Morning in Arkhana began as sunlight pierced through the cave where Ethan and Valdraxx were resting. Valdraxx's promise to teach Ethan the basics of Devourer power today filled him with excitement, though a hint of nervousness lingered. They decided to head out and find a suitable place to train.
After discovering a clearing near a cliff surrounded by trees, Ethan broke the silence. "So, what's the first thing I need to do?" he asked Valdraxx.
Valdraxx's voice echoed in his mind, steady yet mysterious. "I only know the basics of Devourer power. Deeper knowledge can only be found in ancient texts. But for now, let's start with the fundamentals. Focus your energy on one part of your body, like your hand."
Ethan, just beginning to grasp his new power, obeyed Valdraxx's instructions. He started to feel something strange happening in his hand a sensation of weight and a surge of energy flowing beneath the surface. "Hey, my hand feels really weird..." he muttered.
Valdraxx gave the next command firmly, "Try punching the large boulder in front of you."
Without thinking, Ethan clenched his fist and struck the boulder a few meters away. As his fist hit the stone, he was shocked to see a massive crack appear instantly, as if his newfound power had split the rock effortlessly. Ethan's eyes widened in awe and disbelief.
"Incredible," Valdraxx said with admiration. "Just by consuming a gray wolf, you've already unleashed such strength. The Devourer power within you is indeed very promising."
Ethan gazed at his hand in wonder. "It felt so heavy right before I hit, like there was a current of energy flowing through it."
Valdraxx responded thoughtfully, "We've tested your strength. Now let's test your speed."
Hearing that, Ethan recalled the technique he had just used on his hand. This time, he focused his energy on his legs, feeling a similar but stronger and more intense sensation. When he began to run, his legs shot forward with incredible speed. In an instant, he dashed through the surrounding trees, far faster than any normal human.
When Ethan stopped, he was panting, unable to believe his own speed. "Wow... If I were still on Earth, I could outrun a cheetah!" he thought, amazed by his new ability.
But that euphoria was soon replaced by another, more urgent sensation a tremendous hunger. "But why do I suddenly feel so hungry? My stomach feels completely empty, and I just ate a huge wolf yesterday," Ethan complained, clutching his stomach.
Valdraxx, with a calm but understanding tone, explained, "This is part of the Devourer power within you. Like all Devourers, your body now converts food into energy, and the more energy you use, the more you'll need to eat. The energy from the creatures you consume depletes quickly if you keep using your powers like this."
Ethan realized that his body had truly changed. He wasn't just hungry he was drained. "So, what do we do now?" he asked, slightly worried about his survival in this dangerous world.
Valdraxx smiled in his mind, "We must hunt again, Ethan. Before the hunger overwhelms your mind, we need to replenish your strength. A Devourer must always hunt and consume energy to survive."
With his spirit renewed and hunger urging him on, Ethan prepared for another hunt. Together with Valdraxx, they ventured into the forest, searching for creatures to consume and restore Ethan's energy.
Ethan and Valdraxx cautiously made their way through the forest of Arkhana. After a while, Valdraxx gave a warning in Ethan's mind. "Slow your pace, Ethan. Not far from here, I sense a creature you can eat," Valdraxx's voice was steady but full of caution.
Ethan slowed down, trying to move as quietly as possible so that the prey wouldn't notice his presence. As he reached a clearing in the forest, his eyes locked onto a creature that resembled a deer from Earth, but something was very odd about it a pair of sharp horns that resembled swords protruded from its head.
"Look at those horns carefully. Even the wolf you ate yesterday could be killed instantly if pierced by horns like those," Valdraxx warned seriously.
Ethan let out a quiet snort, dismissing Valdraxx's caution. "On Earth, I was the best at hunting. This is nothing," he said confidently, underestimating the danger before him.
As a trained hunter on Earth, Ethan knew exactly what to do to catch this creature without much effort a trap. With the right setup, he could capture his prey without having to face those dangerous horns directly.
With determination, Ethan began searching for materials to make a trap from branches, natural vines, and wild plants growing in the forest. His Earthly experience provided enough skill to design a simple yet effective snare. After a short time gathering and assembling the materials, his trap was ready.
Valdraxx observed Ethan's actions in silence, though there was a hint of skepticism about the human's abilities. "Will this really work?" Valdraxx wondered, though he chose not to disturb Ethan's concentration.
Once the trap was set, Ethan pondered how to lure his prey into it. He peeked at the sword-horned creature from behind the bushes. With careful movements, Ethan picked up a small stone and threw it in the opposite direction, creating a noise that startled the creature. The animal, curious about the sudden sound, turned its attention and slowly moved toward the source.
As the creature approached the trap, Ethan held his breath, hoping everything would go smoothly. Just as the creature stepped into the snare, the vine mechanism he had set up tightened around its legs. In an instant, the trap worked, lifting the sword-horned creature into the air, leaving it helpless.
Ethan smiled with satisfaction, watching his victory from behind the bushes. "I told you, this was easy," he whispered, approaching the trapped creature. However, within him, Valdraxx reminded him to remain cautious. "Don't feel safe too quickly, Ethan. Even trapped, that creature is still dangerous. Make sure to kill it swiftly, or you could get hurt."
Realizing the warning, Ethan carefully approached the sword-horned animal, searching for a weak point. With a powerful punch aimed at its head, Ethan ensured that the creature was no longer moving. He exhaled in relief, seeing his prey subdued.
But soon after, that overwhelming hunger surged within him again. Without delay, Ethan approached the creature and prepared to consume its flesh. His body, now imbued with Devourer power, instinctively responded. As Ethan began to eat, Valdraxx watched intently.
"The Devourer power within you is undeniable," Valdraxx said. "Your body now requires more energy, more food. The stronger the creatures you consume, the greater the power you'll gain."
Having successfully hunted and filled his stomach, Ethan recalled their earlier conversation about the artifact Valdraxx possessed. In the quiet of the forest, beneath the faint light of the sun filtering through the trees, Ethan grew curious about the significance of the artifact and what it meant for both Valdraxx and himself.