Xavier has spent a good number of years as a handyman, exploring the habitat of the wild, and gathering information about the creatures that inhabited it. His encounters with various beasts had been enlightening, but his goal this time was to find and defeat a Grade one snake-type beast.
The snake-type Grade one beast, known locally as the "Venomous Marauder," had a reputation for its cunning and deadly strikes. It was a predator that struck fear into the hearts of both the creatures of the forest and hunters alike.
Xavier's plan was straightforward: he would lay a trap to lure the beast out of its lair and engage it in a battle of wits and strength. The perfect location for his ambush was a narrow, rocky gorge with steep cliffs on both sides. The gorge offered minimal escape routes for the serpent and limited its mobility, making it an ideal spot for an encounter.
With his knowledge of the snake-type beast's habits, Xavier carefully set his trap.
He constructed a makeshift bridge over the gorge using sturdy logs and vines, making it seem like an enticing path for the creature. He sprinkled the area with the scent of a wounded animal and left some fresh blood trails, further tempting the predator.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Xavier hid in the shadows, waiting for his prey to take the bait. He had positioned himself on a rocky outcrop above the gorge, his senses attuned to every rustling leaf and distant bird call.
Time passed, and Xavier's patience was tested. He knew that luring the Venomous Marauder would require a great deal of patience. Suddenly, he heard a faint slithering sound from below. His heart quickened as he realized that the serpent had taken the bait and was approaching his trap.
With bated breath, Xavier observed the beast as it slithered towards the bridge. The snake was enormous, with iridescent scales that glimmered under the faint moonlight. Its forked tongue flickered in and out, sensing the scent of the "wounded" animal.
'Come on big boy, Daddy's got to eat if he wants to get stronger.' Xavier muttered in his mind. Almost salivating mentally.
As the serpent reached the bridge, Xavier prepared to activate his trap. The logs beneath the creature were rigged to give way, causing the snake to plummet into the gorge below. He watched with anticipation as the beast advanced further onto the bridge. A series of sharp clicks and creaks announced the trap's activation, and the logs beneath the snake's weight buckled and broke.
The Venomous Marauder let out a furious hiss as it tumbled into the gorge. Xavier saw the snake's massive body thrash in mid-air before it crashed onto the rocky floor below. His plan had worked perfectly, and the serpent was trapped.
However, Xavier's sense of triumph was short-lived. As he descended into the gorge to confront the injured snake, he realized that luck was not entirely on his side. The snake's fall had wounded it, but it was far from dead. Its enormous fangs were still poised for a deadly strike, and it eyed Xavier with a mix of fear and rage.
"Come on now, I can't sell you alive." Xavier said with a strange look of hunger in his eyes, making the serpent feel like the prey.
Xavier cautiously approached the injured beast, a sense of danger weighing heavily on his mind. He knew that despite its injuries, the serpent was still a formidable opponent.
The snake lunged at him with surprising speed, its fangs inches from his face. Xavier narrowly evaded the strike with a skillfully sidestep, it's scales brushing against his cheek.
Cursing his bad luck, Xavier knew he needed to end this confrontation quickly. He retreated to a safe distance, buying time to formulate a new plan. The snake's movements were becoming sluggish due to its injuries. Compared to the Grade two beast he encountered a few weeks ago, this beast was slow.
With a steely resolve, Xavier conjured a ball of fire in his hand. The flames danced and flickered, casting eerie shadows across the rocky gorge. He had learned much about his abilities over weeks of practice, and he was determined to put them to good use.
The serpent, sensing the growing threat, lunged again. This time, Xavier was prepared. He deftly sidestepped the attack and, with practiced precision, hurled the fiery projectile at the snake. The ball of fire struck the serpent squarely in the head, engulfing it in flames.
The Venomous Marauder let out an ear-piercing shriek as the flames seared its scales and flesh. Its body writhed in agony as it attempted to escape the fiery inferno that consumed it. Xavier watched with grim satisfaction as the beast's struggles grew weaker and weaker.
It didn't take long for the snake to succumb to its injuries and the relentless flames. Its thrashing ceased, and its hisses faded into a deathly silence. The once-feared Venomous Marauder lay motionless, its body charred and lifeless.
Ding.
[Venomous Marauder killed.]
[+100 exp]
[Name: Xavier]
[Race: Human]
[Level: 3]
[Number of Lives: 1/3].
[Abilities]
[Enhanced Vision: Host's sight is superior to that of the average human.]
[Territory: Host gains strength in hotter environments]
[Basic Fire Manipulation: Host is capable of generating and manipulating a fairly limited quantity of fire.]
[Experience points: 140/200]
With the defeated serpent smoldering in the aftermath of his fiery attack, Xavier moved cautiously toward the motionless body. The beast's once-iridescent scales had been charred black by the flames, its now-motionless form stark against the rocky gorge floor.
"I guess I am getting better at this." Xavier commented while gazing at the corpse.
It couldn't help but remind him of the grade two beast that killed all those hunters, handymen and Travis. Xavier sighed and pushed the thought aside almost effortlessly.
As someone believes he must have done something in his past life to make the God of misfortune frown upon him, he was already used to sad moments like this. The world always has a way of reminding him not to get too comfortable with life just yet.
As he approached the serpent's remains, Xavier's keen eyes scanned the creature's massive body. He had a purpose in mind for the fallen beast's remains.
The venomous serpent's fangs and scales were highly sought after for crafting various potent potions, and its fangs, in particular, were known for their deadly toxins. Xavier had plans of gathering these materials and selling them for money. This was his only way out of this kind of life.
The life he and Travis hoped to escape.
"Okay, let's see how much coins we can make off you." Xavier smiled sheepishly while pulling out his dagger.