After somehow making it through the death trap known as the tower in their minds, the entire thing disappeared as though it never truly existed.

The fact that not even a trace of the ground was destroyed or even touched, despite a giant tower made of stone just laid there for who knows how long, was proof of that.

In the end, they stopped caring about the dungeon and what they went through. Because they found another problem they had to deal with.

They were hopelessly lost in this giant forest.

Thankfully, all was not so bad. While it was true that they landed themselves in another place with no hint of civilization, they still had their food and weapons. They still had their skills and status, allowing them to defend themselves should the need arrive.

However, that was where the good news ended.

Zeke ended up taking a big look around his scenery. There was nothing but trees and grass, all kinds of nature around them. Granted, that alone was way better than being stuck inside the hallways of the castle, surrounded by deranged knights.

Still, it didn’t sit right with him. If he was an outdoors person, he would be ecstatic. But he’s a nerd that always stays inside his home playing video games, or resting after a day’s work.

This was beyond his skill set, and unfortunately so was Mikella’s. She only trained in hospitable areas, mostly in gyms and in her home. She often jogged through the park, but that was nowhere near as being trained to live out in the forest.

All the while, they were trying to figure out what to do now. Looking up at the sky, the sun was bearing down on them. Despite the disturbing scene they saw with the giant knight just a few short minutes ago, seeing the sun again after days of being stuck inside the castle was a worthwhile sight to see.

Even an indoor man like Zeke was refreshed after seeing the sun again. Though he did notice something different about the sky.

For instance, there was the sun, but he could’ve sworn the sun didn’t look like a star. Yes, it was actually known as a star, but Zeke never considered that the sun could actually look like an actual star.

It was almost star-shaped, though it had more studded protrusions. Somehow, Zeke could see right at it. Normally that should’ve blinded him, but in the end, he could clearly see the crystal-like star hanging high above the sky, providing daylight for the world.

This only made it clearer that this wasn’t their world. An entirely new one with a different kind of sun, er, star to shine on them.

Strangely, despite not getting blinded, the light was the same as though it was reaching high noon. It looks like the star above them won’t move at all despite being smack dab in the center of the freaking sky.

And that was another issue they could run into. If night time arrived, that meant potential threats would come at them. He turned back to his companions, a young woman and a younger girl who he only met three days ago in this new world.

“Should we head out and try to see if we can find civilization? Or just look for a place to rest?”

Zeke asked, prompting Mikella to look towards Clara. Thanks to Zeke’s cleaning, she looked decent at least, but she was a wretch just like the rest of them. Her dress was tattered, and she looked filthy thanks to being tossed about.

Of course, that was all thanks to the adults who were even worse for wear. Zeke’s clothes were barely present and most of his upper right torso was showing. He didn’t even start caring anymore after what they went through, but he looked like a savage pretending to be part of society.

“I think we should find a way to clean ourselves,” Mikella said, taking a look around. “We should find a water source to clean ourselves up and get a proper drink. I’m so thirsty…”

Now that she mentioned it, Zeke’s dry throat was made apparent now. How long has it been since they actually drank an actual source of liquid? They found some water, but they ran out a while ago due to the constant traveling. So they ended up just drinking fruit juice instead, using Mikella’s strength to juice them.

So the trio went ahead into the forest, knowing full well that no matter what happens, Zeke would use his barrier to protect themselves.

Especially after receiving the notification as soon as they brought it up.

> You have cleared the dungeon: Castle of the Arthurian Knights.

>

> You have received the following rewards:

> 20 Gold Coins

> 50 Silver Coins

> 100 Copper Coins

If it wasn’t clear then, it was obvious now–they really did go through a dungeon like in a video game, and were even awarded for it. Whether it was good for them or not, they only received what looked like the currency of this new world which he recalled was named Tarial.

He opened up his pack, pulling each different coin out. Each coin is of a different size with the copper coins the same as nickels, silver coins the size of quarters, and gold coins being slightly larger than the quarters.

Each coin had some sort of insignia at the front side, and what looked like a giant eye with rays shooting out on every available part at the other side. It was a little creepy to see, and the copper seemed cruder while the silver and gold above were more detailed and prominent.

Unfortunately this didn’t help them learn exactly how valuable these coins were. How much was a stay at a hotel in a normal city?

Or was it an inn in this kind of world? A tavern? His head whirled at the different kinds of names. Either way, that didn’t answer the most important question:

Why did this happen? What was their fate? And what the hell was that giant knight’s deal was?

They had no answer. There was nobody around to bear witness to them coming out of the tower, as though they were never really meant to get out at all. Or if there was any reason why they went through such an ordeal in the first place.

