John flew over the dark canopy, his massive wings casting long shadows over the vast forest below. The air crackled with power, and each beat of his wings made him feel the strength of his new form. He was far from the dragon hatchling that had first emerged in this world. Now, as a Tier 5 Black Dragon, he had his own territory and had slain countless monsters. Yet, he knew his journey was far from over. He still needed to grow stronger, and deep within the forest, far beyond his domain, even more powerful creatures lurked.
His current goal was clear: to reach Tier 6. The system had told him he needed 100,000 experience points to level up, and each fight with stronger monsters brought him closer. But the further he ventured, the more dangerous the monsters became. He remembered all too well the time he had almost died from a Tier 6 creature lurking in these very woods. That day had taught him a valuable lesson—power wasn't just about brute strength; it was about control and strategy.
As he flew deeper into the forest, John scanned the ground below with his keen dragon eyes. The landscape shifted from familiar forests to more twisted, gnarled trees, their branches thick with vines and ominous shadows. The deeper he went, the more unsettling the atmosphere became. He could feel it in the air—this part of the forest belonged to creatures far beyond what he had faced before.
Suddenly, movement caught his attention. He swooped lower, silent and predatory, as he observed a massive creature prowling through the trees. It was a **Dire Ironclad Bear**, a beast covered in dark, metallic fur that glimmered in the faint light. Even from the sky, its size was imposing, towering over the trees and leaving deep footprints in the ground. The system responded immediately to his inquiry.
[**Dire Ironclad Bear** – **Tier 5**]
[Strength: 400]
[Agility: 200]
[Endurance: 500]
[Abilities: Iron Defense, Berserker Rage, Earthquake Stomp]
John narrowed his eyes. Another Tier 5, like himself, but this one had a tough hide and formidable endurance. It wasn't just another beast—it was a challenge. A perfect opportunity to hone his skills before facing the Tier 6 monsters deeper in the forest.
He descended swiftly, the wind roaring past him as he folded his wings and prepared to strike. The bear, sensing the disturbance, turned and let out a deep, resonant growl. Its enormous form reared up on its hind legs, making the ground tremble.
"Let's see how tough that iron hide really is," John muttered to himself, as he launched an attack.
With a mighty flap of his wings, John sent a shockwave of dark energy—the **Abyssal Roar**—toward the bear. The impact was immediate, sending the creature skidding back, its iron-like fur absorbing most of the blow but still leaving it dazed. The bear's growl deepened, its eyes glowing with fury.
It charged at him with a speed that belied its size, its massive claws slashing at the air. John dodged, leaping into the sky as the bear slammed its front legs into the ground. The earth shook violently, cracks spreading out from where the beast had struck—its **Earthquake Stomp** creating shockwaves that nearly knocked John off balance.
But John was already moving, circling around the bear, searching for an opening. He unleashed **Dark Flame**, the black fire streaming from his jaws and washing over the bear's back. For a moment, the bear howled in pain as the dark flames bypassed its iron defense, scorching its flesh.
But the creature wasn't done yet.
With a roar, the bear entered **Berserker Rage**, its eyes glowing red as it charged toward him with renewed ferocity. Its claws swung wildly, the ground beneath it cracking as it moved with terrifying strength. John dodged one swipe, then another, feeling the shockwaves from each attack. The bear's iron hide glinted in the moonlight as it continued its relentless assault, the earth trembling beneath its weight.
"This thing's not going down easy," John muttered, his muscles tensing as he prepared for the next strike. "But neither am I."
The bear lunged again, this time with a deadly precision. John met it head-on, slamming his body into the creature with all his might. The impact sent shockwaves through the air as the two Tier 5 beasts collided, claws and teeth flashing in the night. John raked his claws across the bear's side, but its iron hide was as tough as ever.
In response, the bear let out a bone-chilling roar, raising its massive paw for a finishing blow. But John was faster. He dodged beneath the bear's swing and launched himself at its unprotected throat, his **Claw Strike** cutting deep into the beast's flesh. Blood sprayed as the bear let out a final, agonized roar before collapsing to the ground.
John landed beside the fallen creature, breathing heavily. His wings drooped from the effort, but a fierce grin spread across his face.
[**Dire Ironclad Bear defeated.**]
[**Experience Gained: 20,000.**]
"That was tougher than I thought," John said, catching his breath. "But worth it."
He felt the rush of experience flowing into him, his body tingling with newfound strength. But despite the victory, he knew it wasn't enough. His experience bar filled slowly, only reaching a fraction of what he needed to reach the next level.
[**Experience Bar: 35,000/100,000.**]
"Still a long way to go," John muttered, looking at the system display. "But I'm getting closer."
He glanced around the dark forest, his instincts telling him that stronger foes lay ahead. The Tier 6 monsters lurked deeper in this cursed place, and he needed every bit of strength to face them.
"System," John called out, his mind racing with questions. "Show me my current stats."
The system responded immediately, the familiar blue window appearing in his mind.
**Name:** John Davis
**Species:** Black Dragon
**Tier:** 5
**Level:** 15
**Length:** 12 meters
**Wingspan:** 25 meters
**Strength:** 500
**Agility:** 350
**Endurance:** 450
**Mana:** 400
**Skills:**
- Flame Breath (Level 3)
- Claw Strike (Level 3)
- Dragon Roar (Level 2)
- Abyssal Roar (Level 2)
- Dark Flame (Level 2)
"Getting stronger," John murmured, satisfied with his progress. "But I still need more."
He looked at the deeper part of the forest, where he had once encountered the Tier 6 monster that nearly killed him. He had barely survived that fight, forced to retreat after realizing just how powerful the creatures here could be.
But now, things were different. He was different. Stronger, faster, more powerful than ever before. And soon, he would reach Tier 6, surpassing the creatures that had once terrified him.
As the night deepened, John prepared to venture further into the unknown. His heart raced with anticipation, his claws itching for the next fight. The monsters in the depths of the forest wouldn't stand a chance.
"Let's see what else this forest has to offer," he said with a grin, his wings spreading wide as he took to the sky once more.
This was just the beginning.
---
Give me powerstones