The sky was changing color. The sun was moving lower, casting long shadows over the beach and jungle. Jaxon Vale sat on a large rock near the edge of the trees. His legs were tired. His arms ached. But his mind was clear.
He looked at the sand and then at the trees around him. The quiet sounds of the island were peaceful — waves softly hitting the shore, leaves moving in the wind, distant bird calls.
The system in his head had gone quiet. After the first task was done, the floating screen had disappeared. It felt strange. He didn't know if it would come back or stay silent for a while. That only made him more cautious.
Jaxon looked at the fading sunlight. He knew night was coming soon. Nights in places like this could be cold. And dangerous. The darkness would hide animals or other threats.
He needed fire.
The thought brought his mind back to the book he had read earlier on the ship. How to Rebuild the World. The book had a section about making fire without matches or a lighter.
He remembered it clearly.
"Use dry wood," he said quietly. "A strong stick. A rough rock. Spin the stick fast."
Jaxon stood up slowly. His legs were weak but steady. The pain in his muscles was still there but less sharp than before.
He walked into the jungle. The ground was soft and covered with dead leaves and small twigs. He looked around carefully.
After some minutes of searching, he found what he needed. A long dry stick, smooth and strong enough to spin. Near it, a flat rock with a rough surface that could be used as a base.
He sat down on the ground. His heart beat a little faster.
"Okay," he whispered. "Let's try this."
He put the stick on a small dry branch. Held it tightly with both hands. He pressed it down against the rock. Then he started spinning the stick back and forth.
His hands moved quickly, faster and faster.
At first, nothing happened.
No smoke.
No heat.
He tried again. Harder. Faster.
His palms started to hurt. The stick slipped from his sweaty hands. He gritted his teeth. Put it back.
"Come on," he told himself. "You can do this."
He tried once more. Faster. His arms burned. His fingers cramped. But he kept going. Never stopping.
Minutes passed. Sweat rolled down his face.
Still, no fire.
His thoughts raced.
Is this really going to work?
Maybe I'm too weak.
Or maybe this method doesn't work here.
What if I fail? What then?
But deep inside, a small voice told him not to give up.
"Not a game. No reset button. No help coming. You have to do this. You will."
He breathed deeply. Focused.
He spun the stick again.
Then, a thin line of smoke appeared. It was small but real.
His eyes widened.
He blew gently on the smoke. It grew.
He placed dry grass near the base of the stick and blew again.
The grass caught fire.
Orange light flickered.
Fire.
Real fire.
Jaxon sat back, hands on his knees, and stared.
He didn't smile or cheer. No excitement. Just calm.
Fire was a tool. Nothing more. But right now, it was life.
New task: Build a basic hut
Reward: 2 Coins
Hint: Use strong branches, vines, and leaves
The voice in his head returned.
Jaxon looked up.
"A hut," he said softly. "Makes sense."
He stood, stretching his arms. The ache was still there, but he ignored it.
His mind went back to the book again.
There was a chapter about shelters. It showed how to build a simple hut. Two strong sticks leaned together to make a triangle frame. A third stick tied across the top to hold them. Then covered with leaves for protection.
He walked deeper into the jungle. Looking for materials.
Branches. Leaves. Vines.
He found thick branches first. The kind that wouldn't break when bent. He tested a few, bending them with his hands.
Vines were harder to find. He searched under bushes, on tree trunks. He pulled a long vine free. It was rough and strong.
His hands were scratched from the rough bark and thorns, but he didn't stop.
Hours passed.
The sun dropped low. The sky changed from orange to deep red. Jaxon worked slowly but steadily. His body hurt, but his mind was focused.
By the time the sun was nearly gone, he had the frame built.
Two long sticks leaned against each other in a triangle. A third stick tied across the top. The vine held everything tight.
Next came the leaves. He picked big palm leaves from the ground. They were dry but still strong.
One by one, he layered them on top of the frame.
The shelter wasn't perfect. It looked rough and simple. But it stood. And it could keep out wind and rain.
Jaxon stepped back and looked at his work.
He felt no pride. Just quiet satisfaction.
Task complete
+2 Coins
Total Coins: 3
The glowing shop screen appeared in front of him.
Stone Knife – 2 Coins
Small Pot – 2 Coins
Rope – 1 Coin
Water Jug – 1 Coin
He stared at the list.
"A knife would be useful," he thought. "Something to cut branches faster. Or defend myself if needed."
But he didn't buy anything. Not yet.
He closed the screen and sat down next to his fire.
The flames crackled. The warmth was comforting.
He looked up at the sky. Stars started to appear.
The island was quiet. Too quiet.
No animals yet.
No other people.
Just him.
He touched his face.
Salt from the sea. Dirt from the jungle.
He whispered to himself, voice low and steady.
"I'm alone. But I'll survive."
He stared into the fire.
No one is coming for me.
No rescue.
I'm on my own.
And for the first time, he accepted it.
No hope for quick escape. No hope for easy help.
Only himself.
The fire flickered.
Jaxon closed his eyes.
"I have to be ready. For whatever comes next."