Chapter 6: Threads of Survival

The sun was rising higher now, its heat chasing away the morning dew but doing little to comfort Kael. His bare skin burned with the sensation of exposure—vulnerability that wasn't just physical. Every cycle, the same sharp reminder: no clothes, no tools, no protection.

Kael clenched his jaw. A disadvantage is only permanent if I let it be.

His eyes scanned the field, the familiar sight of Sylna humming softly as she plucked flowers. He ignored her for now, focusing instead on the resources around him. Grass, dirt, stones, branches—nothing immediately useful.

But then his gaze moved beyond the girl, to the forest's edge. Sunlight glinted faintly off something metallic.

Kael frowned, his sharp mind already racing. A discarded weapon? A trap? Or just a distraction?

He couldn't afford to be careless, but he couldn't ignore the opportunity either.

"Hey!" he called out, striding toward Sylna.

She jumped, spinning to face him. Her usual fear flared in her eyes, but Kael didn't give her time to react.

"Look over there," he said, pointing toward the glint of metal. "Do you see it?"

Sylna hesitated, her gaze flickering toward the forest. "I… I don't know what you mean."

Kael stepped closer, his voice softening. "There's something there. It might help us. But I need you to trust me. If we work together, we can stop the monster."

Sylna bit her lip, her fingers clutching the basket of flowers. "The elders say… they say the forest is dangerous."

Kael's lips curved into a faint smirk. "The field isn't exactly safe either, is it? The monster comes here, too."

Her hesitation was palpable, but Kael pressed on.

"If we keep doing what we've always done, we'll keep dying. Let me lead, and we might just break the cycle."

Sylna finally nodded, her small frame trembling as she followed Kael. He moved cautiously, his bare feet silent against the grass. Every step toward the forest felt like walking a tightrope above a pit of unseen dangers.

The metallic glint resolved into a shattered blade, its jagged edge dulled by time and rust. Beside it lay the remnants of a tattered cloak, half-buried in the dirt.

Kael crouched, his sharp gaze assessing the items. The cloak was fragile but better than nothing. He carefully lifted it, shaking off clumps of dirt.

"Not exactly fashionable," he muttered, draping it over his shoulders. The rough fabric scratched his skin, but the sensation of even partial coverage was a relief.

Sylna hovered nearby, her wide eyes darting between Kael and the forest. "Do you think it belonged to… someone who…"

"Died here?" Kael finished for her. "Probably."

He straightened, holding the broken blade aloft. It was crude and heavy, but it was a weapon. His first advantage.

The growl came, low and rumbling, from somewhere deeper in the forest.

Kael tensed, his fingers tightening around the blade's hilt. "Sylna," he said quietly. "Get behind me."

The girl obeyed, her fear evident in every movement.

The beast emerged from the shadows, its massive form even more menacing up close. Kael noted the way its glowing eyes locked onto him, the way its claws flexed in anticipation.

"This time," Kael murmured, "I'm ready for you."

The creature lunged, its claws slicing through the air. Kael sidestepped, the broken blade flashing as he struck. The dull edge scraped against the beast's hide, drawing only a shallow wound.

The creature roared, its massive body twisting to swipe at Kael. He ducked, rolling to the side. His bare feet slid against the dirt, but he regained his balance quickly.

It's fast, but predictable, Kael thought. I just need to outlast it.

He darted forward, aiming for the creature's eyes. The blade connected, scraping against its thick skull. The beast howled, its head whipping back as it tried to shake off the attack.

Kael used the momentary distraction to grab a branch from the ground. He hurled it at the beast, the improvised projectile striking its side.

"Run, Sylna!" he shouted.

The girl hesitated, her fear rooting her in place. Kael cursed under his breath, his mind racing.

She's no use if she can't follow orders.

"Sylna!" he barked, his tone sharp. "Go now, or we both die!"

The command broke through her paralysis. She turned and ran, her small figure disappearing into the trees.

The beast snarled, its glowing eyes narrowing as it turned back to Kael.

Kael smirked, raising the broken blade. "Your move."

The fight was brutal and short. The creature's claws found him, tearing through his makeshift cloak and raking across his chest. Pain exploded through him, but Kael didn't stop. He drove the blade into the beast's side, the dull metal sinking deep enough to draw a roar of agony.

The creature lashed out, its jaws closing around Kael's arm. He screamed, the pain blinding, but he twisted the blade, forcing it deeper.

The world blurred, darkness closing in as the beast's teeth crushed his bones.

Kael gasped, his eyes snapping open.

The warmth of the sun greeted him, the soft rustle of grass familiar yet maddening.

He sat up slowly, his body whole but the memory of pain lingering. His fingers brushed his bare skin, the makeshift cloak and broken blade gone.

Kael exhaled sharply, his sharp mind already analyzing the loop.

The glint of metal caught his eye again, distant but tantalizing.

"Fine," he muttered, his lips curving into a wry smile. "Let's try it your way, beast."

He turned toward Sylna, her soft humming blending with the sound of the breeze.

This loop won't beat me. I'll find the cracks, twist them, and turn them into my weapon.