The jungle grew denser, the air thick with tension as Jace followed the System's trail. Every rustle of leaves and distant growl kept him on edge. He clenched the Thunder Core in his palm, its faint hum of energy serving as a reminder of the power he'd earned.
The System chimed:
"Warning: Proximity to Sky Needle Plateau increasing. Apex predator activity expected. Exercise caution."
"Apex predator?" Jace muttered, scanning the surroundings. The jungle was teeming with life, but the trail ahead felt unnervingly quiet. The only sounds were the crunch of leaves beneath his boots and the distant cry of birds.
Reaching the base of the plateau, Jace finally got a clear view of his target. The Sky Needle Plateau loomed before him, its sheer cliffs riddled with jagged rocks. Above, the faint silhouette of a massive bird circled the skies.
"Target identified: Rockbeak Eagle. Capture Level: 18. Description: A territorial avian predator with razor-sharp talons and a beak capable of shattering stone. Approach with stealth or ranged attacks."
Jace narrowed his eyes. The bird was massive, easily three times his size, with wings that spanned the length of a small house. Its feathers shimmered like polished steel under the sunlight.
"Any ideas, System?" Jace asked, gripping the Thunder Core.
"Recommendation: Utilize high ground to reduce visibility. Target weak points: wing joints or head. Supplement strategy with Thunder Core for ranged disruption."
He examined the terrain, noting a series of jagged rocks leading to a ledge about halfway up the plateau. From there, he might get a clear shot at the eagle without drawing its immediate attention.
Scaling the rocky outcrop was no easy task. The uneven surface made every step a gamble, and loose stones threatened to send him plummeting with a single misstep. Jace's muscles ached, but he pressed on, driven by the System's constant updates.
"Target location adjusted. The Rockbeak Eagle is stationary near the plateau's summit. Caution advised."
As he pulled himself onto the ledge, a sudden screech tore through the air. Jace froze, his eyes darting upward. The eagle had stopped circling and was now perched on the edge of the plateau, its piercing eyes scanning the jungle below.
Jace crouched low, gripping the Thunder Core tightly. He knew he couldn't fight the eagle head-on—it was too fast, too powerful. But he didn't have to.
The plan formed quickly in his mind. Using the Thunder Core, he could create a disruption to lure the eagle closer. If he timed it right, he'd have a chance to strike its weak point.
"Let's hope this works," he muttered, activating the core.
The shard pulsed with energy, sending a crackling wave of electricity into the air. The eagle's head snapped toward the source, its razor-sharp gaze locking onto Jace's position.
It let out an ear-splitting screech and launched itself from the plateau. The force of its takeoff sent a shockwave through the air, rattling the ledge beneath Jace's feet.
"Incoming: Rockbeak Eagle. Estimated impact in 10 seconds."
Jace steadied his breathing, watching as the bird closed the distance with terrifying speed. At the last moment, he dove to the side, narrowly avoiding its talons as they slammed into the rock.
The ledge cracked under the impact, sending debris tumbling into the jungle below. The eagle wheeled around for another attack, its metallic feathers glinting in the sunlight.
Jace gritted his teeth, activating the Thunder Core again. This time, he aimed the energy directly at the eagle's wings.
The bolt struck true, sending a jolt of electricity through the bird's body. It screeched in pain, its flight faltering as it struggled to stay aloft.
"Critical hit! Target's mobility reduced by 30%."
Seeing his chance, Jace charged forward, leaping off the ledge and onto the eagle's back. The creature thrashed violently, trying to shake him off, but Jace held firm.
With one hand gripping the eagle's feathers, he drove the Blade Panther's claw into the joint of its left wing. The bird let out a deafening cry, its movements growing more frantic.
"Weak point exploited. Target's flight capability reduced by 70%."
Jace knew he couldn't let up. He climbed toward the bird's head, using the Thunder Core to send another jolt of energy through its body. The eagle's movements slowed, its strength waning as the attacks took their toll.
Finally, with one last effort, Jace drove the claw into the base of the bird's skull. The eagle let out a final, mournful cry before collapsing to the ground, its massive body crashing into the jungle below.
The System's voice broke the silence:
"Target defeated: Rockbeak Eagle (Capture Level: 18). Rewards: 50 Evolution Points, Steel Feather (Material), Wing Essence (Consumable), Gourmet Cells Unlocked."
Jace slumped to the ground, his chest heaving as he caught his breath. The eagle's body dissolved into shimmering particles, leaving behind a handful of glowing items.
The System chimed again:
"Congratulations. First milestone achieved: Gourmet Cells activated. Evolution capabilities enhanced."
Jace picked up the Steel Feather, its surface cool and smooth to the touch. The Wing Essence radiated a soft glow, promising new power.
"Not bad for a day's work," he muttered, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he prepared for what came next.