I walked out of The Broken Horn with slow steps, my body still screaming from the effort of dragging that damned spider. The rain had begun to fall, a cold downpour that pounded the streets of Tarnis and formed puddles on the cobblestones. I looked at the canvas bag in my hand: 25 gold coins. The 35 from the reward had shrunk to this after the guild took 10 for my monthly dues. It wasn't a fortune, but it was more than I'd had in my past life for years. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the rain wash the sweat and dried blood from my face, and took a deep breath.
Raphael, do you think my Aura improved even a little? —I asked softly, remembering the face of the receptionist, Lira—pale and trembling. —That poor woman looked like she was about to faint.
[Analysis: Your Aura skill has shown a marginal increase. The pressure projection you felt at the end was 12% more intense than in previous encounters. Most likely a side effect of your stress and determination when facing the Black Spider. Congratulations, you can now scare receptionists as well as spiders. A huge step toward heroism.]
I let out a short laugh, almost a snort, as I opened my eyes and looked at the coin pouch. Raphael and his sarcasm were the only things keeping me sane in this chaos. The rain kept falling, soaking my tattered outfit—sleeves torn, pants in shreds, and green spider stains that would never come out. In the distance, I saw that some shops were still open despite the weather. One in particular caught my attention: a clothing store with a display window lit by oil lamps, showcasing robes and cloaks hung with elegance. I looked at the coins, then at the store, and finally at my shredded clothes.
—Buying new clothes sounds like a good idea, —I murmured to myself, adjusting the bag in my hand and walking toward the shop.
As soon as I stepped inside, the contrast hit me immediately. The interior was surprisingly elegant for a town like Tarnis. The floor was covered with handwoven rugs in dark tones, and the walls had polished wooden shelves full of folded clothing: thick wool cloaks, tunics embroidered with silver thread, shiny leather boots. A small chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm light that made everything look more expensive than it probably was. The air smelled of new fabric and a faint touch of lavender—a relief after the stench of the forest and the spider.
Before I could take another step, an older woman appeared in front of me. She must have been around sixty, with gray hair tied in a tight bun and a dark blue dress that gave her an air of authority. Her eyes scanned me from head to toe, pausing on my ruined clothing and soaked appearance. She was clearly the manager.
—Good evening, young man, —she said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. —How can I help you today?
I swallowed, feeling a little embarrassed as I looked at the abundance of clothing around me. Everything seemed too nice for someone like me right now. In a low, almost timid voice, I replied:
—Uh, I'd like some new clothes. But… something cheap, please. I don't have much.
The woman's smile faded slightly, replaced by an expression of false kindness that barely hid her disdain. She straightened up and clasped her hands in front of her.
—Oh, of course. Something cheap. Wait a moment, I'll see what we have for… someone in your situation, —she said, her tone dripping with condescension as she turned toward a shelf in the corner. —Don't move from there, I wouldn't want you to dirty the rugs.
I stood still, water dripping from my hair onto the floor, feeling heat rise to my face. Before I could respond, Raphael chimed in with his dry voice.
[Excellent choice. From spider hunter to second-class customer in under an hour. Your social climb is truly inspiring.]
—Oh, shut up, Raphael, —I muttered under my breath, though a bitter smile escaped my lips. I watched the manager rummaging through the shelf and sighed. At least I had coins. Soon I'd have decent clothes. And after that… well, I'd figure out what came next in this crazy world.
I watched the shopkeeper as she returned from the shelf with a set of clothes in her hands. She held it out in front of me as if she wanted to get rid of it as quickly as possible: a long-sleeved tunic in a dark yellow, somewhat worn but with a decent cut, accompanied by a short-sleeved shirt in a brighter golden yellow meant to be worn on top. It came with a dark brown leather belt, black leggings that looked sturdy, gloves in the same dark brown, and matching boots—slightly worn but solid. My eyes lit up. It wasn't noble attire, but it had a touch of elegance, like something a rookie adventurer could wear with pride.
—It's a discontinued item, —the shopkeeper said in a tone that made it clear she didn't care. —Nobody wanted it, so I suppose it'll do for you.
—How much is it? —I asked, trying not to sound too excited.
—10 gold coins, —she replied, raising an eyebrow as if expecting me to haggle.
Cheap. Too good to be true, but I wasn't about to complain. I pulled the pouch from my pocket, counted out 10 coins with fingers trembling from the rain, and handed them over. She snatched the money with a quick motion, almost tearing it from my hands, and shoved the outfit against my chest.
—Here you go. Now leave, I don't want you dripping all over my shop, —she said, gesturing toward the door with an impatient hand.
I didn't argue. I nodded, clutching the clothes under my arm, and stepped back out into the rain. The water was still falling hard, soaking me even more, so I scanned my surroundings for a dry place. A few streets away, I saw a swinging sign that read "The Golden Knot Inn." I ran toward it, dodging puddles and cursing the cold that seeped through my ruined clothes.
