Word count: 1,515
<—>
Fujino's fist struck a tree with a thud, sending shards of bark scattering everywhere. He followed up with another punch, leaving an even deeper impression on the trunk. Just five minutes later, the hole was deep enough to reveal the sapwood within.
Breathing heavily and sticky with sweat, he leaned against the tree to regain his breath. The sun cast a warm orange light that flickered in his eyes, fading in brilliance with each passing moment.
'It's time' he cracked his neck, enjoying the satisfying pops, and made his way to his campsite.
He had dedicated an entire week to this—seven days filled with sweat, fatigue, and intense training—all to prepare for the goal he had set his sights on.
"Status,"
[Name: Fujino Yuki
Level: 6 (674/1100)
Race: ?
Health: 120/120 (+0.8/sec)
Stamina: 100/100 (+0.65/sec)
STR: 19
DUR: 15
END: 12
AGI: 10
INT: 5
CHA: 3
Attributes Points(AP): 8]
Naturally, the boost in stats wasn't quite what Fujino had hoped for, and there are only so many exercises he can do without the right equipment.
He'd probably have to make these tools himself, as he doubts there are any gyms in Taisho-era Japan.
However, it wasn't all doom and gloom; during his training, he discovered a skill he had been hoping would show up.
[Unarmed Martial Arts (Active) (LV 4/100): A structured system of combat traditions that have been around for centuries, utilizing no weapons. Increases effectiveness and damage dealt to opponents by 1%]
Fujino was over the moon when he unlocked it, as he had practiced self-defense techniques in his childhood.
He remembered Xeno also mentioning that he could gain Abilities as he levels up his skills, which was something he was eager to obtain.
Upon reaching the campsite, he grabbed a small wooden spear and retrieved a skinned rabbit from his inventory, letting it hover over the fire.
He then reached for a stone axe he had crafted the day before.
"Observe"
[Handmade Stone axe
Rarity: common - durability: 20/20 - Power: 8
A stone axe fashioned with a semi-sharp stone embedded in a small log, held together by the blessing of the kami.]
Fujino didn't mind if it was rough around the edges. As long as he made it himself, he felt a sense of pride. Plus, it earned him the Blacksmith skill, which he thought was pretty neat. Not that he plans to make weapons himself; he'd rather hire someone else for that task.
As he waited for the rabbit to cook, gently turning it over, his mind drifted back to the attack from a week ago.
Though he had won over the demon relatively unharmed, the experience left a mental scar. What if he were ambushed in his sleep? What if a more powerful demon came after him?
If that happened, his second chance at life would end prematurely.
And that thought terrified him.
He didn't want to face death, not again. He knew he acts high-and-mighty, and that death didn't faze him. But deep inside, the thought of it petrified him.
He had been fortunate enough not feel nor remember the first time, but he knew he wouldn't be so lucky again.
That's why he was ready to put in the hard work, endure sweat and tears, and even shed blood if necessary, all to ensure he would never feel threatened again. So he can enjoy this life in peace.
From today onwards, He is going to become the hunter.
[Quest added!
—> Prey to Hunter
In a world where demons prowl about, you're weak and pitiful, but you're determined to live your life to the fullest and show those who oppose you that you are not to be trifled with.
Main Objective: Kills 50 Demons (0/50)
Reward: ?]
Fujino grinned; now he had an extra motivation to reach his goal, and the mystery reward only made it more exciting.
<—>
How does one go about hunting?
At the core of hunting lies the understanding of your target's behavior, To grasp how it acts and reacts, as well as how it adapts and can be outsmarted.
All animals, including humans, seek three fundamental needs: food, water, and shelter.
But what about demons?
From his limited knowledge of demons, Fujino recognized that they are incredibly dangerous, highly adaptable, and possess remarkable regenerative abilities.
However, he had one key advantage over them; intelligence.
As far as he understood, demons behaved similarly to wild animals, primarily focused on their basic survival needs.
To track one down, to hunt one, he simply needed to locate its food source.
That's why he found himself on the outskirts of a village he had discovered just two days prior.
The villagers, noticing his wornout clothing, had kindly offered him some assistance, for which he was grateful.
'It's unfortunate if one of them were to die.' he thought as he concealed himself in a nearby bush, alert for any signs of demons.
