Era of Players: Death God
Chapter 57 - 57: Ranking

Deep in the night.

The sudden downpour was a symphony of chaos outside the grotto. Wind howled through the trees, whipping branches against the rock face with a rhythmic thrumming. Noah, startled awake by the change in weather, sat up in the darkness, goosebumps prickling his skin. The temperature had dipped considerably, and the wild boar fur, once a source of warmth, now felt damp and clammy.

His gaze darted towards the ceiling. Where moonlight had previously offered a sliver of illumination, there was now a steady stream of water cascading down. Panic surged through him. The grotto, his supposed haven, was leaking. He scrambled to his feet, the damp earth squelching beneath his boots. He needed a solution, and fast.

He grabbed his backpack, frantically searching for anything that could be used to patch the leak. His fingers brushed against a plastic sheet, likely intended as an emergency shelter. It wasn't ideal, but it was all he had. With trembling hands, he unfurled the flimsy sheet and clambered onto a rocky ledge just below the crack. The wind whipped at him, threatening to tear the sheet from his grasp.

Holding his breath, he managed to wedge one end of the sheet into the crack, securing it with a large rock. He repeated the process for the remaining sections, his heart pounding with every gust of wind.

Finally, with the makeshift patch in place, he slumped against the wall, exhaustion settling in. The leak wasn't completely stopped, but it was significantly reduced. He huddled closer to the remaining dry section of his sleeping bag, the warmth returning slowly. The storm raged on outside, but inside the grotto, a fragile sense of security had been restored.

The morning light filtering through the grotto's makeshift ceiling revealed the full extent of the previous night's downpour. The small, still pond in the center of the cavern had transformed. Its surface now reached nearly halfway up the cave walls, and a gentle current swirled, rippling the reflection of the newly formed cave ceiling.

Despite the damp chill lingering in his bones, Noah recognized an opportunity. Last night's downpour made him feel utterly grimy. With a deep breath, he stripped off his mud-caked clothing, leaving him clad only in his underwear. He hesitated for a moment, the coolness of the cave air making him shiver.

Then, taking a resolute plunge, he submerged himself in the pond. The icy water shocked him initially, but it quickly gave way to a strange sense of invigorating relief. He scrubbed away everything. As he moved, the gentle current swirled around him, carrying away the remnants of his journey and leaving him feeling strangely renewed.

Emerging from the water, he shivered, but there was a lightness in his step and a clarity in his mind that hadn't been there before. The unexpected rain, the leaky shelter, the impromptu bath – it all seemed part of a larger plan, a series of challenges designed to test his resourcefulness and resilience.

He had weathered the storm, both literally and figuratively, and emerged stronger, cleaner, and ready to face the day. He had a fight to win, some points to plunder and a score to settle.

After taking bath and drying his clothes, Noah ate breakfast but in order to enjoy breakfast he needed tea.

Noah ventured deep into the emerald embrace of the forest, sunlight dappling through the dense canopy overhead. His keen eyes scanned the undergrowth, searching for the telltale glint of green that signified his prize - tea leaves. The air hung heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, a familiar yet invigorating aroma to Noah.

He navigated the maze of twisted branches and fallen logs, his boots crunching softly on the leaf-strewn ground. Finally, a triumphant grin spread across his face as he spotted a cluster of emerald green leaves peeking out from behind a moss-covered rock. With practiced ease, Noah knelt down and carefully plucked the leaves, their delicate texture cool against his fingertips.

He had gathered enough for a pot of his favorite brew, a perfect accompaniment to the salty, savory goodness of the beef jerky waiting back at camp. As he retraced his steps, the forest seemed to hum with a quiet satisfaction, its bounty shared once again.

Upon returning to the hidden grotto, Noah found solace in the familiar warmth of the space. He wasted no time in starting a fire, the flames dancing a comforting jig in the hearth. He placed a small kettle over the fire, the delicate clinking a soothing counterpoint to the crackling wood. He carefully measured the tea leaves, their earthy scent filling the air, and poured boiling water over them.

As the tea steeped, Noah unpacked his provisions. The salty, savory aroma of the beef jerky filled his nostrils, while the sight of the sweet cookies provided a welcome contrast.

Finally, the tea finished its dance, infusing the air with its warm, inviting aroma. Noah poured himself a cup, the steam swirling like a wisp of smoke. He took a sip, savoring the comforting warmth and the subtle, earthy flavor. The salty tang of the beef jerky cut through the sweetness of the cookies, creating a symphony of textures and tastes in his mouth.

As he sat by the fire, enjoying his simple yet satisfying meal, Noah felt a deep sense of contentment. He was surrounded by the quiet beauty of his secret grotto, nourished by the bounty of the forest, and filled with the quiet joy of solitude.

Suddenly, this peace was broken when his smart bracelet vibrated before a smart screen containing information on the current ranking floated.

[°1st place Lilith Evangelion: 125pts

2nd place Gareth Emery: 100pts

3rd place Arthur Kaamelott: 95pts

4th place Ilya : 80pts

5th place Elliot Page: 75pts

6th place Aiden Von Klassen: 70pts

7th place: Noah Adler: 65pts

8th place: Ilya Norys: 60pts

9th place: Francesca Fillon: 50pts

10th place: North Laurus: 45pts

...]

Noah's reaction to his rank was one of indifference. He had already expected Lilith, the formidable girl, to claim the top spot. However, he was taken aback by Arthur securing the third place.

''Well, he doesn't look that weak. I'll be taking the first place after beating and snatching his points, albeit if it's temporary. Time to head to that location.'' A cruel smile adorned Noah's face as he departed to the location of the rematch.