Chapter 9: Sleeping Platform.

Garve and Norvyn returned, stepping out from the thick underbrush with leaves clinging to their damp clothes. Their expressions carried satisfaction as they gestured toward the spot they had scouted.

"This is the best we could find," Norvyn said. "Close to the river, but hidden enough."

The group trailed behind, eyes scanning the area—a small clearing, enclosed by thick bushes that concealed them from sight. The ground was uneven, but it was spacious, and more importantly, defensible.

Liam strode ahead, inspecting the surroundings with a keen eye. He pressed his boot into the dirt, checking for stability, before running a hand along one of the trees.

"It'll do," he finally said. "We set up camp here."

No one objected. At this point, exhaustion weighed heavily on them all. But there was still work to be done.

They divided into tasks. Some gathered firewood, hacking at damp branches in the fading light. Others used Kael's method to craft makeshift water pouches—folding waterproof leaves into cones and sealing them with vines.

It wasn't perfect. The pouches leaked slightly, and some collapsed under their own weight, but it was better than nothing. In survival, perfection didn't matter—functionality did.

Kael, meanwhile, focused on the most crucial task: getting them off the ground. Sleeping at ground level was a death sentence—parasites, snakes, and unseen threats lurked in the jungle.

He climbed a sturdy tree with thick branches, securing himself with vines as he called out, "Liam, Norvyn, up here. We need platforms."

Liam hesitated for a moment before nodding, and the three of them got to work. They wove branches together, tying them tightly with vines, layering them with large leaves to act as insulation. It was slow, painful work. Their hands ached, their muscles burned, and time was against them.

One platform. Two. Three.

The sun inched lower, painting the sky in streaks of deep orange and violet.

The others returned, sweat-drenched and weary, but they didn't complain—they saw the urgency in Kael's eyes. Everyone pitched in, securing the last of the platforms just as darkness fell over them like a suffocating veil.

They had done it.

Eight secured sleeping platforms, high in the trees, away from the dangers below.

Michael, still injured, struggled to climb. His breathing was ragged, pain evident in every strained movement.

"Hold on, we got you," Paul said.

With Garve and Orayne's help, they hoisted him up, placing him onto one of the platforms. He exhaled shakily, grateful to finally rest.

Kael, on the other hand, wasn't done yet. He crouched near the base of the tree, setting up the firewood they had gathered.

The wood was too damp. Even with the driest pieces they could find, moisture clung to the fibers, making the task near impossible.

He rubbed his hands together, spinning a sharpened stick against a fireboard. Sparks formed—but no flame.

Liam knelt beside him. "Need a hand?"

"No," Kael said, frustration clear in his voice.

Liam gave a tired chuckle. "Yeah, I figured. Fire's tough to start with all this moisture."

Kael didn't respond, his jaw tight as he kept at it. His hands moved faster, fueled by irritation. He could feel the slight increase in his physical stats since leveling up—his endurance had improved, his stamina stretched further—but right now, it wasn't enough.

In his past life, he would have just used a fire skill. One flick of his fingers, and this whole pile would be ablaze.

Now? Now he was at the mercy of nature.

"If only I had my tools," he muttered under his breath.

Liam was quiet for a moment, watching him. Then, in a tone much softer than before, he said, "I just wanted to say thank you."

Kael's hands stilled briefly. "For what?"

"For constantly thinking ahead. I may be acting like the leader, but let's be real… things are only working out for us thanks to you."

Kael exhaled sharply, spinning the stick faster. "I'm not doing this for you."

"I know." Liam's smile was small, tired. "But still. Thanks."

Something about the way he said it bothered Kael. He didn't like it. He says that but he still doesn't fully trust me.

But before he could dwell on it, a tiny ember glowed on the fireboard.

Kael's focus snapped back, and relief flooded through him. He gently cupped his hands around it, feeding it with dry leaves, coaxing the fragile flicker into something more.

The flames roared to life.

Relief flickered across Kael's face as he carefully nurtured the flame, feeding it into the rest of the firewood. In moments, a steady campfire was burning.

Without a word, Kael placed some of their remaining meat over the flames. He had gathered herbs earlier and considered making a simple mushroom soup, but exhaustion weighed on him. Simple is fine.

As the meat sizzled, Kael climbed up onto his platform in the tree, finally allowing himself a moment to breathe. The others, equally exhausted, were sprawled across the makeshift shelter. The heat from the fire below drifted up, warming them just as he had intended.

Despite the exhaustion, Kael could feel them occasionally glancing at him. He ignored them, shutting his eyes for just a moment.

The Eclipse hours come every three days. No matter what happens, I need to reach Level 5 before then... Otherwise, I lose my only chance at acquiring the [Silent Moon].

And if that happens? I can kiss my shot at an SSS-Rank Progression goodbye.