Chapter 104: Finally waking up
"Be more pushy if not your relationship will still stay the same in five years!"
These words left Lilith with a sense of confusion and curiosity. What did her mature self mean by being "pushy"? And how would it impact her relationship in the coming years? Lilith couldn't help but ponder the hidden meaning behind those cryptic words, wondering if there was some profound truth or advice embedded within them.
She knew that she would need to unravel this mystery in order to fully understand the path she was destined to take.
A low rumble reverberated through her empty stomach, disrupting the peaceful aftermath of her bath. Unable to ignore it any longer, Lilith gracefully made her way to the heart of her home - the kitchen. Despite her outward appearance, there resided within her a remarkable talent for the culinary arts.
Perhaps it was a skill acquired through years of self-sufficiency, or a hidden passion that emerged during moments of solitude.
Whatever the origin, her movements in the kitchen were precise and practiced. In no time, the tantalizing aroma of a delectable meal permeated the air. It was not an extravagant masterpiece, but a carefully crafted dish that exemplified practicality and a profound understanding of flavors. Within the realm of culinary creation, Lilith discovered a distinct sense of fulfillment.
It was a quiet expertise, a testament to her ability to excel not only in the realm of action but also in the domestic realm.
As she plated her creation, a faint, satisfied smirk graced her lips - a fleeting glimpse into a side of Lilith rarely exposed to the outside world.
The aroma of her creation mingled with the subtle fragrance of a well-chosen wine. Lilith poured herself a glass, the ruby liquid catching the warm glow of the kitchen lights. As she settled down to enjoy her meal, a sense of solitude, not loneliness, descended upon her.
The clinking of silverware against the plate provided the only soundtrack to her dinner. It was a peaceful moment, a rare respite in a life defined by action and purpose. Each bite was savored, the flavors dancing on her tongue a welcome counterpoint to the usual intensity of her existence.
The wine, expertly chosen to complement the dish, worked its magic. It wasn't just about quenching her thirst; it was a silent indulgence, a way to unwind after the restorative bath and the focused efficiency of cooking. With each sip, the tension in her shoulders seemed to ease a fraction further.
This solitary dinner wasn't merely a refueling stop. It was a strategic pause, a moment to savor the quiet triumph of a well-cooked meal and the comfort of a good wine. It was Lilith, alone but not lonely, taking a deep breath before diving back into the fray, her resolve bolstered and her spirit rejuvenated.
"It's been a while since I've felt this way," Lilith thought to herself sincerely. After finishing her dinner, she delved into her thoughts, reflecting on the wise words her aunt had shared with her. Finally, she grasped the true meaning of embracing her mature self, and a smile spread across her face.
"Well, I'll strive even harder," she vowed.
Across the grand hallway, on the upper floor, a room bathed in sunlight caught the eye. Inside, a sense of grandeur prevailed, as evidenced by the presence of a king-sized bed, its headboard adorned with intricate carvings that spoke of the mansion's opulence.
Atop the bed, a man of striking handsomeness lay sprawled, his tousled hair bearing the color of polished silver with a hint of gray that hinted at the passing of time and wisdom gained from experience.
Naturally, the person who occupied this luxurious space was none other than Noah.
As night draped its inky cloak over the mansion, a million glittering stars emerged, transforming the scene outside into a breathtaking celestial tapestry. Moonlight, soft and silvery, streamed through the windows of the room where Noah slumbered.
Unlike Lilith, who seemed to have shaken off sleep with practiced ease, Noah remained deeply engrossed in his dreams. His breathing was slow and steady, a testament to a deep and undisturbed slumber.
Whatever the reason, the silence in the room was profound, broken only by the gentle snores emanating from Noah's relaxed form.
Noah slept like a stone until the first tendrils of dawn painted the sky with streaks of pink and orange.
The rising sun, however, proved to be a persistent alarm clock. As the first rays of sunlight crept through the luxurious window treatments, bathing the room in a soft golden glow, Noah's eyelids finally fluttered open. He blinked a few times, the edges of a dream clinging to his mind for a fleeting moment before dissipating completely.
With a slow stretch that spoke of both relaxation and a hint of lingering stiffness, Noah began to rise.
