Claude's Adventures

The morning light seeped through the wooden door of Claude's shelter, casting a warm glow on the stone walls. He stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from yesterday's mining and crafting. Day 4 had officially begun, and his mind buzzed with plans.

Today, he needed a bed. The nights were long and perilous, and while the cave provided safety, the lack of proper rest was wearing on him. To make a bed, he needed wool.

Claude stepped outside, scanning the plains. The air was crisp, the sun climbing higher into the sky. His berry bushes were thriving, their bright red fruits a cheerful contrast against the greenery. After harvesting a handful and replanting the bushes, he set off with his newly crafted iron sword in hand.

Sheep were his target, and finding them would require venturing beyond the familiar plains. He decided to head toward the forest he had explored earlier. The dense trees and open clearings seemed like a likely habitat.

The walk was peaceful, almost serene. The forest was alive with the sounds of birds chirping and the occasional rustle of leaves as small animals darted about. Claude found himself marveling at the beauty of the world around him, even as he reminded himself it was all a simulation.

"Focus, Claude," he muttered, shaking off the distraction.

After what felt like hours of searching, he heard it—a soft, familiar bleat. His heart leapt as he spotted a small flock of sheep grazing in a meadow.

"Finally," he whispered, approaching the flock carefully.

He hesitated for a moment, his sword poised. Taking the life of an animal in this world felt heavier than it ever had behind a screen. But necessity pushed him forward. With a swift strike, the first sheep fell, leaving behind its wool and mutton.

"Thank you," Claude murmured, gathering the drops.

He repeated the process until he had three blocks of wool, enough for a bed. The remaining sheep scattered, their panicked bleats echoing in the distance. Claude sighed, a pang of guilt in his chest, but the thought of a proper night's sleep pushed it aside.

As he turned to leave the meadow, movement in the corner of his vision caught his attention. A lone wolf stood at the edge of the clearing, its sharp eyes watching him intently.

Claude froze, his grip tightening on his sword. The wolf made no move to attack, its tail wagging slightly. Then he noticed it—bones in his inventory.

A smile crept onto his face. He carefully selected a bone and approached the wolf slowly.

"Alright, buddy. Let's see if you want to be friends."

The wolf sniffed the air as Claude extended the bone. With a soft bark, it snapped up the treat, and hearts floated above its head. Claude grinned as a red collar materialized around the wolf's neck.

"Looks like you're stuck with me now," he said, chuckling. "I think I'll call you... Rex."

With Rex trotting happily at his side, Claude made his way back to his base. The journey felt lighter now, the companionship easing the loneliness he hadn't realized was weighing on him.

Back at the cave, he set to work crafting his bed. Using the wool and wood he'd gathered, he fashioned a simple white bed and placed it in the corner of his shelter.

"That's more like it," he said, admiring his handiwork.

Rex settled near the door, curling up on the stone floor. Claude scratched the wolf behind the ears, grateful for the company.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Claude prepared for the night. He placed extra torches around his base, ensuring no mobs could spawn nearby. His new shield was slung across his back, and his iron sword sat within arm's reach.

For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt a sense of security. The bed wasn't just a practical tool; it was a symbol of progress, a step toward reclaiming a semblance of normalcy.

Lying down, he pulled up the countdown one last time before closing his eyes:

[996 days left]

The bed's magic worked instantly, and the world around him faded into peaceful darkness.

Tomorrow was another chance to build, explore, and survive. And for the first time in days, Claude faced it well-rested and ready.