Open your eyes.
Open them… let me see what you saw.
Joel suddenly woke up, his eyes snapping open, gleaming with intensity. His breathing was heavy for a moment before he slowly turned his head to the right.
Eliane was there, watching him with a warm smile.
"Good morning, Joel," she said calmly. "You have approximately one hour to live. The more demons you kill, the more time will be added to your lifespan. Understood?"
Joel froze.
Her words echoed in his mind like a haunting melody.
One hour… to live?
Before he could respond, Eliane handed him a ring.
"This will register every demon you kill," she added.
Then she stood up casually.
"The stronger the demon, the more time you gain. Now, let's eat."
They went downstairs together.
"Good morning, Joel, Eliane. How was your night?" Jena asked with a warm smile.
"Not bad. And yours?" Eliane replied.
Jena smiled back.
"Fine. The food is already on the table—enjoy."
They sat and ate together. Joel didn't waste time. As soon as he finished, he stood up.
Without saying anything, he rushed out of the inn and sprinted toward the Adventurers' Guild.
He pushed the door open.
Everyone turned to look at him.
That's the kid from last time… He survived?
Whispers spread across the room—some impressed, others suspicious.
Joel ignored them and walked straight to the secretary.
"Good morning, ma'am. I need all quests related to eliminating demons or creatures."
The secretary blinked, surprised.
He has more energy than usual…
She placed several quest papers on the table and turned briefly to grab a pen.
But when she looked back—
Joel was gone.
"…Where did he go?"
Outside, Joel was already running toward the forest.
First quest: Find a missing person.
"The target is somewhere in the forest…"
Joel paused for a moment.
Why am I starting with this? …It might be interesting.
He slowly opened his eyes and inhaled deeply.
He could sense it.
The air… the traces… the scent.
"Monsters…"
A faint smile appeared on his face.
He reached the location quickly.
A man was on the ground, surrounded by several monsters.
Joel instinctively closed his eyes as he approached.
"Hey!" he shouted. "Close your eyes and get down!"
The man obeyed instantly, terrified.
Joel opened his eyes.
They glowed brighter than before.
The monsters suddenly vomited blood—
And collapsed, lifeless.
Joel stared at them.
"…Just giant beasts."
The man on the ground was shaking, completely stunned.
Joel looked at his ring.
+15 minutes
His expression darkened.
That's not even enough…
He didn't stop.
He moved from one quest to another, completing each one with terrifying speed.
The people in the city watched him run past like a storm.
He never slowed down.
Never hesitated.
He was like a hurricane.
Tenth quest: Investigate a newly discovered cursed zone.
Joel headed east into the forest.
When he arrived, everything had changed.
Water covered the ground. Each step created an echo.
The place felt alive… like a jungle.
Suddenly—
A snake lunged at him.
He cut it in half instantly.
"This place is strange… I'm being watched."
He opened his eyes.
Every creature staring at him—
Died.
Silently.
Then suddenly—
A voice echoed in his mind.
"Don't use your eyes against that… or I will kill you."
Joel froze.
Then slowly smiled.
That's definitely her.
Hidden nearby, Eliane watched him carefully.
A slight smile formed on her lips.
"Let's see if you can kill it…"
The water began to move.
A massive plant-like creature emerged, its body twisting and shifting.
Joel attacked first.
His blade struck one of its branches, nearly cutting it off.
But instantly—
A root lashed out and struck his arm.
Then another.
And another.
His body was thrown back, wounds opening across his skin.
He gritted his teeth.
This pain…
Was nothing compared to yesterday.
He exhaled slowly.
"You're going down."
He rushed forward again, striking repeatedly.
More… MORE!
His sword shattered.
A sharp branch pierced his body.
Joel coughed blood.
For a moment, everything went silent.
Then—
Finish it.
Eliane's voice echoed again.
Joel's eyes widened.
He grabbed the root tightly—
And opened his eyes.
The creature froze.
Its body began to dry, crack—
Then it exploded into lifeless remains.
Joel stood there for a second…
Then collapsed to one knee.
His body was broken. His breathing was unstable.
He forced himself to stand.
Half-dead, he walked back toward the city.
At the entrance, Eliane was waiting near Jena's inn.
She clapped slowly.
A malicious smile appeared on her face.
"Good job, Joel…"
She looked at him with excitement.
"Now…"
Her smile widened.
"It's time for training."