Chapter 14: Seven Days on the Peak
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Midsummer 9th, Marcellia, Mt. Marcellst, 6:30 AM.
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As I watched the sun ascend over the rugged mountainside, my eyes grew heavy and my body felt weak.
I had survived the grueling seven-day test but at the cost of my physical and mental stamina.
"Hey there, still alive?" Wolfsbane's voice jolted me out of my exhaustion-induced daze.
I turned to face him, my words slurred with fatigue. "Barely," I muttered, feeling the weight of the past week's physical and mental strain.
"Whoa! Your face looks like a vampire on the 14th of Icefrost." Wolfsbane said surprised.
Wolfsbane looked around, his eyes scanning the surrounding area.
"Where's Airi?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
"I ate her to survive," I replied, my voice dry and matter-of-fact.
"What? Do you know how many commandments you just broke doing that?" Wolfsbane unsheathed his katana, his face twisted in anger.
"Alright, calm down," I said, my tone soothing.
"She's just there behind the waterfall. She said she wanted some time alone."
Wolfsbane took a deep breath, his hand relaxing on the hilt of his sword.
"Thank Neptune," he said, his voice relieved.
"I thought I was going to have to deal with a murder investigation."
"Mikaaa!" a voice came from the waterfall.
"It's probably Airi. We should check on her," I said.
Wolfsbane and I entered the waterfall and, to our surprise, found something magnificent.
"Hey, Mika, look! I can cast ice magic now," she exclaimed, conjuring a cool icicle out of thin air.
"So you just learned another element in just two hours of meditating inside the waterfall?" I asked.
"No, idiot. I ate this Frostberry," she replied.
System, open a page about Frostberry.
[System: Opening a page about Frostberry]
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***Nestled behind the cascading veil of mountainous waters is a rare and intriguing specimen known as the Frostberry.
*The Frostberry, or Vaccinium frigidum, is a diminutive, spheroid fruit with a pale, icy-blue complexion that glimmers like freshly fallen snow in the shimmering sunlight. Its exterior is ensconced in a thick, leathery rind that shields the delectable saccharine pulp within.
*Frostberry is a rich source of antioxidants, including anthocyanins and flavonoids. These potent compounds help to protect the body against oxidative stress, a process that can cause cell damage and contribute to aging and disease. In particular, the anthocyanins in Frostberries have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
*Furthermore, Frostberries are a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid in digestion and help to regulate blood sugar levels. They also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese, which are important for immune function, blood clotting, and bone health, respectively.
*The consumption of a Frostberry is also purported to bestow temporary cryogenic abilities upon the ingester, allowing them to manipulate snow and ice at will for a brief duration. However, the precise mechanism by which Frostberries confer these abilities is not well understood, and further research is needed to fully explore their potential applications in magic and alchemy.
*Nevertheless, the Frostberry is notably challenging to procure, as it exclusively flourishes in the most bitterly cold and perilous sectors of the mountain range.
*Frostberry's rarity and unique properties render it an esteemed delicacy coveted by both thrill-seekers and sorcerers, who are willing to brave the treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions in search of this magical fruit.
Page 351
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Wolfsbane's brow furrowed, his jaw clenched tightly, and his piercing eyes conveyed intensity and seriousness.
His expression conveyed surprise and skepticism.
"How did Frostberries even grow on Midsummer? They can only grow in very cold areas," he questioned.
"Well, I accidentally burned the bushes but instead of dying, they grew a fruit. Maybe it's because my flames are cold instead of hot," Airi replied.
"That's Airi for you," I chuckled.
"Well, it's been an eventful morning. You two can get some rest at the inn next to the Adventurers' Guild. We'll start the combat test tomorrow morning," Wolfsbane said.
...
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Midsummer 9th, Marcellia, Marc-Inn', 10:30 AM.
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"Hwaaah, finally we can sleep on an actual bed," Airi sighed, feeling very tired from sleeping on the ground.
"Well, how do you feel, Airi, after sleeping on the ground for seven days?" I asked.
But it seemed she was already asleep.
"Well, it was an eventful week," I said, as I settled into my bed.
On the first day, we somehow survived by finding a waterfall.
On the second day, we found berries that could negate hunger and wove some tall grasses into blankets.
On the third day, we discovered a cave behind the waterfall.
On the fourth day, we made backpacks to store our blankets.
On the fifth day, we just rested.
On the sixth day, we prepared our stuff to leave the mountain.
And on the last and seventh days, we found magical berries that can give cryogenic power.
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Midsummer 8th, Marcellia, Mt. Marcellst, 8:30 PM.
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"It's so small," I complained
"Hurry up and put it inside," Airi said, her voice tinged with annoyance and exhaustion.
"Well, it's too small to begin with. How am I supposed to fit something so big inside there?" I replied, feeling frustrated with the situation.
"Well, I don't know, why did you make yours so big?" Airi retorted, her voice rising in frustration.
"It will tear if I put it in."
"Just hurry up and put it in," she added impatiently.
"That's what she said."
Airi looked at me, confusion writ large on her tired face.
"What do you mean?" she asked, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
[System: Airi stands with her feet shoulder-width apart, her backpack securely fastened on her back. Her posture is slightly hunched forward, as she bears the weight of the heavy load. Her arms grip the straps of the backpack firmly, as she tries to balance the weight on her shoulders. She tilts her head to the side, appearing to be seeking some relief from the strain. Her facial expression conveys exhaustion and irritation, with her eyebrows furrowed and her lips pressed together tightly]
"Never mind, I'll just make you a new backpack to carry your blanket," I said, determined to find a solution.
And so, Mika set to work on creating a new bag for Airi's blanket.
He gathered some tall grasses and carefully wove them together into a sturdy and spacious bag.
Airi watched with interest as Mika worked, her fatigue momentarily forgotten in the excitement of having a new and improved way to carry her blanket.
Finally, the bag was complete, and Airi eagerly placed her blanket inside.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone