《Stories told in a dream: The Tower of Trails》 Prologue: A street rat Thud! Two fists thrown right into a brick wall. It crumbles a bit onto the shoulder of the boy as he dodges to the side and then charges forward. The insectoid''s compound eyes flash a glint of contempt as it goes for a backhand with its pair of left arms. The boy lunges beneath the thing''s swing then rolls to the left, dodging the thing''s kick and throwing his entire body at his opponent. The insect, on one leg, loses its balance and slams its head hard against the wall. The boy''s eyes flush with bloodlust, but before he can do anything, a beastkin jocks him hard in the head. It laughs: "I can''t believe you would struggle with a mere street rat, Ant! How pathetic! How ''bout you keep boasting about that chitin armor of yours, yeah?" Still laughing, it picks the boy up by the scruff: "As for you, what should we do with you, hmm?" Cruel thoughts go through the thing''s head before it is interrupted by another voice: "Stop messing around with that thing, help Ant up, and let go, the boss is calling." The beastkin casually throws the boy like a sack of garbage, grumbling as he goes over to help the insectoid up: "Looks like today is your lucky day, vermin. Try not to die from blood loss, yeah?" Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. The boy lays on the ground, slowly losing the feeling of the warm liquid on his head and the sound of hurried footsteps. Was he dying? Maybe he was just losing consciousness. He has lost consciousness before; will he live? Why is he living? What for? His train of thought runs slower with each random, pointless question before he is hit with a sudden burst of clarity and a question in a strange voice: "Would you like to try something new?" "Why not?" the boy answers before blacking out. Chapter 1: The Guide Welcome to the Tower
An introduction of the Tower Things you must do before you start your climb An introduction the first 10 floors "Arrgh," the boy grumbled as his consciousness returned with a nagging feeling urging him to pay attention. His closed eyes suddenly flew open at the realization that he was still alive¡ªthat he had survived another day. It brought him a momentary sense of triumph before the hateful dread of trying to survive the streets overtook his thoughts once more. The thought of stopping came up again, as it always does, yet he brushed it aside as usual. There was something about choosing to stop that just rubbed him the wrong way. He pulled himself up. "Green. Green?" There was green as far as the eye could see. This was not the streets... His brain crashed. Welcome to the Tower
An introduction of the Tower Things you must do before you start your climb An introduction the first 10 floors That nagging feeling hit his mind again, breaking him out of his struggle to make sense of reality. "Not the streets," he mumbled. Then, where was he? Now that he stopped to think, he could feel the soft grass beneath his hand. The expected pain was not there either. That was very strange. And that ever-present, greedy feeling of hunger was not here either... His thoughts reached a dead end once more. Welcome to the Tower
An introduction of the Tower Things you must do before you start your climb An introduction the first 10 floors It hit him again, that nagging feeling. Maybe he is in that heaven that the kind old man keep talking about. It certainly fit the situation. No more pain, no more hunger, a bit lacking in light and higher being... Welcome to the Tower
An introduction of the Tower Things you must do before you start your climb An introduction the first 10 floors Ah! Maybe that the higher being, he think as he try to focus on that feeling. A blue box jump out. His brain is struggling to understand once more. He is not seeing this box with his eyes and yet it logde it self in his mind, ever so steady, never waver even as his thought is running to make sense of this. It is so... Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Welcome to the Tower
An introduction of the Tower Things you must do before you start your climb An introduction the first 10 floors Right, he should probably read it. "Welcome to the Tower?" Ha! So heaven isn¡¯t called heaven but the Tower... This place is not heaven "Ah!" he yelp in supprise. The box, it...it speak to him, it read his mind and it speak to him Yes, I have read your mind and answered your question. You can call me "Guide." Pleased to meet you. Now please read what I have prepared for you. "Umm, ok.. ah ''Guide''?" The things she prepare for him, let see. An introduction of the Tower The Tower is a series a challenges and trials that you will have to go though. There will be 100 floors to the Tower and a difficulty increase every 10 floors. You will not die in the Tower but should you feel unable to continue you can tell the ''Guide'' you give up. "So short?" I thought people with power love hearing themselves talk, especially when it come to bragging. Surely there is a lot more can be introduce about such a mysterious place. And that part where you can not die ?. It is true that there are a lot more to the