Alex slowly opened his eyes, feeling an unfamiliar warmth pressed against him. As his senses came into focus, he realized that Ruth was snuggled up to him, her head resting on his shoulder, her arm draped across his chest. His face flushed with heat as he noticed just how close they were, her body pressed against his.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed but wanting to be respectful, Alex gently nudged Ruth awake. "Ruth…" he whispered softly.
Ruth stirred, blinking a few times before realizing their position. Her face flushed a deep red, and she quickly sat up, though the blush didn't leave her cheeks. "Thank you for waking me up," she said with a shy smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Alex, also a little flustered, managed a smile. "How did you sleep?"
Ruth, still blushing, smiled warmly. "It was nice… I haven't slept that well in a long time."
Alex nodded, grateful for her company. "Same here. It's the best sleep I've had since… well, since the incident." He looked at her sincerely, thankful for her presence. "Thank you for watching over me."
Ruth's blush deepened, and she hesitated for a moment before speaking in a soft voice, almost a whisper. "If… if it helps you sleep, maybe we could make this a regular thing. I mean, it's the least I could do as your personal maid… and I like the company too."
Alex, caught off guard by her suggestion but sensing the genuine care behind it, thought for a moment. He didn't want her to feel obligated, but at the same time, the comfort they both found in each other's presence was undeniable.
"I'd appreciate that," he said, his voice sincere. "But only if you're truly comfortable with it."
Ruth gave him a reassuring smile, her eyes soft. "I am," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth. "It was… nice. The best sleep I've had in a long time."
With that, their understanding was clear. They didn't need to say much more, both content in the quiet bond that was growing between them. The morning sun began to filter through the curtains, casting a soft glow over the room as they prepared to face another day together.
Ruth quietly left Alex's room, giving him a soft smile before heading to get ready for the day. Both of them had their usual chores awaiting them, but their routine felt different now—a bit more comfortable, knowing they had each other's support.
Once Alex finished getting dressed, he met Ruth in the hallway, and together they walked toward the kitchen, where the day began with its usual rhythm. After receiving permission from Lady Mane for another training session in Gorin Forest, the two were ready to embark on their next hunt.
The day's training in Gorin Forest started strong. Alex used his Divine Insight to find a target, leading them to a one-star beast: a titan snake. The snake was massive—its body measured about one foot in diameter and five feet in length. Alex signaled Ruth to keep her distance, knowing its fangs were filled with deadly venom and its constriction could spell disaster if they were caught. Ruth, now sharper with her aim and faster on the draw, waited for Alex to distract the beast.
As Alex moved in with his sword, the snake lunged at him. His shield deflected the strike, giving Ruth an opening. Without hesitation, she released an arrow, aiming directly at the snake's face. Her shot hit, driving the snake back and weakening it. Alex, however, didn't get the points from the kill since Ruth delivered the decisive blow, but he wasn't too concerned—Ruth's improvement with moving targets was worth it.
Alex smiled, impressed. "You're getting better," he said, wiping some sweat from his brow. Ruth, a bit flushed from the excitement, simply smiled back, her heart still racing.
With the titan snake down, Alex once again activated his Divine Insight, scanning the forest for their next prey. His ability highlighted another one-star beast lurking nearby—an armored centipede, eight feet long and two feet wide. Its sleek, segmented body shimmered like steel under the sun, and its many legs skittered menacingly as it moved. Ruth recoiled slightly at the sight, her fear showing in the way her bow trembled in her hands.
"Stay calm," Alex said in a soothing voice, trying to ease her nerves. "Aim for its legs. Pin it down. Its armor's too strong to pierce with arrows, but if we can slow it down, I'll go for the kill."
Ruth nodded, taking a deep breath to steady her hands. The centipede moved swiftly, its body writhing as it approached, and Ruth's heart pounded in her chest. But her training held strong—she fired an arrow at one of its legs, managing to pin it to the ground. The centipede screeched, thrashing as it tried to free itself.
