Startled Again
For the first time in several simulations, Lem felt like he was in serious danger. The minutes that had passed by so pleasantly before were now stretched out to agonizing length.
[Simulation: 10%]
…
[Simulation: 18%]
The bushes began to rustle. Lem's eyes shot to the side, and he lifted his spear.
"You did this to yourself," he muttered in self reproach. "You did not think it was enough to be corrupted by evil, you also had to test your limits in the open without even making sure you had a simulation in reserve."
Lem shook his head, however shortly afterward he broke into a smile for what felt like the tenth time that day.
"This time, you got me," he told the small fox that had poked its head out. "I did not expect you to find me after I moved."
The fox stared back at him with solemn eyes.
"You must have a nose that embarasses the other beasts," Lem said. "I don't have any more berries, or I would give them to you."
The fox did not respond.
"It makes me wonder whether I will see you again. With no reward, will you still be here for me?"
The time appeared to pass by slightly quicker after that moment, as the fox and man stared at one another.
Secretly, Lem was checking the screen every few minutes.
[Simulation: 26%]
…
[Simulation: 40%]
…
[Simulation: 51%]
The small fox turned around abruptly, creating a disturbance in the brush that broke the silence. It scampered off quickly.
A moment later, it was quiet and Lem was alone again.
"Will I see you again?" Lem muttered.
[Simulation: 65%]
…
[Simulation: 79%]
…
[Simulation: 91%]
…
[Simulation: 97%]...[Simulation: 98%]...
[Simulation: 100%]
[Detecting Karma is small enough to extract energy from the environment. Run Simulation?]
Wait until the next day. Travel north until you reach the mushrooms, and then travel south-west. Search for signs of immortals.
Yes, he thought.
The breeze passed over him.
[+1 Energy]
[Starting simulation…]
[-1 Energy] [-100% Simulation]
[Simulation begins.]
Lem sank into the ethereal state.
[Day 1: You are abandoned in Lang Woods. You decide to wait for the next day before you travel…
While you wait, you practice the [Nine Bull Fist] intermittently, however you are careful to adjust the power so that it does not make too much noise…
Night falls, but you are too full of energy to sleep. You continue waiting patiently, but you do not practice martial arts…]
Lem relaxed when he saw that he was safe for the rest of the day.
With so many troubles already at his door, it did not feel good to be adding to them.
[Day 2: Night passes without incident. As the sunlight begins to trickle in from between the tree branches, you begin traveling north at a fast pace. You wish to reach the mushrooms as soon as you can without creating an unnecessary commotion…
You see two rabbits running across the forest floor nearby, but you are not in a position to attack them…
You see another rabbit running nearby…
You see a few strange brush marks on the ground, but do not think much of them…
You eat from your rations and fall asleep…]
…
[Day 4: You feel weaker due to the evil power consuming your vitality. You want to make it to the mushrooms before the sun falls, so you pick up your pace slightly…
In the waning hours of the day, you notice a faint pleasant feeling and grow excited. You look under a fallen log and find a few spiritual mushrooms. You immediately eat them.
A large amount of energy overwhelms your body, and you feel as though you are about to explode. You begin to practice the [Nine Bull Fist] of your village to relieve the excess energy, however you are cautious and exert enormous restraint on the technique so that you do not make too much noise.
After nearly two hours, the energy is reduced to a manageable level, and you stop practicing…
The sun is setting, so you do not continue traveling. As night falls, you move away from the log where you found the mushrooms. You are full of energy, constantly scanning the forest around you for signs of danger…]