A whole year had passed, and now William was 8 years old. However, anyone who looked at him wouldn't think he was just 8. His body had undergone a significant growth spurt, the result of his relentless daily training with the "devil" herself, Mia. She drilled so much into his mind and body that his physical development accelerated, though, in truth, it was just his natural maturity.
In the Nexus Alliance world, the average maturity age is 12 years old, so one could say William was entering his teenage years, despite being only 8.
and now he is not in the training area but somewhere else.
The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon, casting long shadows across the dense forest. The air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, mingled with the faint rustle of leaves. William stood at the edge of the forest, his breath steady and controlled, his senses sharpened by a year of brutal training.
Mia, as always, was beside him, her presence both a comfort and a constant reminder of the challenges ahead. Dressed in her usual dark, form-fitting attire, she looked every bit the deadly warrior she was. Her eyes scanned the treeline, alert and calculating.
"Today's lesson is simple," Mia said, her voice low and precise. "We hunt. But this isn't just any hunt. You'll be tracking and taking down creatures that have been specifically chosen to test your skills."
William nodded, his grip tightening on the dagger at his side. Over the past year, he had grown accustomed to Mia's intense methods. He no longer questioned her orders or hesitated at her commands. Every challenge she threw at him, he met head-on, knowing that each one brought him closer to the warrior he needed to become.
"Remember," Mia continued, "these creatures are not just beasts. They are intelligent, cunning, and deadly. You must anticipate their moves, adapt to their tactics, and strike without hesitation."
Without another word, Mia began moving silently into the forest, her steps so light they barely disturbed the underbrush. William followed closely, his senses heightened, every muscle in his body primed for action.
The forest was thick with life, the sounds of birds and small animals filling the air. But there was an underlying tension, a sense that something dangerous lurked just out of sight. Mia led William deeper into the woods, the canopy above growing denser, casting everything in a dim, greenish light.
After what felt like hours of silent tracking, Mia suddenly stopped, holding up a hand to signal William to do the same. She crouched low, pointing to a spot ahead where the trees parted slightly, revealing a small clearing.
In the center of the clearing stood a creature unlike any William had seen before. It was large, almost twice the size of a wolf, with sleek, dark fur that seemed to blend into the shadows. Its eyes glowed a menacing red, and sharp, curved fangs jutted from its maw. The creature sniffed the air, its ears twitching as it sensed something was amiss.
"That's a Shadow Fang," Mia whispered, her voice barely audible. "They're nocturnal hunters, known for their speed and stealth. It's rare to see one out during the day, but that just makes this all the more challenging."
"They are also one of the rare King Class talents Beast, so expect some great fight from him, and its tier 13, three tiers above you" She added.
William studied the creature, noting the way it moved, the way it scanned its surroundings with a predatory gaze. This was no ordinary beast. It was a hunter, just like him. But today, he would prove himself the better predator.
Mia handed him a small vial filled with a thick, dark liquid. "Coat your dagger with this. It's a paralytic poison. A single cut is all it takes to bring the Shadow Fang down, but getting close enough will be the real challenge."
William nodded, carefully applying the poison to the blade of his dagger. The weapon gleamed ominously in the dim light, the poison giving it a dark sheen.
"Remember what you've learned," Mia continued, her eyes fixed on the creature. "Stay low, move quietly, and strike with precision. This is not just a test of your strength but of your patience and cunning. Do not let the creature sense your presence until it's too late."
Taking a deep breath, William slipped into the shadows, his body moving fluidly through the underbrush. He kept his breathing steady, his eyes locked on the Shadow Fang as he circled around to get into position. The creature's ears twitched again, but it hadn't detected him yet.
William's heart pounded in his chest, but his mind remained clear. He waited for the perfect moment, knowing that one misstep could turn the hunter into the hunted. The Shadow Fang moved closer to the edge of the clearing, its back to William.
This was it.
With a burst of speed, William lunged forward, his dagger aimed at the creature's flank. But the Shadow Fang was faster than he anticipated. It spun around just as he struck, its fangs snapping inches from his face. William twisted his body, barely avoiding the attack, and plunged the dagger into its side.
The Shadow Fang let out a feral snarl, its muscles tensing as the poison took hold. It staggered back, trying to shake off the effects, but William was relentless. He moved in again, striking with precision and force, until the creature finally collapsed, its body going limp.
Breathing heavily, William stepped back, his eyes still locked on the now-motionless beast. He felt a rush of adrenaline, the thrill of victory coursing through his veins. He had done it. He had taken down a Shadow Fang.
Mia emerged from the shadows, her expression one of approval. "Well done," she said, her voice carrying a hint of pride. "You handled yourself well. But remember, this was just one of many trials you'll face. Each hunt will be harder than the last."
William simply nodded, he is already used to her never praising attitude,