Single for Eternity

Traveling across the rolling plains, I took in the breathtaking scenery—the endless stretches of green, the crisp air, and the soothing rhythm of the Unihorses' hooves against the earth.

But the real sight to behold was just ahead.

The castle gates loomed in the distance.

As we approached, a full-fledged maid army awaited us, likely alerted by the sounds of the Unihorses.

I stepped out of the carriage, exhausted yet composed. A wave of silence passed through the crowd of maids. Their expressions were frozen, unreadable.

Perhaps they were afraid.

Perhaps they were dreading my return.

Or most definitely—they were lamenting the fact that their tyrant had survived.

The thought nearly made me chuckle.

[ System: Host, you truly lack self-awareness sometimes. ]

[ ＼⁠(⁠°⁠o⁠°⁠)⁠／ ]

'Whatever, like some glorified scoreboard would understand my emotions.'

[ System: (ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ) ]

Ignoring the system's melodramatic display of sorrow, I reached back into the carriage, scooping Laura up into a princess carry. She was still sound asleep, her breathing soft and rhythmic.

The maids didn't utter a single word.

They just stared.

Mouths agape.

Their silence irked me for some reason, so I walked right past them, making my way to Laura's room. The maid army trailed behind me like specters.

After tucking her into bed, I turned back to the silent crowd and arched a brow.

"…What?"

No answer.

Still staring.

Annoyed, I left.

...

Returning to my chambers, I was greeted by her—my sweet, delicate, seductive bed.

It had been over a month since I last felt its embrace.

Without hesitation, I collapsed onto the mattress, sinking into its warmth.

'Finally…'

Within moments, darkness claimed me.

...

I woke up to a high-ponytail maid hovering over me.

"…What?" I grumbled.

"You overslept," she stated plainly.

I blinked. "What time is it?"

"Noon."

…Talk about time traveling.

After going through my morning routine (afternoon routine?), I wandered the castle hallways, deep in thought.

The plan to find the portal had failed miserably. Sure, we had stockpiled money from selling monster parts, but now another problem loomed.

How the hell do we sell this stuff without portals?

I couldn't go back to the desert—

I had a gut feeling that the Manticore from the desert was still waiting for me.

That thing was ridiculously strong. Even top-tier awakened warriors would struggle against it. The only way I'd even have a chance is if I awakened myself.

…Which reminded me.

'System, show me my stats.'

——

[ Status Screen ]

[ Name: Einar Sanguis ]

[ Rank: Mortal ]

[ Physique: Chaos Incarnate ]

[ Affinity: Dormant ]

[ Quest: None ]

— [ Stats ] —

[ Health: 7000/7000 ]

[ Strength: 250 ]

[ Agility: 300 ]

[ Endurance: 350 ]

[ Intelligence: 75 ]

[ Luck: 6 ]

——

Not bad. My strength had skyrocketed beyond mortal limits. Some higher element out there had to be taking notice of me by now.

'Hehehe…'

I chuckled internally, but then—

Something felt off.

'…Wait. Why the fuck did my Luck decrease?'

[ System: System does not know. Luck is unpredictable. At best, System can only guess. ]

I frowned. The system was mostly useless, but maybe it could formulate a decent theory.

'Fine. Guess.'

[ System: My best guess? It's karma. You acted like a piece of shit, so the world is punishing you. ]

…

…

'Are you my system or a grumpy old nun?'

[ System: Host, are you asking for my age? That's rude. A lady never reveals her age! ]

'Oh, so you are old.'

[ System: That's why you'll die single. ]

'Thanks for the blessing, I guess…'

[ (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ ]

Sigh.

Maybe it was time to threaten—I mean, visit my people.

...

Climbing onto my carriage (which I was now quite proficient at driving, by the way), I made my way toward the Icy Cliffs of the Northern Mountains.

The moment I arrived, I was mesmerized.

Towering jagged peaks surrounded me, their surfaces blanketed in a thin layer of frost. The air was crisp and sharp, the wind carrying a chill that nipped at my skin. Narrow entrances and hidden caves peeked between the cliffs, and delicate frost-covered flora shimmered in the dim light.

'This… this is why I love fantasy worlds.'

I was internally screaming like an excited child.

Compared to the unforgiving hellscape of the desert, this place felt magical. The atmosphere was calming, refreshing… almost too peaceful.

Then—

A thought struck me.

If the desert was crawling with dangerous creatures…

Why wouldn't the mountains have them too?

The desert was infested with monstrous beings. And I had barely scratched the surface of what lurked there.

But the people here?

The ones mining in these cliffs?

They weren't seasoned fighters. If something dangerous appeared, they wouldn't stand a chance.

This wasn't paranoia.

It was a gut feeling.

And my gut feelings were usually right.

A cold shiver—not from the frost—ran down my spine.

I bolted towards the nearest cave entrance.