It wasn't long before Fujino spotted one, shambling slowly toward one of the outer houses. He noticed it had shoulder-length hair and a long horn protruding from its head.
"Observe"
[ —> Unicorn Demon
Name: N/A
Level: 8
Health: 200/200
Stamina: 130/130]
Fujino snickered at the name. He felt a sense of relief knowing that the demon's level was similar to his own, putting them on equal ground.
Speaking of.."System, add 2 points to CHA, 3 to END, 1 to STR, and 2 to DUR."
[Allocating (AP)… done.
Name: Fujino Yuki
Level: 6 (674/1100)
Race: ?
Health: 150/150 (+1/sec)
Stamina: 100/100 (+0.65/sec)
STR: 20
DUR: 17
END: 15
AGI: 10
INT: 5
CHA: 5
Attributes Points(AP): 0]
He began to stealthily approach the demon. His plan was straightforward: once he got close enough, he would swing his axe and split the demon's head open, confident that it would be immobilized long enough for him to—
[New skill has been added.
Stealth (active) (LV 1/100): A stalker, voyeur and Eavesdropper. Words that-
'Get out of the way!' He swipped at the white screen that obstructed his view. Unfortunately for him, in his scramble he had the misfiring of stepping on a twig.
"Ah…" Both Fujino and the demon froze, staring at each other. "…I can explain." But the demon wasted no time and charged at him, growling fiercely.
Fujino took off running, crunching leaves underfoot as he led the demon away from the village. He knew that fighting would create noise, attracting unwanted attention and cause complications.
He leaped over a fallen tree and dodged a trunk, but when he reached a particularly thick tree, he turned to see the demon right behind him.
With a smirk, Fujino stood his ground, watching as the demon closed in. As it got within striking distance, the demon aimed its horn at him, ready to impale him.
At the last second, he rolled to the side, causing the demon to miss its mark and drive its horn deep into the tree.
Fujino watched in amusement as the demon struggled to free itself, scratching at the tree with its claws, snarling and growling in frustration.
"Well well well, look what we got here. The little unicorn got itself stuck." He stepped closer. "Aww, is the baby stuck? Don't wory let ne help you"
With a swift motion, he drew his axe, raising it high before bringing it down with all his might onto the demon's neck.
The axe bit into the flesh, cutting halfway through, and blood erupted like a fountain. Ignoring the demon's piercing screams, Fujino swung again, this time severing the head completely.
Blood gushed forth as the body slumped down. He stored his axe in his inventory and grabbed the head, yanking it off the tree.
Taking a good look at the demon, he noted its sharp yellow-white teeth, bloodshot eyes, and grayish skin.
"If you used your brain for a moment, you would've freed youself, Dumbass." He held the demon's jaw and pulled down hard.
The sound of tearing echoed as the masseter muscle ripped, separating the jaw from the mouth.
"I definitely wouldn't have been able to do that without 20 points in strength" he said, tossing the head with the body.
He pulled out a lit torch—he could store lit items in his Inventory —and threw it at the demon, watching as it slowly turned to ash.
[800 XP]
[Objective updated: Prey to Hunter : (1/50)]
[You have leveled up: 6 —>7]
[New skill has been added.
Axemanship (active) (LV 1/100): Axes are typically used for chopping wood, but they can serve a different purpose. Increases your proficiency and damage dealt to opponents by 0.25%.]
Fujino glanced at the Axemanship skill. While he was open to acquiring new skills, he wasn't sure if wielding an axe was really his thing—he'd prefer either swords or guns.
'Speaking of skills,' He quickly accessed the menu to check the skill he had unlocked before.
[Stealth (active) (LV 1/100): A stalker, voyeur and Eavesdropper. Words that describe a pervert like you. Increases your ability to remain undetected by 0.5%.]
Fujino twitched at the description. He knew exactly who was responsible for it.
"XENOOOOO"
<—>
Taisho-era secrets!
Fujino first discovered the Aogashima
village when he was chasing a wild boar. The residents upon seeing his state, immediately offered assistance to him. Something he isn't used to.
<—>
Another chapter done. Yippee.
Fujino's main form of attack would be martial arts since that's something he is used to. But what about weapons? I originally planned for him to wield a sword, but I'm open to the idea of him using axes.