Isekaid into the Wilderness

Ch7: Trials and Traps

As the first rays of dawn painted the forest with soft hues, Kazuki began his day with a mixture of hope and trepidation. The air was cool and invigorating as he finished his morning stretches, preparing himself for the task that lay ahead. His excitement was palpable as he picked up his Bag and embarked on his first attempt at trapping in this new world.

With his heart racing, he approached the first trap, his breath held in anticipation. His fingers were nimble and practiced as he examined the bait, noting that it had been consumed. However, his hope deflated as he realized the trap hadn't triggered. A touch of disappointment washed over him, but he quickly reminded himself that success wouldn't come without its fair share of failures. He jotted down a mental note about the trigger mechanism and moved on to the next trap.

The next few traps revealed varying outcomes – some traps were untouched, others had their bait stolen, and one had been triggered but yielded no catch. Kazuki's initial excitement began to waver, replaced by a sense of determination mixed with mild frustration. He had mentally prepared himself for the possibility of failure, but the reality still stung.

As he approached the fifth trap, he couldn't shake off a growing sense of unease. He checked the trap, finding the telltale signs of it being triggered. He lifted it with cautious hope, only to discover that it was empty. Disappointment clenched at his heart, and he sighed audibly. Over half of his traps had been checked, and he hadn't caught anything yet.

With a deep breath, he approached the sixth trap, trying to keep his spirits high. He felt a rush of relief and excitement when he saw that this trap had been successful. A small rodent-like creature lay trapped beneath the stone. Kazuki's eyes lit up as he carefully released the creature, studying its features and making a mental note for future reference.

"Success at last," he murmured with a mixture of relief and satisfaction. He knew this catch wasn't substantial, but it was a step in the right direction. As he moved on to the remaining traps, his earlier worries seemed to fade into the background. He was reminded that this journey was about learning and adapting, and that every failure was an opportunity for growth.

Stowing the captured rodent in his bag for later inspection, Kazuki turned his attention to the seventh trap. His eyes widened as he approached – the bait was gone, but what caught his attention were the faint bloody drag marks on the forest floor. He crouched down to examine the scene more closely, his eyes tracing the trails of the struggle.

"Well, well, it seems like this trap caught a good-sized meal, but the fox beat me to it," he remarked with a mixture of disappointment and admiration. He knew that the traps were designed to be lethal, and seeing evidence of a fox's visit was a testament to their effectiveness. Even though he hadn't secured a meal himself this time, he couldn't help but appreciate the success of his trap.

The final trap awaited him, and his anticipation grew as he approached it. When he saw that the trap had been triggered, his heart raced with hope. Carefully lifting the stone, he revealed his catch – a rabbit, similar to the one he had spotted near his camp earlier. It was a small victory, but one that filled him with a sense of accomplishment.

Kazuki gently placed the rabbit with the rodent in his bag, securing his successful catches. He glanced back at the traps he had set, knowing that despite the challenges, he was making progress. With a sense of satisfaction, he collected the traps and began his journey back to camp.

As he walked, he reflected on the morning's trials and triumphs. He knew that survival in this world demanded adaptability and perseverance. The forest was a teacher, and every experience, whether success or setback, was a valuable lesson. With his head held high and a renewed determination, Kazuki embraced the uncertainties that lay ahead, ready to face them with courage and resilience.