The room's ambiance was far from inviting—darkness prevailed, coupled with a disconcerting odor, and a palpable sense of unease.
Collins, a self-proclaimed transmigrator, found himself in a new reality. This young man possessed a comprehensive understanding of survival techniques applicable to any catastrophe, whether rooted in fantasy or the enigmatic, even if those skills ultimately led to his demise.
Above all, Collins was an enthusiast for life itself. He seemed drawn to adversity and eagerly immersed himself in complex scenarios.
Fame held little allure for him; instead, authenticity and honesty were paramount.
He dedicated himself to the continual expansion of his knowledge regarding survival and the intricacies of life.
His final recollection was the deafening cacophony of an explosion. A blinding flash of intense light immediately followed, which then surrendered to oblivion.
He had always maintained that preparedness was the cornerstone of survival. Regardless of the setting or the degree of peril, he was resolute in his ability to withstand any challenge. Yet, in the instant before everything faded to black, Collins acknowledged that no amount of training could have shielded him from the force of the bomb.
However, death did not claim him.
Instead, he regained consciousness in complete darkness, his head pounding, his lungs struggling against the putrid, metallic scent permeating the air. His fingers brushed against the rough, uneven surface of a cold stone floor, reminiscent of a cave. There was no warmth, no sound—only the echo of his own respiration.
Completely alone.
Collins took a deep, controlled breath, quelling the surge of panic threatening to overwhelm him. He had prepared for this, or at least, he had prepared for something. Not this specifically—who could anticipate waking up in an entirely different world after being blown to bits? But he had devoted his life to mastering survival, and in that moment, this knowledge was the only safeguard against succumbing to fear.
He forced himself to move, stretching his limbs, carefully checking for injuries. Miraculously, nothing was broken. He reached into his pockets, discovering them empty. No phone, no tools—he was starting from square one.
"Alright," he muttered under his breath. "Step one: ascertain my location. Step two: stay alive."
His predisposition was characterized by curiosity rather than fear. He didn't merely endure challenges; he actively sought them out, dissected them, and transformed them into learning opportunities. This situation was no exception.
If this was a test, then he would conquer it.
Collins pushed himself up, navigating the space by feeling along the walls. The air was thick, stifling, but he detected a subtle movement—a faint draft. A potential escape route.
He moved forward, cautiously, alone in the darkness.
On the first day, a sense of unease washed over him within the confines of the room; he promptly sought an exit by opening the door to explore his surroundings.