Isekaid into the Wilderness

Ch10: A Trek into the unknown

With a sense of purpose guiding his every step, Kazuki set forth on his journey, leaving behind the campsite that had been his temporary refuge. The forest welcomed him with the symphony of rustling leaves and the distant calls of birds—a reminder of the vibrant life that surrounded him. Striding with confidence, he made his way toward the pond he had previously encountered.

As he walked, Kazuki's thoughts turned to the days that had led him to this point. The lessons learned, the challenges overcome—they all shaped him into the resilient survivor he was becoming. The gentle trickle of the stream sang a soft melody, a harmonious backdrop to his reflections. His canteen swung rhythmically at his side, a reminder of the need to replenish his water supply.

Upon reaching the pond, he paused to appreciate the tranquil beauty of the scene. The water's surface mirrored the sky above, creating a seamless tapestry of blue and green. Kazuki took a moment to quench his thirst, savoring the cool refreshment as it washed over him. He then set to work, using his water filter to replenish both his canteen and the water filter he had brought along for this very purpose.

With his supplies restocked and a renewed vigor in his stride, Kazuki turned his attention to the next leg of his journey. Following the course of the small pond's opposite end, Kazuki found himself in the heart of a beaver dam. The stream meandered through the intricate network of sticks and mud, a testament to the industrious nature of its builders. He treaded carefully, his steps deliberate to avoid disturbing the beavers' handiwork.

Half a day passed as Kazuki continued his trek, each step bringing him closer to his destination. Along the way, he seized opportunities to climb tall trees, gaining a vantage point that allowed him to survey the landscape. The journal he carried served as his cartographer's tool, bearing witness to the direction he was heading and the features he encountered.

In the midst of his journey, the forest revealed its secrets to him. Animal trails crisscrossed the landscape, hinting at the diverse inhabitants that shared this domain. A glimpse of a distant peak further away from the mountain range he saw before stirred his curiosity, and he mentally marked it as a navigational landmark.

With every passing hour, the forest seemed to envelop him, its embrace a testament to the raw beauty of the untamed world. The stream that had guided him grew wider, its gentle current mirroring his own determination. And as the shadows grew longer, casting a golden hue over the foliage, Kazuki's heart swelled with a mixture of exhilaration and uncertainty.

Kazuki's steps carried him deeper into the heart of the forest, his senses attuned to every rustle of leaves and distant chirp. As he walked, a familiar sight caught his eye—a cluster of green shoots rising from the forest floor. Curiosity piqued, he knelt down to examine them more closely.

"Wild onions?" Kazuki mused aloud, a hint of surprise in his voice. He studied the slender stalks and vibrant leaves, feeling a rush of memories from his family's camping trips back in Japan. "Looks just like the ones Mom used to add to our meals."

With practiced hands, he carefully uprooted a few of the wild onions, their familiar fragrance mingling with the earthy scent of the forest. Sitting by the stream, he couldn't help but smile as he trimmed them, remembering how his mother's hands used to work the same magic in their kitchen.

Kazuki washed the wild onions in the clear water, their clean, crisp appearance reminding him of the flavors he loved. "If they taste anything like home, it'll be a small victory," he thought to himself.

Bringing a washed piece to his lips, he tasted it cautiously. The flavor was unmistakable—crisp and pungent, just as he remembered. "No way, these taste exactly like the ones Mom used to use," he said in amazement, his eyes widening. The connection to his past felt palpable, a comforting thread linking his old life to this new world.