David adjusted the Shadow Cloak around his shoulders, feeling the smooth, dark fabric as it draped over him. The cloak had quickly become an essential part of his gear, not just for its utility but for the sense of power it bestowed upon him. Naming it "Shadow Cloak" felt right—it was more than just a piece of clothing; it was a tool, an ally in his quest for survival.
He glanced at the sword in his hand, the "Dragon's Fang," its jagged, blunt blade a constant reminder of the battle ahead. The weight of the weapon felt natural now, as if it had become an extension of his arm. David had spent the past four days honing his skills, growing more accustomed to the forest's treacherous terrain and the creatures that lurked within.
The forest was no longer just a place of danger; it was a hunting ground, a proving ground. In those four days, David had slain five shadow ravagers and nine shadow goats, more than he had ever thought possible when he first ventured into this dark world. But the forest had more in store for him.
On the third day, while tracking a pair of shadow ravagers, David had stumbled upon a new creature. It was unlike anything he had encountered before—a large, dark green iguana with black stripes, its scales glistening ominously in the dim light. The creature was engaged in a fierce battle with the ravagers, using its tail like a whip and spraying a noxious poison from its mouth. One of the ravagers was already injured, its movements sluggish as the poison took its toll.
The iguana was agile, darting around the clearing with surprising speed before it suddenly fled into the underbrush, leaving David to deal with the surviving ravagers.
David had finished off the injured ravager with little effort, but the encounter with the iguana left him uneasy. The beast was fast, intelligent, and capable of dealing out lethal poison—definitely not something he wanted to face without a plan. For now, he decided, the iguana was off his hunting list.
With 230 points to his name, David knew he needed to invest in skills that would give him an edge in the forest. He accessed the system, weighing his options carefully. Item Identification and Stealth caught his eye—both would be invaluable in his journey. The Item Identification skill would help him discern the true value of the objects he encountered, ensuring he didn't overlook anything useful. The Stealth skill, on the other hand, would allow him to move unseen, giving him the element of surprise in his encounters with the forest's denizens.
He spent 100 points on Item Identification and 30 on Stealth, leaving him with a modest 100 points. As soon as he acquired the Stealth skill, a flood of knowledge entered his mind. He instinctively understood how to use his surroundings to blend in, how to move silently through the underbrush, and how to use the Shadow Cloak to its full potential. It was as if he had always known these things, and now he just needed to put them into practice.David wasted no time. He set out into the forest, determined to test his new abilities. The Stealth skill was a game-changer; he found himself moving more quietly, his footsteps barely making a sound as he slipped through the trees.
He became one with the shadows, his cloak blending seamlessly with the darkness around him.His first target was a shadow ravager. David circled around it, staying downwind and out of sight. The beast, unaware of his presence, continued its patrol. David's heart pounded in his chest as he crept closer, his fingers tightening around the hilt of the Dragon's Fang. When he was within striking distance, he launched himself forward, delivering a swift, lethal blow to the ravager's side. The creature didn't even have time to react before it collapsed to the ground.
The rush of victory surged through David. The Stealth skill had worked perfectly. He quickly skinned the ravager and stowed its materials in his storage space before moving on.
Not long after, he encountered a shadow goat. This time, he was even more confident. Using the terrain to his advantage, he crept up on the goat, his movements fluid and silent. The goat didn't notice him until it was too late. One swift strike, and the beast was down.
David felt a sense of satisfaction wash over him—he was finally starting to feel like he had control over his surroundings.Returning to the mansion, David decided it was time to improve his gear. The leather from the shadow goats had proven durable and effective, and he could use it to craft a new pair of pants. He accessed the system and used the synthesize function, spending 15 points to create a sturdy pair of leather pants As he donned the new garment, he felt a sense of accomplishment. He was no longer just surviving—he was thriving.
Curiously, David noticed that the Shadow Cloak was now available in the system store, priced slightly cheaper than what it had cost him to make. It seemed that anything he synthesized could be purchased later, even without providing the materials. It was a strange quirk of the system, but one that he would have to explore further.Before the day ended, David decided to purchase a second cloak. It only cost him 8 points, leaving him with 110 points. He knew he had spent a lot that day, but every purchase had been essential for his survival. As he settled in for the night, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what the next day would bring.