The eyes of the mask, which covered what might be behind, looked at the faint green glow, which gave way to a ragged and dirty figure. Two days before, they had seen him go through that same gate, and weren’t sure if that man would come back safe and sound. Although he was the Oracle, that didn’t mean he knew everything.

Eldi nodded, and the Oracle returned the salute, apparently impassive, since it was impossible to know what was hiding behind that mask. Or if it was the mask itself that was alive and the rest just a disguise, as some players had speculated in one of the delirious discussions about the ingame characters.

Visibly exhausted, the man leaned on the anvil and began to pull out and repair his equipment, leaving weapons and arrows scattered on the ground. Then he planted the tent, went inside and fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow, and while his assistant was picking up the weapons and storing them. He didn’t mind messing the bear pajamas, because he knew it would be cleaned when stored.

When he woke up, the sun had barely risen, which meant he had slept almost a whole day. He felt sleepy but rested, although his muscles still remembered the effort made and were reluctant to move.

“Good morning.”

“Good morning.”

It was refreshing to get rid of the dirt by bathing with water heated with magic, after which he dressed in the newbie tunic. It was simple and without bonuses, but he found it very comfortable. Then, he ate with the Oracle, who simply was looking at him, but also making him feel less lonely.

“Does ant meat have any use?”

“Everything has a use in nature, but to find one that is beneficial for you is something that you must look for by yourself,” answered without answering the Oracle.

Eldi shrugged, he was already used to that kind of response, but he was losing nothing by trying.

He spent the morning preparing a level 10 equipment, to use it as soon as leveling up, something not needed with the weapons. The next one would be the last level in which the weapons would adjust to his, so he also wanted to start with the level 15 equipment as soon as possible, in order to be prepared if he rose in level and didn’t have a workshop at hand. In fact, he would craft as many as possible of those he would need in the future, prioritizing his main weapons.

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The trip back was still diffuse, as if it were a dream, despite having tried to be vigilant, to be very careful, fearing to make a mistake for not being sufficiently aware of the danger. It wasn’t the first time he had found himself in such a situation, completely exhausted and working. But at that time, he had promised himself not to do it again, because the next day he had had to fix the many mistakes he had made by working with his mind unable to concentrate properly. However, against the ants, he had had no other choice.

He crafted some potions of level 5, more of level 10 and a few of level 15, as well as some corrosive substances based on formic acid, of which he had a large amount. He regretted not having recipes for using other materials from the ants, and wished he could lock himself in a library and investigate it, along with everything he could find of this world, magic, beasts, monsters, dungeons...

After lunching, he convinced himself that it wasn’t worth going to the green zone, because he couldn’t stay long or explore further, although he knew it was just an excuse. More than a day of intense battle had removed any desire of exploration. So, after creating a Gate Mark, something he had not yet done there, and trying unsuccessfully to extract useful information from the Oracle about the emerald forest, he decided to start crafting level 15 equipment and more potions.

He lacked leather, cloth and wood suitable for some of the weapons and clothes. In the past, he had used or sold most of the material of that level, since it wasn’t too useful after reaching the highest. In fact, he had sold many of them to Gjaki, since she refused to accept them without paying and always appreciated material with which to make her designs. Once again, he regretted it.

He made some tests with parts of ants, such as jaws, antennae or legs, but he didn’t know how to work them and only crafted a rudimentary knife.

He was also testing the Kangaroo Power, and as a consequence, Balance. But when he was aware of the Oracle’s gaze, which he had forgotten while experimenting, he felt somewhat ashamed of his overly childish attitude. Embarrassed, but having to admit to himself that he hadn’t enjoyed himself so much in a long time, and that it didn’t hurt to relax a little for a while. He looked away, but he didn’t feel overly guilty, and even a smile refused to leave his lips.

Eldi also dared to use Provoke against the Oracle, something for which he asked permission, although the first intention had been to do it without, a prank unworthy of someone his age, and at the thought of that, this time, he felt a little guilty, but only a little. It must be said that there was no appreciable effect on the Oracle, something that led to a doubt.

“Is there friendly fire?”

“All beings are made of flesh and magic, so the power can’t distinguish between them. However, it wasn’t the case when you weren’t complete beings.”

In short, the answer was Yes. It would have been convenient to be like in the game, but nothing could be done.

The next day he woke up early, and early he went to the green gate. Unlike a few days ago, he felt confident when crossing the protective shield. Not only he had risen several levels, but had become used to fighting through an intensive course with ants.

However, he was aware of the danger, so he promised to himself to stay alert while looking for materials for his future level 15 equipment