For a brief moment as he lay, a ridiculous thought crossed his mind.
What if I wake up and I'm back?
Back in a normal bed, and back in a normal city.
No monsters, no mana, no guild, no divisions.
Arthur closed his eyes.
If that happens…
Then this was the strangest dream I've ever had.
But another part of him knew better.
The pain had been real.
The fear had been real.
The blood had been real.
Dreams did not feel like that. At least, none that he has had.
Arthur took a slow breath.
He felt nervous.
Anyone would.
But beneath the nervousness was something else.
Anticipation.
This world was brutal.
But it was straightforward, and it suited him.
"I'll climb again," Arthur whispered.
"I don't care how long it takes."
He rolled onto his side.
"I'll reach the top."
This was personal goal. And a promise to himself
And sleep crept in slowly, as his thoughts drifted and gradually, everything faded.