Tower, but for it''s introduction this will suffice. As for that part, it is more accurate to say you can die but you will be return. That is all you allow to know Things you must do before you start your climb The Tower will grant you gift before you climb, you should claim as much as your soul can hold on to. The gift split into category such as: knowledge, trait, skill and item. For more details, please check out the catalog "Gift... What do these gifts do?" How can the Tower just give me knowledge? That doesn''t make sense. And my soul is supposed to hold on to these gifts. What exactly is my soul anyway... His mind is going off again, though thankfully it was interrupted. For more details, please check out the catalog "Okay, how about categories like knowledge or traits, what do those do?" Maybe not that thankful, the ''Guide'' seems to be limited in the information she could provide him, or she could be messing with him, or he could be overthinking again... For more details, please check out the catalog "Oh come on! Surely you can tell me how much my soul can hold," he yelled, a little frustrated now. He should properly check out this catalog she keeps talking about. Your soul can hold 6 small gift Yes, she finally answered differently. Should he pursue this topic a little bit more? "And what if I go over this limit?" he asked as innocently as he could. There is no way breaking the rule here can be accepted, but hopefully? Your soul become unstable and disassemble itself. You die Ok that sound quite bad, he think but. "I will return?" he ask hesitantly No, you die Right, stupid question. Onto the catalog now Chapter 2: The Catalog CHOOSE WELL, FOR YOU WILL NOT HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE
Trait Knowledge Skill Item "Trait" Trait
Acceptance Enhances your ability to accept situations and people as they are. 1 soul weight
Adaptability Improves your ability to adjust to new mental challenges and changes. 1 soul weight
Alertness Increases your awareness and readiness to respond to mental stimuli. 1 soul weight
Altruism Boosts your willingness to think of others and act selflessly. 1 soul weight
Analytical Enhances your ability to think logically and solve problems. 1 soul weight
Anticipation Improves your ability to foresee and mentally prepare for future events. 1 soul weight
Appreciation Increases your ability to recognize and value positive aspects of life. 1 soul weight
Attentiveness Boosts your focus and concentration on tasks and details. 1 soul weight
Acuity Sharpens your mental clarity and perception. 1 soul weight
Awareness Enhances your understanding of your own thoughts and emotions. 1 soul weight
... The list kept going on and on, options cascaded seemingly endlessly, an ocean of choices stretching beyond the horizon of one''s comprehension. Each line seemed to shimmer with possibility, a fate yet known. The boys stood frozen, the sheer enormity of the choices seemed to have reduce him to a mindless puppet with the sole goal of finding the end of the list. His mind goes though the line one by one, taking in it name, it meaning and then discarding it out for the next line. Each line erode his rationality, leaving behind a raw sense of helplessness. ! "Oh? Can you help me with my choices, ''Guide''?" Yes, let us start with a trait that help you with your mind weakness before the incomprehensible, I recommend the trait Calm mind "Calm mind" Trait
Calm mind Enhances your ability to remain calm and rational at all time 1 soul weight
Do you want to choose Calm mind? "Yes" Just like that? You will not question it or at least put some thoughts into it? "No, I trust you, ''Guide''." His voice came out shaky, more like he was asking himself than answering her. A strange calmness washed over him. Yes, he trusted her, what other choice did he have? He stood there, feeling lost and small. The ground felt strange under his feet, making him feel even more out of place. He was just a street rat, a boy who only knew how to survive. The choices in front of him were confusing, each one reminding him of how little he knew. But even in all this confusion, there was a tiny bit of hope. The mechanical voice in his head, the ''Guide'', gave him some direction in this mess. It was like a light in the dark. He held onto it, hoping it would lead him to something better, something he couldn''t see yet. "I have to trust you," he whispered to himself, barely audible. "I don''t have any other choice." Very well, let us move on to the next choice. Do you have any aspiration? Some grand dream? Maybe a glimpse at a greatness you want to try? "No, all I could ever think of was surviving until the next day" Then do you, umm..., want to hit people very hard, create things, make lot of friends or do stuff like making fire and moving things with your mind? "No, I don''t need friends," he muttered, dismissing the idea quickly. Friends were a liability, something he couldn''t afford. Hitting things... yeah, that could help him stay safe. And making things... maybe he wouldn''t starve. He lingered on the thought, imagining the possibilities. Creating tools, finding ways to get food, maybe