16: Trapped in the camp

In the gloomy cave, within the temporary camp left behind by the Halfling.

I curled up behind the supplies, my silhouette blending with the rock wall's markings due to Shadow Concealment.

The damp, briny smell mingled with the earthy scent of moss and the stench of decay wafting from deeper within the cave, forming a repulsive, nauseating odor that fermented in my nostrils.

Just moments ago, a trembling peek confirmed my worst fear:

The two corpses at the cave entrance had been thrown more than three meters further inside by an invisible force.

McLock, wearing damaged chainmail, was wedged between stalactites, and Jones was thrown at his companion's feet.

The arrows that had been stuck in them were gone.

McLock's battle-axe was stuck diagonally in a rock crevice five paces outside the cave entrance; the seaweed wrapped around its handle was secreting a fluorescent mucus—the latest evidence that the Sirens had been here.

The invisible Sirens were not unable to enter; I remember they had broken in before, but I was unconscious then.

Although I hadn't found any trace of the Sirens entering the cave again throughout the afternoon, I still hid until nightfall.

In the shadows, I pondered why Jones and McLock died at the cave entrance.

Did the Sirens suddenly attack? Or did they think there was a chance to escape outside at that time, so they abandoned me and tried to run out first?

I repeatedly deliberated, but I could never find an answer.

I wasn't at the scene then, and based solely on the surrounding traces, it was impossible to reconstruct what exactly happened.

The next morning, I finally fell into a fitful sleep.

I remained intermittently invisible for two days; I was still the only one in the cave.

I secretly checked the two human corpses, carefully removed their satchels and equipment, and transported them, along with my own satchel from inside the cave entrance, back to the supply pile.

Throughout the entire process, I remained vigilant, fearing the sudden appearance of the Sirens.

However, they did not appear, which left me both relieved and puzzled.

Perhaps it wasn't that the Sirens couldn't enter, but rather that they knew the dangers deep within the cave and disliked entering this foul-smelling cave where I was.

I was startled by my own conjecture.

But following this logic, during the previous battle when everyone was present, could someone have tried to break through the Sirens' encirclement? And yesterday, were Jones and his companion trying to get out?

The beach was their nest; as long as I didn't enter their “home,” the temporary camp here was temporarily safe!

Yes! It must be so! At least the Sirens wouldn't easily come in.

Then I am temporarily safe too!

A feeling of relief welled up inside me, as if I had been pulled back slightly from the brink of death.

From near the cave entrance to the fork in the path deep within the cave, this entire section should be a relatively safe area.

No large beasts could enter, which eased my mind slightly.

I began to inventory the food and water left by the Halfling.

With just myself, the food would last for several months, and the water, if rationed, could sustain me for about a month.

“Ding…ding-dong…ding…”

This was the sound of water dripping from the cave ceiling; the sound was exceptionally clear in the silent cave.

I followed the sound and found a trough in a part of the ground rock where water had been dripping for years.

I dipped my finger in the water and put it in my mouth; it was fresh water!

Looking at the amount of water inside, it was enough for me to drink for several days.

Now, fresh water would be plentiful until the food ran out.

Here, as long as the Sirens didn't enter, I could safely live for several months.

However, then what? What happens when the food runs out?

I didn't know what to do next, but after confirming my temporary safety, I wasn't as anxious.

Pastor Gary's prophecy echoed in my mind; the first part had already come true: they all rested here, and only I survived.

So, would the second half of the prophecy also come true? Would I live to complete the mission for them?

I certainly would!

I must live well; there will definitely be a chance to escape from here!

Over the next few days, besides studying the learning materials given to me by my six teachers via the “Comprehend Languages” skill on my necklace, I practiced sensing magic and attempting meditation.

The rest of the time, I inventoried the various survival supplies in the camp.

Only by continuously improving myself could I grasp the opportunity to survive.

Barring any accidents, I had several months to find a chance to live.

Three days later, I finally organized all the supplies in the camp.

In addition to food and water, there were also several tools, materials, and equipment.

These were valuable resources for my survival.

Furthermore, there were treasures and magical items I had brought out from deep within the cave.

However, with my current identification level, I couldn't identify these magical items, and I could only recognize some of the other tools, materials, and equipment.

Five days later, after confirming that the Sirens had not entered even once, I began to exercise, practice archery and short sword combat, and various other skills in the area closer to the deep part of the cave.

Only by continuously improving my combat abilities could I preserve my life at critical moments.

In the following days, besides exercising, studying, and mastering various combat techniques and auxiliary skills, I tried to remain invisible in a hidden corner during my breaks.

Additionally, I went to the vicinity of the cave entrance every day to observe the movements outside, fearing I would miss any chance to escape.

Days passed one by one, and I was completely immersed in self-study and self-improvement.

If I hadn't carved a timeline on the rock wall daily, I would have almost forgotten the passage of time.

I only remembered that I was progressing every day, getting closer to the hope of survival every day.

I recognized many words in common language, elvish, and Halfling, and could even speak a few simple sentences. I could also recognize some scattered draconic characters.

My archery skills had become more refined, and the hunting knife, similar to a short sword, I had recently begun to wield with formidable force.

Weapons such as daggers, short swords, long staffs, and slings were also used more proficiently.

My Hunter Trap skills also made significant progress; the area near the cave entrance was covered with my practice works.

The Shadow Concealment skill was executed more stably.

Magic meditation also made considerable progress.

...

One day, three months later, I finally learned the first cantrip of my life: Create Bonfire.

The moment orange-red flames leaped from the ground before me, the cluster of bats hanging from the cave ceiling suddenly shrieked in unison.

This was the first magical bonfire I successfully lit, and an indescribable joy and sense of accomplishment surged within me.

Just then, the long-unheard mechanical voice resonated within my skull.