Raphael chatted with the two ladies about their goals for the new year in Xio and Fors's rented home.
Xio, whose face had a touch of cute baby fat, said, "I'm going home in a few days to tell my mother and younger brother that there's been a breakthrough in Father's case. If the war ends, I'll bring them to Backlund to live, too."
Her face was full of hope as she spoke. This was what she had come to Backlund for, and now she was finally close to achieving it.
Fors, who had long brown hair, said, "I hope I can advance soon, so I won't have to worry about that damned curse anymore. I also hope I can finish the novel I planned earlier and every manuscript on time-"
Xio hurriedly interrupted her friend. "We're talking about goals, not making wishes."
Fors blinked. "Those are my goals."
"For you, finishing manuscripts on time is wishful thinking."
Fors chuckled. "No wonder you didn't say you hoped to grow taller."
Xio reached under the table and pinched Fors's thigh.
Still chuckling, Fors reached over to pinch her back, but what she touched felt rock-hard. Something seemed off.
Raphael said helplessly, "You're pinching my leg."
"Sorry, sorry." As Fors apologized, she rubbed her fingers with her other hand. No wonder the person she'd pinched hadn't seemed to feel any pain, while her own hand hurt. She had pinched a Zombie.
Then both ladies looked at Raphael.
Raphael took a sip of beer. His goal for the coming year was to stay alive.
Given his circumstances, as long as he survived, he would definitely advance to demigod next year. Then he would have far more control over his situation.
So, for him, simply staying alive would be a major victory.
But saying