Chapter 10: The Aftermath

A dull throbbing pulsed through my skull as I slowly regained consciousness. My body felt like it had been trampled by a stampede. Everything ached—my arms, my legs, even muscles I didn't know existed.

I groaned, forcing my heavy eyelids open. A soft, flickering light filled the dimly lit room, the scent of fresh linen mixing with a faint herbal aroma.

"Where… am I?" My voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.

"You're at Starfish Inn," a familiar voice answered.

I turned my head—or at least tried to. Even that simple movement sent a wave of dizziness crashing over me. A warm hand pressed against my shoulder, stopping me from moving too much.

"Take it easy," Alice said, concern laced in her voice.

I let out a breath and slowly pushed myself up, my body protesting with every movement. My forehead throbbed, and I instinctively reached up, pressing my fingers against it.

Alice crossed her arms. "You're lucky to even be moving right now. After that fight, I thought you were done for."

My memories came rushing back—the dungeon, the black wolf, its final transformation, my sword piercing through its throat. I had won. Barely.

I exhaled, resting my head against the pillow. "How long have I been out?"

"A little over a day," Alice replied. "John and Sarah carried you out of the dungeon. You were unconscious the whole time."

I glanced around the room. Wooden walls, a small nightstand with a candle burning low, a glass of water sitting beside it. The place was simple but clean.

"Where are the others?"

"Downstairs, getting something to eat. We figured you'd wake up soon."

I let out a weak chuckle. "Guess I missed the celebration."

Alice smirked. "Don't worry, we saved you a plate. You'll need it after nearly getting yourself killed."

I sighed and sat up properly, feeling my strength slowly returning.

"Ava," I called out.

For a moment, there was silence. Then—

Ava: "System online. Welcome back, Host."

Alice gave me a curious look but didn't ask.

Ava: "Initiating full status report…"

Ava: "Vitality: Stable. Recovery at 80%. Minor internal injuries healing at accelerated rate due to Instinct Regeneration."

Ava: "Newly unlocked skills: Instinct Regeneration (Level 2), Enhanced Reflexes (Level 2), Abyssal Endurance (Level 2), Shadow Step (Level 1), and Draconic Pressure (Level 1)."

Ava: "Total gold earned from dungeon clear: 100,000 gold coins. Current balance: 100,500 gold coins."

My fingers twitched. One hundred thousand? That was more than I could even comprehend.

Ava: "Additional rewards obtained: Floor Boss Trophy. Rare material: Black Wolf Core. Exclusive Title: Wolf Slayer."

I clenched my fists, feeling the power coursing through me. I had barely survived that battle, but it wasn't for nothing. I was stronger now.

Alice raised an eyebrow. "You're making a weird face. What's going on?"

I smirked. "Just realizing that near-death experiences come with a pretty good bonus."

Alice scoffed. "Yeah? Well, try not to almost die next time."

I let out a small laugh, swinging my legs off the bed.

"Can't make any promises."

I rolled my shoulders, testing my body. There was still a faint ache, but it was nothing compared to before. If I was going to be at my best, I needed a little boost.

"Ava, use 500 gold to buy health and stamina potions."

Ava: "Processing request… Purchase complete. Applying potions."

A warm sensation spread through my body as the potions took effect. The soreness faded instantly, and my strength returned as if I had never been unconscious.

I clenched my fists and stood up, stretching like I had just woken from a nap instead of nearly dying in a dungeon.

Alice's eyes widened. "What the hell? You were barely able to sit up a second ago."

I shrugged. "Guess I'm just built different."

She scoffed, crossing her arms. "Yeah, right. That's not normal."

I grabbed my coat from the chair and slung it over my shoulders. "Thanks for looking out for me, Alice, but I should get going."

Alice frowned. "You sure you don't need more rest?"

"I'm fine," I said, heading for the door. "See you around."

Alice watched me, still looking unconvinced, but she didn't stop me. "Alright, but don't push yourself too hard."

I smirked. "No promises."

With that, I left the inn and made my way home.

The Next Day – At the Bridge

The morning air was crisp as I stood at the bridge leading into the dungeon. The city of Stargaze stretched behind me, its worn-down buildings and struggling merchants a reminder of how little this place had left.

Alice stood a few feet away, watching me with a serious expression.

"You should leave Stargaze," she said suddenly.

I frowned. "What?"

Alice sighed. "This city is dying, Abe. The dungeons here are unpredictable, the monsters are getting stronger, and the resources are scarce. If you stay here, you'll be wasting your potential."

She turned to look past the bridge, toward the horizon. "Oracle is different. It's thriving. The hunters there are stronger, the opportunities are better. You could grow so much more if you came with me."

I stared at her, taking in her words. Leaving Stargaze… I had never considered it before. This was my home, the only place I had ever known. But she wasn't wrong. If I wanted to survive—if I wanted to get stronger—I couldn't stay trapped in a place that was only dragging me down.

I exhaled, my grip tightening on my sword.

Maybe it was time for a change.