Jace woke to the sounds of the jungle coming alive. Birds the size of small cars flapped through the air, their screeches echoing across the towering trees. The rustling of leaves and distant roars reminded him that he was no longer in the safe, predictable monotony of Earth.
The air was rich with an almost tangible energy. Every breath filled his lungs with vitality, his body feeling stronger and sharper than ever before.
He stood up and stretched, his muscles still sore from the fight with the Steam Boar the previous day. The dagger, his only weapon, hung loosely at his side, a reassuring weight.
"Good morning, Host. Daily system check-in: Health optimal. Current Evolution Points (EP): 20. Status unchanged. Pending objective: Acquire your first high-tier ingredient to unlock Gourmet Cells."
The interface hovered in his vision, its glow faint but unmistakable. Jace couldn't help but smile. This thing might have been dropped into his life without warning, but it was undoubtedly the greatest thing that had ever happened to him.
The System's mention of Gourmet Cells brought Jace's attention to his newly acquired skill: Beginner Gourmet Sense.
"Activate Gourmet Sense," he said aloud, testing the waters.
Immediately, his perception shifted. The world around him became more vibrant, more alive. He could smell the faint sweetness of distant fruit, the rich aroma of nearby herbs, and the earthy scent of the jungle floor.
It wasn't just his sense of smell—his vision sharpened as well. A cluster of berries in the distance glowed faintly, their hue more vivid than the surrounding plants.
"Gourmet Sense activated. This ability highlights nearby ingredients and their potential benefits. Detection range: 50 meters."
Jace approached the glowing berries and picked one cautiously. They were small and deep blue, with a faint shimmer on their skin.
Item: Blue Mist Berries
Effects: Restores stamina and provides a temporary boost to reflexes.
Popping one into his mouth, Jace was hit with an intense burst of flavor—sweet, tangy, and refreshing all at once. A surge of energy coursed through him, washing away the last remnants of fatigue.
"Well, that's convenient," he muttered, pocketing a handful of the berries.
Jace's exploration was interrupted by a deep, guttural growl. His senses went on high alert, and he instinctively gripped his dagger. Turning toward the sound, he saw movement in the shadows of the trees.
Emerging from the underbrush was a massive feline creature. Its fur was a dark green, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the jungle, and its eyes glowed an eerie yellow. Long, curved claws extended from its paws, and its tail flicked back and forth, tipped with what looked like a sharp blade.
Analyzing...
Creature: Blade Panther
Capture Level: 8
Description: A stealthy predator that uses its tail as a weapon. Known for its unparalleled speed and agility.
Jace swallowed hard. If the Steam Boar had been a challenge, this thing was a nightmare.
"Warning: Blade Panthers are highly dangerous. Recommended action: Avoid confrontation or use terrain to gain an advantage."
The panther growled again, its muscles coiling as it prepared to pounce.
Jace didn't wait for it to attack. He turned and ran, darting through the jungle as fast as his legs could carry him. The Blade Panther gave chase, its movements almost silent as it weaved through the trees with terrifying speed.
His heart pounded in his chest. He could hear the panther closing in, its claws scraping against the ground.
"Think, think!" Jace muttered to himself, scanning his surroundings.
Up ahead, he spotted a fallen tree leaning against a boulder, creating a makeshift ramp. An idea formed in his mind.
With the Blade Panther mere feet behind him, Jace sprinted up the ramp and leaped off the edge. Twisting in midair, he threw his dagger at the creature.
The dagger struck the panther's shoulder, making it yowl in pain and stumble. It wasn't enough to kill it, but it bought Jace precious seconds.
He landed awkwardly, rolling to absorb the impact. Scrambling to his feet, he looked around for something—anything—that could help. His eyes landed on a cluster of thorny vines hanging from a nearby tree.
"Perfect."
Jace grabbed the vines, using his dagger to cut them loose. The Blade Panther recovered quickly, its yellow eyes locking onto him with renewed fury.
As the creature lunged, Jace sidestepped and looped the vines around its neck. Using all his strength, he pulled, tightening the makeshift noose. The panther thrashed violently, nearly throwing him off balance.
The System chimed in:
"Weak point identified: Base of the skull."
Jace gritted his teeth, yanking the panther closer. With a quick motion, he plunged the dagger into the indicated spot. The creature let out a final, guttural growl before collapsing.
Panting and covered in sweat, Jace sat beside the fallen panther. The System's interface appeared, congratulating him.
Congratulations! Enemy defeated: Blade Panther (Capture Level 8).
Rewards:
20 Evolution PointsBlade Panther Claws (Material)Enhanced Reflexes (Temporary)
The panther's body dissolved into particles, leaving behind a set of gleaming claws and a faint, glowing orb.
"What's this?" Jace asked, picking up the orb.
"Essence Core: Contains a portion of the creature's power. Absorb to enhance stats."
Without hesitation, Jace crushed the orb in his hand. A wave of energy surged through him, and he felt his reflexes sharpen even further
Jace opened his status screen, eager to see his progress.
Name: Jace
Level: 2
Evolution Points (EP): 40
Skills:
Basic Combat Module (Active)Beginner Gourmet Sense (Active)
He couldn't help but grin. This was just the beginning, but already he could feel himself growing stronger. The jungle no longer seemed as daunting as it had before.
As he stood, the System chimed again.
"Next objective: Locate a high-tier ingredient to unlock Gourmet Cells. Recommended target: Rockbeak Eagle."
Jace smirked, gripping the Blade Panther's claws like makeshift weapons.
"Alright, System. Let's see what this world has to offer."