A gentle breeze brushed across Rex's skin, like the cool air atop a mountain, faintly soothing, yet not as intense as the life-saving force he felt earlier.
He sat up slowly, gazing at the space around him. His surroundings were vast, dark, and oppressive, with an eerie silence that filled the air. He clenched his fists, feeling the lingering energy within him, still weak compared to the explosive force that saved him moments ago.
"So... this is the thing that saved me," Rex muttered, his voice steady, yet tinged with curiosity. "But it feels... fragile, weak. Let's see just how far I can push you."
He took a deep breath, eyes narrowing in focus as he activated his Aura once more. A faint shimmer surrounded his body, like an invisible fire waiting to be ignited. The air rippled around him, distorting reality ever so slightly. It was a strange, alien sensation, like trying to grasp something that didn't fully exist.
His pulse quickened as he intensified the flow, the Aura growing denser, vibrating with latent power. The force coursed through his veins, a mixture of pain and exhilaration. He pushed harder, the power crackling around him, but his body trembled under the strain. One minute passed, and then-
"Huff... huff..." Rex collapsed onto his knees, his breath ragged, sweat pouring down his brow. The Aura flickered, then dissipated like smoke, leaving him panting on the cold ground. His body ached from the exertion, every muscle screaming for rest.
"So... this is the thing that saved me, huh?" Rex chuckled between breaths, wiping sweat from his forehead. "I can only keep it up for a minute, but... it's still impressive. There's potential here."
Ding!
A notification materialized in front of him, its ethereal chime echoing in his mind.
[Ding! The system has detected that Player [Rex] has grasped the fundamental principle of [Aura]. As a result, you have acquired the skill: [Aura (F-Rank)].]
Ding!
[Ding! Player [Rex] has achieved a skill within 30 minutes of entering [The Abyss], an unprecedented feat.]
[Global Announcement: Player [Rex] has accomplished the impossible by acquiring a skill within 30 minutes of entering [The Abyss].]
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Unbeknownst to Rex, an announcement had rippled across the entire realm of the tutorial stage, igniting intrigue and envy. Players scattered throughout the region raised their heads in shock, their curiosity piqued. Some whispered in excitement, wondering who this mysterious Rex was, while others burned with jealousy, fists clenched in frustration.
"Who the hell is this Rex?"
"He must be some elite player."
"Damn, getting a skill in the first thirty minutes? That's unheard of."
Meanwhile, as players speculated, Rex remained oblivious, his focus still on the strange Aura that now coursed through his veins. He was about to stand when another notification appeared before him.
[Ding! Player [Rex], for accomplishing the impossible feat in [The Abyss], you are being rewarded.]
Rex blinked. "A reward? For just... learning Aura?" His confusion melted into excitement as the system's next message unfolded.
[Ding! You have been granted the [Attribute: Prodigy] for your astonishing talent.]
[Attribute: Prodigy]
[Rank: A-]
[Attribute: Prodigy]
[Rank: A-]
[Description: You are a one-of-a-kind prodigy whose sheer talent can reshape the world. This attribute allows you to excel in every field of expertise by unifying all your abilities.]
[Effect: Your talents are unified, granting you immense proficiency in all fields, whether physical, magical, or intellectual.]
[Note: This attribute has the potential to evolve if you continue to display extraordinary skill.]
Rex's eyes widened as he read the description. "This... is insane. All my talents... unified into one? That means... I'm equally talented in everything?" He laughed in disbelief. "Holy crap, this is busted. If I can push this to its limit..."
He stood up, feeling a renewed sense of power. The Abyss no longer seemed as intimidating. "Well, if that's the case, let's see what I can really do with this."
As he began walking deeper into the forest, the atmosphere around him shifted. Shadows loomed larger, and a distant howl echoed through the trees. The Abyss was known to test players with unspeakable horrors, and Rex could feel the weight of its danger pressing down on him.
After a short distance, the forest thickened, the trees twisted and gnarled, as if warped by some ancient curse. Every step felt like entering deeper into a forbidden land. Dark mist swirled around his feet, and the air grew colder, heavier.
A low growl interrupted his thoughts.
Rex froze, his eyes scanning the surroundings. His heart pounded in his chest as the sound grew louder, closer. From the thick fog ahead, a pair of glowing red eyes emerged, followed by the hulking form of a monstrous wolf, its fur as black as night, its claws gleaming like obsidian.
The beast snarled, saliva dripping from its fangs as it sized up its prey.
"Great," Rex muttered, cracking his neck. "Let's see if this 'Prodigy' attribute can save me this time."
The wolf lunged, its massive jaws snapping inches from Rex's face, but with a burst of speed, he sidestepped, his body reacting faster than he thought possible.
He grinned, surprised by his own reflexes. "So, this is the 'immense talent' at work, huh?"
Without hesitation, Rex summoned his Aura once more, the shimmering energywrapping around him like armor. The wolf growled, lunging again, but this time Rex was ready. His movements were fluid, almost instinctual. Every strike he made was precise, calculated. He ducked under a claw swipe, countering with a powerful punch that sent a shockwave through the beast's body.
The wolf stumbled, growling in pain as it circled him, wary now of this prey that fought back.
But Rex wasn't done. He charged forward, his Aura flaring, fists glowing with the raw energy of his newly acquired skill. With a powerful leap, he brought his fist down on the wolf's head, a thunderous crack echoing through the forest as the ground beneath them shattered.
The beast whimpered once before collapsing into a heap, its body disintegrating into black mist.
"Huff... huff..." Rex stood over the dissipating creature, panting. He grinned. "Not bad."
Another notification appeared.
[Ding! Player [Rex] has slain an Elite [Shadow Wolf] in under 10 seconds. Experience gained.]
Rex wiped the sweat from his brow and looked up at the darkened sky.
"This place... it's only the beginning, isn't it?" he murmured, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "The Abyss... let's see what else you've got."
With newfound determination, Rex ventured deeper into the unknown, ready to face whatever horrors lay ahead.
To be continued...