Jace's grip on the Blade Panther's claws tightened as he ventured deeper into the jungle. Every step brought new challenges: dense undergrowth, unpredictable terrain, and the ever-present sounds of predators lurking just out of sight. His senses, now sharper thanks to the Gourmet Sense and Essence Core, kept him alert.
The System's voice broke the silence:
"Current objective: Locate a high-tier ingredient to unlock Gourmet Cells. Suggested target: Rockbeak Eagle. Estimated location: Sky Needle Plateau."
"Sky Needle Plateau?" Jace muttered, glancing around. The jungle stretched endlessly, its towering trees blotting out most of the sky. There was no sign of a plateau or anything resembling a landmark.
"Activating map function. Tracking the target's last known location."
An overlay appeared in Jace's vision, displaying a faint trail leading north.
The jungle was alive with activity. Strange creatures darted through the foliage, their eyes gleaming with curiosity or malice. Jace's Gourmet Sense highlighted edible plants and small animals, but he ignored them for now. The System's objective was clear, and he didn't want to waste time.
"Warning: High predator activity detected in the area. Proceed with caution."
After an hour of trekking, Jace came across a clearing. The air felt different here, heavier and charged with energy. At the center of the clearing was a crystal-clear pond, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly light.
"Analyzing...
Resource identified: Mana Spring. Effects: Rapid stamina regeneration and temporary boost to mana reserves. Highly sought after by creatures in the area."
Jace knelt by the spring, cupping some of the water in his hands. As he drank, a cooling sensation spread through his body, easing his fatigue and sharpening his focus.
"Resource absorbed. Temporary effects activated: Stamina regeneration enhanced."
A growl from across the clearing snapped him to attention. A creature stepped out from the shadows, its presence radiating power. It resembled a wolf, but its black fur crackled with blue electricity, and its glowing white eyes locked onto Jace.
"Analyzing...
Creature: Thunder Fang Wolf. Capture Level: 12. Description: A territorial predator that uses electrical discharges to paralyze its prey. Highly dangerous."
The wolf lowered its head, muscles coiling as arcs of lightning rippled across its body.
"Recommendation: Engage using speed and agility. Avoid direct contact with the creature's fur."
The creature lunged, lightning crackling around it. Jace sidestepped just in time, the air where the wolf had been filled with static. He swung one of the claws, grazing its side. Sparks erupted on impact, and Jace's arm went numb.
The wolf growled, electricity intensifying around it.
Jace adjusted his grip and shifted his stance. He wouldn't be able to overpower the wolf—it was faster, stronger, and deadly. But he wasn't defenseless.
The wolf charged again, its movements blindingly fast. Jace ducked, barely avoiding the claws that slashed through the air. As the creature turned for another attack, he spotted a low-hanging vine behind it, thick and sturdy.
Darting to the side, Jace grabbed the vine and pulled it taut across the wolf's path. When the beast lunged again, it tripped, crashing to the ground with a thud.
The System chimed:
"Weak point identified: Base of the skull. Exploit for maximum efficiency."
Jace wasted no time. He leaped onto the wolf's back, driving one of the claws into the identified weak spot. The creature thrashed violently, arcs of electricity jolting through Jace's body.
Every muscle screamed in protest, but he held on, driving the claw deeper. The wolf let out a final, guttural howl before going limp.
"Enemy defeated: Thunder Fang Wolf (Capture Level 12). Rewards: 30 Evolution Points, Thunder Core (Material), Enhanced Speed (Temporary)."
Jace staggered back, panting heavily as the wolf's body dissolved into shimmering particles. A crystalline shard and a glowing orb remained in its place.
He picked up the shard, its surface radiating a faint hum.
Item: Thunder Core. Description: Contains raw electrical energy. Can be used for crafting or consumed to enhance abilities."
Jace crushed the orb first, letting the energy flood his body. His reflexes sharpened, and his movements felt lighter, more precise.
"Temporary enhancement activated: Speed increased by 20%."
The System updated his map with a faint marker indicating a location ahead.
"Objective update: Rockbeak Eagle sighting confirmed. Estimated distance: 3 kilometers north."
Jace grabbed the Thunder Core, securing it in his belt. As the static in the air settled, he turned his focus to the path ahead, the sound of distant wings cutting through the jungle's canopy.