I looked down at myself—I wasn't wearing anything on my upper body; my shirt had been completely torn to shreds, and all that remained were my black pants. The scorching sand swirled around my fingers, turning them red from the intense heat; I could no longer feel them.
Thoughts raced through my head: I had been wearing a shirt just a moment ago… What exactly happened after I took that violent blow?
I ran my hand anxiously over my ribs to check them, but to my surprise, they were completely unharmed, as if nothing had happened!
My features contorted.
At that moment, the air split open and a radiant blue portal appeared before me, exactly like the one that had transported me to this hell.
I turned toward my dagger lying on the ground; it was completely covered in sticky green blood. I picked it up, telling myself: I have to go back immediately; Zoe and Miro will worry if they notice I'm gone.
I stepped toward the portal and walked through it. It took only a few seconds before I found myself standing in the bathroom, and the portal had completely vanished behind me. I reeked of blood, sand, and sweat mixed together. I turned on the shower immediately, and warm water flowed over my skin, washing away the mess, while my gaze remained fixed ahead and my mind raced.
I muttered under my breath, "I underestimated the system…"
I was on the verge of being devoured and becoming easy prey, but a miracle happened and saved me at the last moment.
I remembered that strange sensation; it was vague, profound, and something my tongue could not describe. I raised my hand and clenched it tightly...
But I made up my mind: from now on, I'll carry out my tasks meticulously; I won't let what happened today ever happen again.
[New Notification from the System]
Daily Tasks:
Run 15 kilometers.
150 squats.
150 sit-ups.
The corners of my mouth curled into a sarcastic smile...
Early in the morning, Zoe woke up yawning. She lifted her head and looked around, but found no one in the room. She called out softly, "Miro? Siraj? Where are you?"
The silence brought her no reply. She quietly descended the stairs, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, until she stepped out the hostel door and was struck by the beauty of the outside world.
The street was bustling with life, filled with people of all ages and genders. Under the warm rays of the sun, huge carts drawn by dragons tamed like horses carried goods, while the voices of vendors and the clatter of passersby mingled with the sound of footsteps on the stone sidewalk.
Suddenly, Zoe felt a warm touch; the receptionist had placed her hand on Zoe's shoulder and asked her gently, "What are you looking for, little one?"
Zoe turned around, flustered, her voice clearly trembling: "The two people who were with me… where are they?"
The receptionist smiled a calm, gentle smile, a faint blush spreading across her rosy cheeks, then gestured with her hand, saying, "Follow me."
As she walked down a traditional hallway with yellow walls accented by white stripes and a wooden floor, the receptionist said:
"That boy woke up very early.
I don't know why, but he left the hostel and came back with smoke rising from his body, mixed with his sweat… It looked like he'd been running very long distances."
"Zoe" whispered to herself in surprise: Siraj has been running since early this morning? But first… where is this receptionist taking me?
They stopped in front of a room with an antique wooden door, and the receptionist added, pointing to it: "Your friend rented this room this morning."
Zoe pushed the door open slowly; behind it lay a completely empty room, containing nothing but a wooden floor and walls painted yellow with white parallel lines.
Miro appeared before her, standing steady, swinging her sword in precise, straight lines with intense concentration.
On the other side, "Siraj" was drenched in sweat; he wasn't wearing a shirt, so sweat completely covered his pale skin while the veins in his body stood out clearly from the intense effort as he energetically alternated between squats and sit-ups without stopping.
"Zoe" stood rooted to the spot, her gaze frozen; she couldn't tear her eyes away from the scene, so taken aback was she. "Miro" noticed her presence, lowered her sword, and said with a smile, "Zoe! Are you awake?"
"Zoe" replied, quickly averting her gaze from "Siraj": "Yes."
"Siraj" turned toward the door without interrupting the rhythm of his grueling training. Their eyes met in a fleeting glance, and "Zoe" felt the blood rush to her face, coloring her cheeks a bashful red, while her eyes widened in confusion.
I whispered to myself, breathing heavily, the strain evident on my face: There's not much left… I glanced toward the door; it seemed Zoe had just woken up, but there was something strange about her appearance; her cheeks were flushed a deep red… I wonder if she has a fever? Even her movements seemed strange as she swayed unsteadily, looking from side to side.
Focus, focus.
A few minutes later.
I sighed deeply as I collapsed onto the wooden floor, lying on my back. I exhaled forcefully, repeating, "Finally… I'm done!"
Every muscle in my body felt like it was about to snap from sheer exhaustion. And at that moment, the air parted to reveal the familiar blue screen:
[System Notification]
You have successfully completed today's daily tasks.
Rewards:
+5 Strength.
+15 Stamina.
+10 Agility.
I raised my hands high in front of me as I stared at the wooden ceiling.
Sweat poured down my face, soaking the floor beneath me. I told myself with overwhelming confidence: I did it… and I won't let what happened in that desert ever happen again.
I continued, my eyes shining with determination: "I will get that wish."
and I will return home no matter what the cost!
A confident smile spread across my face, and my eyes glowed with a sharp intensity.