"For how many days have I slept? Two maybe 3. I vividly recalled what happened, damn I must not take such a gamble so lightly again." Noah vowed as he he rose with a more measured grace, the stiffness from a long slumber evident in his initial movements. He padded silently across the plush carpeting, the silence of the room broken only by the soft pad of his bare feet.
His destination was clear – the grand bathroom, likely mirroring the one Lilith had enjoyed earlier. Perhaps he yearned for a similar cleansing ritual, a chance to wash away the remnants of sleep and prepare himself for whatever the day might bring.
Stepping into the grand bathroom, Noah let out a satisfied sigh. Unlike Lilith's practical two-hour soak, his approach seemed more leisurely. He savored the experience. The warm water enveloped him, loosening the knots of tension that had accumulated during his long journey.
The steam, infused with the faint scent of cedarwood from luxurious bath products, rose in gentle wisps, carrying away the remnants of sleep.
He might have closed his eyes, allowing the rhythmic drip of the faucet and the soft hiss of escaping steam to lull him into a meditative state. Perhaps memories flickered through his mind, snippets from his travels or echoes of conversations yet to come.
This wasn't just a cleansing ritual; it was a strategic pause, a moment for quiet reflection before the day's events unfolded. With each dip of his hand into the water, he might have unconsciously strategized, his mind meticulously planning for the challenges ahead.
By the time he emerged, wrapped in a plush towel, a sense of calm determination emanated from him. He was no longer the man who had slumbered peacefully; this was a man prepared for action, his resolve bolstered by the restorative power of the bath.
Noah's breakfast was light but nutritious. He enjoyed a small bowl of whole-wheat yogurt with a sprinkle of granola and some fresh berries. Alongside it, he had a couple of homemade oatmeal raisin cookies he had baked. He savored each bite, feeling energized and ready to tackle the day.
After finishing his breakfast he decided it was time to check his reward.
[System under upgrade: Current upgrade pourcentage 50%]
{Additional reward: All stats plus 3.}
Noah immediately summoned his status window to check.
■Status Window
Name: Noah Adler
Rank: Regular
Level 38
Class: Angel of Death
Title: Goblin Slayer
◇◇◇◇◇
☆Stats☆
Mana: 87
Strength: 100
Intelligence: 79
Dexterity: 100
Luck: 75
Stat Points: 0
Coins: 3060G
◇◇◇◇◇
☆Skills☆
Common Skill: {Basic Swordsmanship},{Basic Close Combat} {Presence Detection} {Master of Weapons} {Mana's Armor Lvl 1} {Shadow Steps Level 1} {Blood Flowers} {Splitting Ripple Slash LVl 1} {Fangs of Insanity} {Flame Art}
Exclusive Skill: {Seal of Death} {Night of Death}
◇◇◇◇◇
☆Runes ☆
{Basic Strength},{Basic Speed} {Angel of Death}
■
"Finally, it's time to check my main reward, the Ego weapon." Noah couldn't hide his joy when thinking about owning an Ego weapon.
Ego weapons.
A term that encompassed weapons with their own will, always ranked among the highest-grade equipment in this world.
Considering mana, the main energy of this world, was harnessed by human will, the idea of a weapon handling it autonomously and creating synergy with its owner wasn't so far-fetched, was it?
Just as Noah was about to get dressed, he heard the sound of someone knocking on his door. It was Lilith, whom he had informed that he woke up just before cooking breakfast.
''Morning Lilith!"
''Morning Noah, I hope you're fine?" Lilith asked checking Noah from head to toe.
Feeling her concerns, Noah smiled.
''I'm fine thank to you.'' He took in Lilith's current appearance.
The denim, a deep, rich indigo perhaps, hugged her curves in a way that hinted at hidden strength beneath the casual exterior.
A simple white blouse, crisp and tailored, peeked out from the top of the jeans. It might have been adorned with a single delicate necklace, a silver chain with a pendant that held a secret meaning, visible only to her. Her hair, that had been a glorious mess earlier, was now pulled back in a sleek ponytail, the white strands catching the light of the sun.
''You are beautiful!"