Chapter 13 - Second Bath

Hild gathered Werf and Jil in the bathing room, where the large wooden tub from before had been set up once again.

The scent of herbs, minerals, and the faint coppery tinge of the boar's heart filled the air as steam rose from the freshly prepared medicinal bath.

Hild stood over the tub, stirring the water with a wooden ladle. "Same rules as before," she reminded them. "The longer you stay in, the better the effects."

Werf and Jil exchanged glances, remembering the intense sensation from their first bath. Despite their initial hesitation, they nodded and began undressing.

Fenr, who had been curled up in the corner, let out a soft whine, already suspecting he'd be joining them again.

Once inside, the warmth of the water immediately seeped into their skin. Unlike a normal bath, the liquid felt thicker, as if it clung to their bodies, seeping into their very being.

Hild instructed them to fully submerge, ensuring the mixture reached every part of them.

They followed her guidance, holding their breath as they dipped their heads below the surface, their eyes open as the herbal-infused liquid stung slightly.

Minutes passed, their bodies growing accustomed to the bath. The same deep tingling sensation spread through their limbs, their muscles twitching involuntarily.

Just like before, the bath drew out impurities, and soon enough, the water around them began darkening, murky with expelled filth.

Jil clenched her fists, determined to last longer than before. Werf gritted his teeth, steeling himself against the discomfort.

Even Fenr, reluctant at first, eventually settled down, his small frame shivering slightly as he endured the process.

After what felt like an eternity, Hild finally gave them the signal to step out. They climbed out of the tub, dripping with the strange, blackened residue that had been extracted from their bodies. As they dried themselves off, an excited energy buzzed between them.

"Alright, let's test it!" Jil said eagerly, already sprinting toward the backyard. Werf followed quickly behind, anticipation in his eyes.

The moment they reached the open field, they began testing their senses—expecting the same dramatic enhancement as before. They squinted at distant trees, sniffed the air, and even shouted to see if their hearing had improved.

Nothing.

Jil frowned, wiggling her fingers. "I don't feel any different."

Werf scowled. "Me neither. Did it… not work?"

Hild, who had been leaning against the doorway watching them, let out a chuckle. "You two thought you'd get another major improvement so soon?"

The children turned toward her, confused.

Hild smirked. "That first bath was just the beginning. You're not going to have another sudden breakthrough like that for a while. From here on, the baths will only help gradually—refining your body bit by bit. Only when you break through to the Mid Nervous System stage will you see another big leap in your abilities."

Jil crossed her arms. "So we just… keep doing this? With little changes?"

Hild nodded. "That's how cultivation works. There's no rushing it. You strengthen your body slowly, until one day, you suddenly realize you've improved."

Werf exhaled, shaking his arms out. "Guess that makes sense."

Jil stretched. "Well, I still feel refreshed."

Hild smirked. "Good. Now that you're clean, get dressed and help me with dinner."

Once dressed, the three of them moved to the kitchen, where Hild set about preparing dinner. Jil helped with chopping vegetables, while Werf tended to the fire, ensuring the flames stayed even as a large pot of stew bubbled over it.

The rich aroma of slow-cooked meat, fresh herbs, and spices filled the air as the meal came together.

As they ate, Jil leaned forward, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Hild, tell us more about your hunt. How'd you catch that big boar?"

Hild smirked, setting her spoon down. "I went beyond the city gates and hitched a ride on a passing caravan. Once I reached the outskirts of the forest, I scouted for tracks, checking for signs of any lone creatures wandering too far."

She leaned back slightly, her eyes gleaming. "After an hour of tracking, I spotted an Iron-Tusked Boar near a small clearing. It was sniffing at the underbrush, unaware of me. I crouched low, dagger in hand, and moved silently through the brush."

Werf and Jil held their breath.

"When I was just a few meters away, I exploded forward, covering the distance in an instant. The boar barely had time to react before I drove my dagger into its hind leg, severing the tendons. It let out a wild screech, thrashing as it tried to flee, but its injured leg gave out."

Jil's eyes widened. "Then what?"

Hild smirked. "I grabbed its tusk and held on for dear life as it bucked and flailed. It nearly threw me off twice, but I wrapped my legs around its thick neck and squeezed. Hard."

Werf swallowed. "Did it—"

"The boar struggled for a few seconds, then its bones cracked under the pressure." Hild leaned back. "After that, it was over."

Jil and Werf exchanged nervous glances.

Werf shuddered. "Remind me never to make you mad."

Hild chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Too late for that."