Playful Days (Part 14)

Two weeks later, I was discharged from the hospital. I thanked the nurses and doctors who took care of me during my stay.

After leaving, I went to the market in search of a flower shop. I didn't know much about flowers, so I simply picked some at random and bought them. On my way out, I passed by a vending machine and purchased a can of fruit juice.

With the flowers in one hand and the drink in the other, I walked towards the cemetery where Meily and her mother rested. The path felt heavier with each step, as if the weight of my memories was pressing down on me.

"Sorry it took me so long to visit," I said softly, placing the flowers down before their graves.

I bowed my head and offered a silent prayer. After a moment, I sat down beside them and opened my drink, taking a slow sip as I gazed up at the sky.

Memories of Meily flashed through my mind. Her blunt yet fun nature, the way she never hesitated to speak her mind, how she made even the darkest moments feel a little lighter. I thought about the last time I saw her, how she had apologized to me...

A sudden lump formed in my throat. I coughed, choking on my drink.

"Cough... Cough... Cough..."

Even now, my anxiety and depression hadn't fully healed. My mind was still fractured from everything that had happened. The pain of loss lingered like an open wound that refused to close.

"Meily..." I whispered, brushing my fingers over the grass beside her grave. "I envy you. Even though your mother had flaws, you still loved her with all your heart. I... I could never do that. I hated mine. I resented her. But you... you were stronger than me in ways I can't even comprehend."

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I clenched my fists.

"I wish we had more time together," I admitted. "I wish we could have gone on more adventures, laughed a little longer... just existed in the same world for a little while more."

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. The pain wouldn't fade, but I had to keep moving forward.

"Looks like our playful days are over now, huh?" I gave a bittersweet smile. "Goodbye, Meily."

With those final words, exhaustion overcame me, and I fell asleep beside her grave.

...

When I opened my eyes again, something felt different. My body was glowing.

[Congratulations, you have reached Level 50.]

A familiar window appeared before my vision, and I felt a strange sensation washing over me.

[Evolution sequence starting.]

"Evolution?" My thoughts raced. "Did this happen when I was unconscious before?"

[Requirements have been met.]

[Evolving as Elf.]

My vision blurred, and the world around me faded. I barely had time to process what was happening before I lost consciousness again.

...

When I woke up, I felt completely different. My body felt whole—stronger, lighter. I glanced at my left arm, which had been missing before.

It was back.

I stood up slowly and noticed my reflection in the ice mirror I summoned. I was taller now, my features sharper. My clothes had been torn apart during the evolution, leaving me completely exposed.

"Thank goodness no one is here," I muttered, quickly fashioning a makeshift dress from nearby leaves using my crafting skill.

I examined myself in the mirror again.

"Still small..." I sighed, poking at my unchanged chest.

I opened my status window, scanning through the updated stats. My abilities had increased dramatically. I had even gained a new one.

[Ability: Plunderer – Allows the user to steal skills, power, and life force from others.]

I clenched my fists. This power... if I trained hard enough, I could use it to destroy that blood manipulation demon once and for all. The thought of revenge burned within me, fueling my resolve.

"I need to keep getting stronger."

After purchasing new clothes, armor, and a short sword from the market, I made my way to the adventurer's guild. As soon as I stepped inside, eyes turned toward me—some in admiration, others in envy. I ignored them all and strode straight to the quest board.

I wouldn't waste another second.

"I'll take this A-rank quest," I declared, handing the poster to the receptionist.

My eyes burned with determination. I would keep moving forward. I would survive. And when the time came, I would take my revenge with my own power.