I finished my third push-up rep and collapsed on the floor, exhausted. It had been a tough month. I tried to exercise even when it was painful and difficult, but I couldn't always get much done. I did a little more push-ups and squats, and my crunches had also increased. It had been a productive month! And the fox keeps bringing me meat, which seems to nourish me. I always feel wonderful when I eat. Of course, I cut the meat myself, and after my workouts, it was, well, hell.

  I also sometimes had to cut my arm again to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. It still wouldn't go away, even after a while, and my physical exercises weren't as painful. Now I had a bloody bandage on my arm.

  I felt myself getting warmer and warmer. Now, when I went outside, my extremities didn't immediately turn almost blue, but took much longer. Apparently, it will be warm soon.

  Also, in my free time, unlike when I was sleeping, I started reading the book "Variety of Animals and Monsters for Dummies." Like all the books I've read, it had a ton of useful information.

  It also explained which animals were normal and which were intelligent. Normal animals were those of level eight or nine, while intelligent animals were seven and below. But how to determine these levels... Well, I have no idea.

  It also contained information on how to fight light animals and monsters. I think it'll come in handy sooner or later.

  And just a couple of days ago, that pain pierced me again when they asked me my name. I don't know what it was about, but I saw the fox raise her eyebrows, clearly surprised. But it was so strange when she just stared into space and made a surprised expression.

  So, a lot has happened, and now I'm standing here getting new firewood for the stove. They ran out very quickly, though. I saw some larger firewood nearby, and the axes all over the place definitely indicate that I might end up chopping firewood with it in the future.

  I hope that never happens; I spend too much energy just reading, and I don't think I could handle swinging an axe with my training. I had planned to learn how to use one while I was too young for a sword, but I wanted to fight with it, not chop down trees.

  -Hmm? Is it just me, or did that tree just move? That can't be right; my brain must be too cold and overloaded; I'd better get home soon.

  I quickly grabbed the firewood and went into the house.

  The trees in the forest were almost motionless, and only one spruce stood out against them. It wasn't covered in snow; its branches moved unnaturally, and its black needles seemed to create a face.

  The tree shifted its needles, and a low bass note emanated from it, as if the trees were rubbing together.

  -Interesting. I'll meet Martiza.

  And then the spruce rose and strode toward the forest.

  Martiza POV

  -Pfft, these wolves are so weak. Are the monsters here really that light? I should be in his territory.

  The fox swung her daggers, clearing away the blood. She stood around a multitude of wolf corpses. They were so weak that she hadn't even cast her spells. Martiza picked up two of the beefiest wolves, completely froze them, and carried them to her dwelling.

  A system window appeared in front of her, informing her that she had killed several wolves and had increased her Prestige just a little. Literally by one point.

  -Damn weaklings.

  -Interesting. A low tone echoed around the fox in all directions. The fox flinched at the sudden voice and started looking around.

  -Come out! If you're not a coward, then come out and I'll hit you with one paw!

  -Apparently the little beast has gone completely berserk. Besides, why are you on my territory?

  Stolen story; please report.

  -Oh... I was just kidding... I didn't know it was you, Mikua, let's end on a good note?

  -After you just walk around killing my friends, I can't forgive you. So go ahead and attack. I'll defend myself.

  The fox stared at the enemy before her in confusion, unable to comprehend his train of thought. So he wanted her to attack him? What the hell? Doesn't a fight usually just start and that's it? Why is he acting like this?

  She stared at him for a few more seconds and decided to simply walk past. But as soon as she took a step, roots sprouted from the ground and blocked her path.

  -[Forest Spirit Technique: Roots] Until you attack me, you'll never leave here.

  Damn Trent! What does he want! He's clearly stronger than me. For all I know, he should be even stronger than that terrifying woman! What does he want from me?

  -[Zero Peaks] Daggers, pierce his bark! [Zero Peaks], [Zero Peaks], [Zero Peaks].

  *CRACK*

  Mikua deflected each spear with his branches, some he had grown himself, some were already there, and even a single spear aimed at his back was deflected by a branch. He didn't even turn to parry them with absolute precision.

  The fox knew this attack would be fruitless and began moving toward Trent. And then, a few meters away, the fox spoke.

  -[Zero Time]!

  *CRACK*

  Martisa's plan was to distract Mikua and get to him as quickly as possible to use her ability. But Trent seemed to anticipate her attack and grew roots where she struck. Her daggers simply broke on the thick layer of wood and scattered in all directions. The fox jumped back and watched as the ice around them broke and "time" resumed its course.

  -[Forest Spirit Technique: Heart of the Ent] An interesting tactic, but it won't work against me... It won't work against me. You're the one who actually made me use my abilities.

  -Shut up! Damn cheater! [Zero Daggers]!

  And then the fox seemed to have found a chance, her gaze predatory. She distracted him with these projectiles and wanted to pierce him from below.

  Ice daggers erupted from beneath the floor and met the tree. With the roots... Which were made right above them.

  -[Forest Spirit Technique: Roots]. Good idea. Yes. But you can't hurt me with that.

  -HOW?????? [Zero Daggers]!

  Trent merely swung his newly grown branch, but felt a chill spreading through his limbs. It didn't faze him in the least. He broke the dagger with his other hand. Even without noticing the fox, he raised his leg, and the fox, finding no resistance, simply flew under Mikua's foot.

  When she realized she had been foreseen again, she found herself under the spruce's heavy foot. It lay there, clutching it tightly from above, pressing it hard into the ground, but not so hard that it would break bones.

  -[Zero Peaks]...

  -[Forest Spirit Technique: Substitution]

  -Stop...

  She slowly approached him, a little unsteady, glaring at him with fierce, hatred-filled eyes. She didn't like losing so easily, even if this Trent was much stronger than her.

  Trent simply watched her desperate attempts to stand still. He even felt a little sorry for her. Even though she was fighting in winter, when she was much stronger, he himself was greatly weakened by the cold. Normal Trents hibernate in winter because they're so weak that it's better for them to hide and simply wait for warmer weather. Mikua, however, was stronger than them, but he still suffered significant disadvantages from the cold.

  He turned his attention back to the fox when she slowly moved her lips. Without hesitation, Mikua used the ability on himself.

  -[Zero Evasion]!

  -[Forest Spirit Technique: Substitution]. This was a truly interesting fight. Although for me it was just a warm-up.