Alex seized the opportunity. With a swift motion, he brought his sword down between the centipede's armored plates, aiming for the vulnerable spot. With a clean stroke, he beheaded the beast, ending the battle in one swift motion.
Congratulations, host, for killing a one-star beast. You have been rewarded 5 system points.
Alex felt the familiar surge of energy fill his body. The system's notification appeared in front of him, confirming his victory and the points he had earned. It was a small reward, but it signaled progress.
Panting slightly, Alex sheathed his sword and looked at Ruth, who was still watching the now-motionless centipede with a wary expression. "You did great," he said, walking over to her. "That thing didn't stand a chance."
Ruth exhaled deeply, her fear subsiding. "That thing was disgusting," she muttered, her voice shaky but relieved. "But we did it."
With the two beasts down and feeling that they had done enough for the day, Alex and Ruth agreed it was time to head back to the mansion. They didn't want to push their luck after a successful hunt—two beasts a day felt like a good balance for now.
"Let's call it a day," Alex said, wiping some dirt from his hands and grabbing his sword. "We'll keep getting stronger, one step at a time."
Ruth nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of pride in their teamwork. Together, they made their way back to the mansion, feeling more confident in their abilities and ready to face whatever challenges came next.
As Alex and Ruth made their way back from another successful hunt, the forest's rustling grew ominous. A sudden sound came from the bushes, and without hesitation, Alex flung himself between Ruth and the massive three-star bear that came charging at them. With a roar, the beast swiped at Alex, slamming its massive paw into his shield. The force of the blow shattered the shield, sending Alex skidding backward, barely able to stay on his feet. Alex pushing ruth out of the bear's path, her bow still in hand, but Alex screamed out to her.
"Run!" Alex shouted, scanning the bear and activating his Divine Insight. The system confirmed his fear—this was a three-star beast. His heart raced as he yelled again, "It's a three-star beast, Ruth! We're no match for it. I'll buy you time. You need to run!"
Ruth's instincts screamed at her to flee, but she couldn't just leave Alex behind. With determination, she climbed into a nearby tree, drawing her bow and began to shoot a barrage of arrow at the bear, her thought simple I'm not leaving Alex behind.
The bear charged Alex once more. Alex, now without a shield broken in half by the bears strike, tossed the broken remnants toward the bear in a feeble attempt to distract it. He lunged with his sword, aiming for the bear's eye. But the beast swatted his blade away, blocking it with its thick shoulder. The bear's paw struck Alex with full force, sending him flying across the clearing and crashing into a tree. The breath was knocked from his lungs, and the world around him blurred.
"Alex!" Ruth screamed, her voice trembling, but she steadied herself, releasing a barrage of arrows. Her shots flew true, but the bear's hide was too thick; the arrows bounced off effortlessly.
Alex gasped for air, his mind reeling from the blow, but he had no time to dwell on his pain. The bear was advancing again, its massive claws ready to finish him off.
"Ruth!" Alex called out, barely able to get the words out. "Aim for the eyes! Go for its head!"
Ruth, her heart pounding, steadied her aim, this time focusing on the bear's face. With her last arrow, she let loose, the arrow flying straight at the beast's nose. It struck just below the bear's eye, narrowly missing its mark but causing the beast to recoil in pain. That was all Alex needed.
With every ounce of strength he had left, Alex sprinted toward the bear, positioning himself under its hulking mass. As the bear leaped to strike, Alex drove his sword upward, planting the hilt on the ground and letting the bear's own weight impale itself. The blade pierced the creature's heart, and with a final roar, the beast collapsed.
The bear's lifeless body pinned Alex beneath it. Ruth scrambled from the tree, rushing to Alex's side. She pushed with all her might, trying to shift the bear's massive form. Finally, with a desperate effort, she moved the beast enough for Alex to wriggle free.
