Retreating so many cores from the dead bodies was a consuming task. Wasting too much energy on this part could cause delays.

So, they didn't retrieve all the cores — just enough to be prepared for any big fight.

Ash already had more than a hundred D-rank cores in his system panel.

Somewhere along the journey, he realized it wasn't something only he could do — Jessie could also store system-related items.

The difference was that she didn't have an armory, so she couldn't put her weapon inside the system, but beast cores, special items, or rewards granted by the system could be stored.

It was convenient; otherwise, they would've needed to find a space-type item to store their belongings.

Ash looked at the sand shimmering under the moonlight. The cold breeze struck, making him shiver as they continued walking.

"Jessie, use it or we'll freeze," Ash said, rubbing his hands together.

According to his calculations, the temperature had dropped below zero and would continue to fall as the night grew darker.

Their throats were dry from thirst. It had been a full day in this world — equivalent to three days in the normal world — without any water or food.

They could endure for another day or two at most; after that, thirst would consume them.

Their pace hastened. Enveloped in a warm ring of fire, the duo looked around, alert and cautious.

Scorpions had a keen sense of heat, and soon enough, another group appeared.

There was an annoyed look on Jessie's face, while Ash viewed them as an opportunity. If he could reach Level 13 without extra risk — why not?

His hand clasped the grip of the SMG.

"Bang."

"Bang."

His bullets were coated with corrosive venom that sizzled upon contact and burst through the scorpions' defense, killing them on the spot.

The gunfire was muffled by the silencer, and each time Ash pulled the trigger, a spark illuminated the dark surroundings.

The glowing circle beneath the scorpions weakened their defenses — something Ash didn't need with his upgraded weapon, but it was Jessie's lazy way of earning a share of the EXP.

Ash didn't mind; she wasn't competing with him. Otherwise, she would have incinerated them all with her flames.

[+80 Exp]

[+130 Exp]

[+120 Exp]

…

Some of the scorpions were above Level 15 and took more than two pistol bullets to kill. That was when Ash realized using the SMG was more efficient.

One SMG bullet consumed 10 MP, while three pistol bullets cost him 15 MP for the same result.

Eight carcasses lay lifeless on the ground, their faint purple venom glimmering under the moonlight.

The extended magazine gave him a capacity of 36 bullets.

He replenished the eight bullets he had used with beast cores.

After his initial struggle with MP, he was now in a sweet spot. He no longer needed to spend his personal mana on bullets, and 36 rounds were enough to avoid getting overwhelmed by numbers.

This meant he could now focus more on using his skills with his available MP. After that, he could allocate his stat points to physical attributes.

[Level 12]

[39,240 / 40,000 Exp]

"Sigh…"

He was just a step away from leveling up.

But he wasn't in a rush — it wasn't like he'd get a new skill or talent choice immediately. The progress was inevitable; he'd surpass the mark soon enough.

The duo continued their journey, hoping to stumble upon a source of water.

Finding a reservoir in the desert wasn't impossible — just extremely difficult. It all depended on when it had last rained.

Ash kept scanning for any glint of moonlight that might indicate water.

"You're a mage — you could get the choice to learn a water-type spell," Ash said, glancing at Jessie, who trudged forward with slumped shoulders.

"Not possible. My path is already aligned with fire," she replied thoughtfully. "Though… there's a chance I might get wind-type. My healing spell resonates with water to some degree, so there's a very slim possibility."

"Even if it's a slim chance, we should try," Ash said firmly.

Jessie nodded. Her next skill choice would come at Level 16, and it would take considerable time to reach it.

Ash just shook his head in mild frustration.

The night dragged on, with endless waves of scorpions assaulting them. The desert stretched endlessly, and their condition worsened with every step. Jessie and Ash leaned on each other, pushing forward with the last of their strength.

Their MP was full, and their stats were improving with every battle — but their basic bodily needs were failing them. Their stamina, strength, and endurance were seeping away bit by bit.

They didn't know how much longer they could endure the onslaught when a sight appeared before their weary eyes — a wide array of lights. Torches flickered in the far distance.

Ash squinted to focus on the vague silhouette of a village.

They wanted to celebrate — but their bodies wouldn't allow it.

"It could be an orc or piglin village," Jessie warned.

Ash nodded, but it was still good news. At least there would be water and food — even if they had to fight for it. And if not, they could always steal.

They pressed on, using every bit of remaining energy, bracing for whatever awaited them.

Surprisingly, two figures emerged from the village, running toward them. Ash narrowed his eyes, trying to identify their race — his finger resting on the trigger.

"Humans," Ash realized as the figures came closer.

The two girls rushed over, helping them stand.

"Don't worry, you're safe," said a short girl with a boy-cut hairstyle, holding Ash firmly. The other supported Jessie, guiding her toward the village.

The girl beside Ash placed a hand on his chest, and glowing particles spread across his body, washing away his fatigue. His body felt rejuvenated, filled with renewed vitality.

Her healing magic was stronger — and far more efficient — than Jessie's.

As they approached the village, Ash suddenly felt his intuition screaming— a powerful, overwhelming signal. If he had been in a normal state, he would've turned and run the other way instantly.

But it vanished in a heartbeat. Everything became calm — unnervingly calm. No danger. Not even the faintest hint of threat.

Ash frowned, confused by the mixed signal. A moment ago, it was intense… now, it was gone.

As if he had just stepped into heaven — free from all danger.

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