The sun was setting behind the walls of Sub-City 4, casting long, ominous shadows across the jagged terrain outside. The world beyond the city felt foreign, wild, and alive with dangers that most citizens never dared to face. Elric stood at the edge of the wilderness, his gaze fixed on the untamed expanse before him, where beasts lurked in the shadows, unseen by human eyes. It was a place of both opportunity and peril, and for Elric, it was the first true test of his will and his system.
The narrow gap in the city's massive wall offered little comfort as he slipped through, leaving behind the familiar sight of industrial structures and the cold, metallic hum of the sub-city. Here, the air was different—thicker, wilder. The scent of damp earth and decaying vegetation filled his nostrils, a stark contrast to the artificial sterility of the city.
He paused, scanning the area ahead with the system's appraisal function. It was a habit now, a silent assessment of his surroundings. Information flickered across his vision as he moved cautiously into the wilderness.
[Plant: Steelvine] [Classification: Rank 0] [Uses: Strengthens immune system. Can be used in potions.]
Elric knelt down, his fingers brushing over the vine's surface. He had researched extensively before coming out here, scouring the black-market forums for any mention of useful herbs, weak beasts, and the secrets of the wilderness. The Steelvine was common, but still valuable, and it would come in handy later. But for now, his focus was elsewhere.
The Grey Stalker.
According to the information he'd gathered, the beast roamed this region, preying on the smaller creatures and anyone foolish enough to wander too close. It was a solitary predator, Rank 1—low-tier in the grand scheme of things, but still deadly to someone like him.
Elric pressed deeper into the wilderness, his every step measured and deliberate. The underbrush was thick, the ground uneven beneath his boots, and the eerie silence of the wilderness gnawed at his nerves. It was easy to forget that there were no walls here, no security drones watching his every move. Out here, it was just him and whatever lived in the shadows.
The system appraised more plants and rocks as he moved, offering tidbits of information about the wilderness. It was a slow buildup of knowledge, each piece contributing to the larger picture of his new world. He had no time to linger on these minor discoveries, though. His real target was close.
The trees ahead began to thin, revealing a small clearing bathed in the soft, fading light of dusk. Elric crouched low, his body tense with anticipation as his eyes scanned the area for any sign of movement. The wind shifted, carrying with it the faint, musky scent of a predator nearby.
His heart quickened.
The Grey Stalker.
His instincts screamed at him to turn back, to retreat to the safety of the city. But Elric had long since learned to ignore such impulses. There was no safety for the weak. He had to push forward, to face the danger head-on if he ever wanted to escape the confines of his F-rank talent.
Moving silently, he edged closer to the clearing, his senses heightened as he approached the beast's territory. The air was thick with tension, every shadow seeming to move in the dimming light. Then, he saw it—a flicker of movement on the far side of the clearing.
The beast was there.
The Grey Stalker was unlike anything Elric had imagined. Its body was sleek, almost feline in its movements, but its fur was mottled with shades of gray that made it blend seamlessly with the surrounding rocks and trees. Its eyes glowed faintly, a cold, predatory light that sent a shiver down Elric's spine.
The system's appraisal flashed before him as he focused on the creature.
[Beast: Grey Stalker] [Rank: 1 (Low)] [Abilities: Stealth, enhanced agility, night vision.] [Weakness: Fire-based attacks.]
Elric's mind raced, absorbing the information as he watched the creature prowl the edge of the clearing, its muscles rippling beneath its fur. Fire-based attacks. It was a good thing Flame Spark was his talent, but the challenge would be using it effectively.
The Grey Stalker was a creature built for ambushes, for striking from the shadows when its prey was unaware. Elric knew that if he didn't catch it off guard, he would be the one at a disadvantage. His hands tingled with the faint energy of his Flame Spark, ready to ignite at his command. But he needed a plan. A direct confrontation was suicide.
He scanned the area again, his eyes flicking over the terrain, searching for anything that could give him an edge. The trees, the underbrush, even the rocks could be used to his advantage if he played it right. He had to think strategically, to use his environment and his knowledge to outwit the creature.
The beast continued its slow, deliberate pacing, its head twitching as it sniffed the air, searching for any sign of prey. Elric's muscles tensed as he pressed himself flat against the ground, hidden behind a fallen log. His breathing slowed, his heartbeat steadying as he prepared for what came next.
A sudden rustle in the bushes to his right caught the beast's attention. It turned sharply, its eyes locking onto the movement. Elric felt a surge of adrenaline as the opportunity presented itself.
Now.
He rose slowly, keeping his movements controlled and precise, his hand hovering just above the ground where the dry leaves had gathered in a small pile. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned a small flame, igniting the leaves in a controlled burst. The fire crackled to life, sending a trail of smoke into the air as the beast's head snapped toward the sound.
For a brief moment, it was distracted, its eyes drawn to the flickering light of the flames.
Elric moved, his body a blur of motion as he darted from his hiding spot, his hand raised as he prepared to strike. The beast, sensing the sudden change, turned with lightning speed, its glowing eyes locking onto him with deadly intent.
But it was too late.
Elric's Flame Spark ignited once more, brighter and hotter than before as he unleashed it directly at the creature's face. The small burst of fire struck true, singeing the fur around its eyes and causing it to let out a low, guttural snarl of pain.
But the beast was fast—far faster than Elric had anticipated.
The Grey Stalker recovered almost instantly, its muscles coiling as it prepared to lunge at him with terrifying speed. Elric's heart raced as he realized how close he was to death, the beast's glowing eyes narrowing as it leapt toward him, claws outstretched and ready to tear him apart.
Time seemed to slow as Elric's mind raced through his options. His Flame Spark had worked, but it wasn't enough to stop the creature. He needed something more—something to give him the edge he so desperately needed.
But the beast was already upon him.
Elric braced himself for impact, his body tense with the knowledge that this could very well be the end. The Grey Stalker's snarls filled the air as it closed in on him, its claws slicing through the air with lethal precision.
And then—
End of Chapter Five.