As I entered, the contrast wrapped around me like a hug. The inside was warm and well-kept, a cozy refuge from the storm. The floor was polished wood, gleaming under the light of oil lamps hanging from the walls. There were round tables with cushioned chairs, some occupied by travelers speaking in low voices, and a roaring fireplace in the center filled the air with the scent of firewood and freshly baked bread. The walls were decorated with simple yet colorful tapestries, showing scenes of forests and rivers, and a counter at the back held an open ledger and a small bell.
An older man approached me from behind the counter. He was stocky, with a neatly trimmed gray beard and kind eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled. He wore a brown apron over a green tunic, and his voice was deep but warm—a welcome change from the shopkeeper's attitude.
—Good evening, lad. Looks like you've had a long day. Looking for a place to sleep?— he asked, eyeing me with a mix of curiosity and sympathy.
I nodded, feeling the exhaustion settle into my bones now that I was out of the cold.
—Yes, please. How much for a night?
10 gold coins for the room. If you want food —he gestured toward a steaming pot behind the counter— it's 5 extra. Venison stew and bread, freshly made," he added with a smile.
I looked down at the pouch in my hand. 25 gold coins earned through blood and sweat, and now they'd be gone in a single night. I sighed inwardly, but my stomach growled at the scent of the stew, and the warmth of the inn was too tempting to resist. I pulled out the remaining coins—15 in total—and placed them on the counter.
—All right. One night and a meal, please, —I said, forcing a tired smile.
The man took the money with a nod, without judging me like the shopkeeper had.
—Perfect. I'll give you a room on the second floor. Go up whenever you want, but first, sit down and eat something. I'll bring the plate, —he said, pointing to an empty table near the fireplace before disappearing into the kitchen.
I sank into the chair, the new clothes still under my arm and the empty pouch in my pocket. All the money I earned from the spider was gone in the blink of an eye. But at least I had food, a roof over my head, and something decent to wear. For now, that was enough.
...
As I devoured the venison stew, with chunks of tender meat and vegetables swimming in a thick broth, I wondered why food sometimes felt so sacred. It was more than just filling the stomach; it was a ritual, a need as ancient as life itself. The warm bread, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, melted in my mouth as I dipped it into the broth. I hadn't eaten all day—not in the forest, not during the fight with the spider, not on the way back. My body knew it, and my hands moved on instinct, bringing the spoon to my mouth at an almost inhuman speed.
[Eat more slowly. Your digestive system is not prepared for this pace. Probability of indigestion: 37%.]
Raphael's voice cut through my thoughts, but I ignored it. The glances of the other travelers in the inn—some curious, others uncomfortable—slid right off me. Let them stare all they wanted; I just wanted to eat. When I finished, the bowl was empty, and I set the spoon down with a satisfied sigh.
—Thank you —I murmured to the older man as he came by to clear the table, my voice hoarse from exhaustion. He nodded with a kind smile, but I no longer had the energy for conversation. The weight of the day was crushing me: the spider, the sprint, the pain. I climbed the creaking wooden stairs to the second floor, searching for my assigned room.
When I opened the door, I was met by a cozy space that made me pause. It was small but warm, with a wooden bed covered by a thick brown wool blanket. The walls were polished stone, with a small window letting in the soft sound of rain tapping against the glass. An oil lamp flickered on a small table beside the bed, casting gentle shadows over a woven rug in shades of green and blue. There was a simple chest in one corner and a chair with a worn cushion. But what truly made my eyes light up was a slightly open door at the back. I pushed it carefully and saw a bathroom.
I set the new clothes down on the table beside the lamp and stepped in. The bathroom was modest but functional. A makeshift shower took up most of the space: a metal showerhead hung from the wall, connected to a pipe that disappeared into the ceiling, likely fed by a hot water tank somewhere in the inn. The floor was made of gray tiles, with a drain in the center, and a thick fabric curtain hung to one side to offer some privacy. There was a bar of rough soap on a small shelf, and the air was warm, with a light steam that suggested the water would be hot.
I undressed quickly, tearing off the ruined outfit and leaving it in a pile on the floor. I stepped into the shower and pulled the cord that hung next to the showerhead. Hot water poured over me like a blessing, washing away the sweat, the dried blood, and the stench of the spider that still clung to my skin. I closed my eyes, letting the heat relax my bruised muscles. Finally, a bath. After everything I'd been through, this was the closest thing to paradise I could imagine.
[Your hygiene has improved by 92%. A reasonable decision, considering the state you were in.]
I smiled faintly at Raphael's comment, too exhausted to reply. I simply let the water keep falling, cleansing the day from my body and my mind.
I stepped out of the shower with skin reddened by the hot water, feeling like a new person. I dried myself with a rough towel hanging in the bathroom and put on the outfit I had bought. The dark yellow long-sleeved tunic was soft against my skin, and the short-sleeved golden shirt added a touch of color that made me feel less like a beggar. The dark brown belt fit the clothes well to my waist, and the black leggings were comfortable, though a bit stiff at first. The dark brown gloves and boots completed the outfit; they were cozy, as if wrapping me in a promise of better days. For the first time since I arrived in this world, I didn't look like a walking disaster.
I looked at my old outfit, torn and reeking of spider and sweat, lying on the bathroom floor. I decided I would throw it out tomorrow; right now, I didn't have the energy to deal with it. I walked over to the bed, taking off the boots and gloves with a sigh of relief, and leaving them next to the nightstand. The mattress creaked under my weight as I dropped onto it, ready to sink into sleep. But just as my eyes began to close, Raphael's voice echoed in my head, relentless as always.
