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

The pain in my ribs was unbearable, but I couldn't stop moving.

Something—or someone—was following me.

I couldn't see them.

But I could feel them.

Watching. Studying.

I clenched my fists, forcing my body to stay upright.

If they attacked, would I even be able to fight back?

I didn't know.

But I would try.

The Figure Appears

Leaves rustled behind me.

I spun around, raising my fists—but stumbled, my body too weak.

A shadow stepped into the moonlight.

Not a pirate. Not a Marine.

It was… a girl.

She looked about my age, with dark green hair tied in a rough ponytail.

Her clothes were made from stitched-together animal pelts, and her feet were bare.

Her piercing yellow eyes studied me like I was prey.

For a moment, we just stared at each other.

Then she spoke.

"You're not from here."

Her voice was calm, but there was a sharpness to it.

I swallowed. "No."

She tilted her head. "Then why are you still alive?"

A Dangerous Encounter

I didn't know how to answer that.

I should be dead.

But somehow, I wasn't.

She took a step closer.

I tensed, ignoring the sharp pain in my side.

She noticed my injuries, her gaze flickering with… something.

Was it curiosity? Amusement?

"You fought them?" she asked.

I nodded, still on guard.

She smirked.

"Not bad."

Then—without warning—she tossed me a waterskin.

I caught it, confused.

She turned away, disappearing back into the jungle.

I stared after her.

Who was she?

And more importantly—

Why did she help me?