Day two on the road was far more productive than its predecessor.

My pack was now filled with rocks of various sizes and weights, their constant shifting throwing off my balance every so often. Thankfully, I'd removed the flint and steel beforehand, along with anything else that could be damaged. At some point, I'd need to invest in a magical bag with separate compartments and extra space, but for now, this setup was perfect.

My back and shoulders twinged painfully, but I ignored them, focusing entirely on my pacing. It had been a while since I'd done any extensive training, so I couldn't overdo it. I started with a light jog when I set out this morning, adjusting until I found the perfect balance––strenuous but not so much that it would worsen the bruises on my arms.

They were only now losing the dark purple hue. If possible, I'd like to avoid aggravating the injury further. So far, they'd been fine. Sore, but fine. With another night’s sleep, I'd be fully healed and ready to push my boundaries.

My pack shifted again, and I adjusted accordingly, swiping the sweat away before it could drip into my eyes. There was still at least one more day of travel before I reached Starkfell, but at least I was using the time wisely. If my strength stat leveled up by the end of today, I'd increase the number of stones and repeat the process tomorrow.

The urge to check my stats, just to see if they had changed, itched under my skin, but I suppressed it. It was a bad habit, and I knew that. The stats would still be there at the end of the night, and I couldn't afford to constantly stop to look in the mirror.

No, I would keep jogging, enjoy the non-existent scenery around me, and stay vigilant. With my luck, bandits would jump on me the second I got distracted.

Paranoia slid up my neck like ice, and I scanned the area around me. Nothing yet, just rolling hills, blue sky, and the path under my feet. Hopefully, it would stay that uneventful for the rest of my trip…

The ocean shone in the distance, barely a line on the horizon and getting smaller as I walked away from Dawncrest. It’s crystal-clear water glittering like jewels thanks to the sun shining brightly overhead.

I could go for a dip, right about now. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. Starkfell was further inland and there were few rivers or lakes around this portion of Nexus. No, most of those were over the mountain pass.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

A flash of those jagged, treacherous peaks painted behind my lids and I shuddered. At least I didn’t have to go over those beasts. Every year, countless people lost their lives to landslides, monsters, and even falling rocks along the Spine of the World.

I would happily never set foot there… Though Daedra would end up dragging me if she had her way. That insatiable curiosity of hers was going to get both of us into trouble.

Putting that aside, I looked away from the ocean. The road stretched seemingly without end before me, the hills of green grass and wildflowers framing the dirt path. At least it was a nice day for a cross-country jog.

The next few hours passed in content silence, the steady thump of my boots on the dirt almost meditative as I plodded along.

When the sun rose high overhead, I slowed for lunch. There was no more Jackelope from last night's dinner, but I had passed a few huddles of Rock Snakes during my run. Thankfully, they weren't actually made of rock, and, thanks to Daedra's fear of all things snake-like, I wouldn't feel guilty killing them.

Maybe their pelts would sell in Starkfell too. In Dawncrest, snake skins of all kinds were considered a luxury item.

Setting my pack aside, I rolled my shoulders to rid them of tension and moved a bit off the road. The hills had evened out a while back, leaving nothing but wide expanses of dirt and stone.

Perfect for what I planned.

The Rock Snakes wouldn't attack on the main road, thanks to how populated it was throughout the day. If I went a few yards away, though, they'd start appearing.

I grabbed my sword and walked several paces out, keeping my pack in sight. It didn’t take long before a rumble started under my feet. It wasn't big, so it wasn't a whole pack of Rock Snakes­­––probably just one or two.

Sure enough, when the vibrations surged up out of the ground, I dodged backward, and a singular snake lunged after me. Its frame was a few feet long, with gray scales covering it from head to tip. When I looked closer, I noted the distinct lack of eyes with interest.

I guess it made sense, since they lived underground. Still, it was mildly disconcerting to see up close.

Shaking off that thought, I analyzed it.

Rock Snake

Level 1

Hit Points: 5/5

Mana: 0/0

Status: Healthy

It looked like most basic creatures had five hit points––that was good to know. I'd killed the Jackelope in one hit, so maybe if I aimed for its neck, I could do the same here.

I brought the sword down just as it coiled to lunge again, and, like last night, it cut through. The Rock Snake dropped, it's head landing next to my foot as its body rolled a fit further. I waited, feeling the ground for any new vibrations.

When none came, I stooped to gather the snake. It would take time away from training, but I should stock up on provisions while I could. I'd want enough for lunch and dinner, at the very least, if not for tomorrow's meals as well.

Now if only I could find some kind of herb to season the meat…

Putting the useless gripe aside, I set the snake next to my pack and got to work.