Chapter 94: A Loyal Companion Calm and composed, her mind sorted through the puzzle pieces. The Dwarven woman’s presence remained a lingering question mark, and her potential role in Xin’s rapid progress only added another layer of intrigue to the mystery. As she pondered the enigma before her, a glint appeared in her eyes. She would uncover the truth, step by careful step, and uncover the connections that her instincts whispered at her. With determination etched on her features, she delved deeper into her laptop’s search results. It didn’t take long for her to stumble upon information that caught her attention: Snow Angels Vs. Doom Serenity! A revelation struck her. Could that be the reason why Xin was present in the Desolate Forest? Was he strategically grinding there to accelerate his leveling before the impending battle? Questions swirled in her mind, a tangled web of uncertainty surrounding Xin’s motives and actions. The Golems and the mysterious cat race he was were further elements shrouded in ambiguity. Did the Golems constitute a significant aspect of his abilities, and if so, what class did he belong to? These riddles, like pieces of a puzzle, were waiting to be assembled into a coherent whole. As she pieced together the fragments of information, a shadow of doubt crossed her mind. How could she be certain that this Lord Schrodinger was indeed Xin? The possibilities veered in various directions, prompting her to tread cautiously. But she was not one to be deterred. A mischievous smirk curved her lips as an idea formed in her mind. If she could confirm Lord Schrodinger’s appearance in the forthcoming confrontation between Snow Angels and Doom Serenity, it would be an irrefutable link connecting him to Xin. Her determination intensified as she whispered under her breath, "Patience may be a virtue, but anticipation has its own allure." With her plan in motion, her focus shifted toward the future. The prospect of unraveling the truth, one step at a time, ignited a fire of excitement within her. ======= The sun set on another day, marking the approach of Snow Angel’s decisive showdown with Doom Serenity. As the final hours of preparation unfolded, Xin found himself immersed in the act of mining, a process that yielded a trove of recipes courtesy of Hilda. Amid their efforts, she also crafted a crucial item –– the [Ring of Level Concealment]. This accessory, when worn, obscured Xin’s level from view, a safeguard against potential predators who might target him due to his low level. While its creation demanded a significant investment of rare and scarce materials, Hilda generously contributed from her own reserves, a testament to the partnership forming between them. Hilda was a Level 500-plus Berserker. Remarkably, she continued to accumulate experience points, a rarity among NPCs and likely a byproduct of her autonomous nature. Xin had coined the term "Free NPC" to describe companions like Hilda, who acted with a degree of independence while also possessing self-determined wills, diverging from the predefined scripts of the game system. Although only select formidable opponents could elevate the Princess’s statistics, encounters with foes twice his level significantly enhanced Xin’s own capabilities. Hilda’s prowess extended to her crafting expertise; her Crafting Life Skills had attained the Grandmaster level, allowing her to forge equipment ranging from rare to Legend Grade, assuming they possessed the requisite materials. Her extensive knowledge of crafting recipes was a valuable asset, leaving Xin genuinely grateful for her presence. However, the duo currently found themselves lacking the necessary materials to craft higher-grade items, a limitation exacerbated by the imminent war that demanded their focus. Maybe after the war, he could look for them, and craft a legend grade equipment and sold it in the auction. With the promise of money driving him forward, Xin devoted his spare moments to honing his Life Skill Abilities, striving for incremental improvement. As the time neared for rest, he checked the clock and remarked, "I think we’ve accomplished all we can for now. We should rest, especially with the battle scheduled for tomorrow afternoon." Hilda wiped the sweat from her brow and nonchalantly swung her pickaxe over her shoulder. "Have you secured everything you need for tomorrow?" Xin met her gaze and nodded. "Yes, I believe so." The eve of the war brought a sense of both anticipation and tension, their efforts culminating in the promise of a significant conflict on the horizon. Xin offered a nod of gratitude. "Your gift is more than generous, likely enough to create Golems for at least a year." 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦 Hilda’s laughter rang out melodiously. "I’m delighted that you find it fitting. As long as I’m here, you won’t find yourself short of materials for your golems." Xin was genuinely touched by her gesture and the security it brought, yet a certain thought weighed on his mind, a thought he felt compelled to voice out. "Hilda," he began, his tone earnest, "if ever the time comes when you feel a calling, something you must pursue, don’t hesitate to follow it. You’re not bound to my side, and your freedom to choose your own path is something I will support." Hilda’s eyes, usually fierce and kind, softened at Lord Schrodinger’s words. She regarded him with a mix of surprise and appreciation, her lips curving into a gentle smile. "Lord Schrodinger," she began, her voice carrying a warmth that was uncharacteristic of her warrior-like persona, "your consideration touches me deeply. I won’t deny that there might come a time when my path takes a different turn. But for now, I find myself content right here by your side." Her fingers played with the edges of her braided hair, a habit that Xin had come to associate with her shy moments. She continued, her gaze fixed on a distant point as if she were peering into her own thoughts. "I’ve lived a long time, and my existence has been filled with hardships and betrayals. Yet, being with you is a different kind of purpose — one that brings a sense of fulfillment beyond what I’ve known. In this world of adventure, where every encounter is uncertain, I find solace in our friendship." Hilda looked back at Xin, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that conveyed her sincerity. "So, until that moment arrives when my path beckons elsewhere, I am more than content to be your loyal companion, Lord Schrodinger." Xin met her gaze. He was grateful and honored to receive such devotion, though a little embarrassed. A faint smile tugged at the corners of Xin’s lips. "Thank you, Hilda," he said softly. "You’re a big help." With their exchange of words, a sense of companionship deepened between them, solidified not by the constraints of the game but by the genuine connection that had blossomed beneath the surface of their virtual identities.