Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Two: A Strange Reality

I woke up to the bright morning light, only to find the same overwhelming scenery I had seen yesterday—a flourishing forest filled with towering trees, a smooth-flowing stream, and the sounds of wildlife.

Come on, gurl, why couldn't this just have been a bad dream? This is not reality right now; this is, like, so fake. How in the world did I really end up here? This is the last thing I need, I muttered to myself, trying to process the strange situation.

My back ached from the rough ground, and fatigue clung to me like a weight. Sleeping in the wilderness was no joke. The bruise I had on the side was radiating pain. The flimsy tent hadn't stood a chance against the wind last night—I'd spent half the night adjusting it, adding more twigs, leaves, and even breaking off some roots to keep it from blowing down. At least those roots kept my fire going.

I crawled out of my makeshift shelter, immediately on high alert. My eyes scanned the area, searching for movement in the shadows or anything above that could drop down on me. The forest looked peaceful, but I wasn't about to let my guard down.

Once I felt safe enough, I made my way toward the stream. The need to wash off the grime of sleep tugged at me, though the thought of being exposed out in the open made me uneasy.

Thankfully, I found a small nook between a cluster of rocks. It wasn't much—just a narrow gap about three feet long and five feet wide—but it gave me just enough space to sit or stand comfortably and feel hidden from view. Not ideal, but it'll do.

Using a bowl from my backpack, I scooped water from the stream and retreated into my little hideaway. My clothes weren't filthy, just a little dusty, so a quick rinse was all I needed. The cool water refreshed me as I washed my face and brushed my teeth.

After tidying myself up, I returned to my shelter and pulled out some food from my bag. A jumbo Slim Jim, trail mix, and my trusty water canister. Breakfast was basic, but it did the job.

Feeling somewhat recharged, I decided to follow the stream downstream, hoping it would lead to civilization—or at least a way out of this enormous forest. Even if it led to a waterfall, at least I'd know which direction I was headed.

I kept a respectful distance from the water, not wanting to disturb any animals drinking from it. Better to give them their space. I ain't tryna have any unexpected animal encounters today.

As I walked, I spotted strange fruit hanging from a tree. It was an odd shape, with bright colors that looked too good to be true. Yeah, not touching that. I had enough food in my pack and didn't need to add food poisoning to my list of problems.

"God, please," I whispered, desperation seeping into my voice. "I'm not the strongest soldier. End this test and bring me back." For I was starting to really feel lost in a forest with no clear direction.

My plea hung in the air unanswered, and just as I let out a frustrated sigh, something moved on the ground.

A massive centipede the size of my arm crawled out from the undergrowth, slithering and curling its grotesque body as it made its way across my path.

"Oh hell naw!" I gasped, my heart slamming in my chest. My legs gave out beneath me, and I fell hard on my bottom. Tears welled up and spilled from my eyes as the sheer terror of the creature hit me like a wave.

All the will to survive and fight drained out of me. I sat there, frozen in place, too horrified to move as the monstrous insect crawled closer. Its segmented body shimmered in the light, and dozens of legs wriggled in rhythm. Each time I looked at it, the disgust and fear grew worse. I couldn't tear my eyes away.

"Please, God... don't let it come toward me. Don't let it jump on me," I whispered, praying that somehow this nightmare would end.

The centipede slithered past without acknowledging me, disappearing into the thick underbrush. I watched it go, not daring to breathe until it was gone from sight. But the fear didn't leave with it.