There Are No Heroes

Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Survival I



Point of View: Christopher Roosevelt
I was standing, sweat running down my face as I tried to get my mind to work. The adrenaline was coursing through my veins, but panic was also consuming my body. I couldn't stay here lying down; I needed to act.
The first thing to do, for anyone who has watched the American series Naked and Afraid, was to find water. The human body can survive longer in a state of malnutrition than dehydration. But here, in the middle of an unknown forest, I felt completely lost.

The sounds of the forest surrounded me, filling the air with the chirping of crickets, the croaking of frogs, and the occasional snap of a branch under some invisible weight. Each noise made me flinch. Still, the sound I was truly desperate to hear was the flow of water—a stream, a river, anything to offer relief. The tension of the situation tightened my chest, and the fear of dehydration gnawed at me.
Eventually, I reached a clearing and paused for a moment, trying to quickly assess the situation. The sunlight, which had been fighting to stay in the sky, was rapidly fading. Dusk was creeping in, casting long shadows across the forest floor. The air grew heavy and humid, clinging to my skin.
As I checked my body, I noticed something strange. "Look at that, I've turned into a bodybuilder from another world... This could've happened earlier, right? Bet women would love it." Was this some sort of bonus for traveling between worlds? Then my focus returned: the lack of clothes and tools was a constant reminder of how critical my situation was. Another thing I noticed was the complete absence of body hair. "No hair? Seriously? I'm a baby from the gym now?"
Entering the dense forest with adrenaline pumping through my veins, I tried to take in my surroundings. The wildlife's sounds blended together, creating a disorienting fog in my mind. Then, in the distance, I heard it—the unmistakable rush of water. My pulse quickened as I stumbled forward, my desperation leading the way.
In my mind, I imagined myself as an intrepid explorer, someone capable of overcoming anything. But the reality hit harder with each step. The weight of my legs, the growling of my stomach, and the heat pressing down on me reminded me of my limits. Frustration and anger bubbled up: why couldn't this be a normal isekai? I just wanted an easy life, not this fight for survival. Instead, I was here—lost, directionless, and without a plan.
After what felt like endless hours, I finally stumbled upon a riverbed. Relief surged through me at the sound of rushing water. Yet, as I stood there, another wave of worry took over. The river was wide, its waters churning and fast-moving. There were no signs of human presence—just dense vegetation and the endless murmur of the current. I didn't know where the river led, but I had no choice but to follow it.
The last light of day faded as a cool breeze swept through the forest. The night was coming fast, and with it, new challenges. I couldn't afford to get sick, so I began searching for a way to make it through until morning. My thoughts raced as I prioritized finding shelter. Quick decisions were essential now. I pondered the situation as I kneeled by the river, using my hands to drink water.
But the forest had other plans. Every so often, a rustle or a crack broke the oppressive silence, setting my nerves on edge. Something was moving in the dense underbrush. I couldn't see it, but the feeling of being watched clung to me like a second skin.
Walking along the riverbank, I forced myself to stay calm and focus. Spotting some large, sharp stones, I began chipping one against another, attempting to craft a crude blade. My hands bled slightly, but the pain was a minor inconvenience. A blade could mean the difference between life and death—whether for hunting or defending myself.
As darkness fully descended, I found a tall tree that could serve as shelter. Climbing it with what strength I had left, I secured myself to a sturdy branch using fibers stripped from a massive leaf. As I gazed down at the river below, loneliness began to creep in. The forest was vast and unforgiving, and a sense of unease settled in my chest. Was something out there watching me?
Then, a faint crack of a branch in the distance sent a chill down my spine. I froze, straining to hear. The noises grew louder, accompanied by guttural growls and eerie cries that didn't sound human. My heart pounded as I clung to the branch. Suddenly, the noises stopped, replaced by an oppressive silence that seemed to stretch forever.
And then I saw it. A humanoid figure emerged below me. Its skin was a sickly green, and its eyes glinted unnaturally in the faint moonlight. It rummaged through the underbrush, scanning the area with unsettling precision. That's when it hit me: it was looking for me.
The tree's thick foliage provided some cover, shielding me from its gaze. "Okay, weird green creature, stay down there and I'll stay up here. Everyone's happy, deal?" I whispered to myself, my voice trembling. I prayed silently: "Go away, please go away..."


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