Among them was Fire grass, a reddish herb known for its bug-repelling properties. Aaron recognized it from the map’s inspection function and plucked a few strands, tucking them into his bag. It might not fend off wolves, but it could keep the smaller nuisances away while he rested.
Half an hour later, Aaron sat beside a small fire and he had started using the primitive method, rubbing two pieces of wood together. Thanks to his strength and technique, it took him less than a minute to ignite the flame.
As the fire crackled gently, casting flickering shadows around him, Aaron turned his attention back to the map. While scanning the area, something new caught his eye, a yellow dot had appeared.
He blinked in surprise.
Until now, he had only seen two types of markers: red, which indicated danger, and blue, which represented his own position. The sudden appearance of a yellow dot startled him.
With a curious expression, he zoomed in and inspected the yellow marker. To his relief, it displayed information about small animals, creatures that were harmless to him. Rabbits, squirrels, and a few forest birds were listed, each with basic details like movement patterns and habitat.
Aaron felt a wave of relief wash over him. He reached into his bag and pulled out the dry food, chewing slowly as he stared into the fire. From the memories he had inherited, he knew that the dry foods available in this world were fairly simple, mostly dried fruits that could be stored for long periods, provided they were kept in a cool, dry place.
Of course, jerky made from dried meat was also common, especially among soldiers and travelers. Unfortunately, the previous owner of this body had already consumed all of it, leaving Aaron with nothing but a handful of dried fruits.
Aaron finished his meal and looked up at the sky. There was still some time before darkness fell. He hesitated for a moment, then made up his mind, he would search for a water source and, if luck favored him, try to hunt a small animal. The dried fruits hadn’t been enough to fill his stomach, and he needed something more substantial for dinner.
He stood up, strapped the sword to his waist, secured the dagger alongside it and slung the bow and quiver over his back. With a final glance at the fire, he stepped away from the camp.
To his relief, the map displayed the camp’s location clearly, marked by a small fire icon. That meant he wouldn’t get lost, even if he wandered deeper into the forest.
A few minutes later, Aaron was struck by how physically fit the previous owner of the body had been. His movements were fluid, his stamina impressive, and now that he recalled his attributes, it made sense. They were clearly above those of an average person.
From the memories he had inherited, Aaron had also learned about the profession of Knight, a revered path in this world. Knights weren’t born with power. Everyone started ordinary. To become a knight, one had to undergo rigorous physical training, paired with a specialized technique known as the Breathing Method.
This method wasn’t just about inhaling and exhaling, it was a mystical practice that strengthened the body and awakened dormant potential. Only those who mastered it could begin their journey toward knighthood.
Fortunately for Aaron, his stats confirmed that he had already mastered the Lion Breathing Method. From the memories he had inherited, he knew this technique was considered incomplete, it could only help a person reach the realm of a basic knight, and no further.
His stepbrothers, on the other hand, practiced more advanced breathing techniques, each tailored to their strengths and ambitions. They had access to better training, superior resources, and elite tutors, privileges Aaron had never been offered.
Yet, he didn’t feel bitter.
He understood his place. As the son of a slave, he had never expected fair treatment. The fact that he had even been allowed to train at all was a rare mercy. But now, with his transmigration and the cheat-like map ability, he had something none of them did.
As Aaron moved through the forest, he kept a close eye on the map. With each step, new areas began to reveal themselves.
Soon, he spotted a thin blue line winding through the map, a small stream. Relief flickered in his eyes. Water was essential, and finding a source this quickly felt like a stroke of luck.
But his relief was short-lived.
A red dot flashed near the stream’s edge. Curious and cautious, Aaron zoomed in and inspected it. The label read: Green Snake.
His expression darkened.
From the memories he had inherited, he knew these snakes were highly poisonous. Their name came from the disturbing effect of their venom, wherever they bit, the skin would turn a sickly green due to the overwhelming toxicity.
Aaron felt confident that killing the Green Snakes would be easy. With his bow and arrows, he could strike from a distance without risking close contact. He just needed to stay cautious and avoid getting bitten.
As he moved closer to the stream, the map confirmed that there were only two Green Snakes nearby. He was about to approach when something unexpected happened, the map suddenly revealed a green dot.
Aaron froze, stunned.
Until now, he had only seen red and blue markers. Red indicated danger, and blue represented his own position. But this green dot was new, and what startled him even more was that two red dots were trailing closely behind it, moving rapidly in his direction.
His expression shifted instantly.
Without hesitation, he began to retreat, instincts screaming at him to avoid the unknown threat. But curiosity tugged at him. He paused and inspected the dots more closely.
Each of the three markers had a question mark hovering above them, and all were labeled Level 1.
Aaron narrowed his eyes.
"Unidentified... but not strong. Still, why are they chasing the green one?"
While muttering to himself, Aaron continued to move away from the stream, keeping a cautious eye on the map. But then something unexpected happened, the green dot began moving rapidly in his direction.
He froze.
It wasn’t just heading toward him, it was moving with purpose, as if it knew exactly where he was.