[Tomorrow we will continue training. Your physical progress remains insufficient. Also, you could take more guild missions to increase your affinity with Aura and Will. Constant practice is the key to your evolution.]
I groaned, burying my face in the pillow.
—Seriously, Raphael? I just killed a giant spider and dragged it three kilometers. Don't I deserve a day off? —my voice came out muffled, but the annoyance was clear.
[Rest is necessary, but complacency is a luxury you cannot afford. Your victory was more luck than skill. If you want to survive something stronger than a Black Spider, you need to improve. Sleeping now: acceptable. Complaining tomorrow: useless.]
I let out another groan, louder this time, but I didn't argue. I knew he was right, even if it hurt to admit it. I turned over in the bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment, then closed my eyes.
—Fine, you win. But if you make me run another 12 kilometers tomorrow, I swear I'll find a way to shut you down —I muttered, half joking, half serious.
[Try it. I'll be waiting. Rest.]
With a final huff, I let exhaustion pull me under. The bed was warm, the rain tapped softly against the window, and for the first time in this world, I fell asleep feeling a little more like myself.
....
The next morning was a promised torture. Just as the sun began to peek through the window, Raphael's voice echoed in my head like an invisible hammer.
[Wake up. It is 05:45. Training does not wait.]
I groaned, burying my face in the pillow for a moment, but I knew there was no escape. With an effort that felt like it was tearing my soul out, I forced myself out of bed. The mattress creaked in protest, as if trying to hold me back. I put on my new set of clothes—the dark yellow tunic, the golden shirt, the belt, leggings, gloves, and boots—and looked at myself in a small cracked mirror hanging on the wall. Not bad. At least now I looked like an adventurer, not a lost office worker.
I went down the stairs with heavy steps, the smell of breakfast guiding me like a beacon. The receptionist, the older man with the gray beard, greeted me with a warm smile from the counter.
—Good morning, lad. Your last meal before you go —he said, pointing to a table where a plate was already waiting for me.
Breakfast was simple but plentiful: a bowl of thick oatmeal with pieces of dried apple and a touch of honey, accompanied by a thick slice of black bread with melted butter. Beside it, a steaming cup of tea gave off an herbal aroma that woke me up a little more. I sat down and ate eagerly, silently thanking the man with a nod. The sweet taste of honey and the warmth of the bread gave me a bit of life, but not enough for what was coming.
When I finished, Raphael wasted no time.
[Time to train. Head outside. The agility phase begins now.]
I sighed, leaving the empty cup on the table, and stepped out of the inn. The fresh morning air hit me, still damp from the previous night's rain. I found a group of trees on the outskirts of Tarnis, not far from the inn, and began climbing one of them on Raphael's orders. My hands grabbed the rough bark, my boots slipped a bit on the damp branches, and every movement was a reminder of how physically unprepared I was. As I climbed for the third time, panting, a thought crossed my mind.
—Raphael, is there any way to increase my magic reserves? —I asked, hanging from a branch—. I don't want to faint again like with the spider. It feels like I'm always about to collapse.
[Explanation: Your magic reserves are low because you are an ordinary human with no natural affinity for magic. However, they can be increased through sustained effort. Method 1: Prolonged exposure to sources of magical energy, such as mana crystals or places with high ambient concentration, allows your body to absorb small amounts over time. Method 2: Combined physical and mental training to expand your internal capacity; this includes endurance exercises and meditation to strengthen your energy core. Method 3: Evolution to a higher state, such as Enlightened, which naturally multiplies your reserves, but requires significant achievements. Current progress: Minimal. Estimated time for noticeable results: 3–6 months with constant dedication.]
I paused, clinging to the branch, and let out a dry laugh.
—So, basically, I either bathe in magic crystals or become a running monk. Great. How about you get me a crystal right now and we skip all this?
[Logical response: I have no crystals to give you, and your sarcasm does not speed up the process. The most practical option is combined training. Your fight with the Black Spider already increased your capacity by 4%. Continue exposing yourself to extreme situations and you will improve. Complaining, on the other hand, has a 0% impact.]
—Oh, come on, Raphael. A little humor never killed anyone —I said, resuming the climb with a grunt—. Though I guess you wouldn't get it, being a talking calculator.
[I understand humor. I just find it irrelevant when you're hanging from a tree like an exhausted monkey. Focus or you'll fall again.]
I smiled despite the fatigue, reaching the top of the tree. Raphael was right, as always. If I wanted to survive in this world—and not faint every time I used my abilities—I'd have to work for it. But for now, I just wanted to finish this damn training without breaking my neck.
....
I was back in the forest, the Elden Forest, with the crunch of leaves under my boots and the fresh air filling my lungs. I had decided to hunt more Black Spiders. Not because I loved facing those disgusting things, but because it was a quick way to earn money and, apparently, make a name for myself. It all started that morning, when I returned to The Broken Horn to look for another quest. The receptionist, Lira, was behind the desk as always, but when she saw me enter, her face lost all color. Her eyes went wide, and her hands trembled as she tried to organize some scrolls.