even building a shelter. It seemed practical, something he could use every day. Then his mind wandered to the last option. Doing stuff with his mind... making fire, moving things without touching them... it was strange, almost unbelievable. But the idea intrigued him. It was powerful, something beyond his understanding. He felt a cautious curiosity, wondering what it would be like to have such abilities. "And while I would like to do the other things, I want to have the bare minimum to survive first, please" You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Yes. Do you understand what I mean when I say ''mana''? It is strange. He understood the word''s meaning and what it was referring to, but the idea that such a thing existed felt foreign. It made a part of him angry, unable to accept that he had never noticed it before. How very strange, he just learned of its existence now and yet he was this riled up over missing out. "Yes ''Guide'', I understand the word ''mana'', but I have never been able to perceive it." What a shame. Then you should get the trait Weak ''mana'' perception and the skill Rudimentary ''mana'' control. Though do understand that what you are trading for is simply what many are born with. Under favorable conditions, you could acquire these abilities yourself and inside the trial there are plenty of such opportunity. He felt a surge of frustration and desperation. The thought of missing out on something so fundamental gnawed at him. He couldn''t afford to wait or take chances. He needed those abilities now."''Mana'' perception and ''mana'' control," he said quickly, dismissing her words and rushing to get those two skills. Trait
Weak ''mana'' perception Allow you to perceive ''mana'' weakly 1 soul weight
Rudimentary ''mana'' control Allow you to establish a rudimentary control on ''mana'' 2 soul weight
Do you want to choose Weak ''mana'' perception and Rudimentary ''mana'' control? "Yes" As soon as he made his choice, his mind was flooded with a myriad of colors. The world before him seemed to have spilled paint upon itself, twisting and stretching in surreal patterns, performing tricks his eyes could barely comprehend. His body felt light¡ªliberated, even. He lay down, surrendering to the euphoria as his mind soaked in the kaleidoscope of hues and shapes. And then, it stopped. The crash hit him hard, leaving him staggered as the vibrant fantasy faded, replaced by what had once been. Or so he thought. No¡ªthis was not what had been. The endless grass field before him now glowed with a corona of colors he had never imagined, shades that defied perception. His once-mundane body now felt thrillingly alive, dotted with new, unperceivable hues. The transformed reality took the boy breath away. He couldn''t help but marvel at the world before him¡ªevery blade of grass, every stone, even the very air shimmered with an ethereal brilliance. For the first time, he felt truly connected to the essence of everything, as though he was witnessing the true nature of existence itself. His arm reach up, trying grasp one of the floating wisp in the air with his new skill. He did it, he could feel a connection between him and that wish. He try to fling it left, the wish follow and along with it a light breeze. He suddenly feel tired, his mind feel like it have experience a long day hiding from the gang. Please don''t over strain yourself messing around. Let us move on to choosing your next gift. I recommend the trait of either Adaptability or Healthy body "Adaptability and Healthy body" Trait
Adaptability Improves your ability to adjust to new mental challenges and changes. 1 soul weight
Healthy body Enhances your physical resilience and vitality, allowing you to endure greater hardships and recover more quickly. 1 soul weight
Do you want to choose Body and mind(Fake)? "Yes", that would be 5 out of 6 already. He wonder what would she recommend for the final one. All the one he gotten so far seem very helpful but what if this was the wrong way to go at it. Maybe he should have just chosen a path forward instead of just choosing to survive. Maybe he should have taken one of the 5 soul weight instead of these small trait. Maybe he should have use Calm mind and read though the list to chose for himself. But then, the calmness settled over him again, like a steadying hand on his shoulder. He took a deep breath, letting the doubts fade. No, this was the path he had chosen. These were the choices he had made, and they were not wrong. Each step he had taken so far had been deliberate, guided by his instincts and the ''Guide.'' He reaffirmed his resolve, knowing that survival was not just a necessity¡ªit was his foundation. Whatever came next, he would face it with the tools he had chosen, and he would make them work. Hmm. Well, let us move on to the final choice. Given that the only things you know is how to survive in the street, some knowledge of the wider world would go a long way. I recommend Trivial knowledge I or Fast learner if you seek to acquire those knowledge yourself "Trivial knowledge I and Fast learner" Skill
Trivial knowledge I Grants you basic knowledge of the world and its workings. 1 soul weight
