The sky's still dark at noon again. This doesn't make any sense. What kind of weather phenomenon is this?

"Claud... Wait up..."

We haven't gotten any proper sleep. Escaping at night was a good idea but we're both tired. I wanted to put some distance between us and Eindall, in case of any pursuers.

-Willpower: 1/34-

My Willpower hasn't regenerated because I haven't gotten sleep.

-Hero's Vitality has increased by 1. Your Vitality has increased by 2-

Oh, it finally came after so many hours of travelling. The stat increases are coming slower nowadays. Growth was easier at the start, it gets harder over time, I guess.

"Claud, my feet hurt... the ground is hard to walk on."

I glance back and give a slight smile to boost her spirits.

Hang in there, golden goose. This will increase your Vitality stat. Besides the terrain will get smoother soon.

We're currently trekking on an upward rocky slope through a steep gorge, so it's tough. At least the rock face and some trees cover us from being seen by bigger creatures. I noticed a wyvern flying in the distance. Asides from the wyvern, the occasional blood sucking bat about the size of a watermelon appeared. We dispatched those swiftly without issue, their size made them easy to hit. No stat gains from them either.

"Claud, in front!"

She has far better eyesight than me, I haven't noticed anything yet.

Are those... red monkeys? I've seen those in Western ecology books. They are in an uproar over something.

Black spindly legs snatched up one of the primates. The rest turned tail and escaped into foliage while some run under the safety of the rocks in our direction.

The black creature casted a shadow from the mouth of the gorge, remaining there, its eyes locked onto the fleeing primates and us. It's not coming in, just its legs alone were taller than the opening that could fit a train.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

The red monkey furthest in front of the pack leapt at me.

Sophie and I drew our swords.

Red monkeys... weaker than an Eastern goblin. Normally, they wouldn't attack humans but currently they're in flight or fight mode and we're blocking their path. 12 are approaching, I only need to kill this one to make a statement.

Red monkey, a social omnivorous animal, that doesn't classify as a monster. Doesn't wield weapons, lower stats than a goblin. It hunts small animals, insects and forages from plants for food.

Choosing to attack me over the physically smaller Sophie, it's dumber than a goblin too. Its attack patterns are straightforward; leaping, biting and clawing.

The sword cleaved through it like water, barely any resistance was felt.

The red monkey is also a coward, escaping whenever one of its troop members is defeated.

Instantly, the monkeys froze in place. I suppose in their point of view, they're trapped between a mega sized monster and two new threats. I sheathe my weapon and pull Sophie aside, giving them space to maneuver.

"Claud? What are you doing?"

The monkeys were perplexed by my actions, however eventually they gathered enough courage to bolt past us.

While I don't want to destroy the ecosystem by overhunting these animals, they wouldn't give any worthwhile experience either if I did. I also want to gain bonus points with Sophie.

"That was so cool! You knew they wouldn't want to fight us, so you let them go!"

Hehe... I knew she'd like it if I spared them. How magnanimous I am, sparing those helpless monkeys. Appreciate me, Sophie! I am your reliable companion!

But what now? It's too dark, I can't tell the species of the thing blocking the gorge by just its eyes. It's definitely bigger than the white mantis, the biggest monster I've seen in person. I don't want to challenge it without knowing precisely what it is. Could be a scorpion, a spider or any other creepy crawly.

Do we just sit here and wait?

Hmm? The monster spat out something in our direction...

A head. I could be reading too deeply into this, but I feel like it is taunting us.

"Claud, don't go near that, it's yucky..."

Its spit doesn't seem to be dissolving the corpse. But I can't rule it out having venom, acid or something similar.

I wish we were on the train; it would've sped through that thing...

I'm not tempted to attack whatever insect it is. I set up a rug in an indent in the walls. This could be an ideal time to sleep. With an apex predator like that guarding the entrance, I'm doubtful anything else will be tempted to try entering.

"Do we have to sleep here? The blue walls are pretty, but that thing is at the top..."

With an unamused face, I point at the rug, gesturing for her to sleep.

'It's too big to enter this place. We'll be fine.' I tried to mime for her.

"Fine... but are you not sleeping too? There's room."

I shake my head. If both of us sleep on the rug, we might be eaten without realizing it. Sure it's 'safe'. But is it absolutely safe? No. A more dangerous monster that fits in this place could pop up. This is just caution.

"But I can't sleep without you. Can you hold my hand at least?"

Pampered little... No, I'm the one who coddled her. I shouldn't get mad at her for being spoiled.

To hold her hand, means I'll have to sit on the rug. It's too comfortable... Fine, but I will not be baited into sleeping. I can't let my mind drift off...