When I wake up, my body is so sore it feels like I’ve turned to stone. But every part of me is thrumming with new energy. I guess I’ve been so tense that I haven’t been sleeping properly. But last night I finally relaxed enough to rest. My ears turn red as I remember how Yin held me yesterday.

“After all that time I spent to make sure my image was perfect!” I sigh, realizing that whatever cool image of me I had managed to create is definitely ruined now. Panic runs through me.

Don’t tell me this girl ran off again!

Oh…wait. The shower is running. She’s still here. Come to think of it, this girl definitely showered last night as well. I guess it’s not a bad idea to take advantage of the running water while we have it. Although it’s going to rain later anyways…or is it?

“Wait, is it going to rain or is it not going to rain? Actually, what time is it?”

I stick my head out the window and realize that it’s much later than I expected. I slept in all the way until late afternoon. I guess I was more tired than I thought. And yet, there definitely isn’t any sign that it’s rained. Shaking my head, I shrug. There’s no sense worrying about something I can’t change. Getting out of bed, I put on my boots and wait for Yin to finish showering. She blushes when she opens the shower door and sees me outside.

“H-Hei! I thought you were sleeping!”

This girl…wasn’t she acting super coy last night? We spent it cuddling like two pretzels in a box and now she’s shy again?

Looking away, I wave her away with an amused expression.

“Come on! We’re late, there’s hunting to be done.”

“We’re only late because you wouldn’t wake up, sleepyhead!” She complains but quickly goes into the room to change. By the time she comes out, I’ve thought up of a plan. Everything in my head is a lot clearer now that I’m rested. I think I know what we need to do. Yin comes out fully dressed, knotting her hair into a ponytail. “What’s the plan?”

“Follow me.”

Outside of town, I glance at the sky once more. Yup, there’s no sign of rainclouds. Whatever happened last time was a freak occurrence. That means this time should follow the original timeline. At least, I think it will.

Frowning, I beckon Yin onto the path.

Assuming nothing’s changed, I’m aware that going directly to the Corrupted Bear’s den will probably trigger an attack by the infected wolves which we can’t survive yet. In that case, I should go and find those Drowned Ghouls again. I’ll level myself to Lvl. 5 first to ensure that I’m strong enough to protect Yin. Then we’ll show those damn things who’s boss.

Nodding to myself, I sharpen Yin’s blade with a rock from the river.

“Okay, listen to me, if I’m ever bitten, you have to promise me that you’ll finish me off. No hesitation, no buts, just do it. Or else I’ll come after you when I turn.” I say solemnly to Yin before beginning. “You won’t want to do it, but it’s life or death. Once bitten, we are just dead men walking. Trust me, it would be a mercy to kill us before the virus takes over. Understand?”

“Got it.” Yin bites her lips at my words. I know she probably will hesitate just like the last couple times, if it comes down to it, but that’s okay. That’s part of who she is and I need to accept that until she grows more experienced. It was unfair of me to expect someone as innocent as her to match up to my ruthless experience from two lives. Well, more than two lives now.

“I’m going. Hold onto this and watch carefully. Also, if you hear anything behind you, run to me.” I toss my cleaver to her and she hurriedly reaches out to catch it. As she juggles the thick blade awkwardly between her hands, I smile, flourishing her katana a few times. “Let me show you what real zombie-killing is like!”

Just like that, I run down to the river shore and chuck the rock I was using to sharpen her sword. It’s not a great stone, but I’m confident in my arm.

*Plonk*

…

*Plonk*

I don’t count how many skips it is this time, but it’s enough.

Can’t remember how many Drowned Souls came out before. Surely it was about this many?

Dancing down to the water’s edge, I wait for the bloated things to swim close and jump out. With a sword, I truly become more than just a butcher. The extra reach makes me a Death God. Swinging wildly, I take my time, accentuating some movements unnecessarily just so Yin can get a good look. It’s not long before all but three of the undead lie dead on the shore.

Congratulations, you are now Lvl. 5.

Once I see the system message I immediately stop and leap backwards, flipping through the air. Yin gasps excitedly as I land beside her like some sort of insane circus acrobat. Extending the sword, I swish the blood off and turn the blade around, presenting the handle to her.

“Your turn.” I say. Yin looks between me and the remaining three Drowned Souls. However, she’s already taken out two of them with my help before. Something about my performance has excited her. The pale cheeks are flushed, and her hands shake slightly but not from fear, nervousness perhaps.

“I’ll be able to do that too when I hit Lvl. 5?” She asks breathlessly. I nod, though I can’t resist adding.

“Well, you’ll be much stronger physically. And the System Skills will assist you, but you’ll still need to train to get to where I’m at…” I start to explain but she’s already taken the sword and started running towards the undead. “Wait hold on, let me help!”

