Chapter 7: The Oasis in Darkness

Raiken sat in the remains of a massive slime, his body slumped over, exhausted. His black and gold armor gleamed under the fading sunlight, looking even more polished after the battle, as if the essence of his defeated enemies was absorbed into it. He let out a deep sigh, running his gloved hand through his messy hair.

In his other hand, he held a glowing gem, the core of the defeated slime, along with some rocky fragments from the previous Rocky Golems. His body ached, his throat burned with thirst, and the exhaustion of battling monsters for days without proper rest was finally catching up to him.

He clenched his fists, feeling the dryness in his throat intensify. "Where can I freaking find water?! I've been out here for almost days!"

The System chimed in, its voice as casual and teasing as ever.

System: "Aww, poor Raiken. Need me to hold your hand and guide you to water?"

Raiken: "Not in the mood for your jokes right now, System."

System: "Alright, alright. Sheesh, someone's cranky. Anyway—good news! I just detected a cave nearby."

Raiken's eyes lit up with hope. "Oh? Thank you, System! There might be water there… and a place to stay."

System: "Great choice! Let's get moving before you pass out like a dehydrated potato."

Raiken stood up, shaking off the slime residue clinging to his armor. He stretched his limbs before trudging forward, following the System's navigation.

The Hidden Cave

After walking for several minutes, he finally arrived.

Before him stood a massive cave entrance, its dark maw stretching deep into the unknown. A chilling breeze seeped from within, carrying the faint scent of damp stone and earth. The entrance alone was wide enough to fit an entire fortress, the jagged edges of the rocks resembling the teeth of a giant beast.

Raiken narrowed his eyes, stepping forward cautiously. "Damn… this thing is huge. And dark as hell."

System: "Relax, I got this."

Suddenly, the System's interface began to glow, releasing an intense golden light that illuminated the cave's depths. The radiance pulsed like divine energy, casting away the shadows as if the sun itself had descended into the cavern.

Raiken: "Whoa—DAMN! That's bright!"

He shielded his eyes for a moment, his vision adjusting to the overwhelming brilliance. The once-ominous cave was now fully visible, revealing its vast, rocky interior lined with stalactites hanging from the ceiling like stone fangs.

System: "Told ya. No need for torches when you have me!"

Raiken smirked. "Yeah, yeah. Show-off."

As he stepped deeper into the cave, a faint dripping sound echoed through the air.

Drip… Drip… Drip…

Raiken's ears perked up. He froze, straining to listen.

Raiken: "Wait a sec…"

Before the System could even speak—

Raiken: "I HEAR WATER!"

He bolted toward the sound, his exhaustion temporarily forgotten as adrenaline fueled his movements. His boots pounded against the stone floor, the echoes of his footsteps bouncing off the walls.

System: "Water detected! Confirmed!"

Raiken: "Yeah, no sh— I KNOW!"

The Life-Giving Spring

After sprinting through the cavern, Raiken skidded to a stop, his breath hitching at the sight before him.

Nestled within the depths of the cave was a small, crystal-clear pool of water. The surface shimmered under the System's golden light, reflecting back an almost divine glow. The air around it was cool and refreshing, a stark contrast to the dry wasteland outside.

Raiken's mouth went dry at the sight. His throat screamed for relief.

Raiken: "Is it safe?"

The System scanned the water, emitting a faint beeping sound before confirming:

System: "Analysis complete. Water is pure, clean, and safe for consumption."

Before it could finish its sentence—

Raiken DROPPED TO HIS KNEES and DOVE IN!

His hands cupped the water, and he drank like a starving beast, gulping down mouthfuls as fast as he could. The cool, refreshing liquid slid down his throat, instantly soothing the dryness and exhaustion.

Raiken: "HOLY—!!!" He took another huge gulp. "WHY DOES THIS TASTE SO DAMN GOOD?!"

The System blinked.

System: "Uh… water doesn't have a taste."

Raiken wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, eyes wide. "NOW IT DOES!"

The System sighed. "Yeah, sure. Whatever makes you happy."

For several moments, Raiken just sat there, enjoying the life-giving water, his body slowly recovering from the days of dehydration.

After he had his fill, he leaned back, exhaling deeply. "Damn… that was good."

But then—his survival instincts kicked in.

He turned toward the System. "We need to pack this up. I'm not leaving without a water supply."

System: "Smart thinking. Good news again—you have a Water Carrier in your inventory."

Raiken grinned. "Activate it."

With a flash of light, a sleek, reinforced water container appeared before him, large enough to store gallons of water.

Raiken: "Nice."

He wasted no time, scooping up as much water as he could, filling the container until it was brimming. He sealed it tightly before standing up, cracking his neck.

Raiken: "Alright… I'm set."

He glanced around the cave, realizing for the first time how spacious and protected it was. The walls were sturdy, and the air was cool. It was the perfect shelter for the time being.

Raiken: "Looks like I found my new base."

The System chuckled.

System: "Not bad, Raiken. Not bad at all."

With his thirst quenched and a safe haven secured, Raiken finally felt a sense of relief. But deep down, he knew this was only the beginning.

The real battles were still ahead.