Chapter 41 : A Divine Headache, Grueling Training, and a Swampy Destination

Drake burst out of the stables, practically throwing himself onto Clunky's back. He didn't bother with a proper saddle; he just needed to get out of Silverstream, and fast. He kicked his heels into Clunky's sides, urging her into a gallop.

As they raced through the city gates and onto the open road, Drake couldn't help but unleash a torrent of colorful curses directed at the divine beings who had just tried to vaporize him.

"Those… feathered… fanatics!" he yelled, the wind whipping his words away. "Talk about overreacting! I make a few jokes about some fancy clothes, and suddenly I'm public enemy number one? What kind of cosmic bureaucracy is this? Do they have a celestial HR department? Because I'm filing a formal complaint! This is harassment! Pure and simple!"

He clutched his chest, where the lingering effects of the divine energy still burned. "And that… spear thing! Seriously? Did they run out of more creative divine weaponry? Did they just pick it up at some celestial pawn shop? 'Slightly used spear of divine smiting, only used to obliterate a few minor continents. Minor wear and tear.' Give me a break!"

He continued his tirade as Clunky carried him away from Silverstream, his voice echoing across the countryside. He cursed their fashion sense, their sense of humor (or lack thereof), their apparent obsession with smiting, and their general lack of understanding of basic human decency (or, in his case, basic chaotic decency).

"And the timing!" he exclaimed. "I was just about to start a new quest! I had 1000 gold coins on the line! Now I'm a fugitive from the heavens! Thanks a lot, you… celestial busybodies! You've ruined my schedule! I had a perfectly good Tuesday planned! Now it's all ruined by divine intervention! I should send them a bill for lost wages!"

He rode for hours, not stopping until the sun had set and the moon had risen high in the sky. He finally pulled Clunky to a halt in a small, secluded grove, far from any roads or settlements. He dismounted, his body aching from the hasty escape and the lingering effects of the divine attack.

He checked his Codex. His health was slowly recovering, thanks to his increased Constitution, but he still felt weak and drained.

* Level: 4

* Strength: 21

* Dexterity: 17

* Constitution: 23

* Intelligence: 14

* Wisdom: 7

* Charisma: 14

* Luck: 5

* Health: 70/100

*Skills:*

* Observe (Level 2)

* Sense Magic (Level 3)

* Street Fighting (Level 5)

* Harvest (Level 2)

* Seal Analysis (Basic)

* Shadow Cloak (Level 3)

* Shadow Strike (Level 2)

* Void Step (Level 1)

"Well," he muttered to Clunky, who was grazing peacefully nearby, "looks like we're on our own again. Just like old times. Though I have to say, this whole 'being hunted by the Gods' thing is a new experience. Not exactly a five-star rating, I have to say."

He set up a small camp, built a fire, and settled in for a restless night. He knew that the Gods were still watching him, their eyes fixed on his every move. He needed to be careful. He needed to be smart. And he needed to get stronger.

The next morning, Drake decided to dedicate the day to training. He knew he couldn't afford to be caught off guard again, especially with divine attention focused on him. He started with a series of intense physical exercises: push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and sprints. He pushed himself until his muscles burned, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

*Notification: "Experience Gained: Physical Training (+50 XP)."*

He then practiced his swordsmanship, focusing on speed, precision, and power. He visualized the Void Brute's attacks, trying to anticipate its movements and develop counters. He practiced his footwork, his dodges, and his strikes, pushing his *Street Fighting* skill to its limits.

*Notification: "Experience Gained: Swordsmanship Training (+75 XP)."*

He then practiced with his magic, using Shadow Cloak and Shadow Strike repeatedly, trying to improve his control and efficiency. He also experimented with Void Step, trying to increase the distance he could teleport and reduce the mana cost.

*Notification: "Experience Gained: Magical Training (+100 XP)."*

*Notification: "Skill Increased: Shadow Cloak (Level 4)."*

As he trained, he reflected on his recent experiences. He realized that he had been relying too much on his raw power and not enough on strategy and technique. He needed to be more adaptable, more unpredictable. He needed to be smarter.

He continued his training throughout the day, pushing himself to his limits. He felt his body growing stronger, his skills becoming sharper. He knew he still had a long way to go, but he was making progress.

As the sun began to set, Drake felt a sense of accomplishment. He had made significant progress in his training, and he felt much better prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. He packed up his camp and continued his journey eastward, towards the Shadowfen, his mind focused on the task at hand.