I decided to have a little fun. With a cold smile, I activated my Aura skill, letting that intangible pressure slide out from me like an invisible shadow. The effect was immediate. Lira started stuttering, her voice barely a trembling thread.
—E-Eidel… y-you came… W-what do you need today? —she said, stumbling over every word while looking at me like I was a monster out of the forest.
—Another quest. Black Spider, rank B. I know you have more of those —I replied, leaning on the desk with deliberate calm, intensifying the Aura just a bit more.
—Y-yes, of course… Here you go… P-please, don't… don't do anything weird —she babbled, pushing a scroll toward me with trembling hands.
I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. It was too funny to see her fall apart like that. I took the scroll, deactivated the Aura, and left the tavern with a perverse sense of satisfaction. But now, here I was again, in the forest, with the reality of my situation settling in. This was my life now: hunting monsters, earning coins, surviving.
Raphael buzzed in my mind as I walked among the trees, scanning the surroundings with his usual precision.
[Searching for targets. Black Spider detected 400 meters northeast. Its magical presence is faint but traceable. It would be wise to use this opportunity to increase your magical reserves. Repeated exposure to intense combat is showing results.]
—Results? How good are they? —I asked, adjusting the belt on my tunic as I moved forward, my eyes scanning the shadows between the trees.
[Your magical capacity has grown 7% since your arrival in this world. The previous fight and sustained use of Aura and Will are forcing an adaptation. If you survive today, the increase could reach 10%. It's not much, but it's a start.]
—Great. Surviving, my favorite activity —I muttered, sarcastic—. If I don't die today, Raphael, I'm going to use the money to buy a decent weapon. No more rocks and fists.
[A logical decision. A weapon would increase your victory probability by 23% against rank B enemies. I suggest a short sword or a dagger, given your lack of formal training. The money from this quest should be sufficient.]
I nodded, picturing myself with a sword in hand instead of a bloodied rock. 35 gold coins, minus the 10 for the fee, would leave me with 25 again. Enough for something basic, I hoped. But first I had to find that spider and make it out alive. The forest was quiet, too quiet, and my senses were on alert as I followed Raphael's directions northeast.
—Alright, Raphael. Guide me. And if you see I'm about to die, at least warn me this time —I said, half joking, half serious.
[I will warn you. Though if you die, it will be excellent data for my analysis. Keep your eyes open.]
I let out a dry laugh and kept moving, ready to face another eight-legged nightmare.
...
I was muttering incoherently between gasps as I pushed the Black Spider's corpse toward Tarnis. My boots slipped on the damp moss, and my new outfit —which I had barely enjoyed while clean— was already stained with dirt and the slimy green fluid dripping from the creature's broken body. But something had me thinking: this fight had been less difficult. The spider fell faster, my strikes with the rock were more precise, and although I was exhausted, I felt like I could keep fighting. My breathing was heavy, but not on the verge of collapse like the first time.
[That wasn't an adult Black Spider. It was a juvenile. Approximate size: 1.4 meters. Reduced endurance and strength by 35% compared to a mature specimen. Your perception of ease is correct, but do not overestimate yourself.]
Raphael's voice cut through my thoughts, and I sighed in discouragement, stopping for a moment to look at the corpse. Of course, it made sense. This spider was smaller, its legs less robust, its exoskeleton more fragile. It wasn't a heroic victory; it was just a baby.
—Great, so I'm still a rookie killing baby spiders —I muttered, resuming the effort of pushing the body toward the village.
As I moved forward, my eyes drifted to the side, drawn by something among the trees. It was a cave. Its entrance was irregular, carved into a rocky hill covered in vines and moss. Loose stones lined the opening, and a faint bluish glow seemed to emanate from within, barely visible under the daylight filtering through the forest canopy. The air around it felt denser, as if it vibrated with something I couldn't name.
[I detect a high concentration of magicules inside that cave. Levels 67% above the environmental average. Possible source: mana crystals or a natural deposit.]
I blinked, pausing from pushing the spider for a moment. Magicules. That was exactly what I needed to increase my magical reserves. I sighed and, with curiosity, asked Raphael a question.
—How is it that you can sense those magicules and I can't? What am I doing wrong?
[It's not that you're doing anything wrong; it's that you're a basic human with stunted senses for magic. I detect magicules because I'm a definitive skill, designed to analyze and process data you can't even perceive. You could sense them too, theoretically, but your body is like a deaf rock in a river of energy. It's not an insult, just a fact. Improve your sensitivity through practice, and maybe one day you'll stop being so… rudimentary.]
I half-smiled, shaking my head.
—Wow, Raphael, you're getting a lot of personality lately. What's next, you're going to start lecturing me like my mother?
Silence. She didn't reply, which was unusual for her. I ignored that for now and focused on the cave. A smile spread across my face. This was what I had been hoping for since arriving in this world: a real opportunity to improve, to reach for something greater. I looked at the spider's corpse, then at the cave, and made a decision.
—Raphael, what's the probability that I'll improve if I stay in that cave for a day? How much could my magical reserves increase? —I asked, with a glimmer of excitement in my eyes.
