He could only see trees and plants around him; there were no buildings or structures nearby. The forest was one of Bellaris’ biomes, but it was entirely possible to start in desert, arctic, swampy, aquatic, or gloomy environments. However, all of these were meant for players starting from the beginning, with their designated safe zones.

  According to all beginner, survival, and starter guides, Camir already knew what to do. With a quick glance at the terrain, he could distinguish pines, willows, cedars, ferns, mosses, nettles, and various types of mushrooms, such as amanita and boletus, among others.

  "Status Window"

  Name: Smurky

  Race: Human

  Gender: Male

  Title: Beginner

  Level: 1

  Health: 92

  Stamina: 47

  Intelligence: 10

  Strength: 6

  Dexterity: 14

  Agility: 10

  "The stats are fairly well distributed."

  Depending on the chosen character, the statistics were allocated among different attributes.

  The first thing to do within the safe zone was to craft a tool in order to make a weapon. With that in mind, Camir got to work. He gathered some stones, stalks, and small branches. He struck one stone against another until he shaped a fine-edged, robust leaf-shaped blade. Using the stalks, he obtained fibers, which he wove into cords. With the sharp stone, he cut and shaped a sturdy handle from a cedar branch, making it more manageable. Cedar wood was particularly strong, making it a good choice. Then, he attached the stone blade to the wooden handle, securing it with a cord. The handle had a deep notch where part of the blade fit, ensuring that even with just one cord, everything would hold firmly. Finally, he continued sharpening the blade until the edge was fine enough.

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  The entire process took about 40 minutes.

  With a knife as a tool, crafting a bow for hunting would be much easier. It could also be used for defense and skinning animals or creatures.

  He took a sturdy cedar branch and, using the knife, carved the ends to shape the bow limbs. He made three notches, two at the tips for the string and one in the center to hold the arrow. Then, he attached the string using knots at each end, fitting it into the notches so that it remained taut.

  Making the bow took only 20 minutes.

  For the arrows, he simply had to pick up branches and carve them to a sharp point. To improve their stability in the air, he cut dry leaves and attached them using fibers and an adhesive. Pine resin was perfect for this, not only for the arrow fletching but also for making a torch, as it was an excellent fuel even in humid environments.

  He shaved fine pieces from pine wood to create tinder, placing some beneath the leftover small branches. He then used friction on a stick to ignite a small flame, blowing gently to increase the fire before placing it in the campfire he had built.

  Once the fire was lit, he began making pine resin glue for the arrows and the torch.

  This entire process took 1 hour.

  He stored the torch in the 20-slot inventory that all players received at the beginning.

  To carry the arrows more comfortably and have quick access to them in combat, he needed to craft a quiver. He found a large cedar branch, cut and carved it to create a hollow cavity for the arrows. Using stalks and fibers, he made straps to carry it over his shoulder.

  That task took another hour.

  Tired and hungry, he set out to gather food within the safe zone. He collected nettles, boletus mushrooms, and some edible berries, being careful of the stinging nettles and the poisonous amanitas. He reignited the campfire and regained some energy.

  He knew that upon leaving the safe zone, he would encounter animals and creatures that could be hostile. Many new players died as soon as they stepped outside.

  In a high-level guide, Camir had read about a strategy that allowed players to return to the safe zone. The only downside was that the safe area lasted only three days. The strategy wasn’t complicated, breaking plant leaves, leaving traces, making cuts, or marking trees with something noticeable would allow him to find his way back no matter how far he ventured. This method not only helped avoid creatures beyond his capability but also allowed him to instantly heal upon returning to the safe zone, making it easier to level up quickly without having to wait for health regeneration after battles.

  He knew that in a survival environment, maintaining a sharp mindset was essential, moving slowly, watching every step, and prioritizing safety were key. He planned to apply everything he had learned, such as setting traps near his resting area, keeping food remains away, and masking his scent.

  With all this knowledge, it was nearly impossible for anything to go wrong.