As the slimes on the ground dissolved from existence, a notice from the system appeared.
You have gained 35 EXP.
Progression toward level 7: [151 EXP/151 EXP]
You've reached level 7.
Progression toward level 8: [3 EXP/211 EXP]
You have gained 6 ability points.
"Guess I'll just put them all into Sovereign's Intimacy," he mumbled, calling out his ability panel.
You have upgraded [Sovereigh's Intimacy] to level 5. You have 5 ability points remaining.
"It sure is getting expensive to upgrade," he thought. "Maybe I should put some levels into my other abilities?"
Scrolling back up to Cock Slam, he poured in the rest.
You have upgraded [Cock Slam] to level 4. You have 0 ability points remaining.
"Oops, maybe I should've saved some," he regretted with a sigh. "But whatever. They're super strong abilities and I can always grind levels."
He had almost gained 250 EXP from killing slimes alone, as there was no way he'd go back to those spiked crabs. Naturally, it took multiple hours, and as the sun set, he began to feel exhausted.
For some reason, it felt nostalgic; grinding slimes for hours was something he'd do at home on his computer along with his friends who had quit years ago.
But he had said goodbye to that world now. This was his new home, his new sanctuary.
"I'd better head back," he thought as he picked up the pace toward Ludron.
Suddenly, a howl echoed through the air. Instinctively, he paused, listening intently.
The cry came once more.
It was a wolf's howl.
Fear started to rise within him. As much as he tried to deny it, he recognized its distinct freakish howl. It was the Duskwolf, the king of this forest.
"DAMN," he cursed. "To think I'd run into it now."
In the original game, the developers had to adjust the Duskwolf multiple times as certain players refused to fight it. As it now had an unparalleled smelling sense, there was no hiding, nor running once its howl sounded. It was a monster that could find you anywhere, anytime, which made it extremely annoying for a tutorial boss.
"…I'll have to take it head-on," he muttered.
The Duskwolf howled again, sending shivers down his spine. He glared at the forest, trying to spot any movement, but the trees blocked most of it. After another minute of silence, he decided to risk it, taking out his sword.
"Alright, here goes nothing..." he whispered.
Leaving behind the safety of his tree line, he ventured into the clearing. His footsteps echoed loudly, and every noise seemed amplified, making it seem as if the entire forest heard his approach.
Just as he reached the edge of the clearing, the Duskwolf howled again, causing him to freeze in place. A second later, he saw it.
A black shadow emerged from the trees, snarling as it passed by him. Its fur glowed like dark moonlight as it padded closer, and he let out a low growl as he saw the beast was taller than him, if not as bulky.
"Hey, tutorial. Help me out a bit."
"As per your request, I can provide you with its stats."
[Name - Duskwolf]
[Level - 12]
[Race - Werebeast]
[Ability: Enhanced Senses, Aura Sight, Hypnotize, Stealth]
"Tsk, as if I don't already know this. But at least that confirms that nothing had changed." He breathed deeply, steadying himself. "Now, all I need to do is wait for it to attack me."
At first, he expected the Duskwolf to charge him right away. Instead, it moved in stealth mode, moving in the shadows and crouching low, waiting for its moment to strike.
After a while, it stood up and began to circle around him. When it got close enough, it unleashed a vicious bite from its jaws.
Instantly, Jake darted forward with a front flip swinging his enlarged weapon with Cock Slam. The tip met the Duskwolf's side, and it let out an ear-piercing roar.
But that was all it did.
Shocked, he looked up to see the monster still standing there, motionless. It seemed to be frozen in place.
"What the hell?"
It opened its mouth and howled again.
He charged at the creature, slashing at its backside with another Cock Slam. His cock bashed a substantial dent into it, but it didn't even slow down.
As he watched, a glowing mist rose from its throat and circled around it. It had activated Primal hunt and Bloodlust, he realized.
"This is crazy," he muttered. "How am I supposed to kill it?"
It turned its body in an instant and slashed its claws across his chest, ruining his tunic.
"Aw, damn!" he shouted, stumbling backward.
The Duskwolf followed, leaping onto his back. With a savage yank, it tore his clothes off, revealing his naked upper body. Its fangs pierced his skin, drawing blood.
"Gah! Fuck!"
Blood dripped down his chest, staining his pants. He felt dizzy as the power of the Primal Hunt drained his strength. All of a sudden, he fell to his knees. He could barely stand, let alone swing his sword.
"How am I supposed to kill something that can do that?!" he thought.
The Duskwolf grabbed him by the neck with its claws and lifted him into the air. Its breath smelled terrible, and he felt an intense burning sensation as it breathed on him.
"How do I defeat this thing?"
The world spun around him as he fought to stay conscious. He closed his eyes, preparing for death. Then, suddenly, everything went silent.
The Duskwolf had let go of him—no, it had disappeared completely. Instead, there stood a hooded girl wielding a gigantic bow that glowed with a brilliant light.
"You're—! You're that girl with Arthur!"
"Eiltris... That's my name," she said, her face remaining expressionless as she crouched down.
Upon closer inspection, he noticed she was a beautiful elf with a dainty yet determined face. Her green hair flowed past her shoulders in soft curls, and she wore a flowing white dress that clung tightly to her frame underneath her mundane cloak. Her large emerald eyes stared into his, and her lips curved into a slight smile.
"You're pretty good!"