[Calculation: Spending 24 hours in an environment with high magicule density would increase your reserves by 15-20%, depending on your tolerance and concentration. Additional factors: Possible crystal presence could accelerate the process to 25%. Risk: Prolonged exposure without preparation could cause magical fatigue or hostile encounters. It's not a dramatic leap, but a solid step for someone in your condition.]
Her answer didn't discourage me. On the contrary, it gave me hope. 15-20% wasn't an instant transformation, but it was something tangible, something I could build on. I looked at the cave again, then the spider, and nodded to myself.
—First the reward, then the cave. If I don't die today, Raphael, this could be the beginning of something big —I said, resuming the effort of pushing the corpse toward Tarnis, my mind already set on what would come next.
...
After dragging the juvenile spider's corpse to The Broken Horn, I let Lira stammer again as she handed me the 35 gold coins. With the 10 for the fee deducted, I was left with 25 in the pouch. I didn't waste any time. I went straight to a blacksmith I had seen near the Tarnis market. The man, a burly type with calloused hands and a scorched apron, showed me a common dagger: simple steel blade, about 20 centimeters long, with a wooden handle wrapped in worn leather. Nothing fancy, but functional. It cost 20 gold coins. I gave him the money without haggling, and now, with 15 coins left in my pouch, I was back in front of the cave in the Elden Forest.
I chuckled lightly, looking at the dagger in my hand. The sunset light reflected off its modest edge as I spun it between my fingers. It was a step forward; I wouldn't have to rely only on rocks and fists anymore. With a sigh, I began to enter the cave, my boots echoing against the loose stones on the ground. I had barely taken a few steps when an overwhelming density hit me. It was as if the air had thickened, pressing against my chest and making it hard to breathe. I felt a strange buzzing on my skin, like something invisible trying to slip inside me.
[Side effects of the high magicule density. Your body is not used to this concentration. It's similar to radiation in your previous world: prolonged exposure without protection can damage human tissue, collapse internal systems, or induce death in extreme cases. However, Will is active, regulating the transfer of magicules into your body. You won't die… yet.]
Raphael's voice echoed with her usual calm, and I let out a short laugh, though my breathing was still uneven.
—Thanks for the comfort, Raphael. You're a ray of sunshine —I said, adjusting my grip on the dagger as I moved further in.
As I walked, the cave revealed itself in all its beauty, and my eyes widened in awe. It was like something out of Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken. The walls were covered in bluish crystals that glowed with a soft light, pulsing as if they had a life of their own. Some were small, embedded in the rock like jewels, while others hung from the ceiling in pointed formations that reflected the light in hypnotic patterns. The ground was uneven, dotted with shallow puddles that reflected the glow, creating the illusion of a starry sky beneath my feet. The air vibrated with that magical density, and small particles of light floated around me, like dust lit by a sunbeam. It was beautiful, almost unreal, and for a moment I forgot the weight pressing on my chest.
—This… this is incredible —I murmured, slowly turning to take in every detail—. How can something so dangerous look so perfect?
[Aesthetics do not change its nature. Magicules are pure energy; their beauty is incidental. Stay focused. Will is mitigating the effects, but your body is still under stress. If you plan to stay, find a stable spot to rest and absorb the energy.]
I nodded, still smiling as I moved deeper in, the dagger ready in my hand just in case. The cave was a treasure, a place that could change me if I played my cards right. And with Raphael keeping me alive, I was willing to take the risk.
As I continued moving through the cave, I couldn't stop marveling. Each step revealed more of its beauty: the crystals shimmered in hues ranging from deep blue to emerald green, some so large they jutted out like glowing stalactites. The echo of my boots resounded softly, mixed with a faint hum that seemed to emanate from the walls themselves. It was hypnotic. As I walked, dagger still in hand, my curiosity led me to ask Raphael some questions.
—Hey, Raphael, what exactly are these magicules doing to me? How does this work in my body? —I asked, touching a small crystal with the tip of my fingers.
[Magicules are pure magical energy particles present in the environment. In high concentrations, like here, they affect living beings in varying ways. For a human like you, prolonged exposure increases your magical reserves by saturating your body with energy. This strengthens your energy core, allowing you to better withstand skills like Aura and Will. Side effects: initial fatigue, physical pressure, and, over time, cellular adaptation that could bring you closer to an Enlightened state.]
I nodded, impressed, as I looked at the crystals with renewed wonder.
—So basically, I'm bathing in pure power. Sounds good. How fast can I improve here?
[Depends on your tolerance. One hour in this density increases your reserves by 2-3%. A full day, as you plan, could reach 20%. However, there are risks. Magicules can also induce mutations or form monsters in saturated areas. The energy here is unstable, and—]
I froze mid-step.
—Wait, what did you say? Form monsters?
Before I could process it, a shadow loomed over me, dimming the glow of the crystals. The air grew heavier, and a deep roar echoed through the cave, shaking the ground beneath my feet. I turned slowly, heart in my throat, and there it was: an Armorsaurus. It was a massive beast, like something taken straight out of Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken. Its body was huge, about three meters tall, covered in grayish bony plates that looked like natural armor, each lined with short, sharp spikes. Its head was wide, with a snout full of irregular fangs, and two curved horns protruded backward. Its eyes glowed with a dull red light, and its legs, muscular and ending in claws, stomped the ground forcefully. The tail, long and covered in more plates, swayed like a whip, shattering crystals in its path.
