The afternoon sky is like a giant canvas, smeared with orange and purple that blend together beautifully. The tinge of twilight crept over the edges of the clouds, like the delicate brushstrokes of a renowned artist. I sat under a shady tree, enjoying the breeze caressing my face.
Beside me, Keqing, the girl who always radiated charm like the most beautiful flower, sat quietly.
We had finished our sword practice earlier, now it was time to rest. Well, even I didn't manage to hit her with my sword this time.
She was really agile... the difference was that my Endurance had increased by +2 because of the reward this afternoon, but that didn't allow me to match her speed. It was just Endurance after all.
That's not necessarily a bad thing, after all... I grinned. I was aiming for Endurance for Ei later.
Silence enveloped us, only the sound of rustling leaves and birdsong accompanying us. I turned my head towards Keqing, observing her enchanting features. Her crystal clear eyes reflected the sunlight, and the faint smile on her lips exuded tenderness beyond measure.
Suddenly, Keqing opened the small bag she was carrying.
I tilted my head. Since when did she carry a small bag? I'd never seen her carry one before.
From inside the bag, she took out a neatly wrapped pastel-coloured lunchbox.
With graceful movements, Keqing opened the lunchbox, and the fragrant aroma of cooking wafted out. My eyes widened when I saw the contents of the lunchbox. Inside were Barbeque Ribs that were still warm and billowing smoke.
"I made these for you," Keqing said in a soft voice, her smile growing wider.
I turned to her face once more. Seriously? She made it for me?
Is this a form of attention?!
Honestly if it wasn't for the obvious fatigue, I'd think this was a dream!
I'm going to beat myself into consciousness, dude!
"Thank you, Keqing," I said gratefully.
I picked up a piece of Barbeque Ribs and ate it. It was so delicious, much better than anything I'd ever had before. Every bite was like a melody dancing on my tongue, warming my heart and soul.
"How was it? Is it good?" asked Keqing expectantly.
I nodded, closing my eyes as I savoured the flavour. Afterwards, I turned my head and smiled. "Turns out you're good at cooking too."
Keqing blushed, her smile growing sweeter. "I'm glad you like it."
We spent the rest of the time together, savouring Keqing's Barbeque Ribs and laughing.
"Honestly, recently I heard people talking by word of mouth, they mentioned there was someone volunteering to help them. He doesn't seem to be a Liyue person, a man, around 20s, rather tall. Well, somewhat similar to you in features.
"It's you, right? Charles."
Answering this question, I just smiled silently, neither nodding nor shaking my head.
"You always keep quiet when I ask you.
"By the way, I'd like to hear your story again. After you tell me your story, I want you to hear mine... I have an interesting story too.
"Hehe, I wonder how you'll react then!"
***
The clang of swords clashed, as my heartbeat quickened. The sound of metal meeting metal echoed across the field, creating an unexpected harmony.
The birds that had been singing happily, now flew away in fear, leaving the two of us in a fierce battle.
With every step, I felt the ground shake beneath my feet, filling me with unstoppable energy. Keqing unleashed a torrent of attacks, but I did not falter.
With agile movements, I leapt to dodge Keqing's sharp attacks, and with a swift retort, my sword danced in elegant movements.
In a series of swift and epic moves, our fight continued.
However, determination and persistence were not enough, Keqing, with her incredible speed and skill, managed to dodge my attacks and find an opening in my defences.
Her sword slid out with lightning speed, and before I knew it, I felt a sharp pressure on my chest.
I was pushed back, feeling the pain stabbing through my body. My steps halted, and I collapsed on the ground, facing the blue sky that seemed to witness my defeat.
Keqing stood in front of me, her breath panting, but her smile showing a glorious victory.
I lost this time too...
However, I managed to make her sweat. This was an unexpected development even for me. In other words? I almost caught up with her.
It seems like my Endurance stats also greatly influenced the outcome this time.
With steady steps, she approached me and offered her hand to help me up. I, of course, humbly accepted her offer.
The result this time didn't make me so disappointed, I'm used to losing... on earth as well as in this world. Heh, maybe I should be proud of it.
After that we immediately rested under the tree as usual.
"You're getting so much better... it's only been five days since we trained. I'm getting overwhelmed against you.
"It's annoying... why do you improve so quickly, while I..."
"It's all thanks to you, you know. The way you taught me allowed me to get to this point."
Keqing let out a long puff. "After this, I have to go to work. I need to hurry up and clean this up."
"Keqing."
Keqing stopped as soon as I said her name.
Perhaps she could tell from my tone that I was in the mood for a serious conversation.
"Are you okay?" I asked in a soft voice.
Keqing turned her head. "Yes?"
"Do you need help?" I asked again, this time in a firmer tone. "I can help you out, whether it's bringing you food, or whatever you need."
Keqing shook her head. "I'm fine," she replied, trying to smile.
See... how stubborn.
But, it seemed that if pressed again she would not refuse.
"Keqing, please... you've already helped me practice with the sword," I said in a worried voice. "Now let me, just let me give you a hand."
Keqing was silent for a moment, looking at me with a meaningful gaze. Then, in an almost inaudible voice, she said, "Thank you."
This... this!!! Doesn't this mean she agrees?!
I did it!
Okay, now how do I look enthusiastic at work... because I'm sure I'll complain about being tired at work.
I can imagine myself with regret.
I don't think this will work... I won't find the answer in no time. Let me in the future figure it out.
With that thought in mind, I saw Keqing begin to clean her clothes and tidy up her hair.
After that I looked up to the sky. Come to think of it I've already completed two Quests... I should be level 3 by now, right?
I'll check first...
Level. 3 (0/100)
Stats: (+1)
Strength: 1
Stamina: 1
Endurance: 3
Intelligence: 1
Agility: 2
Luck: 1
I have +1 SP from levelling up. Should I just level it straight up to Agility?
I shook my head. No, I think it's better not to now. It would be dangerous if I suddenly became agile after the training.
Forget about stats... it's already day five. The Special Quest deadline is coming up. I have to complete it immediately or else I'll get a punishment that I don't even know how severe it is... imagining this makes me shiver even more.
After all, I know this system is mad. It will definitely do abnormal things as punishment.
I wouldn't be surprised if suddenly the punishment was to turn me into a pig once I woke up from my sleep... how horrible.
I want to curse the system right now, but... I still love life. Who knows if it will listen to me.
Opening the Quest menu, I found the latest Quest in addition to the old Quest that I hadn't completed yet.
[ DISCOVERING HIDDEN TREASURES ]
Completing this quest will reward you with a random crate. (COMMON, UNCOMMON, RARE, EPIC, LEGENDARY, MYTHIC)
Exp (+50)
I exhaled. Another weird quest... Another weird quest, it's making me sicker and sicker.
But, well, in hindsight this is still fairly normal. I mean, like any other adventurer.
A moment later, I saw Keqing start to walk away. Watching her back from a distance, I exhaled, stood up, and then followed behind until I was standing next to her.
I put on a smile, and she did too, the only difference being that her smile was sweeter than any dessert I had ever eaten.
Bowing my head, I turned my head towards Keqing's slender-looking hand.
Seeing that made me exhale once more. My desire was even higher now...
Slowly, I grasped her smooth and warm hand.
At this moment, Keqing gasped momentarily, her eyes rounded in surprise.
Keqing's face was flushed, her cheeks like they had been swept away by the tinge of dusk. She looked away.
"If you wanted to do that, you should have told me first. You're sneaky!" she protested in a shy voice.
I smiled widely. "I'll do it like that next time."
***
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This development doesn't make sense šØ
let me cook š£ļøš„