Chapter 101 - Sleep Is Survival
After catching their breath and calming the last of their racing pulses, Tave and Panpan spent some time tidying up the rocky outcrop they’d be using as a shelter for the night. It wasn’t much, but it would serve well enough.
No need to pitch a tent. The air within the rift was clear and dry, though the wind carried a biting chill. A pair of sleeping bags would be enough to get them through the night. They just needed to set up a few basic supplies and prepare a quick emergency meal to regain the energy they’d burned during their desperate escape.
Tave reached into his storage ring and retrieved something from it. His first Tier 5 Monster Core.
He held it out, letting it catch the faint shimmer of the riftlight, then turned it toward Panpan. There was something he needed from it, something important. But he hesitated.
"I’m okay if you want to give that to Fang," she said quietly.
Technically, the kill had involved all three of them. The spoils, by right, should be shared. But among companions like them, it wasn’t about rules. It was about trust, and what felt right. If they agreed it would benefit them all, then it didn’t matter who held the final prize.
"It was your plan," she added, "and Fang saved both our lives. The faster he levels up, the better it is for all of us."
Tave gave a slow nod and turned toward the darkness. From the shadows, a figure emerged. The shadow wolf approached, head low, steps steady and unhurried, until he stood before Tave and bowed his head.
A soft, low growl rumbled from deep within Fang’s throat.
"Fang... you’ve earned this," Tave said, setting the core gently on the ground before him.
Without hesitation, Fang stepped forward. A pulse of energy surged from the core, flowing upward into his body. His fur rippled with light and shadow as the essence of the monster seeped into him.