Chapter 75: Overtaken

The desert night painted the sky with a million pinpricks of light, a stark contrast to the harsh glare of the daytime sun. Clad in his newly robe, Noah settled for the night under the watchful gaze of the stars. The oasis, once a refuge, now felt like a launchpad, a place where he'd not just healed, but evolved.

The previous night spent shivering and exposed felt like a lifetime ago. Here, nestled amidst the rustling leaves and the gentle murmur of the oasis, a genuine peace settled over him.

As the cool desert air settled, Noah closed his eyes. He dreamt of lush forests and towering mountains, landscapes beyond this unforgiving wasteland.

Sleep came easy, a deep and restful slumber that left him feeling energized and alert when he finally awoke. The oasis, bathed in the soft glow of morning light, held a newfound beauty in his eyes.

With a deep breath, Noah rose to his feet. The desert stretched before him, an endless canvas of sand and possibility.

''Time to work out!" He mumbled before getting to work.

The invigorating desert sunrise painted the sky with hues of orange and pink as Noah finished his morning workout. Sweat beaded on his forehead, a testament to his rigorous routine. Unlike his previous, restless nights spent shivering in the open desert, this one, nestled in the peaceful oasis, had been filled with deep, restorative sleep.

He wasn't ready to jump straight into the day's challenges just yet. With a newfound appreciation for self-care, Noah decided to cleanse his body before breakfast. He strode towards the glistening oasis, the cool water beckoning like a siren song. As he submerged himself, the day's heat seemed to melt away, replaced by a refreshing coolness.

Emerging from the water, invigorated and clean, Noah felt a rumble in his stomach. He meandered back to his makeshift camp, the aroma of freshly brewed tea already filling the air. Breakfast was a simple affair – a steaming cup of herbal tea, its earthy aroma a welcome respite from the harsh desert air. Alongside it sat a plate of homemade cookies, a sweet reward for his morning exertion.

As he savored his simple meal, Noah allowed his gaze to wander across the oasis.

It was time to check the current standings. Noah extended his arm and tapped on his smart bracelet. Instantly, a small blue window appeared above the bracelet, revealing the updated rankings. Today marked the fifth and final day of the Survival Test, and most of the students had already been eliminated. Yesterday, Noah held the top spot, but today was a different story.

A heavy sigh escaped Noah's lips as he saw that he had slipped down to second place. Lilith had overtaken him, now sitting at the top with 200 points, while Noah trailed behind with 185 points.

"Although I expected something like this, it's still frustrating," Noah muttered to himself.

Determined to reclaim his position, he stood up and prepared to leave the oasis, venturing back into the outer zone to continue his hunt.

Leaving the oasis behind, Noah embarked on a solitary journey through the desert. The scorching sun transformed the golden sand into a mirage-like expanse of heat waves. Despite the early hour, the temperature had already reached an uncomfortable level. However, Noah found solace in the Sand Angler robe he wore.

The intricate design of the fabric allowed a gentle breeze to pass through, providing a refreshing coolness amidst the sweltering desert.

[Level Up!]

The notification rang out in Noah's mind, a gratifying signal of his swift and decisive triumph.

A wide grin stretched across his face.

"Level 31," he whispered, relishing the taste of victory on his tongue.

Delving into his backpack, his fingers brushed against a familiar crinkling sound. A mischievous spark ignited in his eyes.

"Time for a celebration," he declared, retrieving a small pouch. Nestled among the well-worn supplies, a few precious cookies awaited – a cherished treat from the oasis.

He popped one into his mouth, the sweet, familiar flavor instantly transporting him back to the lush greenery and cool shade he had left behind. It was a small indulgence, a reminder of comfort and a world beyond the unforgiving desert. With each bite, a curious sensation washed over him. It wasn't just the delightful taste.

Here, amidst the desolate landscape, these cookies held a deeper significance. Perhaps it was the contrast, the sweetness against the bitterness of the sand. Or maybe it was the sheer delight of finding a small pleasure earned through adversity.

Regardless of the reason, Noah couldn't deny the feeling. With every chew, a surge of renewed energy coursed through him, a sense of achievement that surpassed the mere level up. It served as a reminder that even in the harshest environments, moments of joy could be discovered, tiny pockets of sweetness that nourished not just the body, but the spirit as well.

As the last crumb disappeared, a contented sigh escaped his lips. It was time to depart the desert, returning to the outer zone and embarking on his quest to hunt down the other students, as assigned by his villainous role. Though he would have loved to continue leveling up in the desert, he couldn't afford the luxury. A test awaited, and he was determined to secure the top position.

Not only for the rewards offered by the system, but also to prove that he would not be defeated by Lilith. His pride would not allow it.

Noah straightened his shoulders and took a deep breath, determination etched across his face.

"Time to pick up the pace," he declared, his voice resolute. With newfound vigor, he propelled himself forward, his boots churning the sand beneath him. Every fiber of his being screamed in protest, but he pushed through the pain, fueled by the image of a vibrant, verdant forest awaiting him at the edge of the desert.

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Hours passed, the relentless sun beating down upon him. Yet, Noah refused to waver. Just as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him, a subtle shift in the air caught his attention. There was a change, a hint of coolness, a fragrance that transcended the scent of sand and sweat. He had reached his destination.

He had left behind a part of the Inner Zone and arrived at the outskirts of the Outer Zone, where a new landscape awaited him - a pristine forest, teeming with life and mystery.