For now, they consolidated their gains as Zeke tried to fill the silence with what happened to him after forcing the girls out. The only thing he apologized for was hurting Mikella when he was taking her out.

Despite her grimace, Zeke never took back his action of taking them out. Perhaps it would’ve been better to stay and figure out a way to fight… but Zeke didn’t bother taking that chance.

After hearing what he had done to survive, and even showing his accomplishment with his Death Swindler Title, Mikella couldn’t hold back her laughter.

“What the hell?! That’s so dumb!”

“Hey, if it worked, it worked,” Zeke grinned, knowing how silly it was, and the girls kept laughing at the scene. Clara even remarked that he acted like a cartoon character, getting more laughs out of her older sister.

It made things easier for everyone as they traveled through the forest. With Clara being so young for this, Zeke offered his shoulders for her to ride on like before.

Apparently they were now Clara’s favorite place to be.

At least, that’s how Zeke interpreted as Clara gladly bumped her feet against his chest as she rode with glee in her eyes.

“Thanks for doing this,” Mikella whispered to him, not wanting to spoil Clara’s excitement. “I know you gotta be tired and all…”

“Hey, let her have it. She’s been through a lot.”

The two were still aghast at the possible chance of Clara dying just by the presence of the giant knight alone. Even now, the way her face was getting bloody was enough to send Zeke down a spiral of worry.

Any closer and Clara would’ve been killed. Following that, Mikella could no longer hold anything against Zeke for facing the thing on his own. If anything, he panicked after seeing Clara getting hurt.

As they traveled along, getting over the idea that now they have to fight over long grassy stalks and big trees in their vision, they found a predator coming after them.

It came slowly at first, but the bloodlust got to the two. If it were back in the real world, they would’ve never seen it coming. But here, Mikella was the first to sense the danger.

“Something’s coming.”

Mikella instantly prepped her sword. For Zeke, it was easy. He conjured a barrier where he was, surrounding himself and Clara. Throughout the time, he managed to use Meditation even while walking, allowing him to recover his mana back. He kept an eye on the battle at hand as something appeared right in front of them.

It landed on its four paws, its hulking quadruped figure roaring at its potential prey. Zeke studied it closely to find out what it was.

“Is that… a saber-toothed tiger?”

He couldn’t believe it. A tiger with long and sharp fangs almost the size of daggers jutting out of its mouth showed up. It was clear that it was possibly one of those long extinct creatures from earth.

Though there were some differences. This tiger in particular had four eyes instead of two, and it looked almost comically green and with bits of brown and black, as though it was trying to camouflage in the scenery around them. While it was true that Zeke wasn’t able to find it at first from where it hid, now after seeing it… it was kinda hard to miss it.

Mikella, however, didn’t budge an inch. Instead, she aimed the sword right at the creature, her eyes turning increasingly hostile as they turned bright yellow with Hawk Eyes. Her own bloodlust, as far as Zeke could sense, was stronger compared to before.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Perhaps it was because being in the dungeon was causing a sense of panic and dread throughout the time, but Zeke noticed that Mikella had become increasingly dangerous now.

The tiger, however, refused to back down as it growled, slowly walking across in front of them while letting out deep snarls. Mikella did the same, slowly stepping to the opposite side.

She knew that as long as Zeke was there, she had no reason to worry for Clara’s safety as she gladly tackled the tiger’s challenge by dashing first. But the tiger reacted quickly with a sudden turn of its neck, biting against her sword’s blade. Thankfully, the sharp fangs didn’t hit anywhere near Mikella, but her arms shook from the pressure.

Or rather, that’s how it looked to be, but Mikella knew exactly where she landed. She raised her foot and kicked the tiger in the abdomen. Her force was strong enough to push the tiger straight into a tree, then she rushed in and thrust her sword into the tiger with a decisive strike.

The blade not only pierced the hulking figure of the tiger right through, but also the tree. It couldn’t handle the power as the tree fell over along with the now bloodied tiger.

Surprisingly enough, the tiger’s body still held on. Blood poured from its open wound, showing its last legs. Before the tiger could open its mouth to roar in pain, Mikella finished it off with a quick decapitation, killing the tiger before it could even do a thing.

Just like that, their first battle in this new world outside of the tower was over. It barely lasted a few seconds. The tiger’s corpse laid there while Zeke canceled the barrier, letting himself and the cheering Clara out of there. They found Mikella swinging her sword, flicking the blood away from the blade with ease.

> You have defeated Razer-Tooth Tiger, Level 12.

>

> You have gained experience points.

“Nice job,” Zeke congratulated, getting a smile from Mikella.