Alex, breathing raggedly and barely conscious, lay on the ground, his vision blurry and his body on fire with pain. Ruth hovered over him, panic in her eyes as she placed her hands on him, channeling what little mana she had left. As she saw Alex's condition his ribs broken and lung collapsed , Alex could barely register her words.
"Alex! Can you hear me? Just stay with me! I'll get you healed," Ruth said, her voice trembling.
But Alex's mind wasn't on Ruth's panicked voice. The system screen had appeared in front of his eyes, congratulating him for the kill.
Congratulations, host, on killing a three-star beast.
Host has been rewarded 25 system points.
Alex could feel a surge of power rushing through him, even as his body ached with exhaustion. The system continued its notifications:
System Rewards:
• Intermediate Stage Reward: Poison Resistance (Level 2) – Host is resistant to any and all poisons.
• Advanced Stage Reward: Instinctive Nature (Level 1) – Host can predict likely outcomes from previous events to improve future actions.
His body quivered as new energy filled his veins. But that wasn't all—the system had more in store.
All of Host's previous skills have been upgraded to Level 3, improving effectiveness and reducing strain.
Another notification followed, signaling something new:
Divine God System: Demonic Accession advanced stage cultivator
Host has unlocked Heavenly Descent
Heavenly Descent
Beginner stage cultivator
The familiar system's text shifted as a new power began to manifest:
Heavenly Descent Beginner Stage Cultivator Reward: Fireball.
The system description ability:
• Fireball (Level 1): Allows the host to shoot a ball of fire toward a target. Warning: Host will receive damage (phantom pain) to the hand used to cast it. Mana cost: 20 points.
Alex's mind reeled from the sudden influx of power and knowledge. The points from the kill filled him with pride, reminding him that even against a three-star beast, he had managed to succeed. But his thoughts were interrupted by Ruth's voice.
"Alex!" Ruth cried, still panicking over his injuries. "Are you okay? Talk to me!"
Alex, exhausted but alive, nodded weakly. "I… I'm fine. We need to get back to the mansion."
With Ruth's help, they began their long trek back, knowing they had narrowly escaped death.
As Alex and Ruth limped back to the mansion, Alex could barely stay on his feet. His body was battered, and even after drinking both healing potions and casting his upgraded Heal on himself, the strain of the battle had taken its toll. Ruth had been casting a constant Slow Heal on him the entire way back, doing everything she could to support his recovery, but even she was drained, her mana reserves almost entirely depleted.
At the mansion's entrance, Bartlow's two guards saw their condition and immediately rushed to help. One of the guards escorted Alex to the infirmary while the other ran to inform Lady Mane of the situation. Rebecca, the household healer, was already in the infirmary when they arrived. She had Alex sit down on a cot and instructed Ruth to drink both mana potions immediately, noting that Ruth's reserves were dangerously low after maintaining a spell for so long.
Rebecca placed her hands on Alex, infusing her mana into his body to scan for injuries. She could see that his lung was almost fully healed, but his ribs were still broken—although, at least, they had begun to mend. The bones were too fragile to heal on their own, so she began casting both Slow Heal and Heal, using one hand to carefully repair each fracture and the other to speed up the regeneration of his tissue. Her meticulous care began to set his body back on the right path.
Just as Rebecca was deep into her healing, Lady Mane and Bartlow entered the infirmary together. Their synchronized entrance was filled with worry and tension. Lady Mane immediately began questioning Ruth about what had happened. Ruth, visibly exhausted, explained the entire sequence of events—how the bear had ambushed them, how Alex threw himself between her and the beast, and how they had fought for their lives.
Lady Mane, filled with guilt and self-blame, cursed herself for allowing them to go on such a dangerous training mission. She felt responsible for both Alex and Ruth. However, Bartlow stepped forward, reminding Lady Mane that Alex was his responsibility as a student and that the decision was his. After hearing how Alex took the blow to protect Ruth, Bartlow's expression shifted to one of pride. He stood tall, clearly impressed with his student's bravery. "Don't underestimate him," Bartlow said firmly, "Alex has the heart of a warrior."
