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

The jungle girl led me deeper into the village.

Eyes followed me.

Some filled with curiosity. Others with suspicion.

The air here was thick—not just with the scent of woodsmoke and damp earth, but with unspoken tension.

I wasn't welcome.

Not yet.

But I had been brought here for a reason.

And I intended to find out what it was.

The Law of the Jungle

The village was unlike anything I had ever seen.

It was built to blend with nature—huts crafted from woven leaves and strong branches, hanging bridges connecting the treetops, hidden pathways leading further into the jungle.

This wasn't a place for outsiders.

It was a place for survivors.

And I was an intruder.

We reached an open clearing where a large bonfire burned at the center.

Around it, warriors stood—muscular men with sharpened spears, agile women with bows slung across their backs.

The jungle girl finally stopped, turning to face me.

"This is my people," she said.

A man stepped forward, his presence imposing.

Broad shoulders. Scars across his arms.

His gaze was sharp as he looked me up and down.

Then, he spoke.

"Intruder."

The word was like a blade.

I tensed, but held my ground.

"You bring him here, Shira," the man continued, eyes shifting to the girl beside me. "Why?"

Shira.

So that was her name.

"He survived," she said simply. "And he wishes to stay."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.

I clenched my fists.

I never said I wanted to stay.

But I understood—this was part of the game.

She had spoken for me.

And now, I had to prove myself.

The First Trial

The man stepped closer, towering over me.

He didn't need to ask if I was strong.

He intended to find out for himself.

"You are weak," he stated, voice like stone. "A lost cub wandering into a den of wolves."

I didn't respond.

He smirked, amused by my silence.

"Then let's see how long you last."

A warrior stepped forward—a man with wiry muscles, his face painted in streaks of green.

A weapon was tossed at my feet.

A simple wooden staff.

I understood immediately.

A fight.

A test.

They wanted to see if I was worth keeping alive.

Shira didn't react.

She simply watched.

Waiting.

Testing.

I exhaled, rolling my shoulders.

Then, without a word—

I picked up the staff.

The warrior grinned.

The crowd tightened around us.

And the fight began.