Chapter 71: Lvl 30

[+100% Experience]

[Level Up]

Noah was overcome by a wave of dizziness as he slumped against the Queen's leg. His chest bore a gaping wound, and blood seeped out, staining his once immaculate shirt with a crimson blotch. The triumphant sound of his level up chime seemed distant, drowned out by the thundering beat of his own heart.

A sharp pang of pain shot through him, like a scorching fire consuming his body.

In the aftermath, the remaining Wolf Soldier Ants swarmed around in confusion, their leader now a decapitated abomination. Their furious chattering gradually faded into a bewildered silence. Soon, they scurried away, leaving Noah alone.

[Ding! Mission accomplished. Your exceptional performance will be rewarded with additional benefits.

Rewards: 12,000 Gold, +2 to all stats].

''Guh!"

Noah's body was consumed by a monstrous beast of pain, gnawing at his insides with relentless force. Each shallow breath sent fresh waves of agony crashing through him, threatening to pull him under. He slumped wearily against the cool wall of the cave, his vision swimming in a worrisome shade of red.

Summoning all his strength, he forced his eyes open, struggling to focus on the system's interface hovering before him. The rewards of twelve thousand gold and a permanent stat boost seemed impressive, but in this moment of torment, they felt insignificant compared to the overwhelming pain that engulfed him.

With a shaky hand, he navigated the store menu, the virtual shelves blurring together in his blurred vision. Despite the haze, he managed to locate the rare grade healing potion that cost 5000G and pressed the confirmation button without a second thought.

A tingling sensation spread through his body as the potion coursed through his veins. The gaping wound in his chest slowly knitted itself together, leaving behind a faint scar as a reminder of his brush with death. However, weakness still clung to him like a suffocating shroud. The loss of blood had robbed him of his strength, leaving him feeling hollow and vulnerable.

In this desolate cavern, once a battlefield, Noah found an odd sense of solace and security. Here, hidden beneath the weight of the earth, he could steal a precious moment of respite.

Despite the throbbing pain, a small smile tugged at the corner of Noah's lips. He had defied the odds, staring death in the face and emerging victorious. The level up and the rewards he had earned were testament to his triumph. Now, the only adversary he faced was the lingering weakness, and he knew that with time, even that would be vanquished.

As he drifted into a restless sleep, a single thought echoed in Noah's mind: he was growing, both in strength and resilience.

Noah was overcome with a wave of sickness as he sat up, his surroundings slowly coming into focus. The system chimed in, reminding him that he had been lost in a feverish sleep for two hours. He cautiously touched the wound on his chest, feeling a dull ache in response.

Examining the torn hole in his shirt, Noah couldn't help but grimace. It served as a harsh reminder of the risky decision he had made. However, he couldn't afford to dwell on regret at the moment. Survival always took precedence over pride. It had been a calculated and brutal risk, but it had paid off.

It had taught him a valuable lesson about the importance of both strength and cunning, albeit a painful one.

His ruminations were interrupted by a low rumble in his stomach. Hunger reminded him that his body was still far from recovered. Noah tapped into his mental item box, a space where he stored his belongings. Luckily, amidst the chaotic events, he had managed to secure his backpack. With a simple thought, he retrieved it, finding comfort in its familiar weight.

A bottle of water appeared in his hand, followed by a pack of wild boar jerky. He devoured them both eagerly, savoring the small victory of being able to eat.

Once he was done he smiled.

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

■

Noah's face lit up with a contented smile. Level 30. Impressive for a beginner. A surge of pride threatened to well up inside him, but he quickly suppressed it. This was only the beginning. He was almost certain that he was the only student progressing this rapidly, thanks to the guidance of the system.

He reminded himself not to become arrogant. Stay focused. This was just the first step.

He glanced at his remaining resources: 7060 gold and a two unassigned stat points. Those could wait. Right now, he needed to clean up. Surely, even in this barren cave beneath the desert, there must be some source of water. After all, it was an anthill, swarming with Wolf Ants. Where there were ants, there had to be water.

