The shelter was little more than a simple wooden hut, nestled against the mountainside. Its walls were made of rough planks, their cracks stuffed with dead grass and mud, yet a cold wind still blew in. The floor was uneven dirt, creaking as one walked on it. The roof was made of heavy branches and large leaves, and whenever it rained, water would drip through in spots, forming small puddles inside. In the corners stood a few makeshift beds made of stones and planks, their straw so thin that the hardness of the planks was palpable. There were no windows, the only ventilation coming from a few small holes in the door. Sunlight filtered through these holes, casting shafts of light onto the dusty floor. Yet, even this simple shelter, in these uncertain times, offered an indescribable sense of security. As night fell, everyone huddled in this small space, listening to the howling wind and the roars of wild beasts outside. Their fears were alleviated by each other's company. Everyone knew that, though this place was simple, it temporarily shielded them from the wind, rain, and dangers of the outside world. It provided a corner where they could rely on amidst exhaustion and fear, where they could close their eyes and dream a brief, peaceful dream. Even a moment of peace was invaluable to them.
In this seemingly peaceful forest, danger lurks like a beast, ready to pounce. At night, as moonlight streams through the forest, deep growls echo from the gloomy trees. These are ferocious beasts. There are enormous wild boars with razor-sharp tusks, charging like out-of-control tanks; there are nimble black panthers, their green eyes gleaming in the darkness, ready to strike at any moment; and there are packs of wolves, their howls chilling. Besides these familiar beasts, there are also unknown, mutated creatures. There's a giant spider-like monster, larger than a man, with legs covered in spikes, capable of spitting poisonous silk; there's a flying lizard, its wingspan stretching several meters wide, and its mouth capable of spewing blazing flames. The harsh natural environment poses a formidable challenge to their survival. In summer, the heat is unbearable, the sun filtering through the dense foliage enough to burn skin, and the stifling air makes breathing nearly impossible. During the rainy season, torrential downpours continued for days, triggering floods that destroyed the roads and makeshift structures they had worked so hard to find. In winter, the freezing cold and heavy snow made food extremely scarce. They were forced to brave the freezing cold in search of food, and a single mistake could easily lead to them getting lost in the vast expanse of snow. Strong winds were also a frequent occurrence, easily knocking down trees and crashing down on their shelters. During thunderstorms, the forest seemed like a vast, terrifying battlefield. Every time they left their shelter, they were unsure of their return, and every night they slept, they worried about the dangers of the unknown. But to survive, they mustered their courage and faced these numerous threats.
To survive in this perilous forest and secure vital resources, Xiao Yi and his companions resolutely decided one morning, facing the rising sun, to explore deeper into the forest. Xiao Yi walked at the front of the group, tightly gripping a spear carved from a sturdy branch, his eyes warily scanning the surroundings. Behind him, Li Ming carried a large backpack containing a few simple tools and a small amount of food and water. Lin Xiao held a worn notebook, ready to jot down any useful information. Zhao Gang shouldered an axe, veins bulging on his sturdy arms. They followed a winding path, their feet rustling through thick fallen leaves with every step. The surrounding trees were tall and dense, their branches intertwined to form a canopy of green, allowing only patches of sunlight to filter through the gaps. As they deepened into the forest, the path became increasingly difficult and bumpy. Thorns grew thick, often scratching their clothes and skin. The steep slope made their progress difficult, each step requiring immense effort. Suddenly, a low roar echoed from the distance. Xiao Yi immediately stopped and signaled for silence. They stood there in silence, their heartbeats resonating distinctly in the still forest. After a moment, the sound faded, and they breathed a sigh of relief and continued on their way. A little further, they came upon a clear stream. Xiao Yi squatted down, scooped up some water, and after confirming it was poisonous, everyone filled their canteens. Deep in the forest, they discovered a wild fruit grove. The branches were covered in vibrant red fruits, mouth-watering. But Xiao Yi was wary. He carefully observed his surroundings, making sure there was no danger before allowing everyone to pick the fruit. However, just as they were about to return to the shelter, the sky suddenly darkened with dark clouds, signaling a rainstorm. Xiao Yi and his companions quickened their pace, finally reaching the shelter before the downpour began. Though this expedition was fraught with hardship and danger, they harvested valuable resources and strengthened their resolve to survive in this forest. Deep in the jungle, the expedition team advanced cautiously. Each step felt like stepping into an unknown abyss, and a tense atmosphere hung in the air. Suddenly, the branches ahead shook violently, and an eerie rustling sound filled their ears. Before they could react, a swarm of gigantic, mutated spiders appeared before them. These spiders were enormous, more than a man's height, their long, hairy legs studded with sharp spikes. Their eyes glowed an eerie red, and their mouths spun white silk like powerful ropes. The leading spider attacked first, leaping at the expedition team with astonishing speed. The team fled in fear, but the spiders' speed was too great, and one member was entangled in the silk and instantly pulled into the spider's maw. The other spiders followed suit, weaving through the trees, spinning massive webs, attempting to engulf the expedition team. The team members' hearts beat faster and cold sweat soaked their backs. But they knew that they could not retreat at this moment and could only fight to the death to have a chance of survival.
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