Adapt Of Perish

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken questions, a palpable weight hanging heavy in the air.

"So, why are they scared of him?" I asked, genuinely puzzled. He's just one man, right? Surely there are others stronger in this world. "If this world boasts individuals of greater strength, then fear seems misplaced."

"Fear," he explained, "stems not merely from brute force, but from a potent combination of intellect and power. He's a cunning predator, a mind that weaves intricate schemes while wielding immense strength. That makes sense. A single wolf is dangerous, but a pack led by an intelligent alpha is truly terrifying. But enough of this. We must prepare for the worst. We might become separated before reaching the base. In such a scenario, your priority is to blend in. Discard your old clothes and adopt the attire of this world. The less they know about your true origins, the safer you'll be. Ideally, your presence should remain entirely unnoticed."

"I understand," I replied, but what about Sarah? How can I even think about blending in when she might be out there, suffering? "but Sarah… I'm deeply concerned about her."

He sighed, "She's with an enemy. There's no way to know if she's even alive."

"Are you suggesting I assume the worst? That I abandon all hope and forget about her? Can anyone truly do that?" I protested, my voice rising. Never! I won't let fear or uncertainty consume me. I made a promise to protect her, and I will honor it, no matter the cost. "She came to this world because of me. It's my responsibility to protect her, to ensure her safety until the very end. If there's even the slightest chance she's alive, I'll find her."

"You must reach our base first," he insisted. "Then, you can pursue your own course of action. But not now."

And if I refuse?

"Hey, can you tell me something about the 'key'?" my voice a low murmur against the crackling fire. "After all, what is a key, and why is it so special?"

Cloak leaned back against a weathered log, a thoughtful expression gracing his features. "Let's see," he began, his voice a low rumble that seemed to blend with the sounds of the forest. "Sometimes, the Human God brings two people into this world at a time, sometimes three, and occasionally, an entire class. There's no discernible pattern to His whims. But one thing remains constant: among those He summons from our world, one possesses a unique spark, a special connection to the divine – the key. This individual is born with extraordinary talents, something different from the rest, a soul imbued with a unique brilliance."

He paused, stirring the embers with a long stick. "A stark contrast to other gods," he continued, his gaze flickering towards the dancing flames. "They prioritize aesthetics, selecting individuals solely based on their physical beauty. They bestow power upon these chosen ones, infusing them with their own divine essence. The Human God, however, operates on a different plane. He chooses based on merit – intelligence, social acumen, even the darker facets of the human condition. He seeks those with the resilience to survive in this harsh world, those who possess the skills to thrive even when time itself seems to conspire against them. And while all those summoned by the Human God possess above-average intellect – their IQs invariably exceeding 110 – the key stands apart, a beacon of exceptional potential."

As the fire crackled and the savory aroma of roasting meat filled the air, I found myself lost in contemplation, each of Cloak's words a piece of a complex puzzle, a tantalizing glimpse into the enigmatic workings of the divine.

After the monstrous creature's flesh sizzled over the crackling flames, the air thick with the acrid scent of burnt hair and something vaguely metallic, Cloak began to eat. He devoured the meat, tearing at the blackened flesh with his teeth. The rich, almost metallic aroma, potent and unsettling, filled the air, mingling with the crackling of the fire and the rhythmic thudding of Cloak's heart.

He offered me some, a generous portion skewered on a sharpened branch, the meat still glistening with grease and flecked with charred bits. I hesitated, the thought of consuming the flesh of such a grotesque creature deeply unsettling. The image of its writhing form, its eyes filled with a malevolent intelligence, flashed through my mind.

"It's safe" Cloak assured me, his voice a low growl, his eyes fixed on the flames. "Trust me."

With a deep breath and a silent prayer to whatever gods might be listening, I took a bite. The initial flavor was surprisingly bland, almost earthy, like tasting the very essence of the forest floor. But then, a wave of metallic tang exploded on my tongue, the taste of iron and blood assaulting my senses. It lingered, an unpleasant, coppery aftertaste that clung to the back of my throat, leaving a nauseous feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"What did you expect?" Cloak chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "What would a monster's meat be like? Sweet and succulent? Like a plump pheasant roasted over an open fire?"

His words were laced with a sardonic humor, but I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. I had been expecting something more, something less…mundane. This wasn't the fearsome, otherworldly flavor I had imagined. It was simply…disgusting.

"Do people here actually eat this?" I shuddered, "Or do you have a particular fondness for the…tasteless flesh of monsters?"

Cloak chuckled, a low rumble that vibrated in his chest. "While it may not be the most delectable feast," he admitted, "it's far more nutritious than any mundane fare. Most people here steer clear of it, driven by fear and superstition. But for us," he gestured with the skewer, "it can be a valuable resource."

He paused, his gaze hardening. "If you ever find yourself in a situation where you must resort to consuming monster flesh," he warned, "ensure that the creature is truly worth the risk. And for heaven's sake, cook it thoroughly. Undercooked monster meat can have…unpleasant side effects."

"Are you sure it's actually more nutritious?" I questioned, still skeptical.

Cloak let out a hearty laugh. "As expected of a 'key',"

I nodded slowly, the gravity of his words sinking in. "I understand."