Lords Survival: I Summoned A World Tree First But Why Is It Different! Chapter 1: Chapter 4: Scavenging

Read chapter 1 of Lords Survival: I Summoned A World Tree First But Why Is It Different! by JJA_Lightzero on NovelPedia.

Stepping out of the small thatched hut, Luis was immediately struck by the fierce heat of the sun hanging right in the middle of the sky. It was clearly noon, and the sunlight beat down relentlessly, turning the air into something hot and heavy that burned his skin just standing still. His throat, already dry and rough from the harsh environment, felt even worse now, parched and scratchy as if filled with fine dust. The thirst that had been nagging at him earlier was now a sharp, constant pain, reminding him with every breath that his body was rapidly running out of fluids. Dragging his weary legs across the cracked, lifeless ground, he made his way toward the center of his territory. There stood his only companion, the World Tree sapling. But as Luis drew closer, his heart sank. The little tree looked nothing like the vibrant, lively being it had been just a short while ago. It was visibly exhausted. Its once bright green leaves had turned dull and limp, drooping sadly downward. Its thin branches, which used to sway proudly and wave at him, now hung low and lifeless, swaying only when the hot wind pushed against them. Even its sturdy little trunk was slightly bent, as if carrying a heavy burden. Luis could feel it clearly, the sapling wasn't just tired. It was suffering. Just like him, it was tormented by a desperate thirst. "If you think about it, you are still fundamentally a plant, aren't you?" Luis murmured softly, crouching down beside it. He reached out and gently touched a drooping leaf, feeling how dry and warm it was to the touch. "No matter how legendary or special you are, you still follow the basic laws of nature. Plants need water to survive. They need nutrients from the soil to grow strong. But look at where we are standing.." He gestured widely at the land surrounding them, a vast expanse of grey-brown dust, loose gravel, and deep cracks. "There is no fresh water here. The ground is dead. It's nothing but powdered rock and dry dirt. There isn't a single drop of moisture or a speck of fertilizer in it. It's completely useless for growing anything." A bitter feeling rose in his chest as he thought about the millions of other Human Lords scattered across this massive world. "Some people were lucky enough to start near rivers, or green forests, or fertile plains. They probably already have water and food to spare. But me? I got the premium desolate wasteland package. Truly amazing luck I have here!" He shook his head violently, forcing those useless thoughts away. Complaining about unfair luck or bad starting conditions wouldn't change reality. It wouldn't create water out of thin air, and it wouldn't turn dust into soil. "There is no use crying over spilled milk, or dry dirt in this case!" Luis stood up abruptly, his eyes suddenly burning with fierce determination. He looked down at the little sapling that looked ready to wither away at any moment. "Listen to me, partner. We don't have a choice anymore. I know it's dangerous outside the wall. I know there are monsters and gods know what else roaming around out there. But think about it! If we stay inside this territory and just wait, what happens? We slowly dry up. We wither away. We die of thirst within another day or two, guaranteed." He pointed firmly toward the rough wooden gate that marked the exit of his small domain. "So we are going out. We are going to search every inch of land around here until we find water, or something to eat, or anything that can keep us alive. Either we find a way to survive out there, or we die trying. That is the only option we have left!" As if it sensed the unyielding resolve burning in its master's heart, the World Tree seemed to perk up instantly. The drooping branches stiffened. The dull leaves rustled with sudden new energy. It raised one of its thin branches, curled the tip into a fist shape, and raised it high into the air, shaking it vigorously, as if shouting (Yes! You're right! Let's go together!)