I collapsed onto the cold snow, the frigid ground a welcome relief against my aching muscles.
I stared up at the sky, the pale sun casting a weak warmth across the horizon. My breath came in ragged gasps, each exhale creating a small cloud of vapor that quickly dissipated into the air.
Ding!
The familiar chime echoed in my mind, and the status window finally materialized before my eyes, shimmering with an ethereal glow.
! Mr. M's HOW TO SURVIVE IN THIS WORLD 101 !
Wow, you look like SHIT!
A dry chuckle escaped my lips, the sound weak and raspy.
Pfft, sorry, sorry. I guess it was "partially" my fault.
Anyways, where was I? Hmmm...
Oh yes! Congratulations on finishing the second lesson! YAY!
but...
YOU DIDN'T THINK THIS WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WILL ATTEND THIS CLASS, DIDN'T YOU?
The tone shifted, becoming sharp and menacing, the words flashing red against the blue background of the window.
SIT BACK DOWN, YOU LITTLE SHIT!
Ehem.
The system seemed to clear its digital throat.
Okay, here's your rewards!"
***
Winter's Edge (Epic)
Forged from the scales of a Feyrath Dragon, a creature of immense magical power. Imbued with the dragon's innate ability to absorb magic, each scale is incredibly hard and sturdy, capable of withstanding tremendous force. The icy chill radiating from the metal is so intense that merely touching it is an exercise in pain, a biting cold that seeps into the very bones.
Only those who have become one with the frost, those who have mastered extreme cold temperature, can only hold it. But even for them, the touch of the blade is a constant torment, a reminder of the raw, untamed power contained within.
Boost ice attack: ∆ ∆ ∆
...
Angar's Dagger (Basic)
Angar's Dagger.
***
My face contorted in a grimace as I took in the reward displayed before me, a wave of disbelief washing over me.
After all that trouble, after risking my life against a horde of monstrous creatures, this was it?
Surely it was just joking, a cruel prank to test my patience.
That had to be it, right? Because what I was seeing was, without a doubt, the worst collection of garbage I had ever laid eyes on.
Are you fucking kidding me?
The words exploded from my lips, a raw, guttural shout. I grabbed a handful of snow, packing it tightly into a ball, and hurled it at the floating status window.
The status window, as if mocking my futile attempt, flickered and vanished, reappearing a few feet away.
I won't be able to use that sword! It literally kills the holder itself!
I roared, grabbing another handful of snow, the icy crystals digging into my skin.
This time, however, the status window didn't even bother to dodge. It simply remained in place, allowing the snow to pass harmlessly through its holographic form.
ತ_ತ
The emoticon appeared on the screen, a symbol of utter indifference.
Sounds like a you problem.
The words were plastered across the screen in bold, condescending letters, the system's flippant attitude a slap in the face. Then, with a final, infuriating flicker, the status window disappeared completely, leaving me alone in the snow, seething with frustration.
And that was Angar's Dagger, you dipshit! You just picked it up and used it as one of the rewards!
What an asshole that status window is.
The thought echoed in my mind.
A final, bitter assessment of the situation.
My body ached, and the weight of exhaustion pressed down on me like a physical burden.
Before finally succumbing to sleep, the cold snow a surprisingly comfortable embrace as darkness enveloped me.
***
I stirred awake, the rhythmic sway of the carriage gently pulling me from the depths of sleep.
The steady Clip-Clop of the two horses' shoes against the cobblestones created an oddly calming melody that lulled my senses.
I peeked outside, parting the curtains that served as a makeshift door at the back of the carriage. Night had fallen, and the world was bathed in the soft, ethereal glow of the moon and distant stars.
A peaceful stillness hung in the air, broken only by the gentle creaks of the carriage and the rhythmic breathing of the horses.
I must have slept through the entire day, lost in a deep, dreamless slumber, only to awaken to this serene and tranquil night.
Hey, you're finally awake.
Cassemir's voice, warm and familiar.
You had a nasty fever when I spotted you unconscious in the snow. Are you feeling better now?
he added, his tone laced with genuine concern.
Yes, I think so.
I answered, my voice still raspy with sleep.
Confusion gnawed at me as I glanced down at my clothes. The tattered rags, stained with blood and grime from the battle, were now clean and whole.
And if Cassemir found me, he would have likely seen the gruesome scene. The scattered limbs, the frozen remains of the giant. But he wasn't saying anything, his expression betraying no hint of the horrors I had witnessed.
It was as if the entire event had been erased.
Out of nowhere, the black umbrawolf materialized from the shadows, It nudged my face with its wet nose, a surprisingly gentle gesture.
Actually... he's the one who found you. He was howling, non-stop, trying to get me to follow him.
Cassemir said, his voice tinged with amusement.
He glanced at me briefly before focusing on the road again, launching into a casual conversation with Angar.
I'm gonna name you Noir. do you like it? i think it's somewhat fitting.
I said, addressing the umbrawolf directly. A small chuckle escaped me as I considered the name simple, yet evocative of its dark coat.
The wolf seemed to like it. A low rumble vibrated in its chest, and it nudged my hand with its large head.
Noir, it is... Let's get along yeah?
I adjusted the sheets I was lying on, smoothing them out before carefully sharing the limited space with Noir. The large wolf settled down beside me, its warm fur brushing against my side, a comforting presence in the dimly lit carriage.
With a sense of contentment settling over me, I closed my eyes and drifted back to sleep.