George: Level 17, 4,000/5,000 EXP
Kas: Level 16, 3,350/5,500 EXP
With the mission complete and the Shadowfang Alpha's fang safely stored in my inventory, I set my sights on returning to the academy. However, there was no need to rush. I intended to use the trip back to farm monsters, hone my skills, and push both Kas and myself to the limit.
The eastern forest was alive with activity, a labyrinth of shadowy trails and tangled foliage. Monsters roamed freely here, and every step seemed to carry the threat of an ambush. Kas slithered alongside me, his body low to the ground, his tongue flicking in and out to taste the air.
"Kas, keep an eye out," I said softly, gripping my D-rank Mythril-Edged Sword. Its faint silver gleam reflected the filtered sunlight that broke through the canopy above.
Kas hissed in acknowledgment, his voice resonating through our bond.
"Movement. Small creatures. Close by."
It didn't take long for the source to reveal itself. A pack of Forest Gremlins skittered out from the underbrush, their twisted forms illuminated by their glowing yellow eyes. These creatures were nuisances in small numbers but could overwhelm even seasoned fighters in larger groups.
[Forest Gremlin
Lvl 15
Hp:130/130
Str 6.7
Agi 9.9
Int 4.3
S.P 12]
I counted at least eight of them. Their claws gleamed with a dark, oily substance that hinted at poison.
"Alright, Kas. Let's make this quick."
I activated Animal-Stance: Unity, the familiar rush of heightened senses washing over me. The world sharpened, and time seemed to slow. Kas coiled tighter, preparing to strike.
The first gremlin lunged, its claws swiping for my throat. I sidestepped, the movement enhanced by Quick Dash, and slashed downward with my sword. The blade bit deep into its torso, the creature shrieking before collapsing.
[-100 HP]
Another gremlin rushed forward, leaping for Kas. The Chaos Snake twisted in midair, launching a precise Erosion Spit at the creature's face. The venom hissed as it made contact, the gremlin clawing at its melting features before falling limp.
[-120 HP]
Two more gremlins attacked in tandem, flanking me from either side. I jumped high using Double Jump, twisting in the air to bring my sword down in a powerful arc. The blade cleaved through one gremlin's head, while Kas struck the other with a vicious Coiling Strike, snapping its spine.
[Critical Hit! -150 HP]
[-110 HP]
The remaining gremlins hesitated, their glowing eyes darting between Kas and me. I didn't give them a chance to regroup.
"Kas, spread them out! Venom Bite!"
Kas lunged, his fangs sinking into one gremlin's neck and injecting a lethal dose of venom. The creature convulsed before dropping lifelessly. I dashed forward, cutting through the remaining two with swift, decisive strikes.
[Victory! +1,200 EXP]
Breathing heavily, I wiped the sweat from my brow and surveyed the carnage. Kas returned to my side, his tongue flicking as he assessed the area for any lingering threats.
"Good work," I said, sheathing my sword.
"More ahead," Kas hissed. "Larger prey."
Kas led me deeper into the forest, where the air grew thicker and the shadows more oppressive. We soon found ourselves face-to-face with a Forest Stalker—a hulking feline predator known for its speed and stealth. Its green, leaf-like fur allowed it to blend seamlessly with the foliage, and its glowing blue eyes locked onto us with predatory intent.
[Forest Stalker-elite monster)
Level 17
Hp:328/328
Str 16.4
Agi 19.8
Int 12.1
S.P 8
Skills: Leap lvl 5, Camouflage lvl 8(passive), Slash Attack lvl 4, Bite lvl 3]
The Stalker growled, its muscles coiling like springs before it pounced. I barely had time to react, raising my shield to block its claws. The impact sent me skidding back, but I held my ground.
"Kas, distract it!"
Kas darted forward, hissing aggressively. The Stalker snarled, swiping at him, but the Chaos Snake was too quick. While Kas kept it occupied, I activated Quick Dash, closing the distance and delivering a powerful slash to its flank.
[-100 HP]
The Stalker roared in pain, whirling around to face me. It activated Camouflage, its body fading into the shadows. I cursed under my breath, straining to pinpoint its location.