Bartlow then turned to Rebecca and asked about Alex's condition. Without pausing her healing, Rebecca replied, "Once I finish repairing his rib cage, he'll be stable, but I need to monitor him closely overnight. His body has absorbed an immense amount of mana over the past few hours. If I'm not careful, he could suffer from mana poisoning."
Alex, drenched in sweat and fighting through the pain, managed a weak apology. "I'm sorry… Rebecca… Bartlow… Lady Mane… I wasn't aware of the beast in time. I've been a burden to the Mane family and to you, Master Bartlow."
Before Bartlow could respond, Lady Mane stepped forward, her voice filled with emotion. "Alex, you have nothing to apologize for," she said. "You saved Ruth's life. If something had happened to her, I would never have forgiven myself. Her mother entrusted her to me, and I took her in as my own." Her eyes softened as she looked at Alex. "I owe you more than I can ever repay. Rebecca," she added, "do whatever it takes to heal him. We'll find the funds, no matter what."
Alex, his strength fading but with a sly smile, took off his storage ring and tossed it to Bartlow. Confused, Bartlow caught the ring and peered inside. His eyes widened as he saw the two one-star beasts—both fully intact—and, most surprisingly, the three-star bear Alex had killed. Lady Mane, noticing Bartlow's expression, asked what was inside.
Bartlow, still stunned, turned to Alex. "You… you killed it?" he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
Alex nodded weakly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "The three-star bear… yes."
The room fell into complete silence. Even Rebecca, who had been concentrating on her healing, froze for a moment upon hearing Bartlow's words. She had been focused on saving Alex's life, but now it hit her—this young man had not only saved Ruth from the bear's attack but had also managed to slay a beast that was two stages higher than his own cultivation level. It was a feat that should have been impossible.
Lady Mane, still processing everything, looked at Alex in awe. Bartlow, filled with pride, broke the silence. "He's no burden. He's a warrior in the making."
Rebecca, regaining her focus, continued healing Alex's ribs, but the atmosphere in the room had shifted. There was no longer just concern for Alex's well-being—there was admiration for what he had accomplished. Alex had not only protected Ruth but had proven himself against an enemy far stronger than him, and his actions spoke volumes about his potential as a cultivator.
As the tension eased, Lady Mane approached Alex's cot and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Rest now, Alex. You've done more than enough for today."
Alex, feeling the weight of her words and the respect in the room, finally let his eyes close. He was still in pain, still exhausted, but he knew he had earned the respect of everyone present. And that gave him the strength to keep going.
Once Bartlow and Lady Mane left the infirmary, Rebecca was able to focus fully on healing Alex. The room quieted as Ruth stayed behind, determined to help Rebecca through the night. Ruth had already expended most of her mana, but she insisted on subbing in whenever Rebecca began to show signs of fatigue, offering whatever support she could.
The hours stretched on as they worked together in silence, their only goal being to keep Alex out of danger. His breathing remained steady, though he had long since passed out from exhaustion. Despite his injuries, his body showed resilience—Rebecca's careful healing was working, but it was a slow, draining process.
After several hours, Rebecca finally made the call. "He's out of the woods," she said quietly, her voice filled with relief. She turned to Ruth, noting the weariness on her face. "You should get some rest too. In a few hours, we'll need to be up and ready to explain everything to Lady Mane and Bartlow."
Ruth, her eyes heavy but grateful, gave Rebecca a nod of thanks. As Rebecca packed up her healing supplies and left the room, Ruth remained behind, unable to leave Alex's side. Exhaustion finally took over, and she slumped forward in her chair, resting her head gently on Alex's arm.
The room settled into a peaceful quiet as Ruth, too, drifted off to sleep, her hand resting beside Alex's, her soft breathing matching the steady rhythm of his. Even in the quiet moments of exhaustion, she felt the comfort of being by his side, knowing she had done everything she could to help.