Something is coming.
I heard it last night, just beyond the edge of the firelight. Faint growls, low and guttural, carried on the wind. At first, I thought my mind was playing tricks on me again, but the sound grew louder as the night wore on. There's something out there in the darkness—something far more dangerous than what I've seen so far. I spent the night on edge, barely sleeping. Every rustle of grass, every crack of a twig sent my heart racing. This place feels more hostile with each passing day, as if it's testing me, pushing me to the brink.
At dawn, I heard them: a snarl, a bark, then the unmistakable sound of claws scraping against the ground. Hounds. I saw them charging at me from the forest, their glowing red eyes locked on me. There were two of them—large, mangy creatures, their teeth bared, and their movements quick and aggressive. I had no time to think, only to act. I didn't have any proper weapons—just the axe I'd crafted earlier, its blade dull from chopping trees. But it would have to do. I ran, trying to put some distance between me and the hounds, then turned to face them, swinging the axe with all the strength I could muster. They were fast, darting in and out, snapping at my heels. But I've learned quickly in this world: you can't fight head-on. You have to be smart. I kited them, dodging their lunges and striking back when I could. The battle felt endless, my heart pounding in my ears, my arms aching from swinging the axe. But finally, one of the hounds fell. The other wasn't far behind, though it managed to sink its teeth into my arm before I struck the final blow. I'm bloodied, almost died, but alive...
After the shock, I got up. I saw few things around. Their bodies left behind two things: a strange tooth and a hunk of meat. Just that? I mean their bodies... Pow! Gone! As a scientist this place is a nightmare... Where is the scientific laws?! Anyway... So... I decided The tooth might be useful later—I'm not sure how yet, but I'll keep it. The meat, though... I was starving, and in my exhaustion, I didn't think. I ate it raw.
I've made a terrible mistake.
The moment the meat hit my stomach, I felt an overwhelming wave of nausea. My body rejected it instantly, and I was left gasping, clutching at my gut as my vision blurred. My head is swimming, my sanity slipping away faster than I can control. I've been eating berries and carrots since I got here, but this... this Monster Meat—it's not for humans. Like it is a MONSTER MEAT. I should have known better... I'll need to find a better way to cook it, Yes I will cook it and eat it ok? Don't judge me I am starving... Maybe, I can use it in one of those recipes I've been thinking about.
After a long time, I managed to gather myself enough to move back to my little temporary camp. The adrenaline is wearing off, and the wound on my arm is worse than I realized. I'll need to be more careful in the future. These hounds—if they came this early, there will surely be more. I can't afford to be caught off guard again, not without proper weapons or armor. Damn... It hurts... And I want to cry like a baby... But I am a proud adult. Also It won't heal the wound or make the pain go away. So it is no use... Thank god the hand I write with is not injured... Or else I couldn't wrote this. And go crazy because of the pain...
Tomorrow, I'll try to gather more materials and focus on crafting something better. A spear, maybe, if I can figure out the materials. My tools won't be enough next time. I also need to start thinking about food beyond berries and carrots. The wild game here is dangerous, but it's becoming clear that I need more substantial sustenance if I'm to survive for long. Of course it is an "If"...
I can still hear the echoes of those hounds in the back of my mind. And with each passing day, the air grows colder. Something is changing in this world. I can feel it. And... the darkness is... a little more... brighter? In any case, I am alive. For now.