One piece: Without a system, I have to survive!

The crackling fire flickered weakly, its glow casting long shadows against the dense jungle foliage. The warmth on my skin was comforting, but it did little to calm my nerves.

The night had settled in.

And the jungle… had come alive.

The once-silent trees now echoed with the rustling of unseen creatures, the occasional snap of twigs, and distant howls that sent shivers down my spine.

I tightened my grip on the makeshift club, feeling the rough, uneven surface press against my palm. It wasn't much, but it was the only thing standing between me and whatever lurked out there.

Across the fire, the black wolf lay curled up, its ears twitching at every sound. It wasn't asleep. It was listening. Watching. Waiting.

So was I.

My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to keep my breathing steady. Every instinct screamed at me to stay alert.

Then—

A low growl.

Not from the wolf.

Something else was out there.

I shot up, my muscles tensed. My eyes darted around the darkness, searching for movement.

The jungle remained still… too still.

The wolf's head snapped toward the left, its golden eyes narrowing.

A chill ran down my spine. It had sensed something.

Then I heard it.

A soft, rhythmic thud—like something large walking through the underbrush. Slowly. Deliberately.

I swallowed hard. Shit.

I wasn't alone.

The fire between us flickered as the wind picked up. The distant howls from earlier had gone silent, as if the jungle itself was holding its breath.

The wolf stood up, its fur bristling, a deep growl rumbling from its throat.

A warning.

I took a shaky step back, gripping my club tighter. The rough bark bit into my skin, but I barely noticed. My focus was locked on the darkness beyond the firelight.

Then—

A pair of red eyes appeared.

Glowing, predatory, unblinking. Watching me.

My breath hitched.

I could feel it—a presence. A hunter. A killer.

The wolf snarled, lowering its stance. Its muscles tensed like coiled springs, ready to strike.

I could run. I could try to escape into the jungle.

But deep down, I knew…

This thing wouldn't let me.

I exhaled slowly, raising my club, legs spread in a defensive stance. My body screamed at me to flee, but I forced myself to stay put.

If I wanted to survive in this world… I couldn't run from every fight.

The red eyes blinked once.

Then, with terrifying speed—

It charged.