt to the heat, he felt an odd resistance to heat.


    Another tree bore green, spiky fruits that induced hallucinations and made him lose his sense of direction, but once he adapted, he noticed his spatial awareness had improved significantly.


    Not all fruits were deadly. Some were simply edible, providing him with sustenance and a temporary boost in energy. Arthur''s confidence grew with each discovery, and he began to see the forest as less of a threat and more of a resource.


    ...¡­


    As he wandered, Arthur spotted a herd of deer-like creatures grazing in a clearing. They had shimmering, silver fur and antlers that glowed faintly. His stomach growled. He hadn''t realized how hungry he was until now.


    ''Alright, time to test my hunting skills,'' he thought, not committing the same mistake of thinking out loud, while gripping his makeshift spear.


    He moved carefully, staying downwind to avoid alerting the herd. Picking out a smaller, weaker-looking deer, he crept closer, his heart pounding with anticipation.


    When he was within striking distance, he lunged, aiming the sharp end of the branch at the creature''s side.


    The deer bolted, its movements swift and unpredictable. Arthur chased it through the underbrush, his enhanced agility keeping him close but not quite close enough.


    The hunt lasted nearly an hour before he managed to corner the creature against a rocky outcrop. With a final thrust, he struck true, his spear piercing the deer''s side.


    The creature let out a plaintive cry before collapsing. Arthur stood over it, his chest heaving.


    "I did it," he murmured, a mix of pride and relief washing over him.


    ''I am not as exhausted as I should have been normally, looks like my stamina also increased while running after the deer like creature''


    He then tore open the hide of the creature and bit at its flesh, while trying to stop his gag reflex. He used to live in a civilized society, not stone age.


    He had no idea or the urge to try raw meat, but here it is the only option until he can start a fire which he doesn''t know how to.


    ''I will try it later'' After thinking of learning how to start a fire, he removed the hide from the deer-like creature to use it later, he started to explore the forest and search for civilization.


    ...¡­.


    The sun''s rays pierced through the canopy in fragmented beams, casting an eerie glow on the forest floor. Arthur''s instincts screamed at him to stay vigilant. He tightened his grip on the branch and continued moving, his senses sharper than ever.


    As the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the forest floor, Arthur stopped. He crouched low, scanning the area. That''s when he saw it, a creature unlike anything he had encountered before.


    It was roughly the size of a large dog, but it''s sleek, reptilian body and sharp, curved claws reminded him of a velociraptor. Its eyes glinted with predatory intelligence as it sniffed the air, searching for prey.


    Arthur froze, his heart pounding in his chest. ''This isn''t like the rabbit-thing. This is a real predator.''


    He watched as the creature prowled, its movements precise and deliberate. He noted the way its tail swayed, the flexing of its powerful legs.


    ''I can avoid it, but should I?'' He knew in this unforgiving forest he would encounter more danger. So it is useless to avoid it now. As he could become stronger after every deadly battle, he wanted to use every opportunity to become stronger.


    His grip on the branch tightened as he considered his options. He needed to fight, but this wasn''t the rabbit-like creature from before. This was a predator, built to kill.


    ''Think, Arthur. Use what you''ve got.'' Though he can''t die, the pain of dying is as real as it could get. He didn''t want to feel the same sensation if he could.


    He shifted his weight, moving as silently as possible through the underbrush. The creature hadn''t noticed him yet, its attention focused elsewhere. Arthur studied it, noting the way its muscles coiled as it moved and the deadly precision of its claws.


    ''If I can catch it off guard, maybe I have a chance.''


    Arthur took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. The branch in his hands felt heavier now, not just a tool but a weapon-his lifeline. He stepped forward, every muscle in his body tense with anticipation.


    The creature''s head snapped up, its eyes locking onto him. For a moment, neither moved. Then, with a guttural growl, the velociraptor-like beast charged.


    Arthur braced himself, the makeshift spear held at the ready.


    ''This is it'', he thought, while charging towards the velociraptor.


    ***

 Chapter 3: Deadly battle

    Arthur''s grip on the branch tightened as the creature''s cold, predatory eyes locked onto him. The velociraptor-like monster lowered its sleek, scaly body, tail swaying rhythmically as it prepared to pounce.


    "Grrrrrr¡­"


    A guttural growl rumbled from its throat, echoing through the silent forest.


    Arthur''s heart pounded like a drum. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and every instinct screamed at him to run. But he knew better. This wasn''t an opponent he could outrun, not with its speed and precision. His only chance was to stand his ground and fight.


    "This isn''t just survival," Arthur whispered under his breath. "It''s a test. Let''s see how far I''ve come."


