(Sam's POV)
The deeper I ventured into the forest, the more I could feel the environment changing. The air was heavier, more humid. I flicked my tongue, sensing the subtle shift around me—this place was different. A stream flowed nearby, its gentle gurgling sound echoing through the trees.
That's when I caught the scent. Wet, sharp, and dangerous.
I moved closer, keeping low, my senses on high alert. Water beasts were common in these parts of the forest, but this one felt stronger, like it had control over the very water itself.
'This could be interesting.'
As I slithered closer to the stream, I finally spotted it—gliding through the water, its sleek blue scales shimmering under the dim forest light. A Water Serpent. Its body moved fluidly with the current, and the way it darted in and out of the water made it clear this thing was in its element.
[Status Inspection Lv 3 activated.]
[Water Serpent]
[Level: 23]
[Rank: F]
[Skills:]
– [Water Jet Lv 3]
– [Aqua Shield Lv 2]
[Traits:]
– [Water Affinity (Basic)]
[Status: Calm]
I watched it glide gracefully through the water. This was no simple beast—it had a solid grasp of elemental magic. Water Jet and Aqua Shield meant this fight wasn't going to be easy, especially with the Water Affinity it possessed.
'I could really use that Water Affinity,' I thought. Having some control over the elements would be a huge boost to my growing arsenal of skills.
The serpent seemed at ease, almost bored, as it continued to move with the stream. But I wasn't stupid enough to believe it wasn't aware of its surroundings. A creature this powerful didn't survive by being careless.
I'd have to be quick and smart to catch it off guard.
[Stealth Lv 3 activated.]
I slid into the water silently, using the current to mask my movement. The serpent hadn't noticed me yet, but it was only a matter of time before it sensed the danger. I needed to strike before it could turn the water into a weapon.
Just a bit closer...
I coiled tightly, preparing to strike, but as I lunged forward, the serpent reacted faster than I anticipated.
The stream around me suddenly roared to life as the serpent unleashed Water Jet, sending a powerful stream of water directly at me. I barely dodged, feeling the force of the attack graze my side.
'Damn, that's strong!'
I hissed, quickly circling around, trying to close the distance. The serpent glared at me, its body rising slightly above the water, preparing for another attack. I couldn't let it keep firing those Water Jets—if I didn't get close fast, I was done for.
'Let's try this.'
I opened my mouth and unleashed a stream of fire, hoping to catch the serpent off guard.
[Fire Breath Lv 1 activated.]
The fire shot towards the serpent, but as expected, it quickly conjured an Aqua Shield, blocking the flames with ease. The water hissed as the two elements collided, but the serpent barely seemed phased.
'Alright, fire's not going to work. Plan B.'
I darted forward, using Quick Dash to close the gap between us before the serpent could react. My fangs bared, I aimed for its side, hoping to inject as much venom as possible.
[Quick Dash Lv 1 activated.]
I sank my fangs into its slick scales, my venom flooding into its body. The serpent thrashed, but I held on, tightening my grip as it tried to shake me off.
[Bite Lv 7 activated.]
[Venom Lv 7 activated.]
The serpent let out a hiss of its own, clearly enraged. But before it could counter, I struck again, this time biting deeper.
[Enhanced Fangs Lv 1 activated.]
My fangs tore through its flesh, and I could feel its movements slow as the venom started to take effect. But this wasn't over yet. The serpent still had fight left in it.
It thrashed violently, the water around us swirling into a powerful whirlpool. It was trying to use the current to knock me off, but I held on, refusing to let go.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the serpent's movements slowed, and its body sank beneath the water. I pulled myself free, panting heavily as I watched it float, lifeless, in the stream.
[You have defeated Water Serpent (Lv 23).]
[You have gained 120 XP.]
[You have leveled up to 21.]
[Bite Lv 7 → Lv 8.]
[Venom Lv 7 → Lv 8.]
I slithered out of the water, my body aching from the intense fight. That had been harder than I expected, but the payoff was worth it.
[Devour Lv 1 activated.]
[You have gained the skill: Water Jet Lv 1.]
[You have gained the trait: Water Affinity (Basic).]
A grin spread across my face as I felt the new power flowing through me. Water Affinity. My first elemental affinity.
[Water Affinity (Basic)]: Increases proficiency with water-based skills, boosting damage and control. Also grants a minor resistance to water-based attacks.
Not only could I now use Water Jet, but my control over water magic had improved, and I had gained some resistance to water-based attacks. This would come in handy.
[Name: Unnamed]
[Species: Predator Snake]
[Level: 21]
[Rank: F]
[Skills:]
– [Bite Lv 8]
– [Venom Lv 8]
– [Slither Lv 4]
– [Stealth Lv 3]
– [Status Inspection Lv 3]
– [Devour Lv 1]
– [Harden Lv 2]
– [Burrow Lv 4]
– [Frenzy Lv 1]
– [Fire Breath Lv 1]
– [Tail Whip Lv 3]
– [Charge Lv 1]
– [Enhanced Fangs Lv 1]
– [Quick Dash Lv 1]
– [Water Jet Lv 1]
[Traits:]
– [Cold-Blooded]
– [Predator's Intuition]
– [Enhanced Sensory (Advanced)]
– [Enhanced Physical Strength (Basic)]
– [Heat Resistance (Basic)]
– [Basic Regeneration]
– [Poison Resistance]
– [Pain Resistance]
– [Water Affinity (Basic)]
[Status: Focused]
[Hunger: 60%]
I flicked my tongue, tasting the air again. The forest was alive with activity, but the victory over the Water Serpent had given me confidence.
Water magic was a new tool in my arsenal, and now that I had Water Affinity, I could start mastering the elements. Fire and water, both under my control. But I was far from done.
There were more affinities to discover, more power to gain.
'One step closer to becoming the apex predator.'