Chapter 707 First day in the wilderness
As far as the eye could see, the forest transformed into a silent opera of winter, a beautiful expanse covered in frost.
With their bark twisted and worn by the elements over countless years, the towering trees stood tall. Their skeletal canopies serving as a dramatic juxtaposition to the dull, overcast sky.
With the occasional whiff of pine, the air was crisp and carried the delightful fragrance of frost-kissed earth and dormant foliage.
The biting wind, with its haunting whistle, passed through the barren branches, bringing along a symphony of whispers that revealed ancient secrets and timeless stories.
With an eerie grace, Erik traversed through the frozen expanse, his every step leaving only the faintest trace upon the pristine snow.
His keen eyes darted around, taking in the play of shadows, the fluttering of snowflakes, the subtle shifts in the forest's frozen soundscape. Immersed in the forest, he had synchronized his senses with its rhythm, moving his body at tempo with its pulse.
As he followed his path, he encountered several Thaids, their monstrous forms looming in the undergrowth or lurking among the trees.
He disregarded them, not paying them any attention. They were beneath his notice. His targets were elsewhere. He saw no reason to slaughter those weak monsters, as their brain crystal powers held no value or advantage for him.
Beneath layers of winter gear, Erik's muscles were tightly wound springs, ready to unleash their power. His presence exuded a sense of danger, and his every move revealed his predatory nature, proving his mastery of hunting.
Throughout his run, he kept his mind concentrated, his thoughts aligned with his sole purpose - that being to boost his energy statistic and form additional neural links.
Throughout his journey, he encountered a multitude of winter landscapes. They ranged from dense thickets where sunlight struggled to break through, to open glades illuminated by a serene, silvery light. As he made his way, he crossed frozen brooks and maneuvered through snow-laden inclines.
Over time, he finally found himself in a clearing where ethereal beams of sunlight illuminated the space. Here, the air was filled with a refreshing quality that seemed to be infused with an invigorating energy, causing a tingling sensation in his senses.
In the freezing cold, he exhaled, and his breath transformed into a fog, a sign of the preparation he was making for what awaited him.
The clearing, with its untouched winter landscape, resembled a pristine canvas that had not been touched by any Thaid. At the edge, Erik stood tall, his body casting a stretched-out shadow that reached across the snowy ground.
After an entire day of nonstop movement, he made the executive decision to take a break as the sun began its descent.
After unslung his backpack, he let it fall onto the snow, creating a muffled thud. As the cold air enveloped him, his breath formed a misty fog, diverting his focus towards the task that lay before him. "Time to set up camp"
Erik reached into his mind, tapping into his Plant Master brain crystal power. As he stood there, he couldn't help but feel the energy coursing through him. It was a pulsating rhythm that seemed in sync with the life force of the surrounding forest.
A dome made up of branches and twigs, intertwined and sprouting from the frozen earth, emerged with their bark still keeping its green color despite the winter chill.
The structure grew at an astonishing pace. It contorted and winded until it took shape as a robust wooden shelter that provided ample space for him to be accommodated.
The sight of the wooden dome taking form left Erik in awe as he contemplated the extent of his own power. "Fantastic." A hint of satisfaction crept into his voice. "But there's more to be done."
Once he finished with the task at hand, he shifted his focus to the precious Luminara Serpentis seeds stored in his pack. These extraordinary plants had the ability to repel Thaids. The energy they emanated was unpleasant to the monsters once they sprouted.
Erik didn't need them for protection. His skill set in self-defense surpassed what was necessary, making him more than capable of defending himself. However, his key priority was to guarantee uninterrupted rest and training, free from the presence of unwanted guests.
Erik stood against the backdrop of his newly formed shelter. He held a handful of seeds in his hand. With a steady motion, he scattered them across the frozen ground.
The soil, hardened by the winter's cold, presented a challenge. Determined, Erik used the sole of his boot to press each seed into the earth. He moved from one spot to the next, ensuring that no seed lay atop the frostbitten ground, vulnerable to the elements.
As he worked, Erik could feel the resistance of the icy soil against his boots. He applied gentle but firm pressure, coaxing the seeds into the shallow indentations he created. His breath visible in the cold air, he continued this dance of survival—a push against nature, a plea for growth.
With each seed nestled into its cold bed, Erik stepped back to survey his work. The shelter stood silent behind him, a witness to this minor act of hope in the heart of winter. The seeds, now hidden beneath the soil's frosty crust, held the promise of life, awaiting the warmth of spring to awaken.
Once again, he tapped into his Plant Master power and used it to encourage the seeds to sprout and flourish.
In a moment that defied the pace of nature, the transformation unfolded. The slender shoots, embodying resilience and vitality, pierced through the thick, white blanket of snow with an almost magical swiftness.
These shoots gained strength and stature. They ascended towards the sky, growing into tall, majestic plants. Each plant was adorned with leaves that radiated a soft, luminescent glow.
The glow bathed Erik's shelter in a serene, otherworldly aura. It was as if the plants harnessed the very essence of the waning sun.
The glowing plant stood resilient against the frosty breeze, its leaves shimmering and dancing as if mocking the winter's chill. Each sway and flutter was like a display of defiance, showcasing a spectacle akin to an unyielding warrior standing tall amidst a battlefield of snow and ice, embodying natural beauty and wonder.
The air filled with their unique aroma, and it started emanating energy that kept the monsters away.
Erik couldn't help but chuckle as he surveyed his handiwork. "Not bad for a day's work," he said. "A place to rest in the heart of this icy wilderness."
After taking the steps to secure and protect his shelter, Erik was able to find some much-needed relaxation. Leaving behind his footprints on the snow-covered ground, he made his way into the wooden dome. Inside, shielded from the biting wind, he prepared to rest and train, ready for whatever tomorrow might bring.
The scent inside the dome was a captivating combination of the fresh wood and the distinct, spicy fragrance emitted by the musk that grew on it.
The smell was very comforting, creating an atmosphere of safety and tranquility in the space. Before he began his training, Erik took a moment to breathe in the surroundings and let them fill his senses.
With his back straight and his legs crossed in a meditative pose, he settled down in the center of the dome. After closing his eyes, he focused on his breath, taking a deep inhale and releasing all the stress from his body.
Just as challenging as any physical workout, he was on the verge of embarking on a mental journey.
"Alright, time to forge some new neural links."
The process started smoothly, with no complications. To stimulate the formation of new neural connections, Erik had to delve deep into his consciousness. It was a challenging task that required intense focus and mental endurance.
The process required him to envision the creation of these bridge-like links, allowing them to spring into existence within his imagination.
The first thing he did was clear his mind, attempting to push aside any thoughts or distractions that might hinder his focus.
After that, he directed all his attention towards achieving his goal. In his mind, he visualized these threads of energy as radiant beams that intertwined. The end goal was to build a bridge that linked his brain crystal with his brain.
As Erik delved deeper into his consciousness, he lost track of time. He could feel the energy pulsing within him, could see the glowing threads in his mind's eye. Despite his best endeavors, he was unsuccessful in forming any additional links. He didn't let frustration take over him. Patience and perseverance were essential throughout this intricate process.
"Guess it's not happening today." He surrendered after what felt like hours. As his eyes fluttered open, a sigh slipped past his lips. His face exhibited no traces of disappointment, but rather a strong sense of determination. "Tomorrow is another day," he said. He made a promise to himself to try again.
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