    The creature charged, its claws digging into the dirt with terrifying speed. Arthur swung his makeshift spear as the beast lunged, aiming for its exposed flank.


    The sharp, jagged end of the branch scraped against the monster''s tough hide, drawing a shallow line of blood. The creature howled in pain, a guttural roar that sent a shiver down Arthur''s spine.


    But the attack barely slowed it down. The monster twisted its body with fluid precision, its tail whipping toward Arthur like a club. He barely ducked in time, the force of the swing stirring the air above his head.


    ''I need to react faster.''


    Arthur ducked, the claws whistling over his head.


    ''It''s like fighting a whirlwind'', he thought, his muscles tensed. The beast was relentless, its attacks coming in quick, calculated bursts.


    Arthur stepped back, breathing heavily. His muscles tensed, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The creature circled him, its movements deliberate and predatory, eyes glinting with intelligence. Arthur could see it assessing him, looking for an opening.


    It''s smarter than I thought, he realized, adjusting his stance.


    Arthur thrust his spear toward its chest, but the creature twisted its body, avoiding the blow with terrifying agility. Its tail swung around, a heavy club of muscle and bone, and struck him square in the ribs.


    The impact sent him sprawling, the air forced from his lungs in a sharp gasp.


    "Damn it!" Arthur coughed, clutching his side as pain flared. He scrambled to his feet just as the beast lunged again, its jaws snapping inches from his shoulder.


    The next attack came swiftly. The creature leapt, jaws snapping inches from Arthur''s face. He thrust his spear upward, driving it into the monster''s shoulder.


    The sharp end sank deeper this time, eliciting a furious roar. The beast recoiled, its claws raking across Arthur''s torso as it retreated. Pain shot through him as blood seeped from three deep gashes across his chest.


    "Ahh!" Arthur stumbled, clutching at the wound. His vision blurred for a moment, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to stay upright. Focus. You''ve been through worse.


    To his astonishment, the bleeding slowed within seconds. The pain dulled as his skin began to knit itself back together. He glanced down, watching in awe as the wounds healed before his eyes.


    Not entirely, there were still faint lines where the gashes had been, but enough to keep him going.


    The monster didn''t give him a chance to recover fully. It lunged again, this time swiping with its razor-sharp claws.


    Arthur sidestepped, using the spear to deflect the attack. The creature''s talons scraped against the wood, splintering the end of the branch. Arthur cursed under his breath.


    ''This thing is relentless.''


    The battle raged on, each exchange more brutal than the last. Arthur landed a few more hits, his strikes growing stronger and more precise as the fight continued. Yet the creature seemed almost unfazed, its resilience and ferocity unmatched.


    In one swift motion, the beast''s claws caught his arm, tearing through muscle and sinew. Arthur cried out as pain exploded in his right hand. He dropped the spear, his fingers refusing to obey him. Blood poured from the wound, and his right arm hung useless at his side.


    "No, no, no!" he gasped, retreating as the creature closed in. His vision blurred again, but this time it wasn''t from shock, it was rage.


    His mind screamed at him to give up, but something deeper, primal, urged him to keep fighting.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    The healing began, slow and agonizing. Arthur could feel his body working to repair the damage, but it wasn''t fast enough.


    His hand throbbed, the shattered bones and torn flesh knitting together at a frustratingly sluggish pace. He needed more time.


    "Come on, you bastard!" Arthur roared, grabbing the spear with his left hand. The creature charged again, and Arthur swung with all his might. The jagged branch struck the beast''s jaw, shattering a row of its teeth. The creature howled, its head snapping to the side from the force of the blow.


    ''It''s hurt now. I can do this.''


    Arthur''s newfound strength surged through him as he pressed the attack. He swung the branch again, this time catching the monster across its side.


    The impact sent the creature skidding across the forest floor, but it quickly scrambled back to its feet, growling with renewed fury.


    The fight turned into a deadly dance. Arthur moved with a fluidity he hadn''t known before, dodging and countering as the beast lashed out.


    Each time he was struck, he healed faster, his body adapting to the injuries. And with every injury, he felt a slight increase in strength, a subtle but undeniable growth.


    "I''m not dying today," Arthur snarled, lunging forward. He drove the spear into the monster''s chest, feeling the wood sink deep into flesh and muscle.


    The creature screeched, its claws slashing wildly. One talon raked across Arthur''s face, leaving a deep cut that bled profusely.


    Arthur stumbled back, clutching his face. The pain was blinding, but he forced himself to stay upright. The wound began to heal, enough to not hinder his vision. He could feel his body reaching its limits, the rapid healing taking a toll.


