Chapter 67: Passing the Night

[+100%]

[Ding! Mission completed. 40 normal Giant Horned Hyaenas and 1 Special Giant Horned Hyaenas.

5000 Gold]

Noah experienced a revitalizing sensation coursing through his being, washing away some of his weariness. The overwhelming frenzy that had consumed him while pulverizing the alpha female's skull seemed to have dissipated. His triumph over 41 colossal horned hyenas had rewarded him with a bountiful sum of 5000 gold coins.

Each ordinary giant horned hyena contributed 100 gold coins, meaning the 40 slain creatures had granted him a total of 4000 gold. However, it was the leader of these formidable monsters who bestowed upon him a staggering 1000 gold coins, a testament to its formidable power.

Noah let out a sigh of relief before inspecting the lifeless bodies of the monsters, searching for their precious magic stones. Luck was on his side as he managed to uncover a total of 35 magic stones, including the coveted stone from the leader.

Realizing the danger of staying in the current location, Noah made the prudent decision to relocate for the night. The presence of the monster corpses and the strong scent of blood would undoubtedly attract other predators. It would be suicidal to remain in such a vulnerable position, as he could easily become prey for other hungry creatures.

Noah understood the risks involved and knew that finding a safer place to rest was crucial for his survival.

After discovering a serene spot to rest for the evening, Noah gently placed his backpack on the ground. As two hours slipped by, the effects of his Exp Booster began to fade away. Realizing this, he promptly retrieved his cozy sleeping bag from the depths of his backpack and skillfully set it up for a peaceful night's sleep but not immediately because he had something to do.

''Status window!"

■Status Window

Name: Noah Adler

Rank: Regular

Level 26

Class: Angel of Death

Title: Goblin Slayer

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☆Stats☆

Mana: 42

Strength: 52

Intelligence: 46

Dexterity: 62

Luck: 42

Behind the counter, a grizzled bartender with a handlebar mustache meticulously polished a glass, his movements economical, practiced.

At the far end, a group of boisterous friends huddled around a scarred wooden table, their laughter punctuated by the clinking of glasses. A lone figure nursed a drink in a shadowed corner, a cigarette glowing ember-like between their fingers. A dartboard on the wall displayed the feathered wreckage of countless matches, while a dusty jukebox promised forgotten classics for a mere coin.

The music, a low murmur for now, held the potential to erupt into a raucous soundtrack for the night.

This bar wasn't fancy. It wasn't sleek or trendy. It was steeped in the stories of countless patrons, a place where weary souls could find solace, a drink, and perhaps, a bit of camaraderie in the warm glow of the amber lights.

Currently, two young men were trying to enjoy the night, to drown their sorrows, while the bar buzzed with an eerie, pulsating vibration, it offered no solace to the tempest brewing within Aiden. He nursed a glass of golden liquid, its bitterness a feeble substitute for the lingering taste of triumph he yearned for.

Across from him, Gareth slouched in his seat, mirroring Aiden's despondent mood with an empty glass loosely clutched in his hand. Both had been unceremoniously expelled from the Survival Test, courtesy of Noah and his infuriating prowess.

This was not how it was supposed to transpire. Aiden, the shining star, the young master, the prince of the Von Klassen's family, ousted by his rival in love, his nemesis. Shame gnawed at his core, leaving a bitter aftertaste that not even copious amounts of alcohol could wash away. With a resounding thud, he slammed his glass onto the worn counter, the sound reverberating through the tense silence.

"Pathetic test," he muttered, his words more of a soliloquy than a conversation with Gareth. "Pathetic creatures. Pathetic Noah."

Gareth grumbled in subdued agreement, swirling the remnants of his drink in his glass. Not one for theatrics, the sting of defeat still lingered in his demeanor. He stole a fleeting glance at Aiden, sensing the boiling anger just beneath the surface.

"We'll get him next time," he finally offered, his words carrying the weight of certainty rather than doubt. Aiden scoffed, a laughter devoid of humor that scraped against the heavy atmosphere.

"Next time? There might not be a next time. Who knows what kind of freak he may have become after the test." His frustration resonated in the motion of his hand raking through his hair.

"Maybe he just got lucky." Gareth mumbled.

His last words hung in the air, blending with the doubt that battled against his pride. Aiden snorted, a glimmer of life returning to his eyes.

"Lucky? Bullshit. The kid's got talent. Can't deny that." He reclined in his chair, his expression pensive. "But talent alone won't have made him win and progress so fast. Brains and strategy hold significance too.

He outsmarted us."

Gareth, although a muscle head couldn't deny Aiden's words.

Maybe there was a way to transform this defeat into an advantage. He took a deep gulp of his drink, savoring the bitterness that now presented itself as a welcomed challenge.

"Do you have a plan leader?" Gareth inquired, determination seeping into his voice.

Aiden grinned, his lips curling into a slow, predatory smile.

''It's simple tomorrow we will go convert the few magic stones we have into credits and go into the Tower of Trials to raise our level before the others come. We have to increase our strength and get ready for our next outing. I heard that our next mission will be in the outside world. We've to perform better this time and I'll challenge Noah to reclaim my lost glory.''

Gareth's eyes widened and he couldn't help but smile.

''Okay, let's do that. I'm in.''

For a moment, the bar dissolved, replaced by the image of a clandestine strategy session, a chance at redemption. The amber liquid in Aiden's glass no longer tasted of defeat, but of a fresh challenge, an opportunity to prove himself once and for all.