---------
Status Name: -Aurora-
Level: -1-
Class: -Mage-
Experience: -8-/-100-
Attribute Stats:
- Strength: -13-
- Agility: -14-
- Intelligence: -17-
- Constitution: -11-
Attribute Values: Strength: 1.3, Agility: 1.4, Intelligence: 1.7, Constitution: 1.1
Attribute Points: -0-
- Coins: -0-
- Active Quests:
- [Survive the tutorial grounds]
- Inventory:
- [Level 1 Low Common Grade Staff]
- [Level 1 Low Uncommon Grade Health Potion x1]
- [Level 1 Low Uncommon Grade Mana Potion x1]
- Skills:
- [Analyse]
- [Loot]
- [Level 0 Mana Ball]
- [Level 0 Mana Missiles]
- Abilities:
- Friend Status:
- Friendling List-
- Map:
----------
System Notification:
- [4 Exp Gained]
- [You have slain a {Normal Grade}Level 1 Forest Wolf]
-----------
As Ethan saw his experience points increase by another 4, akin to a progression in a game, a broad smile stretched across his face.
Lost in the euphoria of his achievement, he momentarily forgot the presence of someone in his arms, causing him to be taken aback when he realised it.
In his subconscious surprise, Ethan inadvertently released his hold on Mia, causing her to tumble to the floor unceremoniously. A startled expression crossed his face as he registered his mistake, but it was too late—the young woman had already landed on her rear, letting out a brief cry of discomfort.
Rubbing her buttocks while locking her gaze on Ethan, Mia felt a mix of pain and frustration. She had so much she wanted to say to him, but this time it wasn't due to previous reasons.
Mia could sense that Ethan hadn't intentionally dropped her; he had simply been distracted.
Recognizing his genuine embarrassment, Mia decided to keep her thoughts to herself.
Accepting the hand Ethan extended, she grasped it firmly, allowing him to assist her in standing up.
"Thanks," Mia stated, brushing off the dirt from her backside.
"It's okay," Ethan replied, his face displaying a sincere apologetic expression. "Sorry for dropping you, by the way."
As Mia caught sight of his remorseful look, any lingering negative thoughts towards Ethan vanished.
"It's okay," she quickly responded, a smile adorning her face. With animated hand gestures, she conveyed that she harboured no ill feelings about the incident.
While Mia couldn't deny that she had reservations about some of Ethan's actions, she remained primarily grateful that he hadn't abandoned her.
Even if he had shamelessly taken advantage of their proximity during the fall, she would still appreciate his presence, although her respect for him wouldn't reach great heights.
Fortunately, Ethan's current display of apologising, even when he didn't necessarily have to, convinced Mia that he wasn't a bad person. After all, he was helping her navigate this unfamiliar environment. The thought widened her smile even further.
Unbeknownst to Mia, after Ethan had regained his composure from the excitement of easily dispatching another wolf, he felt a pang of regret for releasing her from his embrace so quickly. He couldn't help but notice how soft and curvaceous she was...
However, Ethan didn't dwell on his regret for long. He immediately turned his attention to the wolf's lifeless body and placed his hand on it, transferring it into his inventory.
Ethan also retrieved the sword he had dropped on the ground.
After the task was done, he turned to face Mia and spoke.
"Let's leave this area. The commotion from the fight might have attracted more wolves or other creatures," Ethan suggested, promptly turning to face forward and setting off.
Upon hearing his words and witnessing his immediate action, Mia swiftly followed in his footsteps, eager to keep pace with him.
As they continued to navigate the dense woods in the direction Mia had indicated, an uneasy silence hung between them. Mia's intense gaze remained fixed on Ethan, causing him to finally break the silence.
"Is there something wrong?" Ethan asked, his focus still on the path ahead.
Mia hesitated for a moment before voicing her concern. "Aren't you going to rest? You just fought and didn't take a break. We don't know what might happen if you continue to push forward in a tired state," she expressed, her worry evident in her voice.
Ethan couldn't help but wonder about Mia's intentions. Was she genuinely concerned for his well-being and the potential dangers they might face due to his fatigue, or was she simply worried that his exhaustion would impede her own survival?
While Mia did indeed worry about both their well-being, Ethan didn't dwell too much on her true thoughts. Instead, he focused on the words she had spoken.
Ethan had to admit that Mia had a valid point. Although he had managed to defeat the wolf with relatively minor injuries, the battle had taken a toll on his body.
His skills had certainly levelled the playing field, but it had been a physically demanding encounter.
"You're right, I should rest," Ethan conceded, contemplating their options. "But where do you think we can find a suitable place to rest in a location like this?"
Despite his question-like tone, Ethan wasn't seeking an answer. He genuinely wondered where Mia thought they could find a place to rest in a forest populated by nothing but trees and potentially dangerous wolves.
While there might be other animals in this world, the encounters with the two wolves had been a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in these woods.
Resting in one spot could potentially lead them to stumble upon a pack of wolves.
Ethan had learned from his previous encounter that even a single wolf posed a significant threat, let alone a pack.
The wolves he had defeated were likely the weakest in the area, making the prospect of facing a pack even more daunting.
Despite his initial inclination to take a rest and be fully prepared for the challenges ahead, Ethan found himself second-guessing his decision due to the negative thoughts clouding his mind. He pondered the potential drawbacks of resting, such as missing out on encountering other players who may happen to be at the location Mia had directed him towards.
Mia's face had brightened with anticipation upon hearing Ethan's first words, only to have her smile swiftly fade away as she listened to his next words.
Mia realised that Ethan's concerns were valid.
Ever since her arrival in this world, all Mia had seen was an endless expanse of forest, devoid of any structures that could provide cover or respite.
The huts they had used to create their characters had vanished without a trace, leaving them with no tangible shelter. Actively searching for a suitable place to rest seemed like a fruitless endeavour.
Just as Mia was about to respond, an unexpected blue screen materialised in her line of sight.
Ethan, too, wore a startled expression as he abruptly halted, fixating his gaze on empty space.
It appeared that Ethan also had a blue screen appear before him.
Both Mia and Ethan were simultaneously presented with this blue screen, implying that they were likely not the only ones to have this unexpected visual encounter.
The question now was what the content of the blue screen was.