Fast learner Increases your ability to learn new skills and knowledge quickly. 1 soul weight
Do you want to choose Fast learner? "Yes" Now that you have a foundation to begin your climb, go and see the final thing I can offer you here. Before he could fully take in the accomplishment of what might very well be a huge turning point in his life, she snapped him out of it. He wondered why¡ªthere was no sense of urgency in her mechanical voice, no trace of irritation. But he decided not to dwell on it. Not after all she had done for him. Perhaps it is just how it is. Chapter 3: The forest "An introduction the first 10 floors" The first 10 floors will be where your jorney begin. Here, you will take your first step toward transcending your fate. These first floors offers you time to breathe, to feel the weight of your choices, and to begin shaping the path ahead. It is a place of quiet beginnings, where the faintest spark that is you might begins to flicker and become a flame. "An introduction the first 10 floors" Now step forward and go into the trial, I, the ''Guide'', wish you luck The grassfield around him disappear, leaving him standing in the middle of a void. The boy stood frozen, the Guide¡¯s words echoing in his mind. "Step forward and go into the trial." His eyes darted toward the empty space ahead, then back to the nothingness beneath his feet. The introduction to the first 10 floors replayed in his head¡ªthe talk of beginnings, choices, and sparks becoming flames. It sounded grand, almost inspiring, but it didn¡¯t feel real. Not to him. Not yet. His hands trembled as he clenched them into fists. He wasn¡¯t ready¡ªnot for this, not for whatever lay ahead. The thought of stepping into the unknown made his stomach churn. What if he failed? What if he wasn¡¯t strong enough? The questions clawed at him, each one heavier than the last. He wanted to stay here, just a little longer, to gather his thoughts, to prepare himself. But the Guide¡¯s words gnawed at him, refusing to let him rest. He glanced around, as if searching for something to hold onto, something to anchor him. But there was nothing. Just the cold, empty stillness of the Tower. His legs felt like lead, refusing to move, and for a moment, he thought about staying where he was. Maybe if he waited, the trial would pass him by. Maybe he wouldn¡¯t have to face it at all. But perhaps there was a reason for her words. Perhaps the Guide knew something he didn¡¯t, something he couldn¡¯t yet see. Taking a shaky breath, he forced himself to take a step forward. His heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing with thoughts of what might await him. He didn¡¯t want to go, but he had to know. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it¡ªbecause he couldn¡¯t turn back. The boy¡¯s foot landed on something soft, and the void around him vanished in an instant. He blinked, his breath catching as the world shifted into a dense forest. The air hit him first¡ªthick and damp, carrying the scent of moss and wet earth. He froze, his eyes wide as he took in the towering trees around him. Their twisted branches reached high into the dim canopy, forming a web of shadows and faint streaks of light that filtered through the leaves. He had seen pictures of forests before, heard stories about them, but standing here now, surrounded by the sheer scale of it, was something else entirely. The trees seemed impossibly tall, their rough bark like the skin of some ancient, sleeping giant. It was overwhelming, strange, and utterly alien. As he stood there, his eyes lingering on the trees, he began to notice it. Tiny pinpricks of light dotted the bark, faint and scattered, like stars hidden in the wood. The glow wasn¡¯t obvious¡ªit matched the deep brown of the bark, blending so naturally that it was easy to miss. On the moss, the light was softer, a muted green that seemed to pulse faintly, as if the moss itself were alive. Even the air carried faint traces of it, like tiny motes of dust catching the light, shifting and drifting with no discernible pattern. His mind drifted back to the grassfield, to the strange corona of light that had covered everything¡ªthe grass, the stones, even the air itself. He hadn¡¯t thought much of it then, too focused on the moment to process what he was seeing. But now, standing in the forest, he could see it more clearly. This was mana. The trait he had chosen allowed him to perceive it, and it was unlike anything he had imagined. He felt a strange mix of wonder and unease. How much of this had always been around him, unnoticed and unseen? How much of the world had been hidden from him until now? He start walking, his foot sank slightly into the mossy earth, and he winced at the faint squelch it made. Every sound felt amplified in the oppressive silence, each step a reminder of how exposed he was. He glanced over his shoulder, half-expecting to see something¡ªor someone¡ªfollowing him. But there was nothing. Just the endless forest, alive with faint, shifting lights that seemed to watch him from the edges of his vision. