The Sky Needle Plateau loomed above Jace like a monolith, its jagged cliffs stretching toward the heavens. The air was cooler here, tinged with the scent of moisture and the faint metallic tang of minerals. The jungle behind him seemed to watch silently as he began his ascent.
"Objective: Reach the summit of Sky Needle Plateau. Apex-level ingredient detected at coordinates 4.8/7.2. Threat Level: High."
Jace glanced at the glowing interface, his brows furrowing. The System's calm demeanor belied the danger ahead, but that was nothing new. With his enhanced abilities and the Gourmet Cells awakening within him, he felt ready for the challenge.
The climb was grueling, the rock face slick with moisture and riddled with unstable footholds. Jace's fingers dug into the cracks, his newfound strength allowing him to pull himself upward with ease. Despite the physical demands, he found himself moving faster than expected.
Halfway up, the plateau revealed its first test. A cluster of massive vines hung down from the cliffside, their tendrils writhing unnaturally. As Jace drew closer, the vines shifted, revealing barbed thorns that gleamed menacingly in the sunlight.
"Obstacle detected: Thornlash Vines. Hostile flora capable of ensnaring prey and extracting nutrients. Recommended action: Avoid contact or use ranged attack to clear path."
"Figures," Jace muttered, gripping the Thunder Core.
He activated the core, sending a crackling surge of electricity through the vines. The Thornlash Vines recoiled, writhing violently as the current ripped through them. Seizing the moment, Jace swung to a nearby ledge, bypassing the danger.
As he climbed higher, the environment changed. The humid air of the jungle gave way to a crisp, biting cold. Frost clung to the rocks, and a thin veil of mist obscured his vision.
Jace paused to catch his breath, his muscles aching from the constant exertion. The System's interface flickered to life, displaying his status.
[Status Update: Jace Blackthorn]
Stamina: 65%Environmental Resistance: Activated (Tier 1)Danger Proximity: Moderate
The mist began to clear, revealing a wide ledge adorned with shimmering crystals. In the center of the clearing stood a creature unlike anything Jace had encountered before—a Frostscale Monitor.
The beast was enormous, its body covered in iridescent scales that glinted like diamonds. Its long tail swayed lazily, but its piercing blue eyes locked onto Jace the moment he stepped onto the ledge.
"Target identified: Frostscale Monitor. Capture Level: 22. Description: Cold-blooded apex predator with enhanced resistance to physical and elemental attacks. Weak points: Throat and underbelly."
"Just my luck," Jace muttered, drawing the Blade Panther claws.
The Frostscale Monitor hissed, its breath visible in the frigid air. It lunged forward, its claws digging into the icy ground as it closed the distance with surprising speed. Jace dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the beast's snapping jaws.
The System chimed:
"Recommendation: Exploit terrain for tactical advantage. Avoid prolonged engagement in open space."
Jace scanned the area, noting the clusters of crystals scattered across the ledge. He darted behind one, using it as cover as the monitor's tail whipped through the air, shattering the fragile formations.
The creature roared in frustration, its movements growing more aggressive. Jace activated the Thunder Core, sending a bolt of electricity toward its underbelly. The monitor recoiled, its scales sparking as the attack found its mark.
"Critical hit. Target's resistance reduced by 15%."
Emboldened, Jace pressed the attack. He leaped onto the creature's back, driving one of the claws into the base of its neck. The monitor thrashed violently, trying to shake him off, but Jace held firm.
The System's voice cut through the chaos:
"Target weak point exposed. Execute finishing move to neutralize threat."
With a determined cry, Jace drove both claws into the monitor's throat, severing its vital arteries. The beast let out a final, guttural roar before collapsing to the ground, its massive body going still.
"Target defeated: Frostscale Monitor (Capture Level: 22). Rewards: 70 Evolution Points, Frostscale Hide (Material), Iceheart Core (Consumable)."
Jace stumbled back, his chest heaving as he surveyed the scene. The monitor's body dissolved into shimmering particles, leaving behind a collection of glowing items.
The Iceheart Core caught his attention immediately. It radiated an intense cold, the frost forming intricate patterns on its surface.
"Iceheart Core detected. Consumption will grant Cryo Resistance and unlock Tier 2 Apex Adaptation traits. Confirm action?"
Jace hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Do it."
The core dissolved in his hand, sending a wave of icy energy coursing through his body. Unlike the intense pain of the Wing Essence, this transformation was almost soothing, like a cool balm spreading through his veins.
The System updated his interface:
[Status Update: Jace Blackthorn]
Cryo Resistance: ActivatedApex Adaptation (Tier 2): Frost Resonance unlocked
"Frost Resonance: Allows manipulation of ice-based energy for offensive and defensive purposes. Ability will evolve with further consumption of cryo-aligned ingredients."
Jace clenched his fists, feeling the frost coalescing around his fingertips. He could already see the potential for his new power—walls of ice, weapons forged from frost, and even the ability to freeze enemies in their tracks.
The System spoke once more:
"Next objective: Summit. Apex-level ingredient located. Threat Level: Extreme."