    ''I need to end this now.''


    The creature charged again, blood dripping from its wounds. Arthur noticed something, a pattern in its movements. The way it feinted before lunging, the way its tail always swung to counterbalance its strikes. It was predictable, almost mechanical.


    ''It''s following a rhythm'', Arthur realized. ''If I can time it¡­''


    He waited, heart pounding, as the creature circled him. It lunged, as he knew it would, its jaws snapping at his throat.


    Arthur sidestepped at the last moment, driving the spear into the creature''s exposed side. The beast howled, thrashing violently as Arthur twisted the weapon, driving it deeper.


    "Die, damn you!" Arthur roared, adrenaline fueling his strength.


    But the creature was far from done. It whipped its head around, catching the spear in its jaws. With a sickening crunch, the wood splintered, leaving Arthur holding nothing but a jagged stump.


    ''Great. Now what?''


    The beast tossed the broken weapon aside and lunged again. Arthur raised his arms instinctively, and the creature''s jaws clamped down on his right forearm.


    Pain exploded as its teeth sank deep, but something remarkable happened, his skin, tougher than before, resisted. The teeth didn''t penetrate as deeply as they should have.


    Arthur roared in defiance, his free hand grabbing the creature''s neck. With a surge of adrenaline-fueled strength, he wrenched his arm free, leaving a trail of blood.


    The wound throbbed, but even as he watched, the bleeding slowed, the torn flesh beginning to knit itself together.


    The creature collapsed, its body convulsing as blood pooled beneath it. Arthur felt his breath ragged and his body trembling.


    ''I''m getting stronger with every hit.''


    The realization gave him a grim sense of hope. He might not match the beast''s raw power, but he could outlast it.


    The monster circled him, growling low, its golden eyes never leaving him. Arthur could see it was growing cautious due to multiple injuries it sustained from a weak looking prey. He stood straighter, his breath steadying despite the pain coursing through his body.


    "Come on," he muttered, gesturing with his hands. "Let''s finish this."


    The creature obliged, rushing forward with a terrifying roar. Arthur dodged the first swipe but wasn''t fast enough to avoid the second. Claws raked across his chest, creating just skin deep gashes. He staggered back, and a grin appeared on his face.


    He could feel his body hardening, his muscles swelling with renewed strength. The beast lunged again, and this time, Arthur grabbed hold of its jaws. It thrashed violently, nearly dislocating his shoulder, but he held firm.


    ''I can do this.''


    He twisted with all his might, forcing the creature to the ground. Its tail lashed out, striking his legs and sending him sprawling. Arthur rolled away just in time to avoid a crushing bite aimed at his throat.


    He grabbed a nearby rock and hurled it at the beast, striking its eye. The creature howled, momentarily disoriented.


    Arthur scrambled to his feet, his body aching but stronger. He lunged forward, wrapping his arms around the creature''s neck. It thrashed wildly, its claws tearing at his back, but he held on, his grip tightening with every second.


    The beast''s growls turned to whimpers as Arthur applied pressure, his muscles straining. He could feel its life slipping away, its struggles weakening.


    Finally, with one last shudder, the creature fell still.


    Arthur collapsed beside it, gasping for air. Blood covered his arms, chest, and face, but the wounds have already healed. He stared at the lifeless beast, a mix of relief and disbelief washing over him.


    "I did it," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "I actually did it." He had survived. He had won.


    The forest was silent once more, save for the faint rustle of leaves in the wind. Arthur stared at the creature''s lifeless body, a mix of relief and disbelief washing over him.


    "I''m not the same anymore," he muttered, flexing his fingers as his hand slowly began to heal. "This world¡­ it''s amazing."


    He sat there for what felt like hours, his mind racing. The battle had pushed him to his limits, revealing both his strengths and weaknesses. He knew there would be more fights, more challenges, but for now, he allowed himself a moment of rest.


    The forest loomed around him, vast and unyielding. Arthur took a deep breath, the scent of blood and earth filling his lungs. He wasn''t sure what lay ahead, but one thing was certain, he was ready to face it.


    After resting for nearly an hour, Arthur knew he needed to find shelter. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the forest floor. He climbed to his feet.


    He spotted a tall tree nearby, its thick branches high above the ground. Using his enhanced strength, he climbed swiftly, searching for a sturdy branch to rest on.


    He found one near the top and began gathering vines, weaving them into a makeshift hammock.


    As he secured the final knot, he lay back, staring up at the darkening sky. The stars began to emerge, unfamiliar constellations twinkling above.


    With that, he closed his eyes, letting the fatigue of the day pull him into a restless sleep.


    ***