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The boy stood still for a moment. He couldn¡¯t just walk aimlessly. His throat felt dry, and he realized he hadn¡¯t had water since... well, since before all of this began. The thought made his stomach twist. Water. Food. Shelter. He didn¡¯t know how long this trial would last, but he knew he wouldn¡¯t get far without those things. His eyes darted around the forest, searching for any sign of a stream or a clearing where he could rest safely. Among the faint lights of mana clinging to the trees and moss, there was a subtle shift in color, a faint concentration of blue. It wasn¡¯t obvious at first, just a few dots here and there, but as he focused, he realized the blue lights were more numerous in one direction, clustering faintly in the distance. Could they lead him somewhere? He didn¡¯t know, but it was better than wandering. With a deep breath, he decided to follow them. The uneven ground made every step a challenge. He stumbled more than once, scraping his hands against rough bark as he caught himself, his eyes fixed on the faint cluster of blue ahead. After what felt like hours, he heard it¡ªa faint, trickling sound. His heart leapt, and he quickened his pace, pushing through the undergrowth until he found it: a stream, its clear water glinting faintly in the dim light. Relief washed over him as he dropped to his knees beside it, cupping his hands to drink. The water was cool and refreshing, easing the dryness in his throat and calming the pounding in his chest. He sat back, his hands resting on his knees as he stared at the stream. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was a start. He would need more than water to survive, though. Food. Shelter. The forest floor felt too exposed, every shadow gnawing at his nerves, each rustle of leaves feeding the growing paranoia that something unseen was watching him, waiting for him to falter. His eyes landed on a tree near the stream, its trunk leaning, reaching for the area above the creak. It is shorter then it kind, probably due to those sprawling roots that anchored it, the angle made it look climbable. He stepped closer, brushing his fingers against the rough bark. He took a deep breath, steeling himself. He jumped, grabbing hold of the trunk, but his grip slipped almost immediately. His feet scrambled for purchase, but the rough surface didn¡¯t provide enough to hold onto. He fell back to the ground with a thud, landing harder than he expected. He sat there for a moment, catching his breath and brushing dirt off his hands, his eyes fixed on the branches above. Back in the streets, he had climbed walls and fences to escape trouble, but this was nothing like that. The tree leaned, its grooves and knots offering some holds, but it was still a challenge unlike anything he¡¯d faced before. Still, he had learned one thing from those days: if you kept trying, you¡¯d eventually find a way. He stood again, brushing dirt off his hands, and studied the tree more carefully. The bark was uneven, with grooves and knots that might give him better holds. He took a deep breath and tried again, wrapping his arms around the trunk and pressing his feet against it. He pushed upward, but his arms burned, and his grip faltered. He slid back down, scraping his hands against the bark. His breaths came in short gasps, his body already aching. His mind replayed the attempt, analyzing every movement. He realized he had been relying too much on his arms. His legs were stronger¡ªif he used them to push himself upward, it might work better. He forced himself to focus, adjusting his approach. He tried again, planting his feet more firmly and keeping his body pressed against the tree. He used his legs to push upward while his hands gripped the grooves in the bark. He made it a little higher this time, but his strength gave out, and he fell back to the ground, landing hard on his side. Pain shot through his arm, and he groaned, clutching it as he rolled onto his back. His chest heaved as he stared up at the canopy, frustration and exhaustion settling in. He forced himself to his feet, to try again. He had tried over and over, his mind replaying each failed attempt. He could feel his body adjusting, his movements becoming more deliberate. Without realizing it, he tapped into his mana, his muscles surging with strength and precision. The warmth spread through him, subtle but steady, aligning his body with his thoughts. He jumped again, this time gripping the trunk firmly and using his legs to push upward in small, controlled bursts. His hands found holds more easily, and he pulled himself upward with a steady rhythm. He focused on keeping his movements smooth and efficient, his body working in sync with his mind. Each step felt more natural, as though his body was learning and adapting with every motion. