The forest was quiet after the kill—too quiet.
I stood over the corpse for a moment, my hands still shaking as the adrenaline slowly faded. If I hadn't reacted fast enough… I didn't want to think about it.
I needed to move.
Using Infinite Fusion, I found a few sturdy sticks scattered nearby and fused them together, forming a small butchering knife and a bone spear. They were crude, but usable—and right now, that was enough.
With the knife in hand, I harvested the fanged squirrel. The process was messy and uncomfortable, but hunger doesn't care about pride. When I finished, I stored the meat and fur in my inventory and stared at what remained.
The bones.
After a brief pause, I made my decision.
I fused the remaining bones directly into my Primitive Fur Garb.
A faint pressure wrapped around my body as the material shifted and hardened.
Fusion Successful.
Item Updated: Primitive Fur Garb → Reinforced Fur Garb
Minor physical defense increased
Slight resistance to slashing and piercing damage
It wasn't flashy—but it felt solid. Warmer. Safer.
If this was what Infinite Fusion could do with scraps, I could only imagine what it might become later.
Nightfall was creeping in.
If I wanted to survive, I needed wood. Firewood. Shelter.
I searched the area for rocks and branches, using Detect on anything that looked useful.
Detect → Loose Stone
Material Type: Stone
Condition: Dry
Potential Uses: Tool head, friction material
Detect → Stick
Material Type: Wood
Condition: Dry
Potential Uses: Handle, fuel, fusion component
That would work.
After about thirty minutes of searching, I had everything I needed. I focused and activated my golden finger.
Fusion Successful.
Item Created: Stone Axe (Crude)
The axe felt rough in my hands, but functional. I didn't waste any time.
I started chopping down smaller trees near the shack. I felt the +0.5 stat increase almost immediately—each swing was smoother, stronger, more efficient than it should've been. What would've exhausted me before barely slowed me down now.
After a while, I had a decent stack of firewood. I dragged it back to the shack, breathing hard but steady.
Now came the hard part.
How the hell do I make fire?
I wasn't a survivalist. I'd never had to do something like this before.
Then an idea hit me.
Instead of trying to remember how to make fire, why not let my fusion ability handle it?
I searched the area again, using Detect.
Detect → Wood Shavings
Condition: Very Dry
Potential Uses: Kindling, friction material
I gathered stone, sticks, and the shavings, then focused.
Fuse.
Fusion Successful.
Item Created: Primitive Fire Starter
Inside the shack, I gathered firewood and used the fire starter at the old fireplace. It took a few tries—but finally, sparks caught.
Flames flickered to life.
Man… it felt good to have real heat.
Digging through the shack, I found a few cooking utensils left behind by whoever had lived here before. Using them, I cooked the monster meat until it looked edible enough to risk eating.
It didn't taste terrible. Could've used seasoning—but at least I wasn't starving.
After eating, I activated Detect on the shack itself.
Detect → Abandoned Shack
Structure Type: Dwelling
Condition: Poor
Stability: Low
Materials: Aged wood, weak stone foundation
Environmental Protection:
Cold Resistance: Minimal
Weatherproofing: Low
Threat Level: Unsafe (long-term habitation)
That confirmed it.
I looked at my remaining supplies in my inventory. Food was limited—but a collapsing shelter would kill me faster than hunger.
After a moment's hesitation, I made the choice.
I fused most of my stored materials into the shack itself.
The walls creaked softly as the wood thickened and strengthened. Cracks sealed. Drafts faded. The floor felt sturdier beneath my feet.
Fusion Applied.
Structure Reinforced: Abandoned Shack
Stability increased
Insulation improved
Cold penetration reduced
Less food—but a better chance to survive the night.
Worth it.
Exhaustion finally caught up to me. I lay down near the fire and closed my eyes.
Sleep came quickly.
Dreams of my previous life followed—of wasted time and lost potential. A life where I could've been somebody… if I'd ever applied myself.
I clenched my fists in my sleep.
This life will be different.
I will become strong.
Maybe even the strongest.
But first…
I have to survive.