{
"ifid": "8F4E3A60-54C5-4A9A-B4C2-F92E52E7C534",
"format": "SugarCube",
"format-version": "2.36.1",
"start": "Start"
}<<set $inventory = []>><div style="position: fixed; bottom: 10px; right: 10px; background: rgba(240, 240, 240, 0.8); border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; border-radius: 5px; font-family: monospace;">
<strong>Backpack:</strong>
<<if $inventory.length eq 0>>
Empty
<<else>>
<<print $inventory.join(", ")>>
<</if>>
</div>
<h2>A New Beginning</h2>
The morning sun peeked through the broken skylight of your shelter, the old library that had been your home for as long as you could remember. Ten years old today, at least according to the calendar you've been marking.
It's been several years since The Change happened. You don't remember much about the world before - you were too young. But your books tell you about bustling cities full of people, technology, and noise. Now, the world is quiet, and nature has started to reclaim what was once built by humans.
You've never seen another person since your guardian left to find supplies and never returned. But you're not alone - the world is full of plants and animals that have thrived in humanity's absence.
Today feels special. Maybe it's time for an adventure beyond your usual territory.
[[Prepare your backpack and head out|Backpack]]
[[Look through your books first|Books]]You gather your essentials into your trusty backpack. It's a bit worn, with faded superhero logos that you can barely make out anymore, but it's sturdy and reliable.
What would you like to bring with you?
[[A notebook and pencil to document what you find|AddNotebook]]
[[Some seeds you've been saving|AddSeeds]]
[[An empty water bottle|AddBottle]]You spend some time flipping through your collection of books. They're your most prized possessions - windows into the world that was and guides for the world that is.
You find a nature guidebook with beautiful illustrations of local plants and animals. It describes which plants are safe to eat and which animals might be friendly if approached carefully.
<<run $inventory.push("nature guidebook")>>
You decide to take the guidebook with you - it might come in handy.
[[Now prepare your backpack and head out|Backpack]]
<<run $inventory.push("notebook and pencil")>>
You carefully place your notebook and pencil in your backpack. You've always been curious about the world around you, and documenting your findings feels important. Maybe someday, someone will read about your discoveries.
[[Leave Shelter|LeaveShelter]]<<run $inventory.push("seed collection")>>
You carefully package your precious seed collection. Over the years, you've gathered seeds from various plants that grow around your shelter. You've been nurturing the idea of planting a garden somewhere special, helping nature reclaim more of the world.
[[Leave Shelter|LeaveShelter]]<<run $inventory.push("empty water bottle")>>
You grab your plastic water bottle. It's empty now, but you know of several clean streams nearby where you can fill it. Staying hydrated is essential, especially on a day that promises adventure.
[[Leave Shelter|LeaveShelter]]With your backpack ready, you push open the heavy library door and step outside. The world greets you with the sweet scent of wildflowers and the gentle rustle of leaves.
The library sits on a hill, giving you a view of what was once a small town. Nature has reclaimed most of it - trees grow through old buildings, vines cover the remnants of roads, and colorful flowers bloom everywhere.
In the distance, you can see three potential paths for your adventure:
[[Follow the overgrown road toward what was once the town center|TownCenter]]
[[Head toward the stream that flows at the edge of town|Stream]]
[[Explore the forest that has grown thick and wild to the east|Forest]]