Chapter 3: The Flame Boar's Test
Zhang Wei stood at the edge of the clearing, gripping his crude spear tightly. His heart pounded in his chest as he studied the creature before him—a Flame Boar. The beast's fiery aura shimmered in the dim light of the forest, its massive form a stark contrast to the shadows surrounding it.
The Flame Boar pawed the ground, letting out a low, guttural growl. Its glowing tusks radiated heat, and the ground beneath it seemed to smolder with every step.
Zhang Wei felt a bead of sweat slide down his temple. This wasn't like the Shadow Wolf he had fought before. The Flame Boar was bigger, stronger, and far more dangerous.
Tip: The Flame Boar's weak points are its neck and underbelly. Host is advised to strike decisively.
The system's calm voice rang in his mind, but Zhang Wei couldn't help but feel a pang of irritation. "Easier said than done," he muttered under his breath.
The boar let out a bellowing roar and charged without warning, its tusks igniting in bursts of flame. Zhang Wei's instincts screamed at him to move. He dove to the side, feeling the heat of the flames singe his sleeve as the boar thundered past him.
The ground shook with the creature's immense weight. Zhang Wei scrambled to his feet, clutching his spear as he tried to steady his breathing. His mind raced. He couldn't face the boar head-on—it was far too powerful.
He scanned the clearing quickly, noting the rocks and scattered branches. If he could use the environment to his advantage, he might stand a chance.
The Flame Boar turned to face him again, snorting as smoke billowed from its nostrils. Its eyes glowed with primal fury, and Zhang Wei felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Come on, Zhang Wei," he muttered to himself. "You've been through worse… probably."
The boar charged again, faster this time. Zhang Wei sidestepped at the last second, thrusting his spear toward the beast's side. The tip scraped against its tough hide, drawing only a shallow wound. The boar roared in anger, swinging its massive head toward him.
Zhang Wei ducked, narrowly avoiding the flaming tusks. The heat was unbearable, and the air around him seemed to ripple with it.
Host must aim for critical points to maximize damage. Avoid prolonged engagement.
"I'm trying!" Zhang Wei snapped, his voice tinged with desperation.
He darted toward a large boulder, positioning himself behind it as the boar charged again. The creature slammed into the rock with a deafening crash, cracking the surface and sending shards flying. Zhang Wei used the momentary daze to his advantage, circling around and driving his spear toward the boar's underbelly.
The weapon struck true, sinking deep into the softer flesh. The boar let out a pained roar, thrashing wildly as blood spattered the ground. Zhang Wei pulled back, gripping the spear tightly as he prepared for another strike.
The boar, though injured, wasn't defeated yet. It turned toward him, its tusks blazing brighter than before. The flames spread to the ground, igniting the dry leaves and branches around it.
"Great," Zhang Wei muttered, backing away from the growing fire. "Just what I needed."
The boar charged again, its movements slower but no less deadly. Zhang Wei jumped to the side, his feet skidding on the loose dirt. He rolled to avoid the beast's tusks, feeling the heat singe his hair.
As he scrambled to his feet, an idea struck him. The boulder the boar had cracked earlier was precariously balanced. If he could lure the beast into charging it again, he might be able to use the falling rock to his advantage.
"Come on, you overgrown pork roast," Zhang Wei taunted, waving his spear.
The Flame Boar snorted, its fiery eyes narrowing as it prepared to charge. Zhang Wei positioned himself in front of the boulder, his heart pounding as the beast thundered toward him.
At the last second, he dove out of the way. The boar slammed into the boulder, and the weakened rock gave way, toppling onto the creature with a resounding crash.
Dust and debris filled the air, and for a moment, there was silence. Zhang Wei coughed, waving his hand to clear the dust as he approached cautiously. The Flame Boar lay motionless, pinned beneath the massive rock.
He let out a shaky breath, his legs nearly giving out beneath him. "That… that actually worked," he muttered, leaning on his spear for support.
As he stepped closer, a faint glow caught his eye. The boar's chest emitted a soft, golden light, and the system's voice rang out once more.
Quest complete. Retrieving Beast Core.
A small, glowing orb emerged from the boar's body, hovering in the air before Zhang Wei. It pulsed with energy, radiating warmth that seemed to seep into his very bones.
"Is this… the Beast Core?" he asked, reaching out tentatively.
Correct. The Beast Core contains condensed Qi and will significantly enhance Host's cultivation and physical attributes. Absorb it to progress.
Zhang Wei hesitated for only a moment before grasping the orb. The warmth intensified, spreading through his body in a rush of energy. His vision blurred as a surge of power filled him, his muscles tightening and his senses sharpening.
Core absorption complete. Host's Qi reserves and physical strength have been enhanced.
When the light finally faded, Zhang Wei opened his eyes, feeling… different. His body felt lighter, stronger, and more attuned to the world around him. Even his fatigue seemed to have faded, replaced by a renewed sense of vitality.
"This… this is incredible," he said, flexing his fingers.
But the system wasn't done yet.
Host has achieved significant progress. New abilities are now available. Continue cultivation to unlock further potential.
Zhang Wei nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. For the first time since arriving in this strange world, he felt a glimmer of hope. He had faced a challenge far beyond his initial abilities and emerged victorious.
As the first light of dawn broke through the forest canopy, Zhang Wei sat down to catch his breath. He glanced at the shattered boulder and the lifeless Flame Boar, a reminder of the battle he had just fought.
"This world isn't going to give me a break," he said to himself, "but if it's strength this place wants, then I'll give it everything I've got."
The Heavenly System chimed in once more, its tone calm yet resolute: Prepare yourself, Zhang Wei. Greater trials lie ahead.
With a deep breath, Zhang Wei stood and began his journey anew, the path ahead uncertain but his determination unwavering.