"Then let's get out of here."
He grabbed his diving gear, strapped it on swiftly.
"Follow me."
Without looking back, he strode out of the cave.
Mirellia and Lysette exchanged glances — Mirellia's eyes flickered with doubt toward Hastora.
Still, after Lysette slipped behind him, Mirellia followed quietly.
The three swam back toward the shore.
Hastora was the first to arrive.
He used the opportunity to stash his diving gear and 1000 gold coins into the shadows
Just as he finished, Lysette and Mirellia had also reached the shore.
He was slightly surprised to find them both without diving gear — something he hadn't noticed since he never looked back while swimming.
Only one possibility occurred to him.
'Aqua Lungs'
Magic that enveloped the lungs with a thin layer of liquid mana, transforming air into the essence of water, and water into the essence of air. Breath became tranquil, and water pressure felt like ordinary air.
He somewhat justified it considering they were both from Glazareth.
Almost all the inhabitants there mastered Aqua Lungs.
It was because their work often involved the ocean.
"Looks like you're first."
Lysette approached him, followed by Mirellia.
"How were you able to swim so fast?"
Lysette asked.
Hastora's swimming ability truly surprised her.
She had never seen anyone swim as fast as him.
His swimming ability was like…
Not human.
However, there was a reason why Hastora could swim so fast.
It was because he used to be an international swimming champion.
Back then, no one could catch up to him—not even close.
"It's… nothing special."
Hastora replied, then turned around.
"Don't stray from me."
Seeing Hastora leave, Lysette and Mirellia followed him.
The three of them walked towards the bus stop.
Soon, a blue bus stopped with a hiss.
The three of them boarded it.
Hastora chose the backmost seat.
While Mirellia and Lysette sat in the seats in front of him.
The bus drove off.
He looked out the window, resting his chin on his palm.
This would be a very long journey.
The curse-healing plants were extremely rare in Eldoria.
But, they were very easy to find in Glazareth.
He didn't know why the two of them were looking for the plant here.
Besides, he didn't care.
Because of them, he would gain a huge advantage.
After traveling for an hour, the bus stopped at the next stop.
The three of them got off the bus and walked towards the beach.
Once there, the three of them boarded a ship.
The ship set sail.
Hastora stood, gazing at the night sea view.
The cool sea breeze brushed against his face, carrying the salt scent of the night ocean.
He could see a flock of birds flying above the ship.
It was bustling.
The number was countless.
"I should probably rest."
He sighed, then sat leaning against the ship's railing.
"I hope no monsters appear and attack this ship."
He would die if monsters attacked this ship.
He was tired.
His body was almost immobile.
Even just sitting on the bus had almost made him faint.
"Hmmm… What about my stats?"
From the beginning, he had never once seen his stats.
It was because he forgot.
And it made him curious.
Hopefully, his stats are good.
"Status"
[Stats]
— Strength: 10
— Speed: 10
— Vitality: 15
— Intelligence: 25
[MP: 1,000]
[EP: 100]
"This is bad," he muttered, eyes scanning his stats.
After surviving the Nihility Collapse, he'd expected better.
Strength—10. Speed—10.
"What the hell?"
Complete trash.
But, at least he felt a little lucky that his mana increased dramatically.
With this, he could use Control over Darkness and Flamma Infernus as he pleased whenever he wanted.
However, that alone wasn't enough.
He had to become much stronger before things got harder.
Death in this world itself was permanent for him.
If he died, then he wouldn't be able to live again.
Therefore, he needed the Eidolith Crystal.
The Eidolith Crystal is an ancient Artifact kept by Glazareth for years. Created from unknown energy circulating within, this crystal is capable of protecting one's Life Factor and soul from fatal damage and soul-based attacks. To activate it, the crystal must be swallowed to merge directly with the user's Life Factor.
This Life Factor is a concept of existence that defines all life and being. The Life Factor is deeper than the body, soul, and mind (fundamental aspects). If someone's Life Factor is destroyed, they will automatically be erased from existence down to the conceptual level.
Knowledge of the Life Factor is not taught to people.
Only a handful of people know this.
With the Eidolith Crystal, he could prevent his death from being permanent.
With the Eidolith Crystal, his existence wouldn't end so easily.
But, could he get it?
He had to go to Glazareth first to get it.
Of course, he had to negotiate with Valeska.
That was troublesome.
If he said something unpleasant, then he would die.
However, he had also planned something.
If he could plant a seed of debt in Lysette's heart, then perhaps she'd shield him when the storm came.
That way, his death could be prevented.
But, there was one thing he was worried about.
What if Lysette betrayed him?
If that happened, then…
…He would really die.
There was no way to survive.
But.
Looking at Lysette's nature and attitude earlier, he was very sure that she wouldn't betray him at all.
Her nature was very different from the novel.
Most likely, her nature had changed due to the change in the story.
However, he still had to be vigilant.
He couldn't let his guard down.
If he showed a slight opening, then he would lose.
"Hmmm… How much further is Coralva Island?"
He took out his smartphone and opened the internet.
"Shit! 120km?"
That…
Was really far.
This ship was moving at a moderate speed.
It would take at least 3 hours to get there.
"Damn."
He lay down, then stared at the night sky with a flat expression.
"Thinking about things like that makes my head hurt."
"Should I just sleep?"
"… "
He slipped his smartphone into his pocket.
The night pulled him under like a quiet tide. No dreams, no light—only the hush of sea and shadow.