"Left!" Kas warned.
I spun just in time to block another attack, the Stalker's claws glancing off my shield. Kas retaliated with Erosion Spit, the venom sizzling as it struck the beast's side.
"Double Jump!" I leapt over the creature, landing behind it and driving my sword into its back. The Stalker howled, thrashing violently, but I held on, twisting the blade for maximum damage.
[Critical Hit! -160 HP]
Kas coiled around the Stalker's neck, tightening with Coiling Dominion. The beast staggered, its movements slowing as the combined assault overwhelmed it.
"Finish it!" I shouted.
Kas delivered a final Venom Bite, and the Stalker collapsed with a low whimper.
[Victory! +2,500 EXP]
As I pulled my sword free, a notification appeared.
[George Carter: Level 18 Achieved!]
[Kas: Level 17 Achieved!]
I grinned, the exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "We're getting stronger, Kas."
"More to hunt," Kas replied simply, his tone tinged with satisfaction.
The sun was beginning to set as we made our way out of the forest. I was ready to head back to the academy when I heard voices up ahead. Kas tensed, his body coiling tightly around my arm.
"Humans," he hissed. "Dangerous."
I crouched low, creeping closer to get a better look. A group of five bandits had set up camp near the forest's edge, their stolen goods piled haphazardly around a fire. Their leader, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, was barking orders at the others.
"Keep watch, idiots! The last thing we need is some academy brat stumbling onto us."
I smirked. It seemed they weren't expecting someone like me.
"Kas, ready?" I whispered.
I stepped into the clearing, my sword drawn. The bandits froze, their eyes narrowing as they registered my presence.
"Well, well," the leader sneered. "Looks like we've got ourselves a little hero. You lost, kid?"
"Hand over the stolen goods," I said coldly. "Or this will get ugly."
The bandits laughed, the leader shaking his head. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But you're outnumbered."
"Am I?" I activated Animal-Stance: Unity, the sudden surge of energy silencing their laughter. Kas uncoiled, his body glowing faintly with mana as he prepared to strike.
"Get him!" the leader roared.
The first bandit charged, swinging a rusted axe. I sidestepped easily, driving my sword into his side. He crumpled with a grunt, blood pooling beneath him.
[-100 HP]
Another bandit came at me from the left, a dagger flashing in the firelight. I blocked with my shield, countering with a quick slash that sent him sprawling.
Kas darted toward a third bandit, coiling around his legs and bringing him to the ground. The man screamed as Kas delivered a venomous bite to his neck.
[Poison Effect: -80 HP per second]
The fourth bandit, a wiry man with a crossbow, aimed at me from a distance. I activated Quick Dash, closing the gap before he could fire. My sword struck true, the crossbow clattering to the ground as the man fell.
[-120 HP]
That left the leader. He snarled, drawing a massive broadsword and charging at me with surprising speed. Our blades clashed, the force of the impact reverberating up my arms.
"You're tougher than you look," he admitted, pushing me back.
"And you're slower than I expected," I shot back, activating Double Jump to vault over him. My sword slashed across his back, drawing a pained roar.
[-150 HP]
Kas joined the fray, striking with Coiling Dominion to pin the leader in place. I took the opportunity to land a devastating blow to his chest, the Mythril-Edged Sword slicing through his armor.
[Critical Hit! -200 HP]
The leader fell to his knees, blood dripping from his wounds. He looked up at me, hatred burning in his eyes. "You... won't make it out of here alive."
"Wrong," I said, driving my sword into his heart.
[Victory! +2,000 EXP]
I searched the bandits' camp, collecting their stolen goods and pocketing a modest stash of gold and silver. Kas coiled beside me, his tongue flicking in satisfaction.
"That was satisfying," he hissed.
I nodded, putting the rewards in my bag.
[Inventory
Gremlin Teeth x6
Jewelry x 87
Feline Eye x1
Heal Pills x12
Energy gathering pills x3
F rank Shield x1
]
"We should call this a day, Kas"I said as we started walking back to our home.