Reborn With A Detector: The Path Way Back To My World

A/n: Hey! it's me again! Before I begin, I want to say I know it's been a while since I last reached out it's because I've been swamped with schoolwork. My defense is finally over, and I feel such a sense of relief. However, I'm completely exhausted because there's yet another defense coming up soon... It's so frustrating!

A/n: Anyways, I hope you enjoy what I've written. If this is not your cup of tea, well that's not my problem.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction for entertainment purposes. Any similarities to actual people, places, or events are purely coincidental.

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As I stumbled through the narrow tunnel, my heart hammering in my chest one thought blazed in my mind.

This has got to be the worst reincarnation package ever.

I could almost hear a smarmy celestial salesperson pitching this deal in a cosmic boardroom.

"Congratulations! You've won the chance to fight for your life in a monster-infested world. Free dagger included batteries not required!"

The Pathfinder Instinct tugged sharply to the left just as a low rumble echoed behind me.

"Thanks for the heads-up, magical GPS." I muttered, barely suppressing an eye roll.

"Really nailing that guide me to safety thing."

The tunnel twisted and turned like someone had modeled it after a plate of overcooked spaghetti.

At one particularly precarious turn, I tripped over a root jutting from the ground and nearly face-planted. My palms scraped against the dirt as I caught myself.

"Fantastic," I grumbled, brushing dirt off my hands.

"First monsters, now this. Aggressive landscaping, anyone?"

The rumble grew louder, a menacing growl threading through it.

My stomach clenched as the sound closed in. Picking up my pace, I squeezed through a particularly tight section of the tunnel the clink of my dagger against the stone ringing in my ears.

That's when the Detector System calmly chimed in my head.

"Candidate, proximity to hostile entity decreasing. Increased speed recommended."

"Oh, really? You don't say!" My voice oozed sarcasm.

"What's next? A friendly tip to avoid being eaten?"

Naturally, the system ignored me. Instead, my Pathfinder Instinct nudged me toward a faint glimmer of light ahead.

Finally, I emerged into a hidden glade bathed in moonlight.

The air here was fresher carrying the scent of moss and the crisp clean trickle of water from a nearby stream.

For a moment, I allowed myself to breathe.

Then I saw it.

Perched by the stream was a creature the size of a dog.

Its fluffy blue fur shimmered faintly under the moonlight, and its oversized ears twitched at the smallest sound.

Wide round eyes stared at me, as though perpetually startled.

"What in the..." I whispered inching closer.

The creature spotted me and instantly leaped into the air, emitting a squeaky chirp like someone stepping on a rubber duck.

It scrambled up a nearby tree, clinging to the trunk with all the desperation of someone dodging their landlord.

"Hey, easy there," I said raising my hands.

"I'm not here to hurt you. Unless you're planning to eat me, in which case... don't."

It tilted its head, considering me. Then, it let out another squeaky chirp.

"Alright, I'm calling you Squeaks" I said with a shrug.

"Unless you've got a better name in mind."

Before I could bond further with my fluffy new acquaintance the rumble returned this time loud enough to rattle the leaves.

Squeaks ears shot upright, and with a panicked squeak, it scrambled higher up the tree.

"Oh, come on," I groaned.

"Not again."

I barely had time to spin around before the beast from the cave burst into the glade, crimson eyes gleaming with malicious intent.

"Oh, seriously? Ever heard of personal space?"

The Detector System chimed again, as unbothered as ever.

"Hostile entity engaged. Recommendation Utilize the environment to your advantage."

"Wow. Brilliant. Thanks," I muttered, retreating step by step as the monster advanced.

My gaze darted around the glade, desperate to find anything useful.

Squeaks remained rooted to its tree, staring down at me with wide eyes as if to say, You're on your own, lady.

"Traitor," I hissed under my breath.

The beast snarled, and the world narrowed down to crimson eyes and the sharp glint of claws poised to strike.