Entering my hut, I drop my new backpack on the floor and begin unpacking it's contents.
I place most of the cans and bottled water on the old wooden desk, making sure to keep a few in my bag.
If I wanted to continue receiving food and water, I would actually need to hold up my end of the deal and scout for that treehouse group.
Cracking open a can of corn, I start eating with the old wooden spoon as I begin to study the old and barren map that Theodore had given me. He apparently found it in his treehouse and handed it over, wanting me to explore the island and fill in its details.
Apart from an outline of the island and a little mark labeled "treehouse," the map was completely empty.
I grab one of the old fountain pens from the dusty cup of writing utensils on my desk.
Looking back at the map, I smile faintly as I draw a simple, and childish outline of my little hut on the island's shoreline.
I take a few moments to finish my corn before slipping the map and pen back into my bag.
Slinging the backpack over my shoulder, I tighten the quiver around my waist.
I lock the door behind me, stuffing the key into my pocket.
I step outside with a knife in my lefthand, and bow in the other.
Today was going to be a busy day.
I decide to continue exploring the island's vast shoreline, leaving the inner parts for later.
It was honestly quite peaceful. The sounds of birds, the ocean, and other wildlife were quite soothing.
I was just starting to get used to the feeling of sand beneath my feet when I finally spotted something that made my stomach churn.
Walking down the beach, I notice a large group of birds, seemingly pecking at something.
Curious, I start walking closer, wondering what it could be?
Could it be some sort of weapon, or maybe even treasure? I couldn't help but get my hopes up as I continued imagining some rare loot that would make my survival a lot easier.
As I near, a disgusting and foul stench hits me.
I know that smell
My excitement quickly vanishes, only to be replaced by a deep and sinking dread
"What the hell..." I mutter as the birds scatter, revealing what they've been feasting upon.
It was a body.
I freeze, my breath quickening as I take in the gruesome sight. The infected must have gotten to him last night.
I take another cautious step forward, examining the corpse. It's torn apart, covered in jagged bite marks, deep gashes, and brutal wounds. The left arm is missing entirely, while the right leg seems to be barely hanging on, shredded almost to the bone.
Its face... Oh god its face.
It didn't even look remotely human. Both eyes stared blankly at the sunny sky above, wide open, glassy, and full of emptiness. Dried blood seems to crust on its disfigured features, mixing with the strange black goo.
I kneel down, swallowing hard as I reach out to close its eyes. Sure, it was pointless gesture, but I did it anyway. I need to remember that this may be just a simulation, but back in the real world, this person was probably dead.
I exhale sharply, taking a step back while digging into my bag, reaching for some water. The heat feels unbearable, sweat clinging to my skin, and soaking the back of my already disgusting prison clothing. Coming from an extremely cold and wet planet, this tropical climate felt like torture. I quickly unscrew the cap, making sure to take a long sip as I attempt to push the image of the corpse out of my mind.
But when I look back down, my heart stops.
The eyes that I had just closed are open again, now staring back at me.
I blink for a moment, trying to make sure that I'm not imagining things.
I watch it for a moment, trying to discern if I'm actually going crazy.
Then it smiles...
"Oh fuck no!" I scream, stumbling backwards.
My hands shake as I watch the body twitch, hearing its wet and raspy laugh.
"Kuh...keheha" The sound came out wrong, so human, but also not.
Panic seizes my chest as the corpse begins to move, dragging itself through the sand, slithering towards me while leaving a trail of black, inky blood in its wake.
"Where are you going?" it hisses, its voice broken and unhuman. "Come back... kehahe"
My vision blurs as panic surges throughout my body. It can talk. What kind of infected can talk!?
I pull an arrow from my quiver, fitting it against the bow string. My fingers tremble as I use all my strength to draw it back.
"Stay back!" I shout, continuing to step backwards.
The thing doesn't listen. It continues slithering towards me, its ruined leg dragging behind it like some sort of weight.
"I said get back!" my voice cracks as I release the arrow. It whizzes through the air, piercing and sinking into the creature's shoulder.
It barely flinches,
My pulse continues to pound as I fumble for another arrow, firing again into its chest. The creature shudders but doesn't stop. Its movements are slow, yet relentless.
I watch as it staggers to its feet, its shredded leg buckling beneath it with each agonizing step. How is it walking with such a wound?
I shudder in fear as its steps continue crunching against the sand below.
"Come hereeee!" It groans, its twisted grin stretching even wider. "Become of of us... we can win together!"
Why was it talking like a human? Just what is this abomination?
"Fuck off!" I scream, drawing a third arrow as I aim for its head. My muscles begin to burn as I pull the bowstring back with all my might.
I release, watching the arrow pierce the center of its forehead with a sickening crack.
The creature falls backwards, its limbs twitching as it's black blood pools around its body.
I don't move. Not until the golden screen appears before me.
Congratulations
You have killed the first planted seed.
The chancellor has decided to reward you.