Chapter 3: Survival Begins

Just as he was about to leave, his eyes caught sight of something unusual- a hut in the distance. On its exterior, a wooden banner read: "Henry Banner" Intrigued and cautious, Joy approached the hut, calling out, "Henry! Is anyone here?"

There was no response. Carefully, he stepped inside. A foul stench hit him instantly, making him gag. The sight that greeted him was gruesome: parts of a human body- a severed head and a dismembered leg- lay scattered in the corner. Joy's stomach churned.He stepped back outside to examine the ground and found fresh footprints, both human and animal. Fear prickled the back of his neck, but his survival instincts kicked in. He re-entered the hut and searched quickly. He discovered clothes, a dagger (a poniard), three knives, a machete, and some small ropes coiled neatly in a corner. Gathering these tools, he decided it was time to leave. Joy ventured farther from the hut, searching for a place to build a shelter. Using his machete, he began cutting small branches and clearing an area to set up a safe zone. After hours of labor, he finally erected a basic shelter.

Thirsty again, Joy returned to the river, filling a water pouch he crafted from large leaves and vines. Though the berries he collected had kept him alive, he knew they wouldn't sustain him for long. He needed meat.

Joy fashioned a bow using a flexible branch and strong vines. To make arrows, he sharpened thin sticks and attached small stones to their tips. He also created a fishing hook by twisting a piece of metal wire he'd found in the hut.

The next day, as dawn broke, Joy heard the distant grunts of wild pigs. Bow in hand, he tracked the sounds. His first shot missed its mark, and the startled pigs scattered. Frustrated but determined, Joy adjusted his aim and managed to hit one in the hind leg. He followed the wounded pig, ending its struggle with his dagger.

Returning to his shelter, Joy skinned the pig and roasted its meat over a fire he kindled by striking stones together. The smoky aroma filled the air, and for the first time in days, Joy felt a sense of accomplishment as he ate his meal.

Later that day, while gathering more sticks to craft additional arrows, Joy heard a low, guttural growl. His heart pounded as he turned toward the sound. Gripping his machete and dagger tightly, he braced himself as a leopard emerged from the bushes, its golden eyes locked onto him.