Multiverse Chronicles: From Dinosaurs To Heroes And Beyond

Ethan crouched low, his pungent smell being masked by ash, charcoal and mud from wafting from his body as he smothered another layer across his arms. He coudn't be sure it would work, but every survival instict he has screamed that masking his scent was worth a shot. The [Camouflage Net] he received from the system draped over his shoulders, blending with the grey and brown hues of the forest floor.

He exhaled shakily, staring through the foliage at what remained of Edwardstown. It was once a bustling town—people, cars, market, laughter. Now, it was a graveyard of shattered buildings and overgrown streets, vines twisting through crumbled walls and broken windows.

The jungle reclaiming it, and it did not look like it planned to give anything back.

But Ethan had no choice. He needed supplies, and if there was any place to find weapons of food, it was here. He adjusted the net over his head making sure that it covered him completly.

The system hadn't been helpful. The survival tips were vague at best, and the rewards had been non existent since his initial arrival. It was clear that if he wanted to survive, he would have to earn it the hard way.

He crept forward, moving in slow, deliberate steps. The ash, charcoal and mud clung to his skin, gritty and uncomfortable, but it was a small price to pay. He'd seen enough wildlife documentaries to know how predators track their prey. Scent was everything.

The jungle loomed around him, alive with the sound of birds and insect, but underneath it all was a tension he could not shake. Somewhere out there predators are watching.

Ethan's first destination was a small store near the edge of Edwardstown. Its sign was shattered but he could still make out the faint lettering. "Sunny's Conveniece". The windows was smashed, the door hanging off its hinges, but the structure seemed intact.

The system flashed faintly in his peripheral vision:

[Survival Tip: Always assess your surroudings for hidden threats.]

"Thanks for the obvious captain." He muttered under his breath.

He waited, his eyes scanning every shadow and corner of the ruined street. Minutes pass by, the silence stretching taut, but nothing moved.

Satisfied, he crept towards the store, keeping his steps light and deliberate. As he reached the entrance, he paused again, listening intently. There were no growls, no heavy breathing, no telltale clicks of claws against the floor.

He stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The store was a mess—shelves toppled, merchandise scattered across the floor, and a faint, musty smell hanging in the air.

Ethan's stomach growled loudly, and winced. He hadn't eaten since he arrived in this world, and the gnawing hunger was starting to make lightheaded.

His first priority was food. He scanned the shelves, grabbing cans and packages that looked intact: canned tuna, beans and a few granola bars. He stuffed them into a battered backpack he found near the counter, along with a half-full water bottle and a box of matches.

His hands trembled as he open a can of tuna, the metallic scent making his mouth water. He didn't bother with utensils, scooping the chunks out with his fingers, devouring them hungrily.

For the first time since arriving in this nightmare, he felt the glimmer of relief.

But it didn't last.

as he cleaned his hands with some napkins in the store and prepared to leave, he caught movement through the shattered window.

A shadow passed over the wreckage outside, followed by a soft thud of footsteps.

[Survival Choice Activated.]

Choose Your Reward:

1. Machete (a large knife with a wide blade, used for cutting trees and plants or as a weapon)

2. Camping Gear (includes tent, shovel and backpack)

3. Basic Survival Instinct (Enhanced reflexes for a short period)

Ethan's mind race. The points next to his name has increased, likely from fending off the raptor and securing drinkable water from before. But there was no time to explore how it works, he needed something immediately. Something lethal.

[Selection: Machete Acquired.]

A faint shimmer materialized in front of him, the weapon appeared in his hands. It was heavier than he expected, the blade sharp and gleaming.

The shadow outside few larger, accompanied by low, guttural growl of a raptor.

Ethan's pulse thundered in his ears, he crouched low, pulling the camouflage net over himself as he survey the area. Through the cracks on the wall, her spotted two of them.

"Of course it couldn't be just one." he muttered bitterly.

He needed a plan. The store's layout offered some cover, with the remaining shelves and the counter, it creates a maze-like interior. If he played it right, he could use the environment to his advantage.

But first he needed to deal with the one at the entrance.

Ethan gripped the machete tightly, his palm slick with sweat. He crouched behind a toppled shelf, waiting for the raptor to enter. The creature sniffed cautiously, its claws clicking against the tiled floor.

It stepped inside, its movements slow and deliberate.

Ethan held his breath, every muscle in his body could like a spring. As the raptor passed his hiding spot, he lunged.

The blade struck true, slicing deep just under the left arm of the creature's side. It let out a shriek of pain, thrashing violently as blood sprayed across the floor.

But it did not go down.

The raptor turned on him, its movement frantic and erratic. Ethan stumbled back, narrowly avoiding a swipe of its claws.

The second raptor, alerted by the commotion, burst through the side window with a snarl.

Ethan's heart leapt to his throat, he darted around the shelves, using the tight spaces to his advantage as the raptors pursued him.

The first one was slowing, its movements sluggish from bloodloss. But the second one was lively and unrelenting. its claws tearing through the obstacles in its path.

As Ethan rounded a corner, the uninjured raptor slipped on a pile of scattered merchandise. The momentum of its charge carried it slam on the wall with a sickening thud.

Seizing the opportunity, Ethan sprang back to the dazed creature, plunging the machete into its throat. The creature attempted to thrash but he held firm, twisting the blade until it pierced the soft bone at the base of it's skull.

The raptor left out a final gurgling screech before collapsing.

Ethan barely had time to catch his breath before the first raptor staggered towards him. Its steps were uneven, blood pooling beneath it, but its eyes burned with primal fury.

He backed away, gripping the machete tightly. The creature lunged, but its strength was failing. It swayed, its body giving out as the bloodloss took its toll.

It collapsed inches before him, its head striking the floor with a dull thud.

Ethan stood there, chest heaving, as the reality of what he'd done sank in. He stared at the bloodstained machete in his hand, his body from trembling from adrenaline and exhaustion.

He couldn't afford to stay.

He quickly gathered his scavenged supplies and stuffed them into the backpack. Slinging it over his shoulder, he slipped back out off the store, his eyes scanning the jungle for any signs of movement.

He needed to find a safer way to regroup, faraway from the carnage and provides protection from the elements.

As he disappeared into the underbrush of the jungle reclaimed wreckage of Edwardstown. T he bodies of raptors already drawing scavengers.

Ethan didn't look back. He couldn't. Survival is the only thing that mattered.