novelzi Chapter 17: Not an Ordinary Star
Chapter 17: Not an Ordinary Star
Chapter 17: Not an Ordinary Star
[What is she doing now?]
[Does she think she can get those fruits? She'll probably fail.]
[She's trying to prove herself again. Typical.]
[Wait, is she really going to climb it?]
[She awakened the Major General when she left the cave!]
Athena's focus remained on the tree, her movements deliberate and quiet as she approached. It's not too high. Those fruits really look tempting.
She glanced briefly at its height and calculated her next steps, ignoring the hovering camera bot that buzzed faintly above her.
Mors, still near the cave, raised an eyebrow but said nothing, choosing to observe from afar.
She crouched slightly, tightening her muscles in preparation, then launched herself upward, grabbing hold of the lowest branch with practiced ease.
I miss this feeling... Her lithe body moved fluidly, each motion efficient and controlled as she ascended the tree.
Her footfalls were so light that the branches barely rustled, her years of training as an assassin clearly at play. The sound of nothingness.
[Is she... climbing?]
[How is she so quiet? I can't even hear the leaves moving!]
[She's better than I thought. Not bad.]
[What's her background? No way she's just an entertainer.]
Athena reached the cluster of fruits in no time, balancing herself easily on a sturdy branch. She inspected the fruit closely, checking its texture and scent before plucking one carefully.
She tossed it lightly in her hand, testing its weight, then plucked two more and tied them together with a cord she pulled from her pocket.
Satisfied, she began her descent, moving as gracefully as she had climbed.
By the time she touched the ground, the fruits in hand, the stream's live chat had erupted in awe and curiosity.
[Okay, I'll admit it. That was impressive.]
"Don't push yourself too hard," she added, her tone softer now. "This show might be a game for some, but your health isn't something to gamble with."
Mors paused mid-bite, his eyes meeting hers. For a moment, he seemed caught off guard by her concern, but then his expression softened imperceptibly.
"I'll rest," he assured her, though his tone carried a faint undertone of skepticism, almost as if resting wasn't something he was used to prioritizing.
Athena nodded, satisfied for now. They finished their fruit in silence, the fire casting their shadows on the walls of the cave.
The atmosphere felt calmer, more intimate without the watchful eyes of the galaxy.
As the fire died down, Athena stretched out on her makeshift bedding, her mind briefly wandering to the days ahead.
Survival wasn't just about the wilderness, it was about navigating the complexities of this man sitting a few feet away, a stranger in many ways yet tied to her inextricably.
"Goodnight," Mors said quietly as he settled in.
"Goodnight," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
The fire flickered one last time before dimming completely, leaving the two to rest under the veil of stars, unaware of how much this journey would test and change them both.
-
I should light up a fire so I can roast whatever I find when I get back. The sun had just risen, casting its golden light over the wilderness as the live stream viewers began their day.
Athena's movements were swift and focused as she stood near the edge of the river, her eyes scanning the waters with a keen intensity.
[Huh? Didn't she guard for a night, how come she's already awake?]
[Doesn't she know how dangerous it is to catch beasts underwater?]
The comments flooded in, a mixture of concern, disbelief, and curiosity. Athena's actions were being closely watched, as her audience eagerly anticipated her next move.
Athena ignored the chatter in the live stream. Her focus was on the river, on the life beneath the surface that could serve as a much-needed source of sustenance.
She stood poised, a calm determination emanating from her. Are the animals underneath edible?
The water before her seemed deceptively serene, but she knew better. This planet, unlike others she had encountered, was not tainted by radiation or dangerous toxins.
The surrounding food sources were clean, and for the first time since arriving, Athena felt a sense of relief.