Here comes the sun.

The smoke was immediately useful for heat and getting rid of a portion of the small insects, but not any less, my confidence. We managed to keep the fire until morning and once better rested, even though I knew he wouldn't quite care, I couldn't stop from telling Daniel how exciting it was to make fire. Of course, I had to move on and explain that I think we should move to a better place, but not before managing our water situation.  

We could make containers out of bamboo too. Cutting slightly below one of the nodes and again nearly a span or two above that, we get the cylindrical shape, with the natural bottom. We just have to choose a good wide bamboo tree, remove the material from inside and burn the edges to make it retain its shape better. 

We had sort of an assembling line right now. They were looking for bamboo, those berries, and other smaller trees, José would cut them with the sword and I kept the fire and was crafting those cups. I felt like 2 for each would be good since they are easy to carry. 

Then I made some bamboo shivs by using the knife to make a point and sharpen the surrounding edges. I wrapped with two similarly shaped pieces to give it some more rigidity, wrapped it with some palm leaves and tied it with some cordage. Feels terrible to use and will probably not survive many uses, but will definitely cut and stab if ever needed. 

Finally, I also took some straighter of the little trees and removed the branches and made two rods. One of them was flexible, from a greener, more alive plant, and kept it for later. The second one was longer and dry, I made the edge pointier and burned it. 

By the time I ended with this, they had already back, seemingly resting while trying to get the hang of manufacturing the cordage. We didn't have enough bamboo for half the shelter anymore, and it should be at least 4 hours since the sunrise. They did get a good amount of the berries, though.

I just noticed how terrible we look. Daniel seems to have bruises from the fights and the way he was getting bamboo yesterday. José's muscles are visibly shaking, he obviously very fatigued. To be honest, my fingers are numbing, and I can feel dizziness and a headache creeping in.

We're all sweating profusely, this forest's weather is hot and moist, our clothes are all torn, disgusting and wet. Not to mention the sunken eyes. We're clearly dehydrated and drained. 

… 

I kill the fire and start.

"We have to move. "

"Tsk. We're tired man. Give it a break." José answers.

"It just came to me. It is not only the position and the space. People from that camp. They are definitely going to start looking for us. Honestly, I wonder if they aren't already doing that?"

"And you're still useless in combat? Hahaha" 

He obviously already got the message, he and Daniel are already tieing the tools and some bamboo to move. However, even knowing he was just teasing. I felt my blood boiling and almost yelled "I haven't got any more points.", but I check, and it seems that I did get a point. 

When did I get it? Was it because of the fire. Did I do anything else? 

I went from rage and tiredness to excitement in a flash. I'm suddenly actually so hyped up right now. What should I get? 

Maybe I should get some keener sense of smell? There is a good chance I'll need stealth or basic medicine? Should I keep it and only use it depending on what I require?

Ultimately, I decide to go give in. Archery it is. It can be used for both survival and combat. The first bow did break pretty fast, but I think I'll have a replacement in some days, if only we can get to a good place to stay without much worry.

We start moving north, further from the camp, but still going somewhat uphill. I look at the palm of my hand while walking. I can feel water dripping from the leaves of the taller trees. 

We are getting thirstier and thirstier, perhaps we should go downhill to get to the water stream. 

Unfortunately, we wouldn't have energy to get to a better place later. It is also much more predictable to be close to water sources. Not to mention, we probably would have too many insects, other threatening wildlife, and we don't even know that the water would be safe to drink. Most importantly, this forest is SO humid. Getting the containers was most probably enough, it should start raining any time now.

José stops and I look at him. He is looking down, he seems shaken and sad. It is the first time I have seen him look anything other than happy or cheerfully declaring boringness or anger. 

"I'm sorry."

He is visibly trying to maintain his composure, but containing the tears. I can feel an increase in the volume of water falling.

"I just realized we cannot go further"

As it starts raining, he struggles to maintain a stream of words coming out.

"I just realized how real our situation has been. Is there a way to get back home? Will I ever be able to see mother again?"

I can feel a void in my heart … I know what he means, and I get what he is saying. 

I grab one of the containers and the rain water filling it. I look at the bottom of it. What should be a woeful prospect, instead sent me spiraling into thoughts.

Everything here is raw. I can barely swallow. My throat burns, my lips split, my skin cracks.

Gulp

I'm looking at a cup of water, as I never would've to the finest Wagyu Steak.

This is not a colorful Isekai world where we're going to farm mobs and have a lighthearted, fun life. This is the first time I actually realize that Biel is probably NOT alright and the more trouble we cause, the worst situation he would be in. 

José's eyes are red right now, trembling all over, and he grips his water containers and he proclaims.

"We have to save my sister. She is all I have left."