I remained leaning there, the monster on top of me. I couldn't push it away, as my body was aching severely… before a system screen suddenly appeared in front of me.
You have successfully killed Alkrenda!
Evolution Points Gained: 40
=== Status ===
Username: Zack Alder
Race: Human
Profession: Mage
Level: 2
Evolution Points: 40 / 200
Health: 11
Strength: 8
Agility: 4
Endurance: 4
Skills: None
Shop: Closed (opens upon reaching level 10)
I looked at my status, but for a moment, I couldn't focus on it. My mind was muddled, and after a few short moments, I ignored it completely—I didn't have the energy to think any further.
With difficulty, I pushed Alkrenda's body—or whatever its name was—off me. It was heavy and disgusting, its sticky fluid still clinging to my skin. I breathed heavily as I shoved it away, then tried to stand up.
I finally stood, but pain exploded through my body all at once, as if every cell in it was screaming in protest. My muscles were tense, my chest ached, and my legs could barely support my weight.
I looked at my shoulder, and that's when I saw it.
The marks of Alkrenda's teeth were clearly visible, embedded in my flesh, and one of its teeth was still stuck there. I stared at it for a few seconds, then tried to pull it out—but the moment I touched it, sharp pain shot through my body, forcing me to stop immediately.
"Damn it…" I muttered angrily, unable to do anything but curse in a low voice.
I had no other choice. I stood despite the pain and turned toward the lake. Thirst was still ravaging my throat mercilessly, as if everything that had happened wasn't enough. Every step was painful, but I kept moving, dragging my body along.
When I finally reached the lake, I knelt at its edge without hesitation, leaned forward, and plunged my face directly into the water. The water was cold and refreshing; I felt it flow down my throat, extinguishing the fire of thirst that had nearly killed me. I drank greedily, without lifting my head, as if afraid the water would disappear if I stopped.
A full minute passed—maybe more—before I finally felt my thirst ease a little. Then I slowly raised my head, panting, water dripping from my face and hair.
That's when I saw it.
The reflection of my face on the surface of the water.
I froze and stared at the image before me.
It was the face of a young man who couldn't have been older than seventeen. His features were balanced and simple. His brown eyes carried a hint of curiosity and caution, his eyebrows were naturally defined, his nose straight, and his lips slightly pink. His skin was clear, with a few faint lines…
A slight sense of surprise spread within me.
"…So this is what I look like?" I muttered in a low voice.
I observed my reflection for a few more seconds, then said calmly, as if convincing myself:
"Not bad… actually, it's much better than my old appearance."
….
—Ding… Ding… Ding…
I was trying to start a fire the old-fashioned way, striking two stones together, and the task was harder than I expected. Twenty minutes passed with me trying to no avail.
"I saw online how they do it so easily… were they lying to us?" I muttered to myself. "They just say hit two stones together and fire will start easily… but it's completely different. Well… I won't believe anything shown on the internet ever again. By the way… does the internet even exist in this world? I don't think so…."
I kept striking stone against stone for long hours, feeling exhausted from every failed attempt. But finally, after a long time, a small spark appeared and ignited the fire I had been trying to start for ages.
"Finally…!"
A wave of joy washed over me after all that effort. The sky had grown dark, and the night was brutally cold.
I looked at my shoulder, where Alkrenda's tooth was still lodged, causing intense pain with every movement. I carefully grasped it, muttering softly to myself, "You can do it… do it… you can."
I hesitated for a moment, but my self-encouragement gave me the strength, and I moved quickly, yanking it out in one motion. Sharp pain surged through my body—damn it, it hurt so much.
A few minutes later, the pain began to gradually subside. I took a piece of my clothing and carefully wrapped it around the wound…