Northern had not the strength to move away from his position despite the waves of joy that thrashed tumultuously inside his soul.
The soreness in his body lingered, perhaps a consequence of his newly evolved form. He had expected to feel stronger, but instead, his muscles ached as if rebelling against the change.
A few seconds after the system's announcement, he heard Josie's silvery voice.
"Sir Rian? Sir Rian!!"
It was the first time Northern had heard his name from her. Though he didn't care much for it, he couldn't help but notice how the girl, who had portrayed herself as indifferent and troublesome, now sounded genuinely concerned.
'So noisy...'
Northern raised a finger, finally making the girl shut up.
"You are alive. Oh, thank my stars, you are alive. I thought I got you killed."
She sank her face into his arms, muffling her voice as it fell with sobs.
