3 Hours and 50 Minutes

His legs were shaking, his arms were aching, and his head was throbbing. He couldn't go on, so he relaxed against the trunk of a nearby tree. He still had 3hrs and 50 minutes, so his journey was far from over. Under the shade of the tree, the sun was nowhere in sight yet the environment was bright, indicating it was still daytime. A soft breeze blew as he got lost in his thoughts

'I can't stay here for long I have to keep moving, getting out of here is my top priority. Who knew it'd be so hard. The creatures here are too strong.'

*ding*

[No host is just too weak]

He decides to ignore this parasite's existence.

'I weak now but I won't be forever.'

He stood up with more determination than ever, he was convicted in his ability to get through this forest alive.

He moved through the forest with caution exhausting his mental strength to stay alert and perceive movements in the surrounding. His mental strength and perception were as low as all ordinary mortals, so this was a difficult task. He stayed near the trees as they could offer a form of escape from any on-ground dangers and cover from above-ground predators. His journey was somewhat smooth as there were no fights in his vicinity, so he moved without rest and like that, the four-hour journey came to an end.

His first step out of the forest was greeted by a warm ray of sun that calmed his nerves. As the tension seeped out of his body, his legs gave way, and he slumped to the ground while resting on a nearby tree. He had reached the state of exhaustion. The constant alertness had depleted his mental strength. Suddenly a wave of sleep engulfed him. He remained deep in sleep for 4 hours; hence he did not notice individuals walking in and out of the mountains carrying corpses of animals he once deemed extremely powerful.

The four hours passed, and he regained consciousness. It was a 12-hour potion, and he had spent 6 hours on his journey and 4 hours sleeping. Hence he only had 2 hours before the effects were cancelled.

As he awoke, he was haunted by the feeling of weakness that comes when you wake. It gives you the urge to go back to sleep. It was a d*mned feeling. However, he also felt the revitalisation that comes after rest. So he felt much better than he did before his much-needed sleep

'How long have I been asleep' he thought.

Checking the system clock, he gasped, 'four hours? Am I really so weak?'

*Ding*

He heard the cursed sound

[Yes, such a simple journey took you time and so much effort. 'Ptoi' I spit on you]

Jophiel scoffed,

'Like you have any spit'

*Silence*

Their disdain for each other was clear, but it was fine. What did it matter that they were cursing each other to death in their minds at this current moment? It is certain that they will bond after facing countless life and death experiences together...

Hopefully.

"Lets explore the area." he said to no one in particular.

Like this, his journey began.

The day was bright, and the weather was warm, just like the day he left Earth. This made Jophiel a little sad as he felt nostalgic. It hadn't been a day, but he had already missed his family. Boring as they may be.

*Ding*

[Weak]

'Is that some kind of motto now.'

He stopped and decided to make things clear to the system.

'I miss them but I don't want to go back. I want to have some fun. Finally.'

Come to think of it. It really has been a long time since he had any fun much less smiled or laughed genuinely. The type of laughter or smile that screams that you're happy with your life. He wanted to experience such joy, such contentment, and he knew deep inside that no matter how dangerous this journey or quest may be. It was something he must undertake to finally find happiness or even satisfaction. Be it life's sorrows or joys; he wanted to experience it all. Even near death?... Whatever it was, he would face it.

He was prepared...

Actually, he was not. He didn't know what lay ahead of him, but at least he had his trusty system..., nope didn't have that, too everyone had sweet or mute systems while his was full of crap. How can it be trusted?

With such thoughts in mind, he started his journey towards the settlement ahead, unaware of the deep resentment that was growing in his system.

***

Could you blame it? It had such an unreliable host. It had been paired with sons of the heavens with unparalleled talent, It had seen the depths of hell and heights of heaven. After all, its previous hosts had made hell turn cold, and the heavens shook in their presence. Yet due to unfortunate circumstances, it had ended up with this earthling who had never once witnessed Qi, Mana, Force, Energy, or any sort of power. No, it was unacceptable. Unless System threw a minimum of 5 insults each morning and 15 by the day ends, it would absolutely not be satisfied. After all, holding up anger isn't good for your health.

Yes, for health purposes, that's why insults must be thrown. As a kind, innocent system, it definitely wouldn't throw insults at its host just for its own satisfaction, never, if not for health purposes.

***

As Jophiel moved forward, he got a better view of the settlement ahead. It was as developed as a town. It was more developed than a village but less developed than your average city. He moved along with the passersby as they all headed towards the same direction. He reached the gates of the 'town', which was about 12 feet high. Its height could be said to be average.

He approached the gate with the masses that were entering the town. The guards didn't stop him as he reached the threshold to enter. After all, the potion was still in effect. He crept towards the town and was amazed at what he saw. The houses were made up of a mix of fired bricks(Fired Clay) and red bricks. The houses were built like European houses during the industrial revolution. He began wandering the streets and saw hawkers with stalls in front of various buildings and a market square filled with hawkers left and right. Then he walked into the poorer areas there were no red brick houses. It was purely fired bricks and they lacked a proper roof with clay tiles and instead had thatched roofs. There were no stalls like in the market place. The stalls were more like booths and they mostly sold fruit and vegetables. There was surprisingly no meat.

He went back to the bustling side of town and hid in an alley. His two hours were almost up.

*Ding*

[Mission Completed- Explore the town of Barbek]

...