—Raphael… what's the best option to beat this thing? —I asked, gripping the dagger with both hands as I took a step back.
[Oh, look, a new friend. An Armorsaurus, B+ rank, slightly more troublesome than your baby spiders. Options: 1) Use Aura to disorient it and aim for the eyes or joints with your dagger; its plates are tough, but not invulnerable. Success probability: 44%. 2) Combine Will to withstand a direct hit and try to topple it with a large rock, like before; its legs are strong, but its balance is weak. Probability: 39%. 3) Run. Escape probability: 61%, but you won't gain anything. Choose quickly, or you'll become a crushed memory.]
I let out a nervous laugh, looking at the beast growling in front of me.
—Always so optimistic, Raphael. I think I'll go with option one. If I die, at least it'll be with style.
[Good luck. Try not to stain your new clothes again.]
With a shaky sigh, I raised the dagger and let Aura ignite within me, preparing to face this new monster.
I saw how the Armorsaurus shook its head from side to side, its red eyes blinking in confusion as my Aura disoriented it. This was my moment. With a shout, I ran toward it, gripping the dagger tightly, aiming directly at its right eye. The blade gleamed under the crystal light as I raised it, but just as I was about to strike, the beast stopped staggering. The effect of Aura vanished abruptly, and before I could react, its armored tail crashed into me like a battering ram. The impact sent me flying into a corner of the cave, and I hit the wall with such force that a small collapse of rocks and crystals fell around me, raising a cloud of dust.
[Aura deactivated. The energy drain is too high with your current level. You must use it at key moments, or your reserves will deplete in seconds. Alternative: I can activate a battle mode, optimizing your skills automatically. Do you accept?]
I coughed, shaking the dust from my face as I stood up. A dry laugh escaped my lips. I didn't feel pain, not really; Will had absorbed the blow, leaving me only with a ringing in my ears and some minor scratches. I looked at the Armorsaurus, which growled and turned toward me, and shook my head.
—No, Raphael. No 'battle mode.' I want to do it myself. If I'm going to improve, it has to be my way —I said, taking a deep breath as I reactivated Aura. The pressure emanated from me again, weaker this time, but enough to make the beast hesitate for a moment.
I ran to the side, dodging a stomp from its claws that made the ground tremble. The cave resonated with its roars and the crunching of crystals crushed under its weight. I took advantage of its momentary confusion to slide under its body, aiming the dagger at the joint of one of its front legs. The steel clashed against the bony plate, but I managed to find a gap between the sections and cut deeply. A grayish liquid gushed out, and the Armorsaurus let out a roar of fury, lifting the injured leg and nearly crushing me as it tried to stomp me. I rolled to the side just in time, feeling the air displaced by the impact.
[Your coordination is improving. But your Aura will weaken in 12 seconds if you continue like this.]
—Then give me something useful! —I growled, standing up and running toward a formation of broken crystals. The Armorsaurus charged after me, its horns lowered as if it wanted to ram me. I activated Will again, feeling my body harden against the pain I knew would come. When it was close, I jumped to the side and let it crash into the crystals. The sharp tips shattered against its plates, but one embedded in its flank, eliciting a roar of pain.
I seized the moment to climb a nearby rock, dagger in hand, and leaped from above onto its back. I drove the blade into a crack between its dorsal plates, using all my weight to sink it in. The Armorsaurus shook violently, trying to throw me off, but I clung with one hand to the edge of a plate while continuing to stab with the other. The grayish blood splattered my new clothes, but I didn't care. I was too engrossed in the fight.
[Aura depleted again. Will at 60% capacity. Your physical endurance is dropping. If you continue, you'll collapse before it dies.]
—Don't tell me the obvious! —I replied, panting as the Armorsaurus turned and threw me to the ground with a blow of its head. Will cushioned the fall, but I felt a dull pain in my ribs this time. I stood up shakily, seeing how the beast limped, with an injured leg and a bleeding flank, but still furious.
I ran toward a reflective pool, dodging a lash of its tail that shattered a stalactite. The idea was simple: lure it to unstable ground. I activated Aura again, projecting all the pressure I could muster, and saw how its movements became erratic once more. I shouted to get its attention and ran toward a section of the cave where the floor was covered with loose crystals and deep pools. The Armorsaurus chased me, stomping heavily, and the ground began to give way under its weight. One of its hind legs sank into a pool, unbalancing it, and I took the opportunity to throw myself at its exposed head, stabbing its left eye with the dagger.
The roar it let out was deafening, and it pushed me back with a desperate movement of its body. I fell rolling, losing the dagger in the process, and lay panting on the ground as the beast staggered, blind in one eye and bleeding from multiple wounds.
[It's weakened. Strength reduced by 47%. However, it's still dangerous. Your dagger is 3 meters to your right. Retrieve it or improvise.]
