(Authors Note: Going forward, I will be referring to the predatory beasts as "monsters" to make it easier to write scenes. I don't like saying "killing beasts". Passive beasts will remain the same.)
–System Message–
Daily Quest (3): "Hunter's Challenge"
Defeat 10 monsters ranked level 4 or above.
Special Quest Unlocked:
Meet ???
--------
Energized and ready to go, Alex ventured deeper into the forest. This time, he had a clear goal.
He needed to kill 10 mid-level monsters.
The forest adventure began with Alex stealthily navigating through the dense foliage, using his enhanced senses to detect nearby threats. He encountered a variety of creatures, but most of them were between levels 1 and 3, so he decided to skip them.
'I wish there was a way to easily distinguish the monster levels. It's not like they wear a badge or anything. I will just have to judge based on the aura and size of the monster; I need to find that sweet spot between 4 and 5.'
'Anything above would most likely obliterate me; anything below is a waste of time. Ahh, I miss my game; it was so much easier to simply have an experience bar to track my progress. This system design makes it difficult to keep track of.' Alex complained to himself while moving through the forest.
If any other hunter heard his inner thoughts, they would think he's the biggest spoiled brat in the world. It's unfathomable that a rank 1 - initiate hunter would be able to beat level 5 monsters, let alone beat a level 3 monster!
Generally, as monsters get higher in level, the difficulty increases exponentially. For example, two level 1 monsters can generally beat a level 2 monster.
But even if ten level 1 monsters fought a level 3, they would be decimated. As monsters rank up, so do their abilities, their strength, intelligence, and other traits.
Even then, some monster types are considered even more dangerous depending on their species. But the general rule of thumb is: the smarter the monster, the more dangerous it is.
As Alex continued trekking through the forest, he eventually saw a large monster nearby, casually drinking water from a pond. The monster was about 2 meters long, and 3 meters high. It was larger than most other creatures Alex ran into, giving off a menacing aura. Alex decided that this was the perfect opportunity to test his new power.
He did not want to try his 'Darkness' skill yet because he simply wanted to test his own strength.
During the catacombs penalty zone, Alex realized that he hated fighting with weapons. He did not enjoy holding anything in his hands. He hated the idea of swinging and blocking and felt that his own hands were more than enough.
Also, the stronger the monster, the thicker its armor, so then he would have to get a better sword, and in turn, spend more money, and then worry about the sword's durability, and if it broke, he would need to get a new one, and then there's the shield, and the type of shield, and how heavy it was, and on and on.
Simply put, Alex was broke. He could not afford this luxury, and also, he couldn't afford to worry about these things, not when putting his life on the line.
Maybe in the future, he will work on training his swordsman skills, especially if he finds an enchanted weapon, but for now, he enjoyed winning with his hands and feet.
Instead of blocking with a shield, he would dodge sharp attacks or use his forearms to block blunt attacks. Instead of swinging a weapon, he would use a palm strike to cause internal injury, or simply punch and kick to break the enemy's guard and deal a combo of attacks to finish off an enemy.
He enjoyed this style of combat, so in a sense, he decided to forgo his combat skills in one-handed weapons and others, and instead focus on Defense and Unarmed combat, at least for now.
He had no qualms with wearing light armor, as long as it provided him with some benefits and it did not slow him down, but he has yet to find anything of the sort.
Looking at his stats one more time before deciding how to attack the monster in front of him:
--System Message--
Character: Alex Walker
Character Level: 4
Personal Stats:
Upper body Strength = 7
Lower body Strength = 5
Stamina = 4
Speed = 6
Aesthetic = 4
Combat Stats:
Defense = 30/40
Unarmed combat = 30/40
One-handed weapon = 30/40 (Will no longer post this unless equips the relevant item) Throwing/Archery = 4/40 (Will no longer post this unless equips the relevant item)
Two-Handed weapon = 0/40 (Will no longer post this unless equips the relevant item)
—-----
The monster's large tongue was going in and out of the pond at great speeds, as it was quenching its thirst. Alex slowly crept up to it, making sure not to make any sound or get too close. He did not want it to sense him and wanted to ensure he got the surprise attack first.
The creature resembles a robust, oversized lynx with a coat of deep forest green, allowing it to camouflage effortlessly among the foliage. Its eyes, sharp like a tiger's, have a striking amber glow, giving it a focused, predatory gaze.
Although while it was peacefully drinking, it looked cute in Alex's eyes. Something he would love to have as a pet, but too bad he knew that this thing would try to kill him as soon as it laid its eyes on him.
Its two long, whisker-like antennas protruding from its forehead sets it apart from other cat-like monsters. Alex was unsure what these were for, but they were long; they were moving around the Lynx as if they were surveying the area and sensing its surroundings.
Alex decided to name this monster the "Whisker Lynx".
Alex's plan was simple. He would continue to sneak in closer to the monster and, once close enough, use his lower body strength to propel himself in the air. Similar to how he defeated the Skeletal Giant, he would drop a heel kick onto the Whisker Lynx. He saw the damage that he could do before, and with his new level, it should be even more devastating.
'This should be an easy kill, first kill out of 10; let's get it, Alex!' Pumping himself up, he was ready to go!
Alex's heightened senses kicked in just as he prepared to leap, warning him of impending danger. A deep, foreboding feeling washed over him, and in mere seconds, he spotted a dark figure approaching the Whisker Lynx.
From a distance, Alex's entire body was locked up, paralyzed by an instinctual fear. His every cell seemed to scream 'danger,' his mind overwhelmed by the sheer presence of the newcomer. He didn't know what was about to unfold, but he sensed that something seriously powerful had just entered the scene.
The figure stood about 2 meters tall, without any visible armor. Its body itself appeared as formidable armor, marked by powerful, muscular contours that spoke of immense strength. Its skin was cloaked in tough, protective scales shimmering in deep forest green, exuding an aura of invincibility.
A semi-long, flexible tail extended from its lower back, moving hypnotically. Covered in the same protective scales, it was clear this wasn't just for show. Alex could almost feel the potential force of its swift, whip-like strikes that could easily slice through any adversary.
Protruding from the figure's spine were rows of sharp, jagged scales, resembling a regal, crown-like structure along its back. This feature added to its intimidating stature, making it look even more formidable.
Its hands, though human-like in their structure, ended in sharp, claw-like fingertips. These claws and the figure's overall appearance made it clear that this being was not just a threat, but a living embodiment of danger.
Mortified, Alex had his hands covering his mouth and nose, ensuring no single breath or sound escaped. He knew the moment he moved a muscle, the figure would hear him.
Remaining perfectly still seemed his best option, hoping for a chance to run away as soon as the two monsters fought.
Eyes wide open, Alex held his breath and watched the scariest scene of his life unfold.