Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 88: If You Rest, You Rust

Despite waking up several times through the night to conjure more Annihilation Grenades lvl 3, Alex still feels rested when morning comes. Stepping out of his tent, he surveys the other players around him. Some are also camped out in tents, while a few are simply lying in front of buildings, wrapped in sleeping bags or blankets. A handful are sprawled directly on the cold ground, using only their jackets for warmth.

"Did they expect a damn hotel?" Alex mutters, shaking his head. "These players are badly prepared!" It's clear to him that many aren't taking this mission nearly as seriously as they should.

Alex feels confident. With his [Navigator's Ticket] secured, the fear of being forcibly killed and eaten by those snake demons has faded. Now, with two days and a night left to kill, he intends to use every moment wisely. The demon-run exchange offers items that could bring in a lot of FC, and Alex plans to make the most of it.

He pulls some food from his inventory, stuffing his mouth with various items. The player inventory slows decay but doesn't completely stop it, so he has plenty to get through: meats, bread, some fruit, and a mountain of energy bars. After a quick meal, he feels full and heads over to the well to wash up and get ready for the day.

As he finishes, Alex notices Eirini and Patricia approaching the well for water. He hesitates, remembering Tereza and Rishi's advice about keeping his distance. Why risk opportunities for survival just to be "nice"? He needs every advantage he can get in this world, both for now and whatever awaits him in the future.

He looks at them with a solemn, somewhat apologetic expression. To his surprise, Eirini greets him with a friendly smile.

"Good morning, Alex... Can I ask you a question?" she says.

"Sure, what do you want to know?" Alex replies, deciding it can't hurt to share a bit of information.

"I heard you already got your ticket... Patricia and I, like most of the other players, didn't go outside yesterday. We just studied the catalog. Can you give us a hint about what items we should be turning in?"

Alex shakes his head. "I studied that catalog for thirty minutes and got the gist of it. Ignore it. It's only useful to identify stuff you find, you can't aim for specific stuff! Just turn in whatever you stumble across. Even things not listed can be exchanged. Go out, kill some of the weaker animals, and turn them in! Don't sit around doing nothing—you'll die if you do! Risk it and get out, even if it's dangerous. If you wait, you're as good as dead. You need tickets!"

Patricia, who's been listening intently, looks at Alex with a regretful expression. "I think we knew that already, but... it's just so terrifying."

"Isn't it scarier to stay in this village?" Alex replies. "In a few days, these 'peaceful' villagers will attack you! Anyway, you've already wasted half a day. Go outside, be careful not to touch anything dangerous, and stick close to the village. There aren't any deadly threats immediately around it. Just focus on gathering the items mentioned in the catalog, and you'll have a solid shot at this. You two better get moving."

He heads toward the village exit, hearing Eirini say softly behind him, "Thank you..."

As Alex approaches the exit, he's intercepted by a group of players led by the woman who had demanded he "play nice" yesterday. She's surrounded by others, their expressions a blend of respect, fear, and jealousy. Alex sighs internally, deciding not to antagonize them without reason, and stops to talk.

The leader, a woman in her late thirties, looks weak by his standards, clearly lacking in physical stats. "I know this type," Alex thinks, "too trusting, always wants to see the good in everyone, convinced there's a peaceful solution for everything. Might as well hear her out, but it'll be pointless."