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he reached a branch wide enough to sit on. He hauled himself onto it, collapsing against the trunk as he caught his breath. His limbs trembled, and exhaustion hit him like a wave. He hadn¡¯t realized how much energy he¡¯d burned until now. His mana had pushed him further than he thought possible, but it left him drained. For a moment, he allowed himself to feel relief. He was off the ground, safer than before. Chapter 4: First night The boy leaned back against the trunk, his body still aching but no longer trembling from the climb. He had rested for a while now, enough for the burning in his arms and legs to dull into a faint throb. From his perch, he could see the forest stretching endlessly in every direction, its canopy a sea of twisting branches. The mana clinging to the trees and moss below didn¡¯t glow but instead dimmed to match the deep greens and browns of the forest, blending seamlessly into the fading light. It was there if he focused¡ªsubtle, like a quiet pulse in the corner of his vision. The sun, though hidden behind the dense canopy, painted the sky above in streaks of gold and crimson, the colors filtering through the gaps in the leaves. Shafts of light pierced the forest floor in scattered beams, illuminating patches of moss and bark with a soft, muted radiance. The air grew cooler, carrying with it the faint, earthy scent of damp wood and leaves. Somewhere in the distance, a low, melodic hum echoed faintly, like the forest itself was singing the day to a close. It was beautiful, but it didn¡¯t feel safe. The fading light made the shadows stretch longer, deeper, and the once-faint rustling of leaves now seemed sharper, more deliberate. The boy¡¯s eyes darted to the edges of his vision, where the mana dimmed and shifted like faint ripples in a still pond. He couldn¡¯t tell if it was moving or if it was just his tired mind playing tricks on him. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the sleepiness that clung to him like a heavy fog. The mana rippled again, this time closer. He blinked, focusing harder, but the disturbance was fleeting, disappearing as quickly as it had come. The forest below remained still, its dim hues blending into the deepening twilight. A soft rustle broke the silence, barely audible over the faint hum of the forest. The ripple returned, faint but deliberate, like a quiet warning. His breath caught as he scanned the branches around him, his muscles tensing. Something was there, moving just out of sight, its presence masked by the forest¡¯s natural rhythm. Before he could react, it lunged from a branch to his left, claws outstretched, aiming for his side. The boy twisted instinctively, raising his arm to block the blow. The creature¡¯s claws raked across his forearm, leaving shallow but stinging cuts as it rebounded off him and landed on a nearby branch. Pain flared, and he hissed through clenched teeth, his legs pressing firmly against the branch to keep himself steady. The creature crouched on the nearby branch, its long, bushy tail flicking sharply behind it as it let out a sharp, guttural hiss. Its dark fur bristled, blending into the bark and shadows, while its glowing eyes locked onto him with an intensity that made his chest tighten. The sound was primal, a warning that sent a shiver down his spine. Its claws scraped against the branch, the faint screech of bark peeling away adding to the tension. The boy¡¯s breath came in shallow bursts, his injured arm throbbing as blood trickled down in thin lines. He pressed his back harder against the trunk, his legs gripping the branch beneath him like a vice. The creature¡¯s mana rippled erratically, jagged waves pulsing outward, amplifying its presence. It wasn¡¯t attacking again¡ªnot yet. The boy¡¯s chest heaved as he steadied his breathing, his injured arm throbbing with every heartbeat. The creature¡¯s mana rippled faintly, like a soft vibration in the air, its presence pressing against his senses. It crouched low on the branch, its bushy tail flicking sharply behind it, the motion quick and agitated. Its glowing eyes stayed locked on him, unblinking, as if waiting for him to make the first move. The boy¡¯s mind was a haze of exhaustion and pain, but one thing was clear: it was trying to scare him. The way it bared its teeth, the way its claws scraped against the bark¡ªit was a challenge, a display meant to make him back down. He swallowed hard, his throat dry, and forced himself to sit up straighter, pressing his back firmly against the trunk. If it wanted to intimidate him, he¡¯d have to show it he wasn¡¯t an easy target. He bared his teeth, a low, guttural sound escaping his throat¡ªnot quite a growl, but enough to make his intent clear. His uninjured hand clenched into a fist, and he slammed it against the branch beneath him, the dull thud breaking the tense silence. The creature flinched, its tail flicking sharply as its ears flattened against its head. It hissed again, louder this time, but it didn¡¯t move closer. They stared at each other, the tension between them like a taut string ready to snap. The boy¡¯s heart pounded in his chest, but he didn¡¯t look away. The beast knew it couldn¡¯t stay here any longer. The boy was bigger, and its attack had failed. The creature shifted its weight, its claws flexing against the bark, but it didn¡¯t lunge. Instead, it let out one last sharp hiss, its mana rippling faintly before it turned and darted back into the shadows, disappearing into the maze of branches above. The boy didn¡¯t move, his body frozen in place as the adrenaline coursed through him. He waited, his eyes scanning the branches for any sign of movement, but the forest had gone still again. Only then did he let out a shaky breath, his body sagging against the trunk as the tension drained from him. