"Okay... I'm tired..." Kael murmured, his voice heavy with exhaustion as he leaned on the hilt of the makeshift sword he had used throughout the entire day. The brutal path Adalric had chosen seemed designed to drain every last bit of energy from him.
The familiar sound of the system echoed in his mind:
[You obtained: 20 Rank E Souls, 10 Rank D Souls, 9 Inferior Soul Fragments.]
He wiped his face, clearing the sweat and grime that had accumulated after hours of relentless combat. Every muscle in his body protested at the slightest movement, but he knew he couldn't show weakness. With a heavy sigh, Kael straightened himself, forcing himself to stay upright. His body was on the edge of collapse, but his mind still clung to the fierce determination that had kept him on his feet so far.
Adalric, riding slightly ahead, glanced over his shoulder and smiled upon seeing the exhausted expression on Kael's face. "Tired, kid? That's good. It means you're learning."