“It’s nothing. I’m honestly kind of bummed how easy that was,” Mikella shrugged. “It was a giant tiger, and it was even level 12. But it was easier than fighting the knights.”

“It had lots of weak spots,” Zeke mentioned, which Mikella nodded, aided by her Hawk Eyes as he continued. “Unlike before where the knights can just keep going forever, this monster got weak thanks to the injuries you gave it.”

“Yeah… good point,” Mikella nodded. “So, what do you think it’ll drop?”

Zeke eagerly went over to the corpse, neither of them caring who got the loot. They shared everything, anyways. If there was something that Mikella needed, Zeke would happily hand it to her.

It was his code either way when playing MMO’s. Even if he could keep it for himself to sell, it just felt wrong not giving it to someone who desperately needed it, especially if they were farming for that item for not just hours, but even days and weeks. He laid a hand on the corpse, getting the prompt.

He only then realized that unlike the knights, blood was everywhere. It wasn’t his own or Mikella’s, but from something else. It was jarring at first, but after being privy to knowing what it's like to get hurt in life or death combat, he honestly felt better that it wasn’t his blood for once.

Man, that is depressing if I think about it, Zeke thought as he shook it off and went ahead with the looting.

As the body disappeared, he thanked the system that they didn’t have to go as far as burying the body or burning it. He would feel weird about it even if it was a monster, at least according to what the system told him.

He then had another morbid thought whether human beings would be the same. The corpse just disappeared in a smoky trail, disappearing into the void and leaving everything it had on it. If he died in this world by someone’s hand, would he end up the same?

Even worse, what if it was Mikella? Or Clara?

He couldn’t really enjoy the next loot drop with that horrid thought, but it wasn’t really all that impressive.

What dropped was what looked like furred cloth pleasantly folded. He picked it up then brought it over to Mikella, the official owner of this strange rug.

“I think it dropped its hide or something,” Zeke said, and Mikella took it for herself to observe.

“Oh, wow, it’s warm…” Mikella said in surprise. “I figured it would be filled with blood or guts or something… hey, maybe we can use this to dry ourselves off!”

Mikella seemed ecstatic at the idea of using this as a towel. While Zeke didn’t really see much of an excitement from that, the way Mikella showed the hide to Clara and letting her feel it, he could see that both the girls were ecstatic to find it.

“It’s so fluffy,” Clara said, feeling the hide for herself and giggling.

“I know, right? We can use this for a blanket!”

“A blanket!” Clara cried ecstatically.

Zeke hummed to that. Now that there was a day and night, it’s clear that they needed to rest. With the way things are now, they don’t have to worry about getting attacked at night thanks to his barrier. For once, they can actually go to sleep without worry.

As they went on with the day, still trying to find any path forward to any civilization, they stumbled upon what they can only describe as a lucky break.

A small and clear lake, practically an oasis between the dense forest. The area was actually hidden beneath some of the larger hills, making this a good place to rest without worrying about getting spotted by monsters. Not that they have to worry about Zeke’s barriers protecting them.

But it was nice to not be seen while relaxing. His barriers can protect them, but they are like see- through glass. Not exactly comforting for the girls.

Zeke offered the girls to go ahead and wash themselves off. Though Zeke was just as exhausted and needing a wash, he felt awkward taking the first bath so he gladly gave them first dibs.

Instead, he decided to focus on his status as usual. After looking at it, he realized that he still had several free points after his level increase with the wyvern.

> Name: Zeke Parlow (Death Swindler)

> Race: Human

> Novice: Level 8

> STR: 6

> DEX: 10

> INT: 20

> SPI: 26

> VIT: 14

> END: 14

> Free Points: 4

>

> General Skills:

> Mana Perception (U) Level 5

> Pain Resistance (U) Level 4

> Meditation (C) Level 3

>

>

> Acquired Skills:

> Barrier Craft (R) Level 5

> Recovery (R) Level 2

>

> Title Skill:

> Not Today (T), Level 1 (Maxed)

He was astounded by the amount of points compared to before, and he knew they were mostly from his increases with his skill leveling on top of attaining another title.

To say that he was lucky was an understatement. Though he wouldn’t wish the kind of luck he had to anybody else. That would just be too cruel.

The thing he needed to focus on now however is what to do with his remaining points. His Spirit stat is already pretty high, though no doubt he could always get more, but now that they were out in the wilderness, perhaps some points in any physical attribute is better? His Endurance is catching up along with Vitality, so he doesn’t have to worry much about that.

