Heavy Metal

"We are back and it's all thanks to you Gleam!"

" (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶) "

Rusty and Gleam returned triumphant to their crystal cave lair, marking the culmination of their domination of the underground cave system and the defeat of the last major threat to Rusty's existence. The battle had been intense, with the beetle proving to be their strongest opponent yet. However, it ultimately succumbed to the combined might of the unique duo: living armor and small ant.

As Gleam performed her happy dance, Rusty couldn't help but notice something amiss. Her enthusiasm seemed subdued, and it was obvious why. Gleam had pushed her small body to its limits, bearing visible scratches and wounds. Unlike Rusty, who could move through magic, Gleam was a flesh-and-blood being, susceptible to pain, exhaustion, and damage. While she could heal herself over time, it would take a while for her HP to fully regenerate. It was something alien to Rusty, who could live as just only a helmet.

"You don't have much HP to begin with…"

" ( – ⌓ – ) "

"You think that if you get some sleep, you'll be fine? Does it work like that?"

He wasn't sure how other creatures regained their hit points but Gleam assured him that she would be fine after some rest. Rusty nodded at her claims and saw her move to a patch of glowing moss within their lair. She circled around it a few times before curling up and drifting off to sleep - a phenomenon unfamiliar to Rusty. He was a being that required no rest himself which left him with ample time for contemplation.

While looking at his partner in crime, he took some time to check out her stats. After defeating so many monsters her level was already at maximum again. Rusty felt slightly jealous that Gleam was progressing so much faster than him but also knew that eventually, this pace would start to slow down. It seemed that along with each evolution, it became harder and harder to level up.