Rishi stood at the edge of the clearing, the sunlight filtering through the dense canopy overhead, casting dappled shadows on the ground. He tightened his grip on the Vijaya bow, its polished surface gleaming in the light. The air was thick with tension, and he could sense the imminent danger. Ahead of him, the Crimson Fang Serpent King coiled menacingly, its scales shimmering like polished metal.
**Name**: Rishi
**Strength**: 50
**Defense**: 100 (can withstand any attack once a day)
**Agility**: 80
**Mana**: 300
**Enemy**: Crimson Fang Serpent King
**Level**: 7
**Attack**: 70
**Defense**: 25
**HP**: 350
The creature's emerald eyes locked onto Rishi, its forked tongue flickering in and out as it tasted the air. Rishi's heart raced; he had prepared for this moment, training diligently for days, honing his skills, and gathering resources. This battle would be a test of everything he had learned.
Taking a deep breath, Rishi nocked an arrow to his bow, feeling the familiar weight settle into his hands. He focused on his target, the sharp tip of the arrow aimed directly at the snake's head. With a swift motion, he released the arrow. It flew through the air, slicing past the foliage, and struck the serpent with a satisfying thud.
**Damage dealt: 50 HP**
**Crimson Fang Serpent King HP: 300/350**
The snake recoiled, hissing in fury. Rishi's heart leaped at the sight of his successful hit, but he knew he couldn't let up. He quickly drew another arrow, his focus unwavering. As he prepared for another shot, the serpent lunged forward, its massive body twisting through the air toward him.
Rishi's agility kicked in. He sidestepped, feeling the rush of air as the serpent's fangs snapped just inches from his face. He rolled to the side, coming back to his feet in a fluid motion, his instincts guiding him.
With a deftness honed through practice, Rishi unleashed another arrow, this time aimed at the snake's exposed flank.
**Damage dealt: 60 HP**
**Crimson Fang Serpent King HP: 240/350**
The serpent thrashed violently, its tail whipping around in a frenzy. Rishi felt the ground tremble beneath him as he narrowly avoided being struck. The sheer force of the creature's anger was palpable, and he could sense the change in its demeanor—it was becoming desperate.
"Time for a skill," Rishi muttered, channeling his mana. He felt the energy coursing through him, a warmth igniting his determination.
"Agneyastra!" he shouted, unleashing a fiery arrow. It blazed with intense heat, arcing through the air toward the serpent. The arrow struck true, igniting the creature in a burst of flames.
**Damage dealt: 100 HP**
**Crimson Fang Serpent King HP: 140/350**
The creature writhed in agony, letting out a spine-chilling hiss. Rishi could see its skin crackling under the flames. The once-vibrant colors dulled as the serpent struggled to regain control. But Rishi knew he couldn't let up now.
Suddenly, the Crimson Fang Serpent King lunged again, its fangs bared, its eyes wild with rage. Rishi braced himself, activating his defense skill.
"Shield of Fortitude!" he shouted. A shimmering barrier enveloped him, absorbing the serpent's attack.
**Defense activated: 100 Defense absorbed the attack!**
**HP: 350/350**
The force of the impact resonated through him, but he felt no pain. The serpent recoiled, momentarily stunned. Rishi seized the opportunity, firing another arrow straight into the creature's maw.
**Damage dealt: 50 HP**
**Crimson Fang Serpent King HP: 90/350**
The serpent's body began to glow ominously. Rishi realized too late that it was charging a counterattack. He barely had time to react as the creature unleashed a torrent of venom, the noxious spray aiming directly at him.
"Dodge!" he yelled, rolling to the side as the venom splattered against a nearby tree, corroding the bark instantly. Rishi felt the adrenaline surge through his veins; he had to finish this battle before the serpent could recover.
With a determined shout, he channeled his mana again, focusing every ounce of energy into one final shot. He nocked another arrow, feeling the power surge through his limbs, and let it fly.
"Agneyastra!" he cried out, the arrow bursting into flames as it soared through the air, leaving a trail of fire behind it.
The arrow struck the Crimson Fang Serpent King squarely in the chest, exploding in a fiery inferno. The serpent let out a deafening roar, thrashing violently before collapsing to the ground, its body finally succumbing to the damage.
**Damage dealt: 150 HP**
**Crimson Fang Serpent King HP: 0/350**
**Congratulations! You have defeated the Crimson Fang Serpent King.**
As the triumphant notification echoed in his mind, Rishi stood breathless, his chest heaving. He had done it. He had conquered the beast that had terrorized the novice village.
A rush of energy coursed through him as the experience points flooded in. He felt stronger, faster, more capable than ever before.
**Gained 15,000 experience.**
**Bonus from defeating a level 5 monster: 5,000 experience.**
**Total Experience: 20,000.**
**Level Up! You are now level 2.**
**All attributes increased by 10. You have earned 30 free attribute points.**
Rishi's mind raced as he absorbed the information. This victory would not only bolster his strength but also elevate his status among the other villagers. They would no longer see him as just a novice but as a formidable hunter.
As he made his way back to the village, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of his journey. With each battle fought, he would grow stronger, more capable. There were greater challenges ahead, and he was ready to face them all.
In this new life, Rishi carried the memories and skills of his past. He had been a swordsman, trained rigorously in the art of combat. The bow and arrow were not his natural weapons, but the inheritance of Lord Karna, a legendary archer, had bestowed upon him a flicker of proficiency. With every shot he fired, he felt the ghost of his former life guiding his hand, imbuing his actions with purpose and power.
After defeating the serpent, Rishi approached the lifeless body, searching for loot. Among the serpent's remains, he discovered a shimmering scale nestled among its remains.
**Item Acquired: Crimson Fang Scale (Rare)**
**Description: A scale from the Crimson Fang Serpent King. Can be used to craft powerful items or enhance existing weapons.**
This unexpected treasure filled Rishi with a sense of accomplishment. He couldn't help but wonder how this scale would aid him in his journey. With each victory, he felt the weight of his past lifting, replaced by the promise of a new destiny.
Standing amidst the remnants of his battle, Rishi reflected on the path ahead. He had conquered the Crimson Fang Serpent King, yes, but there would be more challenges waiting in the shadows. With the skills of a swordsman and the guidance of a legendary archer, he felt an unquenchable thirst for adventure rising within him.