When Elian opened his eyes the next morning, the world was spinning. His throat felt like he had swallowed a handful of crushed glass, and his bones ached with a deep cold that the furs of the cot couldn't touch.
He tried to swallow and let out a pathetic croak instead.
[System Alert: Severe Viral Infection Detected.][Cause: Extreme exposure to freezing temperatures, physical exhaustion, and high stress.][Status Effect Active: The Northern Ague.][Effect: -80% Stamina. Rational thought severely impaired.]
'Oh, perfect,' Elian thought, shivering violently.
He squeezed his eyes shut, calling up the System Shop in his mind.
'System. Buy Cold Medicine. The strong stuff. DayQuil, NyQuil, whatever-Quil.'
The Shop menu materialized, glowing mockingly in the dim light of the tent. The red banner was still plastered across the top.
[WARNING: War Time Economy Active. 300% Price Hike Applied.][Item: Panacea Draught (Cures all minor ailments).][Base Cost: 200 LP.][War Time Cost: 600 LP.]
