NOVEL NEXT Chapter 558: Wither's Curse
Alex simply gave a nod in response and continued forward. Using Jack's memories, he navigated the familiar streets without issue, making his way back home.
The city was festive; colorful banners stretched between rooftops, fluttering gently in the breeze. Merchants had set up bustling stalls along both sides of the main road, energetically calling out to passing crowds. Vendors enthusiastically offered everything from fragrant, freshly baked breads and sizzling skewers of roasted meat to brightly colored fabrics and handmade trinkets.
Children ran playfully between carts, laughing as street performers entertained them with tricks and lively music. Nearby, a juggler expertly tossed flaming torches into the air, drawing gasps of admiration from the gathered audience.
Alex weaved smoothly through the vibrant crowd, taking in the sights. 'It's not much different from the VR worlds I played before, but I guess this much is expected from a capital city.'
Yet he knew better than to assume this festive atmosphere was all the city had to offer. Gradually, as expected, his surroundings began to change. Vagrants could be seen lingering around street corners as he entered the rougher area of town. And this wasn't even the worst part; beyond here lay the true slums.
From Jack's memories, Alex recalled growing up in that slum before clawing his way up through sheer determination, finally settling in this somewhat better but still crime-ridden district. To Alex, this was intriguing—if the World system truly wanted to, it could easily enforce absolute obedience to the laws, yet it clearly chose not to. 'Seems like it only strictly enforces order through the territory's leaders, but beyond that, people are free to act as they please,' Alex mused. Otherwise, there would be no chance for crime or vagrancy.
Since Lithe was linked directly to the civilian population, providing security would encourage population growth, so it make Alex realize this is not by choice. He felt a few wary gazes fall upon him, but as soon as they recognized his face and uniform, they quickly turned away, avoiding his gaze.
This made Alex chuckle softly. He remembered vividly from Jack's memories how he'd beaten up every troublemaker here when he first moved in, establishing himself firmly so they wouldn't dare cause problems for him or disturb his mother. Whenever he was home, the neighborhood's crime rate dropped practically to zero. After all, these local thugs had barely any skill, most hovering between level 15 and 18 at best. They posed no threat to Jack. 'Soldiers usually don't live here; their war spoils earn them nicer districts. Jack really is an exception,' Alex thought, finally reaching Jack's home.
The small place was modest, almost like a hut. Alex pushed open the creaky door and was immediately greeted by a warm, gentle smile. "Welcome home, Jack," his mother said softly, her voice filled with affection.
A pang of guilt twisted inside Alex's chest, though he kept it hidden beneath a calm surface. He managed a gentle tone, "Sorry I'm back late, Mom. But what are you doing out of bed? You're supposed to be resting."
Dying three times in the game equaled real death in the real world. Alex's soul was now inhabiting her child's body. Even though he didn't know if Jack was biologically her son, it didn't change the fact that the woman in front of him treated him as such. His gaze settled on the warm soup placed carefully on the table, and he let out a heavy sigh. 'A mother's love is no different, even here.'
It was a heavy, quiet affection, the kind that reminded Alex of his own mother, Lucia. A bittersweet feeling tugged at his heart as he wondered, 'What are you doing right now, Mom?'
With the new difference in time between the two worlds, countless things could've happened back home by now—he wasn't even sure which world moved faster. Before his thoughts could wander further, Jack's mother gently tugged at his sleeve, guiding him to sit at the small table. "Come and eat, Jack," she said warmly. "I cooked your favorite."
Alex took a spoonful of the soup, the taste unfamiliar and far from his liking, but he forced a gentle smile and nodded anyway. "It's delicious, Mom. Thank you."
She smiled weakly, eyes twinkling faintly. "I'm glad you like it. You need strength, fighting out there every day."
Alex swallowed another mouthful, his heart tightening at the thought that she had used her limited energy to cook for him. Thankfully, the kingdom never openly announced casualties from battles—not because they didn't care, but due to the life system. Announcing someone dead while they still had lives left would be absurd, so only after an entire month passed without their return would a soldier officially be declared dead. He glanced over, concern evident in his expression. "Mom, seriously, you need to rest. You're still sick."
Jack's mother waved him off with a gentle chuckle, her voice soft but stubborn. "Oh, stop fussing. I know my own body best. I feel better today, truly."
'Better?' Alex frowned inwardly. 'Just look at yourself.' Jack's mother was barely more than skin and bones; her pale, papery skin stretched thin over her protruding ribs, her cheeks hollowed and eyes sunken deeply into her face. It was hard to believe she was even alive, let alone "better."
Her condition, Alex had learned, was known as "Wither's Curse"—a cruel illness unique to this world, slowly draining the life from its victims by preventing their bodies from properly absorbing nutrients. No matter how much she tried to eat, nothing nourished her, and each day left her weaker than before. Her fragile existence was sustained only through the aid of a skilled healer who came once every week, casting rejuvenating spells just strong enough to keep her clinging to life. But the cost of that treatment was staggering, draining Jack's funds faster than he could earn them on a soldier's salary.
Alex sighed quietly, watching her push around the food in her bowl without truly eating. She had cooked this meal out of pure love, knowing full well her body couldn't even benefit from it.
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If you've read this novel before February 23, 2025, I've edited chapters 1–60 to enhance readability and flow. Feel free to reread them if you're interested. I'll continue improving the remaining chapters over time.
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