I shot up, grabbing my sword. My heart pounded as I scanned the cave's entrance.
Something was out there, moving through the forest. The air felt tense, like a storm about to break.
I heard it before I saw it, a low growl, coming from just outside the cave.
The shadows shifted, and I caught a glimpse of a creature slinking through the underbrush. Its fur was dark, blending perfectly with the night, but its eyes glowed an eerie yellow, locked on me.
A wolf? No… it was bigger. Leaner. Its movements were more fluid, like it was studying me, calculating the perfect moment to strike.
[Enemy detected: Shadow Hound.]
[Threat level: Moderate.]
Great. Another predator.
The Shadow Hound stepped into the dim light of the cave's entrance, its fur bristling as it lowered itself into a crouch. Its muscles tensed, and I could feel the intensity of its gaze.
I gripped my sword, keeping my stance low. The fight with the Bloodfang had taught me one thing, these creatures liked to strike fast and hard. I had to be quicker.
The system's [Combat Basics] skill would give me a bit of an edge, but I couldn't rely on it completely.
The Hound moved first, lunging at me with blinding speed.
I barely had time to react, swinging my sword up to block.
The force of the attack nearly knocked me off balance, but I held firm, driving the blade into the creature's side as it twisted mid-air.
It let out a sharp yelp, landing awkwardly and snarling in frustration.
This thing was fast, but it wasn't invincible.
I pressed the attack, closing the distance between us.
My sword flashed in the dim light as I struck again, aiming for the creature's legs.
The Hound dodged, its movements quick and precise, but I managed to land a glancing blow across its flank.
Blood sprayed, and the creature staggered, but it wasn't done yet.
It snarled, baring its teeth as it lunged again.
I sidestepped, slashing at its exposed side, but the Hound twisted in mid-air, avoiding the blow.
It was too fast. I couldn't keep up with its movements.
The Hound circled me, waiting for an opening. I could feel my stamina draining, my limbs growing heavier with each passing second.
If this fight dragged on any longer, I'd be the one lying in a pool of blood.
I needed to end it.
The Hound lunged once more, but this time, I was ready.
I stepped back, letting it overcommit to the attack. As it sailed past me, I swung my sword in a wide arc, catching the creature across the throat.
Blood sprayed across the cave floor as the Hound let out a choked cry, collapsing at my feet.
I stood over the body, panting.
My legs were shaking, and my arms felt like lead, but the fight was over.
[Kill confirmed: Apprentice-level monster defeated. 3/3.]
Finally.
I collapsed against the wall of the cave, letting my sword clatter to the ground. The system chimed softly in my mind.
[Task complete: Survive in the Darkwood Forest.]
[Reward: Combat Skill Upgrade.]
Another wave of relief washed over me as the system's energy flowed through my body, rejuvenating me slightly.
I felt the knowledge sink into my mind, the skill sharpening, refining itself.
[Combat Basics upgraded to Rank D.]
I smiled weakly. I had survived another night, but I knew it wouldn't be the last.
For now, though, I'd take what victories I could get.
The cold stone of the cave wall pressed against my back, and though I was still catching my breath, the system's latest upgrade brought a much-needed wave of energy.
[Combat Basics] was now at Rank D, and I could feel the difference.
My muscles, though sore, felt a bit more responsive, and my reflexes were quicker. It wasn't a huge leap, but it was enough to keep me alive in this unforgiving forest.
I glanced at the lifeless Shadow Hound at my feet. Its glowing eyes had dimmed, and the once menacing creature was now just another obstacle I'd overcome.
Three apprentice-level monsters down, and with that, the hidden task was complete. But that wasn't the end of it.
The real task, the one that loomed like a shadow over everything, was survival. The system's timer was still ticking.
[Time remaining: 7 hours.]
Seven hours to reach the edge of Darkwood. I couldn't afford to stay put any longer. I'd made it through another night, but the forest wasn't going to let me walk out without a fight.
I had to stay on the move, keep my guard up, and avoid any more encounters if possible.
After packing up what little gear I had, I stepped out of the cave.
The early morning light filtered through the dense canopy, casting eerie patterns on the forest floor.
The cool air bit at my skin, but I ignored it, focusing on the task at hand.
The system had made it clear, there was a way out of this forest, and I wasn't going to waste any more time.
…
The hours blurred together as I trekked through the dense underbrush, the thick roots and twisted branches making every step a challenge.
The oppressive weight of the forest pressed down on me, and though the light had returned, I couldn't shake the feeling that something or someone was watching me.
It wasn't paranoia. Not here. Darkwood wasn't just a place, it was alive, and it was hunting me just as much as the monsters within it were.
My grip on the sword tightened as I pushed forward, hacking through the vines that blocked my path.
My body ached, and every now and then, I'd catch myself wincing at the pain in my shoulder.
The healing ointment had worked for the most part, but there was still a sharp reminder that I wasn't invincible.
"System, show me the map," I said, hoping for some kind of reassurance.
The map appeared in my vision, a holographic display of my surroundings. I was close.
The edge of the forest was just a few miles ahead, maybe an hour or two of walking, if I kept up the pace.
But something on the map caught my attention, a dark patch just ahead, labeled only as "Danger Zone."
"Of course," I muttered. "It can't ever be easy, can it?"
There was no way around it. The system wasn't going to let me take the scenic route, and with time running out, I couldn't afford to be picky.
I pressed forward, my senses heightened by the [Awareness] skill.
Every rustle of leaves, every distant snap of a twig, sent my heart racing, but nothing jumped out at me. Not yet.
The forest was too quiet now. The birds had stopped singing, and even the usual howls of distant creatures had faded into silence. I had a bad feeling about this.