“W-wha-?!” I nearly exclaimed in shock, my voice catching in my throat.
The words he'd spoken hung in the air, vibrating with a finality that I hadn't been prepared for. He was leaving me. Just like that. And I would be all alone again.Panic welled up inside me, and I reached out, grabbing at his roughened dark garment, desperate to keep him close.“N-no… please don’t go. I’ll be better, I promise. Just don’t leave me. I-I don’t want to be alone…” I pleaded, tears streaming down my face, fear and loneliness threatening to consume me.He stood firm, his masked face impassive, his voice steady as he responded, “Don’t worry. You won’t be alone…”Those words pierced through my despair, causing me to look up in shock, my tear-filled eyes meeting his obscured gaze.“I can sense some people approaching this place. However, a monster is nearby, and they are in grave danger. I intend on helping them out. Afterward, I have to leave to helAfter my first encounter with Arthur, I made a peculiar discovery about the visibility of Status Information. Paul and I could see each other's Status Information. The reason was clear: there was a mere 15 level difference between us. A long-standing rule exists that if someone is 50 levels or more beneath you, they cannot see your Status Information. At that time, Paul was just starting at Level 1, while I was a modest Level 16. Hence, he still had access to my information.‘However, much has changed since our encounter. Now that I've ascended to Level 102, it's doubtful many can peer into my Status.’My initial reaction to the transparency of Status Information was of mild annoyance. I was uncomfortable with the idea of others having insight into my Level. Still, I shrugged off this concern, reasoning that my Level was relatively average. Thus, I assumed I wouldn't stand out and could blend in easily.However, my perceptions took a drastic turn. As I learned more about this world, I
Anne's departure seemed inevitable.Any concerns about nighttime demons had been dispelled by the tales Damian had spun earlier. Convinced of the area's safety and after having been well-fed and rested, Anne had no valid reason to prolong her stay.Additionally, with her team's departure scheduled for the crack of dawn, they would need the night to finalize their plans and decisions.“I’ll return, Damian. That's a promise,” Anne said as she rose from her seated position, her joints protesting mildly.From his spot on the floor, Damian looked up, her towering figure coming into full view once more. An involuntary smile tugged at the corner of his lips, which he promptly suppressed.“Damian, I can't thank you enough. We'll meet again soon,” she voiced with a note of finality, among other parting words, as she made her way out.Choosing to remain where he was, Damian didn’t escort her to the exit. He simply stayed put, waiting for her to depart completely.“Gone so soon, huh? Given her n
The rhythmic tapping of footsteps echoed in the corridor, growing louder with each second. The distinct cadence hinted at the approach of a group of individuals.With the soft sunlight filtering through my curtains, I realized morning had already dawned. This was expected, though; it was only a matter of time before they came to confront me.Judging by the distinct pace and muffled voices, I estimated that there were five of them. Their steps, while measured and deliberate, also betrayed a sense of urgency.As the footsteps neared, a smirk tugged at the corners of my lips. 'They decided to show up early.'Shortly, the group paused right outside my door. As anticipated, a knock followed."Damian, it's Annette," a familiar voice called out.Pushing down my initial amusement, I focused on arranging my features into a more neutral expression. I couldn't help but chuckle silently, thinking, 'This practiced look might be unnecessary, b
Restructured Narrative:"No, Damian, we couldn't impose like that," Anne began hesitantly, grappling for words to explain their decision to abandon me.I mentally willed her to halt, 'You better not say it.'"Consider them a token of gratitude," I interrupted warmly. "I don't wish to be merely a burden. With these resources, I believe I can be of help. There's more in the other rooms too," I added, ensuring my smile conveyed only sincerity.The palpable tension in the room shifted, replaced by the weight of my proposed generosity. It was palpable, watching them struggle between their prior decision and the allure of the supplies. I reveled silently at the sight, already anticipating their change of heart. But Anne, forever bound by her unwavering sense of duty, tried to voice their initial decision again."Damian, I really tried to persuade everyone but—" she began.Inside, I grimaced. 'Could she be any denser?'I was pr
My breath came in ragged gasps, each one tinged with the coppery taste of blood. "It's useless… I can't… I can't win!" I stammered, a fresh trickle of crimson spilling from the corner of my mouth.Every part of my body was a symphony of pain. The force that had opposed me had left me broken, battered, and on the brink of oblivion. There was no strength left to fight, no energy to flee. And even if there were, this being, this creature that faced me was faster, more powerful, and entirely invulnerable to anything I might have thrown at it.As it slowly descended towards me, its eyes locked on mine, the reality of my situation settled in. Sweat coated my skin, my heart pounding in my chest as the thoughts in my head spiraled into a chaotic whirlwind of terror."I don't want to die… I don't want to die… I don't want to die!"The fear was primal, a terror that reached into the very core of my being. I had faced danger before, encountered foes that seemed insurmountable, but this was diffe
My breath came in ragged gasps, each one tinged with the coppery taste of blood. "It's useless… I can't… I can't win!" I stammered, a fresh trickle of crimson spilling from the corner of my mouth.Every part of my body was a symphony of pain. The force that had opposed me had left me broken, battered, and on the brink of oblivion. There was no strength left to fight, no energy to flee. And even if there were, this being, this creature that faced me was faster, more powerful, and entirely invulnerable to anything I might have thrown at it.As it slowly descended towards me, its eyes locked on mine, the reality of my situation settled in. Sweat coated my skin, my heart pounding in my chest as the thoughts in my head spiraled into a chaotic whirlwind of terror."I don't want to die… I don't want to die… I don't want to die!"The fear was primal, a terror that reached into the very core of my being. I had faced danger before, encountered foes that seemed insurmountable, but this was diffe
"Get in formation, everyone!" Anne's voice rang out, assertive and clear, as she stepped forward. Her body began to glow with a fiery orange aura as she activated her Gift [Armament], preparing for battle. Damian watched the energy envelop her, fascinated by the transformation.As expected, the group positioned themselves to shield Damian, their bodies forming a protective wall between him and the approaching Demon. To them, the creature was a rapid threat, but to Damian's heightened senses, it appeared sluggish and unimpressive.He could sense every detail of the battle, even from his shielded position. It all depended on perspective, and his was honed to perfection."Stay behind us, Damian. Don't worry, this will be over soon!" Anne reassured him, her eyes filled with consideration and compassion. He was taken aback by her focused attention and suddenly remembered the tale he had spun.'Oh shit! I nearly forgot that I told her the whole story about my entire comrades being killed by
“Huu… good job, everyone,” Anne smiled, her face glowing with satisfaction. With a graceful motion, she wiped the sweat that had formed on her forehead while deactivating her Armament.A sense of ease settled over the group with the death of the Hobgoblin. Damian's eyes widened in astonishment as he witnessed their levels increase. Larry and Daniel advanced to Level 17, Peter reached Level 19, Anne soared to Level 22, and Lily climbed to Level 13—all from a single Hobgoblin subjugation!‘That’s… unbelievable… how low are their Stats for them to have all leveled up?’ Damian thought, his mind buzzing with the incredibility of it all.It occurred to him that perhaps their EXP had been on the brink of 100, so the death of the Demon tipped the balance and caused them to level up. That was the only reasonable explanation.When a Party hunted Demons, the EXP was distributed according to individual contributions. The system behind it was an efficient, uncomplicated method to gain Levels, and