Chapter 11: Preparation for the Final trial
Warmth.
That was the first thing Alex felt as he floated in a hazy realm between consciousness and sleep.
A gentle heat wrapped around his battered body like a mother's embrace. He tried to open his eyes, but they felt like they had weights attached.
"Ugh... my everything hurts..." he mumbled.
His voice came out like a wheeze. Every muscle ached. His bones felt like they had been used as drumsticks in a goblin rock concert.
He had vague memories of fighting an armored monster, screaming his lungs out, and collapsing like a ragdoll.
Slowly, his eyes fluttered open.
He was lying on a soft bed made of shimmering blue energy in a serene chamber.
Warm ambient light glowed from the walls, and a pleasant scent like lavender mixed with mana filled the air.
"Where...?"
DING!