I crawled toward the dagger, my chest burning from the effort and my legs trembling. The Armorsaurus wasn't finished yet; it turned toward me, limping but determined, its horns gleaming under the crystal light. This wasn't over.
As I crawled toward the dagger, Raphael's voice echoed in my head with a tone more urgent than usual.
[Warning: Severe magical wear detected. Using Aura and Will simultaneously is depleting your reserves by 92%. If you continue, you will collapse in less than a minute. Stop and reassess.]
I ignored him. My vision was blurry, and my body trembled as if on the verge of breaking, but I wasn't going to stop now. The Armorsaurus was disoriented again, shaking its head, blind in one eye, growling in fury. Its movements were clumsy, and its hind leg was still trapped in the pool, giving me a narrow window. I grabbed the dagger from the ground, ignoring the burning in my muscles, and ran toward it with a scream that was more desperation than bravery. I jumped, aiming for the left eye that still glowed red, and drove the blade in with all my strength. The steel sank deep, and a jet of grayish blood splashed across my face.
The Armorsaurus let out a bellow that made the cave tremble, shaking like an enraged bull. I clung to its head, grabbing onto one of its horns while it tried to throw me off. The dagger was lodged in its eye, and with my hands free, I pulled it out, widening the wound. The beast staggered backward, crashing into a wall of crystals that shattered under its weight, sending sharp fragments to the ground. I fell from its head, rolling to avoid being crushed by its legs as it writhed in agony, now completely blind.
[Your magical energy is at 3%. Will barely functional. If you keep going, there will be no turning back.]
—I don't care! —I growled, standing up with trembling legs. Adrenaline was the only thing keeping me moving. The Armorsaurus was wounded, but not defeated. Its roars were weaker, but it still charged at me, guided by the sound of my voice. I ran to the side, barely dodging its horns, and lunged toward a large rock that had been exposed by the earlier collapse. I lifted it with an effort that made my joints creak, and when the beast turned toward me, I hurled it with all my strength at its head.
The impact was brutal. The rock struck right between its horns, cracking one of the bony plates and sending a resonant echo through the cave. The Armorsaurus staggered, its front legs giving out for a moment, but it recovered and launched a blind swipe that grazed my arm, tearing the sleeve of my robe. Will absorbed most of the damage, but I felt a sharp pain that tore a scream from my throat.
I couldn't give up. I ran to the remains of the broken crystals, picking up a long, sharp fragment like an improvised spear. The Armorsaurus limped, its breathing a harsh wheeze, and its grayish blood pooled on the ground. I activated Aura once more, though I barely felt the pressure flow out of me, and I shouted to lure it in. The beast charged, slower this time, and I drove the crystal into its open mouth as it tried to bite me. The shard sank into its throat, and I pushed with all my weight until I felt something give inside.
The Armorsaurus convulsed, collapsing onto its side with a crash that shook the cave. Its limbs scratched weakly at the ground, and one last roar escaped its throat before its body fell still. I dropped to my knees beside it, gasping, the crystal still in my trembling hands. Blood covered me, my clothes were torn again, and my vision darkened around the edges.
[Target eliminated. Armorsaurus neutralized. Your magical energy is at 0%. Imminent collapse probability: 96%. I warned you.]
I let out a weak laugh, almost a gasp, as I collapsed onto the cold ground.
—I… I did it, Raphael. I beat it… without your battle mode, —I said, my voice barely audible.
[Yes, you did. At the cost of nearly killing yourself. Your stubbornness is a statistical miracle. Rest now, or you won't reach Tarnis with your trophy.]
I didn't reply. My eyes closed, and the hum of the magicules in the cave was the last thing I felt before the darkness enveloped me. I had defeated the Armorsaurus, but my body was at its limit.
...
My eyes opened, but there was nothing to see. Only darkness, a black void that wrapped around me like an infinite cloak. My breathing echoed in my ears, but there was no echo, as if the sound died the moment it left me.
—"Raphael?" —I called out, my voice trembling in the nothingness. Silence. For the first time since I arrived in this world, he didn't answer. A knot formed in my throat. I was alone.
Then, in the distance, I saw something. Two blurry figures, barely visible in the gloom. One glowed with a soft green hue, like moss under sunlight, and the other burned in a deep red, like living embers. I tried to approach, dragging my feet through that sticky darkness.
—"Hey! Who are you?" —I shouted, but my voice was lost, and the figures didn't react. I reached out a hand, desperate to touch them, but before I could take another step, everything vanished.
My eyes snapped open again. The cave returned to me: the crystals glowing, the air dense, the corpse of the Armorsaurus beside me, still and covered in grayish blood. My heart was pounding, and the hum of the magicules filled my ears. Then, Raphael's voice echoed, calm and familiar.
[You're awake. Your magical regeneration was faster than expected in this environment. I activated Will automatically to counteract the side effects of prolonged exposure to the magicules and prevent your death. Your resilience remains remarkable.]
I let out a weak laugh, still lying on the cold ground. The pain was there, dull in my muscles and joints, but not as overwhelming as I'd expected. I tried to sit up, supporting myself on one elbow, but my arms gave out almost immediately, and I fell back with a grunt.