“Hurry up!” She calls back and I can only shake my head while chasing her heels. Damn, I really can’t read this girl. One second, she’s afraid, the next, she’s running into danger. A few minutes later, with the help of a few of my carefully placed kicks, Yin has dispatched the Drowned Souls. Their blood soaks into the ground and makes the river water turn murky. She seems almost disappointed. “Only Lvl. 4. Darn!”

“Relax. It takes a lot more experience to hit each successive level. But I already told you, I know how to get you a lot of it. Once you hit a higher level and we have the correct equipment I’ll show you a way to level no one else knows about.” I grin, thinking back to a conversation we had while I was sharpening the sword. After we clear out the Corrupted Bear and deal with the infected wolves it will be time to leave this area. But I intend to go and say goodbye to Suzy before we go. I wonder if she’s watching us with that mirror of hers. I hope she’s not feeling too lonely. Under my breath, I whisper even though I know it’s ridiculous to imagine the lonely girl can hear me. “Just hold on a little longer…”

“What? Did you say something?” Yin ask me suspiciously. I wave her off.

“Nothing, nothing! Okay, now that I’m Lvl. 5, I’m confident we can do this if you follow my instructions. But remember, you have to listen! One mistake will cost you your life!” Squinting dangerously at the beautiful girl, I make sure Yin is taking me seriously. It’s hard to believe that the same girl who was afraid to take on a single zombie is now looking forward to hunting. When I first discovered the power of Hunters, I remember experiencing a similar feeling. It’s too bad I’ve already found out the true price of growing strong. Still, it’s nice to show off now and then.

I take Yin and begin to hack off numerous small trees.

This time, I’m not just going to fashion one spear. I’m going to make an arsenal.

Once I’ve created about a dozen of them, and even hardened their tips in fire, I grin devilishly. Looking at the sky, it’s already dark.

The bear should be done returning to its den. If my timing isn’t off this should work…

“Okay, let’s go!” Heaping the spears into Yin’s arms, I set a course for the bear’s den. Yin looks disgruntled and a little embarrassed to be walking around with a bunch of wooden spears, but I only take three of them, leaving the rest to her. After all, I need to keep my hands free in case the wolves don’t take the route I expect. Ignoring her annoyed cries, I get us nice and close to our target, making sure we’re downwind. While I might have the passive skill, Basic Scent Reduction, Yin most certainly does not. She smells amazing to me so I assume to the beasts we’re hunting she probably smells like a three-course gourmet meal and I’m not eager for them to find out we’re here yet. Suddenly, the sounds of snarling and baying wolves comes from ahead of us. “Perfect. We’re right on time!”

“What is that?” Yin asks confusedly. I put a finger to my lips and wave her forwards with me. As we peer around a thick tree, the den comes into view.

“Dinner.” I chuckle. The Corrupted Bear is fighting the infected wolves. Already, there are several chunks torn in its flanks and one of the bear’s massive paws is dragging limply. Three of the pack’s number lay still on the ground, whining for help. The battle is fierce and exactly what I hoped for. I stab the three spears I’m carrying butt-first into the dirt with my Lvl. 5 strength. That way Yin has something to retreat behind if the wolves target her. “Bring a couple of those with you, it’s a buffet tonight!”

“Oh…” Yin catches on quickly to my plan. We watch as the Corrupted Bear and the wolfpack clash over and over. Gradually, even the titan-like beast begins to tire. However, many wolves have fallen as well.

Now is the time.

“KILL!” I whisper to her and charge down to the den quietly. Yin follows behind awkwardly carrying a spear in each hand. We reach the first of the downed wolves. It’s just barely alive, a trickle of red blood dripping down its quivering jaws. Pointing at it, with the katana, I mime stabbing it. Yin looks somewhat appalled to kill it, but quickly takes a spear and rams it into the dying wolf’s eye!

“AWOOOO!” It howls before jerking still as she penetrates its brain. Instantly, the other members of the pack perk up when they realize someone else has joined the fight. However, the Corrupted Bear is too enraged to care and occupies their entire attention. Just like that, we make our first kill uncontested. Then I drag Yin over to the next fallen wolf.

*Puchi*

And the next-

*Puchi*

*Puchi*

We finish off every one still alive. Although a few are already dead, I have Yin stab them anyways to make sure they don’t reanimate since they’re infected. Though it’s grim work, the rewards are also great. The beautiful girl pumps her spear in the air as she hits Lvl. 5!

“Wooow!” Yin’s eyes go crazy as she no doubt is trying to read all the status changes and system explanations for what’s happening. However, I’m not done here. I intend to get her as strong as possible before we have to leave this forest!

“Come on! This isn’t over!” I pull her to another dying wolf which yips in alarm but cannot escape because two of its legs have been crushed. Seeing its fear, a deep sense of satisfaction spreads through me. “Yea…that’s right. You screwed me so many times…how does it feel to become someone’s xp!”