In the heart of the dense, ancient forest, a chilling stillness blanketed the surroundings as Gideon, a diminutive figure in comparison to the colossal Obsidian Tusk Boar, confronted the monstrous beast. Their eyes locked in a momentary standoff, and a shiver coursed through both of them as they sensed the icy breath of the night wind weaving its way through the towering trees.
The tension was palpable, a prelude to an impending clash of titans. Then, as if spurred by some invisible force, the Obsidian Tusk Boar launched itself into action. Muscles rippled beneath its obsidian-hued hide as it thundered toward Gideon, its obsidian tusks gleaming wickedly in the moonlight.
Gideon's reaction was nothing short of astonishing. He didn't flinch; instead, a serene smile crept onto his lips. It was a smile of unwavering confidence, born from countless battles and a profound understanding of the world around him. As the earth trembled beneath the boar's relentless charge, Gideon performed a seemingly effortless maneuver, a sidestep so graceful that it defied the laws of physics.
To the casual observer, the Obsidian Tusk Boar's charge was a blur of power and fury. But to Gideon, it was a leisurely stroll through a world moving in slow motion. He had sidestepped the colossal beast with such finesse that it required no exertion of effort.
Undeterred by its failed assault, the Obsidian Tusk Boar braced itself for another charge. Gideon goaded it on, his voice laced with amusement. "Come on, you can do better than that. Show me the extent of your might."
The boar roared in response, its primal fury echoing through the forest. It stamped its colossal hooves, and its golden eyes blazed red, casting eerie crimson streaks through the darkness. The bristles along its massive back stood erect as it unleashed a powerful Skill.
Gideon's anticipation grew palpable as he observed the boar's transformation. "Now we're getting somewhere," he murmured, his claws twitching with excitement.
With a thunderous bellow, the Obsidian Tusk Boar charged once more. Yet, even with its newfound power, it was still no match for Gideon's unparalleled agility. With the slightest of movements, Gideon sidestepped again, allowing the behemoth to rush past him, its hot breath washing over him like a tempest.
As the Obsidian Tusk Boar hurtled past, Gideon raised his right hand languidly, a condescending grin on his face. "Well, you gave it your all... I suppose," he quipped, snapping his fingers to activate his unique Skill, *Spike Missiles*.
In an instant, 200 of Gideon's spines detached from his back, floating gracefully into the air. It was a mesmerizing spectacle, the spines shimmering like ethereal spears beneath the moon's gentle glow. Simultaneously, fresh spines sprouted from Gideon's back, replacing those he had just released.
The scene unfolded in a mysterious forest, where ancient trees stood like sentinels guarding secrets untold. Gideon, a formidable figure with a demeanor as cold as the night itself, found himself encircled by a mesmerizing spectacle. Two hundred spines hovered around him, a manifestation of his extraordinary power. Each spine quivered with anticipation, awaiting Gideon's command.
"Playtime is over," Gideon declared, his voice devoid of sympathy, as he locked eyes with his adversary: the Obsidian Tusk Boar. The massive beast, with its obsidian-hued tusks and thick, impenetrable hide, snarled defiantly. It was a futile resistance against Gideon, an invincible force.
The Obsidian Tusk Boar, trapped and outnumbered, cast one last desperate glance at the floating spines. Escaping this relentless assault was a pipe dream. Summoning every ounce of courage, it charged forward, a final act of valiance in the face of impending doom.
"Let's make it rain," Gideon murmured, his fingers poised like deadly claws, pointing toward the oncoming behemoth. With a flick of his wrist, a cascade of two hundred razor-sharp spines shot forth, converging upon the Obsidian Tusk Boar. It was a relentless barrage, a symphony of destruction.
Upon impact, each spine erupted in a cataclysmic display of power, unleashing a corrosive onslaught that immediately began to disintegrate the boar's once-mighty body. The obsidian titan, renowned for its formidable defenses, found itself helpless against this relentless onslaught. A single spine alone could inflict significant damage, but two hundred were beyond overwhelming.
A tempest of devastation raged as the Obsidian Tusk Boar cried out in agony, unable to withstand the unrelenting deluge of exploding spines. The thunderous crescendo of their detonations reverberated through the forest, drowning out even the beast's anguished wails. When the relentless barrage finally ceased, all that remained were gaping holes in the earth, where the boar had once stood.
The Obsidian Tusk Boar had been reduced to nothingness, its existence erased by Gideon's overwhelming power.
Gideon surveyed the aftermath of his attack, his eyes narrowing. "Ah... I think I overdid it," he admitted, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. "That boar was more fragile than I thought. But I can't be blamed; it looked exceptionally tough with its thick skin and muscular body." He nodded, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "It seems I'll need to find another boar for tonight's meal."
As the echoes of his battle faded, a series of notifications flashed before him:
*You have leveled up.*
*You have leveled up.*
Gideon's brow furrowed as he observed the notifications. "Only two Level Ups? Damn, leveling up from this point is much harder than I thought," he muttered, scratching his chin with his obsidian-black claws. His thoughts turned introspective as he contemplated the implications. "This leveling system in this world forces creatures to confront monsters far more powerful than themselves or slaughter countless weaker creatures. Does that mean the average inhabitants of this world possess abysmally low levels due to the Herculean requirements for advancement?"
With a sigh, Gideon turned away from the scene, his steps carrying him deeper into the enigmatic forest. "High-leveled creatures are exceedingly rare," he mused aloud. "But not impossible to find. All I need to do is keep searching."
•••••
NAME: GIDEON BRANGWEN
LEVEL: 12/20
SPECIES: SMALL BUT ALL-ROUNDER HEDGEHOG
*STATS*
VITALITY: 63 (+315)
STRENGTH: 65 (+325)
MAGIC: 66 (+330)
SPEED: 64 (+320)
STAMINA: 63 (+315)
•••••