Exploration could wait. Priority number one: Noah knelt down and gathered the fallen treasures - the Queen's magical stone, pulsating with a mysterious energy, and a few others he had scavenged from the defeated Wolf Soldier Ants. These shimmering stones could prove valuable later on. But for now, he had an overwhelming urge to wash away the grime - and maybe some ant goo - from his body.

''Okay, time for some underground exploration.'' Noah declared after storing everything away. Indeed, it was a time for some exploration.

The air grew stale and thick as Noah delved deeper into the labyrinthine cave. Time seemed to stretch with each monotonous turn, hope for water dwindling with every echoing footstep. Frustration gnawed at him, his initial eagerness replaced by a weary determination. Just as he was about to turn back, a flicker of light caught his eye in the distance.

He quickened his pace, his heart hammering in his chest. As he rounded a bend, the passage opened into a breathtaking cavern. A crystal-encrusted ceiling shimmered like a starry night sky, casting an ethereal glow on a crystal-clear pool nestled at the chamber's heart. Relief washed over him, a wave so powerful it nearly brought him to his knees. Water. Sweet, life-giving water.

He approached cautiously, the silence broken only by the soft drip of water somewhere unseen. The pool's surface reflected the glittering ceiling, a mesmerizing spectacle that momentarily pushed the lingering pain from his recent ordeal to the back of his mind. This wasn't just any pond; it was a hidden oasis, a secret sanctuary carved out of the harsh desert.

Noah wasted no time. Stripping off his tattered clothes, he waded into the cool, refreshing water. It felt like a baptism, washing away not just the grime of battle but also the tension and fear of the past few hours. He submerged himself completely, a sigh of contentment escaping his lips.

As he soaked, his gaze wandered back to the glistening ceiling. Was this where the Wolf Ants found their water source? Perhaps this was even their sacred place, a hidden sanctuary they fiercely protected. A newfound respect for the fallen colony stirred within him. They weren't just mindless creatures; they were protectors, guardians of this hidden gem.

Renewed and invigorated, Noah emerged from the pool, his body cleansed and his spirit refreshed. The challenges that awaited him, both above and below ground, seemed less daunting now. This hidden haven had served as a reminder – even in the harshest environments, beauty and wonder could still be found.

Noah chuckled softly, a raspy sound escaping his lips.

"Definitely in need of a fresh shirt."

He glanced at the tattered remains of his previous one, his face contorting in disgust. Thankfully, he had packed a few spare outfits. Reaching into his backpack, he retrieved a new set of clothes – a simple gray shirt and matching pants.

Initially, he had contemplated grabbing his black shirt, but a brief ray of the scorching desert sun seeping through the entrance of the cave quickly extinguished that idea. It may not be suicidal, but it would definitely be uncomfortable and potentially hazardous. Black absorbed heat like a sponge, and the last thing he wanted was to overheat in this situation.

Slipping into the comfortable gray attire, Noah felt a sense of normalcy wash over him. It may have been a small act, but considering everything he had just gone through, it felt significant. With a renewed determination, he turned his attention back to the shimmering pool. It was time to go up.

The scorching desert sun assaulted Noah as he emerged from the cool sanctuary of the cave, his exploration having taken half an hour. Squinting against the blinding glare reflecting off the endless expanse of dunes, he couldn't help but unleash a string of colorful curses, each word punctuated by a frustrated sigh.

"Welcome back to this infernal abyss," he muttered quietly. The oasis, a hidden gem amidst the unforgiving sands, had provided only temporary respite. Now, reality crashed down upon him like a searing wave, a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead on the surface.

Yet, despite the intensified heat and the constant threat of dehydration, a flicker of defiance ignited in his eyes. The battle with the Wolf Ants, the discovery of the hidden haven – these experiences, etched deep into his body and mind, had transformed him.

Adjusting the weight of his backpack, its presence a reassuring anchor on his shoulders, Noah surveyed the vastness of the desert before him. It stretched out like an unforgiving canvas. But now, tempered by his recent trials, a thrill coursed through his veins. This was no longer just a barren wasteland. It was a place where he would grow stronger.