The mana wolf collapsed with a heavy thud.
I stood there, sword still raised, waiting for something else to jump out and kill me.
Nothing did.
"…I'm alive," I whispered.
Astrael: "Yes. Miracles do happen. Usually by accident."
I lowered the sword and stared at the wolf's body. It was bigger up close—dark fur, sharp fangs, glowing markings fading from its hide.
"That thing was trying to eat me."
Astrael: "Correct. Predators tend to do that."
"No, I mean—this is real. I just killed something."
My hands started shaking.
The adrenaline drained, replaced by a tight, hollow feeling in my chest.
I dropped to one knee.
"…I almost died."
For once, Astrael didn't immediately respond.
The wind swept across the field, carrying the scent of blood and grass.
Astrael: "…Yes. And next time, you might not be lucky."
I clenched my fist.
"So what now? I just wander around until something stronger eats me?"
Astrael: "Ideally? No."
I looked down at the blade.
"Then help me."
A short pause.
Astrael: "…Very well."
The sword's eye glowed faintly.
Astrael: "First lesson: you are painfully weak."
"…Wow. Starting strong."
Astrael: "I am being honest. Your mana pool is shallow, your stance is sloppy, and your swing relied entirely on my auto-correction."
"…Your what?"
Astrael: "I moved myself."
I stared at the sword.
"So I didn't actually win?"
Astrael: "You provided enthusiasm. I provided competence."
I sighed.
"Great. I'm the side character in my own survival."
Astrael hummed, clearly pleased.
Astrael: "Second lesson: standing near a corpse attracts scavengers."
"…You couldn't have led with that?"
The grass rustled.
I jumped to my feet.
"Why is everything here trying to kill me?!"
Astrael: "Because you smell like unclaimed mana."
"…That sounds rude."
Astrael: "It is also dangerous."
I scanned the horizon. No immediate movement, but my heart refused to calm down.
"Okay. We need shelter. Food. Answers."
Astrael: "Agreed. There is a town approximately seven kilometers north."
"…You know that now?"
Astrael: "I always knew that."
"Then why didn't you tell me earlier?!"
Astrael: "You did not ask."
I pinched the bridge of my nose.
"I can't believe I'm arguing with a sword."
Astrael: "You will get used to it."
We started walking.
Each step felt unreal. The ground was solid. The air was crisp. This wasn't a dream.
"…Astrael?"
Astrael: "Yes, Temporary Wielder."
"Please stop calling me that."
Astrael: "Earn a permanent title."
"…How?"
Astrael: "Survive."
I grimaced.
"Low bar. High difficulty."
After a few minutes of walking, my legs began to ache.
"I was not built for medieval cardio."
Astrael: "Your world encouraged sitting."
"Wow. Even the sword judges me."
Astrael: "Especially the sword."
We reached a small hill. From the top, I could see smoke in the distance.
A town.
Real buildings. Walls. Civilization.
Relief washed over me.
"…People."
Astrael: "Yes. And rules. And consequences."
My stomach twisted.
"What kind of world is this?"
Astrael's voice grew quieter.
Astrael: "One where power decides how long you live."
I tightened my grip.
"Then I'll get stronger."
A brief pause.
Astrael: "…Good."
We descended the hill toward the town—two survivors, one body, and more danger ahead.
And somehow, I felt like this was only the beginning