The street was painted with the lifeless bodies of the wolves, their scaled pelts gleaming under the fading sunlight.
My grip on the sword loosened, and the cuts on my arm throbbed painfully. Every muscle in my body screamed for rest, but the system prompt flashing before me reminded me that I had no time to waste.
[Task complete: Three apprentice-level monsters killed.] [Reward: Combat Skill Scroll (Beginner Level).]
I slumped against a crumbling wall, exhaling shakily.
The rough stone pressed uncomfortably into my back, but the ache in my bones was far worse.
I had earned this reward. Reaching out, I accepted the shimmering scroll that materialized in my hand.
It appeared to be ordinary parchment, but after my experiences so far, I knew better.
[Combat Skill Scroll: Beginner-level combat training.]
[Would you like to learn this skill?]
Without hesitation, I answered, "Yes."
The scroll unraveled, glowing briefly before dissolving into golden particles that enveloped me.
A strange sensation washed over me, memories of movements I had never learned before imprinting themselves in my mind.
Basic sword stances, footwork, and combat techniques flowed through me as if they had always been a part of me.
It wasn't much, but it provided a sense of control.
[New Skill Acquired: Combat Basics (Rank E).]
I chuckled softly. Rank E wasn't impressive, but it beat stumbling blindly through battles. At least now, I stood a fighting chance.
With the new skill settling within me, I refocused on the wolves' bodies, recalling the system's previous explanations. Kills equaled points. Surely, three apprentice-level monsters must count for something significant.
"System, show my stats."
[Host: Zen Mu]
[Life Form: Earth Human (Reincarnated)]
[Rank: Apprentice Warrior, Rank 2]
[Combat Power: Rank E]
[Skills: Combat Basics (Rank E)]
[System Points: 30]
[Items: Apprentice Sword, Basic Armor, Basic Survival Pack]
Rank 2, a modest advancement, but progress nonetheless. What intrigued me most were the system points.
Thirty points might not seem like much, but I sensed their potential usefulness. The question lingered: how best to utilize them?
"System, open the store."
A new prompt materialized, unveiling an array of items, skills, and peculiar objects.
Most were beyond my current reach, but after scanning through the options, I identified a few that wouldn't deplete my meager stash of points.
[System Store]
- Healing Potion: 10 points
- Basic Combat Gear: 25 points
- Energy Bar (Restores stamina): 5 points
- Torch (Infinite Light Source): 15 points
My mind buzzed with considerations. A healing potion could mitigate my injuries, yet equipping basic combat gear seemed the wiser choice.
If the next encounter proved deadlier than this one, enhanced protection might well determine my survival.
"System, purchase Basic Combat Gear."
[Transaction complete. 25 points deducted.]
[New Balance: 5 points.]
Light erupted before me, revealing a modest set of leather armor, unadorned but certainly an upgrade.
The reinforced bracers and shin guards promised crucial defense in close combat, where every advantage counted.
…
After swapping out my worn armor for the new set, I ventured forward, scrutinizing the thickening forest that supplanted the dilapidated cityscape.
Trees rose taller, branches intertwining to form a canopy that shrouded what remained of daylight. Finding shelter was imperative and fast.
Each step deeper into the forest amplified its vitality, not just the stirrings of nighttime creatures but a palpable presence, as if unseen eyes scrutinized my every move. It was a sensation of being hunted, more acute here than ever before.
I pressed on, sword at the ready. My body protested with every stride, yet the instinct to keep moving overrode all else.
A rustle ahead froze me in place.
I crouched low, eyes straining through dense underbrush. Whatever lurked there was no mere creature, it loomed large.
Heart pounding, I gripped my sword tighter as a sleek, shadowy form emerged into view.
A panther, but no ordinary one. Its fur shimmered like oil slick, eyes aglow with an unnatural green.
Muscles rippled beneath its skin as it prowled forward, movements fluid and silent.
[Enemy detected: Shadow Panther. Threat level: High.]
Dread coiled in my gut. The system rarely issued warnings without reason, and this creature exuded menace. High threat level indeed.
The panther growled low, crouching low to the ground. Its luminous eyes fixed on me, assessing, calculating, the gaze of a predator about to strike.
"Okay, Zen," I murmured, my voice steadying. "You can do this."
It lunged, swifter than anticipated.
I Sidestepped, bringing my sword up as the panther sailed past. The blade grazed its side, a shallow wound that barely hindered its momentum.
Landing smoothly, it wheeled around with a snarl, eyes blazing brighter.
My heart raced, but I couldn't afford to panic. This creature was too fast for brute force alone. Outsmarting it was the key.
The panther circled, muscles coiled for another assault.
As it sprang, I dropped low, thrusting upward with my sword as it sailed over me. The blade found grip in its belly, causing a pained shriek.
It hit the ground hard, thrashing in agony. I rolled clear just in time to avoid its claws. Not dead, but hurt it was badly.
I scrambled to my feet, sword at the ready as the panther struggled to rise.
Its glowing eyes dimmed, but its ferocity persisted.
With a final, desperate growl, it launched at me again, slower this time.
I sidestepped once more, swinging with all my remaining strength. The blade sliced through its throat.
The panther collapsed, twitching before falling still.
[Kill confirmed: Apprentice-level monster defeated. 1/3.]
Wait. One out of three? I hadn't anticipated an additional task. Shaking my head wearily, I wiped the sweat from my brow.
"Great," I muttered, drained. "Now to find two more of these things."