[Do not move. Your body is at its limit. I recommend resting for one more hour. I will regulate the magicules to keep you safe as you recover.]
—One hour? —I murmured, looking up at the ceiling of the cave, where the crystals pulsed like stars—. Alright… I guess I'm not in a hurry. What was that I saw, Raphael? Those figures… green and red. A dream?
[Likely a hallucination induced by magical and physical stress. Magicules in high density can affect the mind, especially in someone as poorly adapted as you. There is insufficient data to confirm its meaning. Rest. It is irrelevant for now.]
I half-smiled, closing my eyes again.
—Irrelevant, of course. Always so practical… Thanks for keeping me alive, Raphael.
[It's not a favor. It's my function. Sleep. The Armorsaurus isn't going anywhere.]
I didn't argue. The fatigue dragged me down again, but this time there was no darkness or blurry figures. Only the soft sound of my breathing and the hum of the cave, while Raphael kept watch in silence. I had survived once more, and with every battle, I felt this world shaping me, little by little, into something more.
...
I was walking again, with the corpse of the Armorsaurus behind me, dragging it with an improvised rope I had made from cave vines. My boots echoed on the crystal floor, and the beast's weight made every step an effort, but I felt… fine. More or less recovered, at least. The pain in my muscles had dulled to a tolerable hum, and my breathing was steady, although I still felt that magical density pressing on me from all sides. Then, Raphael spoke, in a tone that almost sounded like approval.
[Your body is adapting remarkably well to the magicules, Eidel. Prolonged exposure in this cave should have caused severe symptoms in an average human by now. Your resilience continues to surprise me.]
I let out a short laugh, adjusting the rope over my shoulder as I kept moving toward the exit.
—Surprise you? That's the closest thing to a compliment I've gotten from you, Raphael. What, didn't expect me to last this long?
[It is not a matter of expectations, but of data. Humans without natural magical affinity usually collapse after 6–8 hours in an environment with this magicule density. Typical symptoms: nausea, internal bleeding, organ failure. At this point, I would be insisting that you leave the cave to avoid death. But you remain functional. It is anomalous.]
I paused, turning to look at the glow of the crystals around me.
—Anomalous? Are you saying I'm special or something? Because I don't feel very special right now, dragging this thing, —I said, lightly kicking the Armorsaurus corpse with a grunt.
[Special is not the word. Your base parameters are ordinary, but your adaptation rate is above the human average. Probable cause: the combination of your unique abilities and the constant pressure of combat is forcing accelerated acclimatization. Semi-humans, for example, have innate sensitivity to magicules, allowing them to absorb them without harm. A typical human would be dead or in agony. You, on the other hand, are still walking.]
I frowned, processing his words as I resumed my pace.
—Wait, semi-humans? Like elves or something? Are you saying they wouldn't have any trouble here?
[Correct. Species like elves, dwarves, or beasts have a natural connection to magical energy. Their bodies are designed to process magicules from birth, often with initial reserves 3–5 times greater than the average human. In this cave, an elf could meditate and increase their reserves by 40% in the same time you achieve 20%. They would suffer no adverse effects; for them, this would be like breathing fresh air.]
—Great, so I'm weak compared to an elf, —I said, laughing with a touch of bitterness. —Why didn't you reincarnate me as one of them, Raphael? Would've been easier.
[I do not control your existence, I only optimize it. Besides, your humanity has advantages. Semi-humans rely on their innate affinity, but their growth slows once they reach their limit. Humans, having nothing granted, can surpass those limits through effort. Your current progress proves this. A semi-human wouldn't have needed to fight so hard against an Armorsaurus; you, however, did—and you're stronger for it.]
I half-smiled, wiping the sweat from my forehead with the torn sleeve of my tunic.
—So, you're saying my suffering is my superpower? Because it doesn't feel very heroic right now.
[Heroism is irrelevant. The data shows your magical capacity has increased by 18% since you entered this cave, and your physical endurance has improved by 9%. The suffering, as you call it, is the catalyst. A semi-human wouldn't have gained as much in such a short time. You would suffer more if you gave up.]
—Always so encouraging, —I said sarcastically, but there was a glint of pride in my eyes. —How much more can I improve if I keep coming here? Could I become like one of those semi-humans someday?
[With constant exposure and regular combat, your reserves could double in 3–4 months. Matching the sensitivity of a semi-human would take years or an evolution into an Enlightened, which depends on external factors like facing greater threats or finding a significant power source. For now, this environment is ideal. Keep it up, and perhaps you'll stop being such a… rudimentary human.]
I laughed louder this time, the sound echoing in the cave as I saw the light of the entrance getting closer.
—Rudimentary, huh? I like how you underestimate me without fully insulting me. Alright, Raphael. If I don't die dragging this thing to Tarnis, I'll come back here. This is too good to pass up.
[It is not underestimation, it is precision. And you will not die. Probability of collapse on the way: 14%, assuming you do not trip over your own ineptitude. Keep walking.]
—Thanks for the confidence, —I replied, adjusting the rope and moving forward with renewed determination. The Armorsaurus weighed a ton, my clothes were in shreds again, but I felt alive. Stronger. And with every step, I knew I was a little closer to being something more than an ordinary human.