Chapter 89: Level 37
With a resounding battle cry that echoed through the trees, Noah charged towards the Twin Ogre. He skillfully maneuvered between the fallen orc bodies, his dual swords gleaming in the moonlight. The Twin Ogre lumbered towards him, its two heads swiveling independently, tracking Noah\'s every move. One of the heads roared and swung a club down with bone-crushing force.
Noah narrowly dodged, feeling the rush of wind ruffle his hair. Rolling to the side, he evaded a second blow from the other head.
Utilizing his Shadow Steps ability to create illusions, Noah swiftly switched places with one of the shadows before he readied his bow.
Noah released his arrow, the luminescent tip finding its mark on the Twin Ogre\'s back. The creature howled in pain, its single eye glowing even redder. However, the wound appeared to be superficial, barely slowing down the hulking beast.
Noah understood that brute force alone would not win this fight. He needed to exploit the Twin Ogre\'s size and lack of coordination. With his agility, Noah darted in and out, delivering swift slashes with his blades to the Ogre. He aimed for the eyes, hoping to blind at least one head, but the creature\'s thick hide and matted fur seemed to deflect most of his blows.
The battle raged on, with Noah dodging, weaving, and parrying, his muscles protesting with each movement. Relying on his Shadow Steps, Noah continued to pepper the Ogre with arrows, each one inflicting minor damage but providing essential distractions. However, the Ogre seemed relentless, its two heads snapping at Noah like ravenous wolves.
Just when it seemed like they were making no progress, Noah noticed something. The Twin Ogre\'s attacks, while powerful, were slow and predictable. He spotted an opening – a gap between the two swinging clubs. Seizing the opportunity, Noah dove between the clubs, rolling underneath the Ogre\'s massive body. Emerging on the other side, he panted but remained unharmed.
This was his chance. Noah sprinted towards the base of the Twin Ogre, searching for a weak point. As he closed the distance, the Ogre roared and attempted to crush him by slamming its clubs together. However, Noah had already made his way beneath it. Looking up, he discovered a rough, leathery patch of skin connecting the two monstrous heads. It had to be a vulnerable spot.
Gathering every ounce of his remaining strength, Noah leaped. His dual swords flashed in the moonlight, aimed directly at the exposed patch of skin. The blades sank deep, evoking a thunderous bellow from the Ogre. The creature staggered back, its movements faltering for the first time.
Utilizing his Shadow Steps once again, Noah unleashed a barrage of arrows. This time, they found their mark – one in each of the Twin Ogre\'s eyes. The creature howled in agony, thrashing about wildly.
"Now, it\'s time to end the fight!" Noah declared.
Capitalizing on the Ogre\'s confusion, Noah delivered a final, desperate slash at the exposed patch of skin.
A sound akin to a thunderclap filled the air. The Twin Ogre stumbled, then collapsed with a deafening thud. Its two heads hung lifelessly, their single eyes extinguished. The ensuing silence was heavy, broken only by Noah\'s ragged breathing.
[Ding! Mission cleared successfully.]
[Level Up!]
[Current Level: 37]
[Rewards acquired: Fangs of Insanity, a unique grade Sword Skill.
Flame Art: Rare grade skill granting the power to manipulate flames with one\'s weapon.]
Even though feeling physically refreshed after leveling up, Noah still endured mental fatigue as he forced himself out of the Tower of Trials.
Despite utilizing one of the three days he had received as a reward for being the first in the Survival Test, he still possessed two more days. He planned to save them for later, as he knew he needed a rejuvenating bath and some well-deserved rest. As Noah exited the Tower of Trials, the evening had already descended upon him, it was 6 p.m.
Noah\'s exhausted body craved the comfort of warmth and cleanliness as he made his way directly into the inviting sanctuary of the bathroom. With the soothing water cascading over him, the tension slowly drained from his weary muscles. After luxuriating in the warm embrace of the bath, revitalizing his body and mind, Noah emerged feeling renewed.
Moving with the grace of a sleep-deprived soul, he shuffled towards his bedroom, barely able to keep his eyes open. Collapsing onto the plush mattress, fatigue washed over him like a tidal wave. The weariness that clung to him like a shadow was finally released as he sank into a deep and dreamless slumber. Discover more at m-vlempy _r.
Time slipped away unnoticed as Noah surrendered himself to the healing embrace of sleep. The hands on the clock sluggishly crept towards 9 p.m, marking the end of his restful respite. As the soft chimes of the hour echoed through the room, Noah stirred and reluctantly emerged from the depths of his slumber, feeling both recharged and reluctant to abandon the comforting solace of his bed.
With a yawn and a stretch, Noah dragged himself out of bed, his body still heavy with exhaustion. As he entered the kitchen, he found solace in the familiar routine of preparing a simple meal. The act of cooking seemed to awaken his senses, as the tantalizing aroma of garlic and tomato filled the air.
Noah deftly gathered the necessary ingredients from the pantry and refrigerator, his movements guided by muscle memory. He filled a pot with water and set it over high heat to boil, while he chopped onions and minced garlic with a practiced precision.
As the water reached a rolling boil, he added a generous handful of salt and then gently lowered the pasta into the pot. The rhythmic bubbling of the water provided a soothing soundtrack to Noah\'s tired mind.
While the pasta cooked, Noah heated a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet and sautéed the onions and garlic until fragrant and golden. He poured in a jar of tomato sauce, allowing it to simmer gently as he seasoned it with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs.
The comforting scent wafting from the stove lifted Noah\'s spirits, the promise of a simple, nourishing meal revitalizing both his body and his mood. With a satisfying al dente texture, he drained the cooked pasta, adding it to the simmering sauce. A gentle toss ensured that every strand of spaghetti was coated in the rich, velvety sauce.
Noah spooned the pasta onto a plate, sprinkling it with freshly grated Parmesan before taking his first bite. The flavors danced on his tongue, a simple pleasure that reminded him of the comfort of home. As he savored each mouthful, Noah felt a sense of satisfaction settle over him, knowing he had nourished himself with both food and rest.
After the meal, Noah tidied up the kitchen, the warmth and contentment of a satisfying dinner providing him with a renewed sense of energy. It was the time to check his gains.