Chapter 12 Stamina . . . ?

As we delved into the forest, I was surprised to find that I wasn't exhausted like the others and the monsters were low level compared to my ATP. So fighting them was a breeze with just my fist and legs alone.

Or maybe my ATP was high enough for this beginner's forest?

The others also didn't ask why I was fighting with my bare hands and that I landed critical attacks on every monster I defeated.

"I'm kind of scared of using my skills again, and my MP is already low." I used to tell them.

"I allocated my EXP to STR since my MP is low. At this point, increasing my INT is useless." I lied so they wouldn't ask why I KO'ed a beast with one strike.

I didn't care if they believed me or not. And Luckily, Luke was too busy fighting beasts like we were competing for the most kills while Jane watched him in awe.

<That's the spirit. If this keeps up, Host will be proficient in lying, and you can escape any situation with ease!>

*sigh . . . I just want my life to be less complicated.

Then I asked, "Why are the others so tired?"

<Host's isn't restricted with such things as stamina and fatigue.>

Stamina and fatigue?

<The others are restricted with stamina and fatigue. Like in your world, everyone will feel tired at some point or sleepy or find their selves needing rest.>

That makes sense.

<You can, however, take a rest in the inn to replenish your stamina and fatigue or simply eat or take items to refill it.>

Ha . . . Another to take note about.

<Host didn't need to take note since such restriction doesn't concern you.>

I'm taking notes in case the others ask.

"Are you okay?" I questioned Soarsie when her face was paler than usual, and sheen of sweat coated her skin.

"Y-yeah," she huffed and looked at me in confusion. "Aren't you tired? Why do you look like you've just come out from a refreshing bath?"

"Eh?" I blinked and wiped away the nonexistent sweat on my face. "Must be because I'm still nervous and feeling cold?"

Soarsie raised a brow. "Hmm . . ."

I knew she could sense that I was lying, but she never pressed on to ask.

She was always like that. She would never force me to say something unless I said it first.

She's . . . *sigh . . .

She's just perfect.

And often than not, I found myself wondering if I was really the right man for her.

"I think this is as far as we go." Luke stopped and released a big breath. "It's going to get dark soon, and our stamina and MP will almost hit their limit."

Everyone agreed, and we traced our step back into the village. We had accumulated enough gil to rest in the inn, but I think that sleeping in the open plain while having a rotational lookout was more practical.

Then again, I didn't want Soarsie to sleep outside. I would gladly deplete my gil so she could have an easy life here.

Unlike in the real world, where money was hard to earn, in this world, I'd just have to punch and kick some monsters, and gil would come pouring in.

Not much, though.

Around 100 gil if the beasts came in packs like the wolves, then it had to be split within our group. But it was better than nothing.

It wasn't hard to earn. Though living here was hella expensive.

I heard Soarsie sigh and I offered my help. It seemed like her eyes were going to close at any moment. "Want me to carry you?"

She shook her head and huffed a laugh. "No. That would be embarrassing."

She dismissed my offer as a joke. I was not joking, though.

<Host could accidentally slap her butt as you carry her to complete the quest SPANK A GIRL'S BUTT.>

Don't talk to me, please.

And thanks to the system, the idea was stuck in my brain.

Soarsie stretched her arms and yawned. "Who knows that just standing there firing fireballs would also take up so much energy?"

I didn't speak since I didn't know what it felt like.

"I can't wait to take a hot bath and rest." She grinned.

I returned her smile. "Don't worry, Luke and I could take care of the monsters here while you girls stay in the back and recover your stamina."

<They can't recover their stamina by just standing and sitting and doing nothing. They have to take naps, sleep or eat or take items.>

I ignored it.

Soarsie held my hand. "I'm actually amazed that you can defeat the beasts here with just your fists. I didn't know that you could fight."

"It's because I'm a man, and every man knows how to fight." I winked, but my heart was bleeding. I felt like I was betraying her. The guilt was eating me inside-out.

I needed to tell her about the system. Fast.

"Soar–"

"Oh, look. Another group is heading this way," Soarsie cut in, and my shoulders slumped.

We gazed at where she was pointing her finger and found a party making their way deeper in the forest.

"You guys heading for the cave?" Luke asked in a friendly tone.

The group of teenagers smiled brightly. "Yes!"

"We're going to exterminate some goblins and achieve our first quest!"

I was struck back by their enthusiasm and youthful glow.

Ah . . . the power of youth.

"Then best of luck," Luke said and added in a warm tone, "Don't push yourself too hard and come back before it gets dark."

I was touch with his concern, but there was something off about wishing the kids luck in this world like they were just going to play hide and sick and not actually kill goblins.

. . . I was getting worried for some reason.

The teenagers waved their hands and made their way deeper into the forest. One of them caught my eyes. Or rather, my attention was stolen by a sparkly bracelet, for it caught a glimpse of the afternoon sun.

"I wonder if those kids are going to be alright?" Soarsie was worried, and it was apparent. She had always worn her emotions on her face.

Jane waved a hand. "Don't worry. They have numbers with them, and they have a lot of energy compared to adults like us.

"And they're no longer kids. Some of them are already in college, I bet."

"We should rest first and recover our stamina. There's nothing much we can do in our state," Luke said and walked ahead.

That's true. Teenagers nowadays don't listen to adults like them. The more we preached, the more they resisted.

I only hope they knew their limit and could differentiate bravery from stupidity.

I gave the group of teenagers one last look before I followed the others back into the village.