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The adrenaline that had kept him steady began to fade, leaving behind the sharp sting of his injured arm. He glanced down at the shallow cuts, blood trickling in thin lines and staining his sleeve. The sight made his stomach twist, but he knew he couldn¡¯t leave it untreated. Infection was the last thing he needed. He tore a strip from the hem of his shirt, wincing as the fabric ripped unevenly. With trembling hands, he wrapped it tightly around his forearm, the pressure stinging but slowing the bleeding. It wasn¡¯t much, but it would have to do for now. The boy leaned his head back against the trunk, staring up at the canopy above. he sky beyond the twisting branches had softened into hues of lavender and deep blue, the fading light filtering through the leaves in gentle, muted tones. The forest seemed to exhale with the coming of night, its colors dimming into a quiet harmony of shadow and twilight. The edges of the leaves shimmered faintly, catching the last traces of light as if brushed with silver. The air felt cooler now, carrying the scent of damp moss and the faint sweetness of distant blooms. Somewhere in the distance, the rhythmic chirping of unseen creatures began, blending with the soft rustle of the trees as they swayed in the evening breeze. For a moment, the boy let himself sink into the stillness, his body heavy with exhaustion but his mind beginning to clear. Then his eyes caught on something above¡ªa cluster of leaves and twigs wedged between two branches. It was uneven and messy, but unmistakably deliberate. A nest. The realization hit him slowly. Of course, it had been defending something. His stomach growled, a sharp reminder of his own needs. If it was a nest, there might be food. He shifted his weight carefully, testing his balance on the branch before reaching for a higher one. His muscles protested, exhaustion pulling at every movement, but hunger drove him forward. The nest wasn¡¯t far, just a few feet above him. As he climbed, the faint scent of something earthy and sweet reached his nose, spurring him on. When he reached the nest, he paused, his fingers gripping the edge of the branch as he peered inside. Among the tangled mess of leaves and twigs were small, round fruits, their skins smooth and glistening faintly in the dim light. His stomach twisted with both relief and caution. If the thing can eat it, he could probably eat it as well right?. Carefully, he plucked one from the nest, turning it over in his hand before taking a tentative bite. The skin was thin and tough, breaking unevenly under his teeth. The flesh inside was firm, with a tangy, almost sour bite that made his mouth pucker. It wasn¡¯t as sharp as the unripe fruits he¡¯d stolen before, but it lacked the full sweetness of the ripe, cultivated ones he¡¯d occasionally managed to snatch. There was a faint sweetness buried beneath the tang, just enough to make it tolerable. The juice coated his tongue, leaving a slightly earthy aftertaste that reminded him of the wildness of the forest. It wasn¡¯t bad, not really. He chewed slowly, his hunger overriding any hesitation. It wasn¡¯t the kind of fruit that would sell in a market, but it was far from the worst thing he¡¯d eaten. He swallowed, waiting for any sign that it might be unsafe¡ªbitterness, a burning sensation, anything¡ªbut none came. It sat heavy in his stomach, easing the gnawing ache of hunger. Encouraged, he took another bite, chewing faster this time. The tang still made his jaw ache, but the faint sweetness lingered, and for now, that was enough. The boy relax, his body heavy with exhaustion as the last bite of fruit settled in his stomach. The tang still lingered on his tongue, but the ache of hunger had dulled, replaced by a faint warmth that spread through him. For the first time in what felt like forever, he didn¡¯t feel like he was on the edge of collapse. The forest around him had grown quieter, the cool night breeze brushed against his skin, carrying with it the faint scent of moss and distant blooms. His eyelids grew heavier with each passing moment, the weight of the day pressing down on him like a blanket. He shifted slightly, pressing his back more firmly against the trunk, his legs dangling off the branch. The rough bark dug into his skin, but he didn¡¯t care. His body ached, his arm throbbed, and his mind was a haze of exhaustion, but for now, he was safe. The creature was gone, the fruit had eased his hunger, and the forest seemed content to leave him be. His breathing slowed, each exhale softer than the last. The dim light filtering through the canopy above faded into darkness as his eyes fluttered shut. The boy¡¯s thoughts drifted, scattered and fleeting, until they dissolved entirely, leaving only the quiet embrace of sleep.