Chapter 15: A Day of Rest and Small Indulgences
Chapter 15: A Day of Rest and Small Indulgences
Descending the mountain felt like stepping from a battlefield back into civilization. After days of relentless training, a near-death battle, and claiming a legendary weapon, the sight of modern streets and mundane city life almost felt unreal.
At the base, I waved down a taxi and collapsed into the backseat with a sigh. The soreness in my muscles wasn't as bad as it should have been—thanks to the Purification Potion—but exhaustion still clung to me. Pushing my body to its limits over and over had taken its toll.
I needed a break.
"Where to?" the driver asked, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.
I hesitated before making a decision. "City center. A decent hotel."
The driver gave a curt nod, and we set off.
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A New Look for a New Self
As the taxi weaved through the city streets, my reflection flickered in the window. My appearance had changed.
My once-lean frame had filled out with well-defined muscle, giving me an athletic build that felt both powerful and natural. My face had sharpened slightly, carrying a more refined, almost noble-like air.
But my eyes…
Even when my Eclipse Vision wasn't active, they held an unnatural depth—subtle hints of crimson shimmered whenever light hit them at the right angle.
That wouldn't do.
When we passed by a shopping district, I told the driver to pull over. I stepped into the nearest store and picked up a pair of sunglasses. Sliding them on, I checked my reflection in a storefront window.
"Better. Now I don't look like a demon possessed."
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Luxury, At Least for a Day
After securing a hotel suite in a high-rise, I finally allowed myself to breathe. The room was extravagant—floor-to-ceiling windows, a plush king-sized bed, and a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
I didn't care about any of it.
Dropping my bags, I collapsed onto the mattress. The sheer comfort made me groan in relief.
"A real bed… finally."
For a few minutes, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, letting the silence wash over me. No training. No battles. No looming threats. Just an ordinary day in the city.
Unfortunately, my peace didn't last long.
"Getting too comfortable already?"
I groaned, rolling onto my side. "Kurenai, do you ever shut up?"
"As your partner, it's my duty to remind you that laziness leads to weakness."
"Let me have one day."
"Tch. Fine. But don't get soft."
I turned my gaze to my wrist, where Kurenai had transformed into a simple black bracelet—a feature I hadn't expected, but one I appreciated. Carrying around a giant katana in the middle of the city would have been… problematic.
Kurenai chuckled, voice laced with amusement. "Surprised? You think a legendary sword would make its wielder lug it around like some common blade?"
I smirked. "Convenient. If only you had an off switch."
"Wouldn't that be nice?"
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Living Like a Normal Person
With my gear sorted, I decided to do something I hadn't done since arriving in this world—act like a regular person.
First stop: The movies.
I grabbed a bucket of popcorn and sat through an over-the-top fantasy film. Watching characters perform flashy sword techniques was amusing now that I had actual combat experience. Half the moves they pulled off were wildly impractical.
"If they tried that in a real fight, they'd be dead in five seconds."
Kurenai chimed in. "That's generous. Three seconds, at best."
Next stop: Shopping.
I updated my wardrobe, grabbing comfortable casual clothes and a few formal outfits—just in case. I also picked up a pair of gloves to help conceal the callouses on my hands.
Final stop: A gaming café.
Despite my new reality, some habits were hard to shake. I logged into an online game on my phone, joining a PvP match. The thrill of competition was oddly satisfying.
As I played, I couldn't help but reflect.
Once, this had been my only escape—from a hospital bed, from a body that refused to function. Now, I was living in a world that had once been nothing more than pixels on a screen.
"Crazy how life works."
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The Road Ahead
By the time night fell, I returned to my hotel, feeling more at ease than I had in weeks. The lights of the city stretched endlessly beyond the window, a sea of glowing ambition.
Kurenai's voice hummed in my mind. "So, what's next?"
I leaned against the glass, watching the streets below.
"Training. Planning. And then… power."
"Good answer."
Tomorrow, the grind resumed. But tonight?
Tonight, I rested.