Chapter 63: Inner Zone: the Desert

You push through the final veil of foliage, the forest exhaling in your wake. The sun, an unyielding hammer, pounds upon your flesh. The air, dense with the scent of moist earth and evergreen, now feels thin and parched, carrying only a faint whisper of dust and an eerie metallic tang.

The symphony of birdsong that once filled your ears is mercilessly silenced, replaced by an unsettling stillness broken only by the occasional sigh of the wind. Gone are the towering giants, their verdant cloaks replaced by a vast expanse of sun-baked sand. The dunes, sculpted by the wind into sinuous curves, resemble the slumbering backs of forgotten gods.

In the distance, jagged, skeletal mountains claw at the relentless azure sky, their once vibrant hues bleached to pale spectres by the unrelenting sun.

The sparse vegetation that clings to survival here is a testament to resilience – gnarled and twisted cacti, their emerald flesh reduced to leathery scales that shimmer in the heat haze, and stubborn shrubs with leaves like minuscule claws scraping at the unforgiving heavens.

The contrast is savage. The forest pulsed with life, a vibrant tapestry woven from countless shades of green and brown, teeming with creatures both mighty and minuscule. Here, the desert is a canvas painted in stark tones of ochre, rust, and the bleached white of bone.

It is a landscape of raw magnificence, a place where life clings desperately, where resilience is measured not in years but in moments stolen from the scorching sun and unquenchable thirst. Yet, beneath the harsh exterior, there is a haunting, almost primordial allure. This is not a realm of abundant plenty, but of quiet fortitude and breathtaking endurance that commands reluctant reverence.

It is a land sculpted by extremes, where beauty and peril entwine in a silent ballet.

This desert is part of the inner zone of the island where Noah and the other students were trying to survive for 5 night and 6 days.

Noah who had decided to enter this place fought the guardian stationed between the border of the two zones. Using various skills he killed the troll.

[Ding! Mission successfully cleared.

Reward: 5000 Gold]

[Level up!]

[Level up!]

Noah's power surged, ascending by a formidable duo of levels.

"True to form for a creature of C-ranked prowess," Noah murmured, devoid of conceit. The battle may have appeared effortless, but it was the fusion of his abilities and astuteness that ensured victory. He understood the importance of remaining composed, never succumbing to hubris, knowing that true arrogance could only be justified upon claiming the throne of ultimate might.

As his level surged twofold, Noah's wounds mended and weariness evaporated. A wave of rejuvenation washed over him, akin to the sensation of awakening from a restful slumber, brimming with revitalized vigor.

''Status Window!"

■Status Window

◇◇◇◇◇

☆Runes ☆

{Basic Strength},{Basic Speed} {Angel of Death}

■

Noah wasted no time in allocating the 4 stat points he had earned after leveling up. With unwavering determination, he invested them twice into his strength, causing it to surge from 44 to 48. As for his dexterity, he chose to postpone its enhancement for the time being.

Noah understood the importance of maintaining a well-rounded character, and thus he slowly but surely strived to achieve the perfect balance among his various attributes.

Prior to venturing into the desert, Noah diligently inspected his backpack to ensure he was adequately equipped. To his satisfaction, he discovered a plentiful supply of water bottles, delectable wild boar jerky, a handful of sandwiches, a tempting assortment of chocolate, and, last but not least, a delightful assortment of cookies.

Every essential item was meticulously packed and ready for his journey.

In addition to his well-stocked backpack, Noah decided to make a strategic purchase from the system's store. He invested in an Experience (Exp) booster, knowing that it would greatly benefit his progress. As a result, he found himself with a remaining balance of 2060 Gold. Noah was confident that he would swiftly replenish his funds, so there was no need to be frugal or hesitant in his expenditure.

Feeling a slight pang of hunger and the need to replenish his energy levels, Noah reached into his backpack and retrieved one of the delectable sandwiches he had packed. With voracious appetite, he devoured it, savoring each bite as he refueled his body for the arduous journey ahead.

Once he had finished his sandwich, Noah indulged in a few delightful crumbs of cookies, relishing their sweet and satisfying taste. The burst of sugar provided a much-needed boost to his spirits, further invigorating him for the challenges that lay ahead.

Aware of the importance of staying hydrated in the desert, Noah took a moment to drink a small amount of water from one of his water bottles. The cool liquid refreshed his throat and quenched his thirst, ensuring he remained properly hydrated as he embarked on his desert exploration.

Satisfied with his quick snack and rehydration, Noah felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins. With renewed vigor, he was ready to face the treacherous desert and all the dangers it held.

Noah carefully inspected his weapons, knowing that they would be crucial for his safety in the treacherous desert. He had two swords, which had served him well in previous adventures, although their durability was beginning to show signs of wear. Despite this, Noah believed they would still be effective for a while longer.

In addition to his swords, Noah also carried a few rusty daggers as backup weapons. While they were not as reliable as his swords, they could still come in handy if the need arose.

"Well, this should suffice for now," Noah thought to himself.

"I can always switch weapons as I venture deeper into the desert. And if worse comes to worst, I still have some gold left to purchase a new weapon from the system's store."

With his weapons in hand and a determined spirit, Noah set forth on his desert exploration. The thrill of the unknown awaited him, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.