new world

breaking out

Crack! Crack! Crack!

A loud series of cracks echoed through the cave, each sound sharper than the last, as the stone encasing Satoru fractured and splintered. Finally, the outer shell gave way, and he stumbled forward, his bare feet skidding against the cold, uneven ground. The dim light from a distant opening illuminated his form as he caught himself just in time to avoid collapsing entirely.

"Woooooooh!!!" he bellowed, his voice booming and reverberating off the rugged cave walls. The echoes carried his declaration farther, amplifying his presence in the otherwise silent cavern. "Shiver in fear, you damn aliens! For I, Satoru Ishigami, have returned to life!"

As his triumphant shout faded into the cavern's depths, he straightened up, dusting off bits of crumbling stone from his shoulders and arms. His sharp eyes darted around, taking in his surroundings for the first time. Jagged rocks jutted from the walls, and the air carried a faintly metallic tang, mixing with the earthy scent of damp stone.

---

Satoru Modes:

Normal

Scientific

Detective [Activated]

---

Lowering his gaze to the ground, Satoru noticed faint impressions in the dusty surface—tracks, smudges, and streaks that seemed deliberately placed. The lines, though faint and nearly eroded by time, hinted at movement—someone, or perhaps something, had dragged him here.

Crouching, he pressed his palm flat against the ground, feeling its cool texture against his skin. His brow furrowed in concentration as he calculated. "The ground is dry," he murmured, his voice low and thoughtful. "Probably the outside, too. Hmm... one to two weeks, maybe."

Drip.

The sound was faint, almost imperceptible, but it immediately caught Satoru's attention. His head snapped toward the source. Near the spot where he had been lying, droplets of liquid glistened in the dim light as they fell from the ceiling.

Extending a hand, he caught one drop, its chill a sharp contrast against his warm skin. He brought it to his nose, his analytical mind racing as he detected the sharp, acrid scent.

Nitric acid?

"Interesting," he muttered, turning the droplet between his fingers. His voice held a mix of intrigue and realization. "This must be part of the petrification reversal process... But it’s too slow. Maybe I can refine it into nital to speed it up. I'll test it later."

He straightened, rolling his shoulders to shake off the stiffness lingering from his petrification. With a sigh, he stretched, his joints cracking audibly. "Gotta look presentable before meeting up with leek boy," he muttered, a wry grin tugging at his lips.

---

Preparation Montage (Presented by Yours Truly):

Satoru Modes:

Normal

Scientific

Detective

Minecraftian [Activated]

---

Step One: Make Temporary Clothes.

Satoru's first task was modesty. Spotting a nearby bush sprouting broad, sturdy leaves, he tore off a few and quickly fashioned a makeshift covering. The leaves rustled as he tied them into place, the rough edges digging into his skin.