Chapter 45 - Returning home [1]

You defeated [Glacial Sloth - Level - 47] Experience was acquired.

You leveled up [35] -> [36] and gained 5 stat points and 1 skill point.

You leveled up [36] -> [37] and gained 5 stat points and 1 skill point.

You leveled up [37] -> [38] and gained 5 stat points and 1 skill point.

You completed the main mission and are returning to your original plane. Your rewards will be distributed shortly.

Normally, I'd be jumping for joy at having gained three levels in a row, but right now I just can't muster the enthusiasm for it. My breath is fast, and I can't focus on anything.

It's like my mind is in turmoil, with cold sweat dripping down my face. The fear I felt when the sloth came at me was overwhelming, sending shivers down my spine.

If it killed me, it wouldn't be the first time, but, how can I put it, dying while trying to survive felt odd to me. My two previous deaths were basically when I was distracted. It seems like my brain thought there was nothing to be done in those instances, since I wasn't prepared.

This time, I felt like if I died, it would be for real, even though I logically knew my rune would protect me. Still, anxiety gripped me. What if this was my last time? The thought echoed in my mind as I watched the sloth approaching with its mouth open.

"Noah!"

Suddenly, while lost in my thoughts, a familiar voice called out to me. I looked up and saw Ellen staring at me with a concerned expression. Beside her, Noelle was also present, her gaze equally filled with worry. Additionally, Noelle looked like she might cry any moment.

"I'm fine" I replied, struggling to lift my body.

"Noah... are you sure you're okay?" Ellen continued, noticing that I was paying attention.

Thanks to Ellen, I regained my composure. Honestly, I didn't want to worry them more than necessary. Also, I didn't want Ellen to worry about me excessively. Our partnership boiled down to a mutual exchange, and I'm sure Ellen was aware of that.

"I'm sure of what I'm saying... just... I'm a bit tired" I replied, looking around trying to better understand the overall situation.

I wasn't exaggerating. My energy was completely drained in this battle. I could barely stand, almost forcing myself to do so. Anyway, things seemed to be under control. The survivors were celebrating in our camp, and I sincerely understood them. Finally, we could go back home, to our families.

As these thoughts flowed through my mind, Ellen, who was in front of me, was enveloped in a bright blue light. Soon after, it was Noelle's turn, and then Leo's. I looked at the camp and saw the same phenomenon happening there too. Shortly after, the same blue light enveloped me.

Then, before I could say anything to Ellen or Noelle, I was quickly swallowed by the light. As the blue light dissipated, I found myself exactly in the same place where I had disappeared after getting off the bus. The tunnel was in front of me, but unlike last time, there was no bus in sight. Well, it would be strange to expect the bus to be teleported along.

Strangely, I didn't spot Ellen or Noelle nearby, which was a bit puzzling. Considering they had been teleported along with the bus, they weren't that far from me. Perhaps the fact that I hadn't seen them immediately made me think the bus was closer than it actually was.

Moreover, I noticed something even stranger: my body felt much lighter than I remembered. And when I say lighter, I'm referring to the state I was in on that other plane. This observation sparked an absurd thought in me, and, swallowing hard, I uttered the words that were on the tip of my tongue.

"Status!"

Upon uttering those words, to my surprise, something actually happened. Though I said it with intent, I didn't really expect anything to materialize. To my amazement, what emerged was my status screen, identical to the one I had in the other plane. In fact, it was exactly the same screen.

Name: Noah Jade []

Level: 38

Gender: Male

Species: Human

Title: Blood Reaper

Primary Class: N/A

Secondary Class: N/A

Strength: 20+10

Constitution: 40

Agility: 30

Perception: 20

Intelligence: 22

Ether: 70

Available Stat Points: 15

Available Skill Points: 3

Runes: Death Return [Lv - MAX]

General Skills: Identify [Lv - 5], Ether Manipulation [Lv - 7], Ether Sight [Lv - 4], Eco-pulse [Lv - 5], Infusion [Lv - 9], Ether Pumping [Lv - 9], Kinetic Touch [Lv - 7]