The only attribute that seemed ignored entirely was Strength and Dexterity. Strength was a given–as a self-proclaimed mage, there was no need to put points into a physical attribute when his real power is through magic. Not to mention, he doesn’t have a single offensive spell in his arsenal. It doesn’t look like there’s a limit to what kind of spells he can learn, so he would prefer to at least support Mikella while staying behind the barrier with Clara.

There was his Intelligence, which could be pointed at the increase in his magical abilities. He didn’t feel smarter, but he did feel like he could get his thoughts in order faster. Whether or not it actually increased his magical might was the real question.

His skills mention that they rely not just on their own levels, but their attributes as well. Looking back at their description, he doesn’t have a single one that relies on his Intelligence. So it felt kinda pointless.

And finally, there was Dexterity. There was no question about it. He might need to be fast in case he needed to run away with Clara in case something could break his barrier. Without really questioning it any further, he put all his points into Dexterity, raising it to 14.

He didn’t feel… any faster at all. He felt the rush of energy, the power, but that was about it. If he had an evasion or running skill, it could easily affect it.

But for now, he shrugged it off and closed his status. Before he knew it, he felt someone hug him tightly, making him realize that it was none other than a naked Clara.

“Bobo!” Clara shouted with glee to which Zeke nearly reeled back in horror.

He wasn’t afraid of the naked child, but afraid someone might misunderstand the situation if anyone watched. He could only blame his deranged generation from his old world for putting this mentality onto him.

“Clara! Stop that, put your clothes back on!”

Zeke immediately froze at the idea of an also naked Mikella, but he couldn’t help himself and turned around to find her… fully clothed.

He had to admit–he was just a smidge disappointed.

Mikella looked ready to be in full panic mode, trying to grasp the running Clara after she ran away from Zeke to get away from her big sister.

“No! It’s too dirty!” Clara declared, hugging herself as though wearing the dirty yellow dress was wrought with garbage.

“We’ll clean it up later, but right now you need to get dressed! You’re bothering Zeke!”

“Bobo won’t mind, right?” Clara turned to Zeke, hoping for some confirmation.

“No, I definitely mind. Please put the dress on, Clara,” Zeke said with absolute solemnity. He was definitely not going to leave a naked little girl around.

Who knows what other strange psychopath could be watching them? Though if a human being was around, that would be great to get out of this situation, but he didn’t like the idea of Clara’s bare body being exposed for the world to see.

“See? Now put it on,” Mikella said with finality. Clara could only grumble as she was forced to put the dress on.

Now that he thought about it, they really had no spare clothes. Not even after going through the tower for days on end did they find any decent clothes to wear. They had the armor parts from the knights, but they were extremely uncomfortable to wear on a daily basis. Their former clothes were tattered and broken, but Mikella somehow managed to make the best of it by ripping off some of the burnt parts of her clothes and adjusting the size.

Now she was exposing more of her skin than usual, but mostly around her forelegs and arms. She also had her slim and fit stomach showing, revealing the toned muscle she built up. Zeke felt guilty that despite having a barrier to protect himself, Mikella had to fight on her own.

He hoped that they could find something to remedy the situation soon. He won’t truly relax until they find a town or some city to stay in. Then they could at least figure out a way to deal with this situation.

“Zeke, why don’t you go ahead?” Mikella said right after dressing Clara up with the best of her abilities. Even the dress was changed slightly, thanks to Mikella’s ingenuity, getting it to be more travel-focused with a shorter hem and a tighter grip on Clara’s torso.

“Go for what?” Zeke asked, confused. Mikella only frowned at him.

“Go and take a bath. You’re a total mess. I’ll do something with your clothes so take them off. Oh, but you can clean your underwear yourself.”

“What?” Zeke said, but then realized what she meant after looking at himself. He was surprised he ignored his pitiful state for so long.

“Bobo is stinky. Go take a bath, stinky!” Clara declared, something that clearly the two girls realized as even Mikella grinned with affirmation.

“Hey, I don’t stink!” Zeke said, half-joking and half-curious. To check, he went ahead to take a whiff at his exposed pit by raising his arm.

What resulted was a smell worse than death itself. His face scrunched up in pure disgust as he couldn’t believe that his human body could actually produce such a smell. Burns and sweat and blood on top of that; it really made him rank.

“Hahahaha!” Clara and Mikella laughed at his face, which was an amalgamation of disgust, horror, and ready to hurl at any moment.

“Okay, okay, you guys make a good point…” Zeke said, giving up as he decided to do just that.

It ended with Zeke taking a longer bath than usual at the lake. While Mikella did her best to get as much water as she could, Zeke was at a life-and-death battle himself to get rid of the stink he was producing.

Truly, what a battle it was.