Pure coldness streamed from the chamber’s ventilation. This was only a taste of what the Frozen Hell could be like, but Iain felt his bodies’ limbs growing stiff after only a few minutes.
He struggled to remember if even the coldest winter days on Earth would produce such a bone chilling coldness.
The young smith grit his teeth to prevent them from clattering. Luckily the training clothes and the chamber prevented ice from forming anywhere.
Although this formed a rather bizarre picture. A young man was thus sitting cross-legged on the ground, shuddering and holding on with all his might, while his surroundings seemed perfectly normal.
Iain held on for a few more minutes, before his legs began to grow numb. Knowing this was a bad sign, he prepared himself to stop the chamber. Just as this though formed, his father’s advice reached him.
[Go beyond your limits to properly use the vault. Leave immediately after you reach Level 1]
Fighting through the significant headache imposed by their communication, Iain took a deep breath.
Cold air filled his lungs, as the young man seemingly felt his blood flowing slower.
Physical and mental exhaustion took their toll on him. But Iain drew unknown strength from his father’s presence.
It had been his wish for many years to just talk to his parents again. Now this wish had unbelievably been fulfilled. Iain felt that nothing was impossible in this world.
The young man closed his eyes as his mind grew determined. He concentrated only on his body, entering a seemingly mindless state.
His heart, which had already surpassed the limits of a normal human, vigorously pumped blood throughout his body. It overcame all obstacles to fill Iain with life-spending warmth.
Complete silence reigned in the chamber.
As the 25-minute mark was quietly approaching, Iian still held strong.
When normal humans might already approach death, a notification suddenly appeared in Iain’s mind.
[Acquired cold resistance lvl. 1]
Abruptly, the smith’s eyes shot open.
“Turn off the air.”
Luckily the chamber’s AI was trained to understand their customers at any time. With how weak and dry Iain’s voice sounded, it was hard to form any words at all.
The coldness rapidly left the chamber. Multiple spots on Iain’s side lit up as they heated the room in record time.
The training clothes also began to warm Iain’s body. The young man couldn’t stop himself from letting out a pleasurable moan. Warm currents ran through his body as his limbs began to cribble.
At the same time, Iain received his reward from the vault. Only a bit of special energy shot into his body. It quickly soothed his entire being, helping him to deal with cold related damages.
Since Iain had a hard time moving, he stayed on the floor, waiting for his legs to lose their stiffness.
Suddenly the chambers door opened as Groob came in. Worry was apparent on the adventures face as he spoke to Iaian:
“Kid, what are you doing?
You look horrible, are you ok?”
“Ahh I’m fine. I didn’t disappoint you. My cold resistance reached level 1!”
With the help of the vault energy, Iain’s voice had already recovered somewhat. At least Groob was able to understand him.
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However, this only led the adventurer to shake his head. Luckily Iain’s back was turned his way, or he would see the strange face Groob was making right now.
According to the adventurer’s plan, the siblings should only get used to the cold now and advance their level during the second session. However, with the result now Groob didn’t want to dampen Iain’s enthusiasm.
“Haha. I knew you had it in you boy!
However, you need some rest now. Here, eat this Coldaway Pill.”
With those words Groob handed Iain a small red pill. Always building up trust easily, Iain didn’t overthink and hastily swallowed the pill.
As soon as the Coldaway reached his stomach it dissolved. An additional warm current began to travel to his blood. Iain’s eyes opened wide in surprise, as he felt his recovery to accelerate multiple times.
“Wow! What a wondrous medicine did you give me?”
Groob let out a heaty laugh as he saw Iain’s fascination.
“Kid, that’s a common Coldaway Pill. On this planet it’s the most basic pill every adventurer needs. It’s even part of the basic package we booked at the training center.”
Iian coughed slightly to hide his embarrassment. Secretly he was really left in awe, as humans in this universe would call such a miraculous pill basic. If something life this existed on Earth, the pill would safe many lives during cold winters.
Due to the Coldaway’s fast working effect, Iain was already able to stand up a few seconds later.
He could feel his body constantly recovering. He also slightly felt the additional effects his increased stats brought him.
Cold resistance raised his vitality by 1, his endurance by 2, his defense by 1, his perception by 2 and even his mind by 0,05 points per level. Overall, it would turn Iain’s body more resilient if trained properly.
Confident after taking this first step towards his own growth, Iain left the chamber. As soon as he came out Lilly’s battered body entered his eyes.
Although a big smile adorned Lilly’s face, she definitely appeared more exhausted than Iain. The older brother hastily stepped up to his sister, supporting her frail frame. While Groob handed the young woman a Coldaway, Iain scolded the adventurer.
“Groob, why did you only help me? Look at my sister! She looks so weak!”
However, it was Lilly who answered slightly touched:
“Don’t worry, big brother. It was me who sent him away. I wanted to train my own healing magic.”
“Really?... Sorry Groob.”
The burly adventurer only let out a displeased murmur as Iain questioned his sister:
“You used your healing magic? Did it work?”
“I still need a lot of training, but for now it helped a bit.
When I look at you however, I’m not on the level of those pills.”
“Those pills are carefully crafted by some of the best alchemists on the planet. Basic healing magic won’t be enough to contend with them.”, remarked Groob.
Iain smiled wryly at his sister. The old warrior obviously showed his annoyance after Iain questioned him. Although the young smith found this behavior a bit too thin-skinned, he didn’t want to anger Groob any further.
Lilly wrinkled her nose, but Iian quickly tried to change the topic:
“So Groob, what do we do next? Are we going back in right away?”
“Since both of you reached level 1 already, we are slightly ahead of schedule. Let’s bring the best part of the day forward and grab something to eat. Afterwards you should have enough energy to aim for level 3!”
The pair of siblings accepted Groob’s proposal and followed him towards the elevator. After experiencing the unpleasantness of an overfilled elevator for the first time, Iain and Lilly quickly found themselves in a restaurant on the center’s first floor.
They sat down on their designated table as Groob ordered many of the local specialties.
While waiting for their food, Iain and Lilly observed the beautifully decorated room in awe. Comfortable, red seats lined dark, wooden tables. Most of them were occupied by wealthy looking youths and adventurers.
Just like in the reception, many rare plants or parts of animals adorned the partially metallic, partially glass walls. A pleasant smell wafted out of the kitchen, wetting the customer’s appetite.
Fortunately, the trio’s food arrived after only a few minutes as water began to gather in Iain’s and Lilly’s mouths.
Groob had a proud expression on his face as he observed the sibling’s delighted eyes.
Tender meat procured from local species melted in their mouths while fresh vegetables lifted their spirits. Iain and Lilly were convinced that this was the best food they had been eating in years.
Not withholding their hunger they eat with relish, soon ordering another portion. Groob was surprised by how well even the petite Lilly could eat.
Although humans needed more to eat when they grew stronger, this was normally compensated by ingredients which contained more energy. After thinking for a second, Groob held himself back form showing pity on his face. Lilly’s and Iain’s appetite had to be a result of them not being able to eat much due to their illness.
Unfortunately, only Groob thought so. Soon, some laughter reached their table.
“Where did those two come from? Did they escape from a farm?”
Grating laughter erupted on the neighbors table. Lilly and Iain looked around in bewilderment as Groob’s mood turned sour.
The adventurer turned his head around. A few wealthy teens and one trainer were cracking jokes in a rude manner. Groob instantly knew that they were the type who never had to struggle in their lifetime. However, they really hit his sore spot by making fun of people who overcame Malo Disease.
An angry shout suddenly echoed through their part of the restaurant:
“Shut up or I throw you out!”