Nightmare Paradise : Starting as a Doctor

Chapter 153: Reflections in the Firelight

Traversing the wild and untamed landscape, Lynn moved further away from the abandoned district chaos, his senses remaining on high alert as he scanned the environment for any signs of danger.

The urban commotion gradually faded, replaced by the symphony of nature – the creak of branches, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional chirping of birds filled the air around him.

Dense foliage and uneven terrain presented formidable obstacles, creating a place forbidden for humans. However, his extraordinary agility allowed him to navigate the treacherous path with fluid grace.

In the past, people from the region adventured inside in search of resources. But, with time, the federation prohibited these practices due to the danger they caused and to protect the environment.

Many persons who relied on this method to live gradually abandoned the area, seeking alternative means of survival. The once bustling human activity dwindled, creating places like the abandoned district.

As he trekked onward, the landscape grew increasingly rugged. Ravines cut through roots and rocky outcroppings, and rivulets trickled over moss-slick stones, carving deep gullies over centuries of erosion.

Occasionally, he would catch glimpses of movement through the dense undergrowth, but a quick application of [Spiritual Vision] revealed them to be nothing more than small woodland creatures.

Pausing for a moment, he surveyed his surroundings. "I should be quite far away now," he pondered, his keen eyes scanning the area for a suitable location to complete his recovery and perform the long-awaited sublimation ritual.

His gaze finally settled on a small, secluded valley between two hills. A gentle stream meandered through the center, its banks lined with soft, green moss and thick underbrush, providing ample natural cover.

Nodding to himself, Lynn began to descend into the hidden glen, his movements agile and light, leaving barely a trace of his passing. He quickly set about securing the perimeter.

He built a series of simple traps and tripwires, layering them strategically around the secluded valley to ensure no unwanted intruders were nearby. These would serve as an early warning system.

But this action was unexpectedly interrupted when suddenly, a wild pheasant burst forth from a nearby bush, taking to the air with a squawk, its wings flapping loudly against the backdrop of serene nature.

The sight of the plump bird instantly triggered a pang of hunger in his stomach, causing him to pause the preparations. "It has been a while since I had a proper meal," he mused, eyeing the feathered animal.

Employing the [Cell Proliferation] skill to hasten cell growth drained vital nutrients from his body. Consequently, he needed to replenish them, and it had been quite some time since his last meal, exacerbating this need.

His mouth watered involuntarily at the prospect of roasted pheasant. The rich flavors and tender meat were a welcome respite from the monotonous rations he had been subsisting on.

After some time...

Using the nearby stream, he meticulously cleansed the carcass, washing away any traces of blood. Then, he started to butcher it, expertly separating the meat from any unnecessary parts.

Gathering dry kindling and fallen branches, he carefully arranged them to create and ignite a small campfire. The flickering flames danced and cast a warm, inviting glow around him.

He fashioned a sturdy stick into a spit and deftly skewered his meal, holding it over the flames to cook. The rich aroma wafted through the air, making his stomach growl in anticipation.