As Liam surveyed the snake, a thought crossed his mind. "Let's see what you're made of." He murmured the word [Appraisal], and to his surprise, a translucent tab opened up before him, displaying information about the creature.
[Black Fang Snake]
Evolution Stage: 2 - Hatchling
Description: Black Fang Snakes are one of the dangers of Shadow Forest, known for roaming the boundaries in search of unsuspecting victims. They are responsible for the deaths of 24% of adventurers who dared to step into this forest. Black Fang Snakes possess deadly poison, which is difficult to extract and considered an expensive commodity. Their final evolution stage is regarded as one of the Seven Guardians of the Forbidden Doors.
Liam's eyes widened as he absorbed the details. "So, you're not just any snake; you're a potential guardian," he mused. The description hinted at the snake's venom being lethal, but the mention of it becoming one of the Seven Guardians intrigued him even more. He weighed his options, contemplating whether to kill it for the venom or attempt to tame it.
After a moment's thought, he decided to tame the creature. "Let's see how well I can control this," he said, a sense of determination washing over him. He bit his finger, watching as blood trickled down. With his other hand, still encased in the formidable shield, he gently opened the snake's mouth and let his blood drip inside. The snake, paralyzed and asleep, had no strength to resist, instinctively consuming the blood.
As the snake drank, a brilliant red light enveloped it, and a small red rectangular tattoo began to form on its head, featuring black circles within—a design reminiscent of a gun scope.
"So, this is the Blood Mark," he said to himself, marveling at the process. The tattoo seemed to signify a connection that would allow him to exert control over the creature from a distance. Just as he was pondering the implications of this newfound power, the snake began to stir, awakening from its paralyzed state.
In anticipation, Liam quickly prepared for his next move. As the snake's eyes fluttered open, he uttered the word [Dominate]. Instantly, a yellow circular ring materialized around the creature's neck, morphing into a white tattoo—a clear sign of his authority over it.
"So this is the tattoo for [Dominate]. This world truly has its ways," he said, nodding in understanding of the mechanics at play. He also reflected on the skills granted to him: [Profile], [Analysis], [Recovery], and [Search]. Although he couldn't see them listed in his profile tab, he knew they were vital tools. It struck him that this world functioned as a blend of level-ups and skill-based advancements, and he felt a surge of excitement about the possibilities that lay ahead.
Suddenly, his senses heightened through [Focus]. He felt something approaching—something or someone. Without hesitation, he placed the unconscious snake into a protective barrier and pocketed it. "Better safe than sorry," he thought, deciding it was best to hide rather than confront whatever was coming.
As he peered into the distance, five figures emerged from the shadows. "Adventurers?" he wondered, but a closer look revealed their ragged clothing and predatory demeanor; they were more akin to bandits than noble warriors.
Liam's instincts kicked in, prompting him to follow them cautiously. He surrounded himself in a barrier infused with the attribute [Stealth], rendering him nearly invisible to their senses. Each step was calculated, his heart racing with the thrill of the hunt. The bandits led him through the dense forest, their laughter echoing ominously, until they arrived at the entrance of a large, dark cave.
The cave loomed before him, its gaping maw filled with shadows that seemed to breathe. He hesitated, caught between curiosity and caution. What treasures or dangers could lie within? Sensing an opportunity for exploration, he steeled himself and decided to venture inside.
As he entered, the air grew cooler, and the sounds of the forest faded into a haunting silence. The darkness was thick, but Liam's keen eyes adjusted quickly, revealing glimmers of small gemstones scattered on the ground. A surge of excitement coursed through him as he stepped deeper into the cave, aware that every twist and turn could hold untold secrets.
As Liam ventured deeper into the cave, the sounds of merriment grew louder-a cacophony of laughter and song echoed through the dimly lit corridors. The atmosphere was thick with revelry, and a sense of foreboding washed over him as he approached the source of the noise. Surrounded by the protective barrier of [Divine Shield] enhanced with the [Stealth] attribute, he moved cautiously toward the direction of the voices.
Peering around a corner, Liam spotted a large room where the bandits seemed to be celebrating. However, sensing the potential for danger, he decided to press further into the cave rather than confront them head-on. As he crept along the shadowy hallway, he encountered two men heading straight toward him, oblivious of his presence.
Without a moment's hesitation, Liam reached out and touched their shoulders, activating his [Mark] skill. The men froze, their expressions shifting from confusion to alarm as they instinctively turned around. But before they could utter a warning, Liam swiftly cast the debuff [Silence], rendering them voiceless. Panic washed over their faces, but they were powerless to scream as he drew his weapon. In one fluid motion, he severed their heads from their bodies, the sudden violence muffled by the enchantment that left them unable to cry out in pain.
A grim smile crept across Liam's face as he witnessed the swift and efficient results of his abilities. Their lifeless bodies slumped to the ground, and he felt a rush of exhilaration at the successful execution of to waste, he continued on, following the path the men had taken.
Soon, he arrived at a dead end that opened up into a vast chamber filled with treasures-gold coins gleamed, pearls shimmered, and silver artifacts lay scattered around. However, the riches were not what drew his attention. Instead, he noticed another doorway connected to the treasure room, and his curiosity piqued.
Liam slipped through the door, eager to uncover what lay beyond, only to find himself in a dimly lit space that resembled a prison. The atmosphere was heavy with despair, and his heart sank as he took in the sight of women and children huddled within the confines of the cell-like structure. The realization of their plight ignited a fierce determination within him; he couldn't leave them at this wretched place.
As he approached the prison cell, he removes his [Divine Shield] with [Stealth] attribute. They were about to shout until they saw his strange clothes that didn't match the bandits. He was also gesturing with a finger on his lip not to shout.
As he walked near the prison bars that was made form iron like metal but it was bright red in colour. He whispered to the trapped children not to shout and he is here to free them. They remained quiet and nodded their heads in approval.
Liam touched the metal bar and says [Appraisal] , A small tab appears in front of him. Liam looks forward at the children but sees them looking at him with confusion. He concludes that only he can see the tab. He looks closely at tab.
[ Hematol bars ]
[ The bars are made from hematol metal and has been here in this bandits hideout since it origin. It has been used to house slaves.]
Liam becomes intrigued about the metal and touches it in the tab and another tab opens up.
[Hematol metal]
[Hematol metal also know as god blood ingot is a rare metal. It is mostly used for construction and jewelry due to its toughness and bright red colour. Hematol metal is also considered as one of the toughest metal in the entire continent. Despite it being tough to brute force it is weak to higher advanced class magic attacks and curses]
Liam smiles seeing the last part that said it was weak to curses which he was a expert of.