Kai's senses buzzed with an alien sharpness as he stared into the abyss of the Crimson Expanse. His Blood Mark pulsated faintly, syncing with the faint, rhythmic thrum emanating from the crimson veins carved into the jagged ground beneath him. The fractured blood moon loomed overhead, its bleeding light giving the landscape a surreal, haunted beauty.
Even without focusing, Kai could see the faint outlines—hints—etched into his vision, a distortion at the edges of his perception. They flickered like whispers of the world's truth: A path here leads to sustenance… This ruin hides danger but promises reward… The beast beyond the ridge hungers but guards its prize…
It was maddeningly cryptic.
The previous day had been a blur of chaos and blood. Dropped into this nightmare with nothing but his wits and the strange system embedded in his being, Kai had survived on instinct. Now, as he crouched atop a ridge overlooking the Bleeding Wastes, the brutal rules of the game became clearer.
...
The hints were not always helpful. They were fragments of a puzzle, incomplete and intentionally vague. But they were better than nothing.
Kai's gaze flickered to his Blood Mark, a glowing crimson sigil burned into the back of his left hand. With a thought, the system interface shimmered into view, displaying basic information:
Name: Kai
Path: Seeker
Blood Essence: 3 units
Augmentation Slots: 0/1 active
Quests: [Beginner's Trial – Survive 3 Days in the Expanse] (2 days remaining)
His path, Seeker, explained the strange perceptions—the "hints." It also meant he wasn't built for combat, at least not directly. He would need allies, tools, or sheer cunning to survive encounters with the monstrosities that roamed this world.
...
Kai studied the hints overlaying the landscape. To his left, the hints suggested the closest Crimson Vein, its lifeblood potentially harvestable for crafting. But the flickering red icon near it warned of a territorial predator, likely one he couldn't take on yet.
Ahead, the horizon was broken by the dark, twisted canopy of the Sanguine Forest. From this distance, Kai could see its crimson-sap-dripping trees, pulsating with unnatural life. Dense cover for hiding… resources within… but beware the shadowed ones.
With no better options, he descended the ridge toward the forest.
...
The crimson-tinted air grew heavier as Kai entered the forest, the oppressive atmosphere pressing against his lungs. The sound of dripping sap echoed eerily, and the crimson light dimmed beneath the forest's thick canopy.
As he crept through the undergrowth, the hints appeared sporadically, flickering over objects and terrain. A cluster of glowing mushrooms sprouted near a gnarled root system—"Crimsonshade Fungus: Edible but attracts scavengers."
He hesitated but carefully harvested a few caps, pocketing them for later. His stomach growled in protest, but he couldn't risk eating them here. The scavengers might come faster than the hunger.
Further in, he paused. The hints now pulsed in his vision, warning of movement ahead: "Entity detected. Threat Level: Moderate. Avoidance recommended."
Kai froze, every nerve on edge. The underbrush rustled, and the temperature seemed to drop. From the shadows emerged a Crimson Stalker, its sleek, panther-like body covered in pulsing crimson veins. Its eyes glowed with a predatory intelligence.
The hints flickered urgently now: "Crimson Stalker – Highly territorial. Weakness: Distracted by light. Essence yield: 2 units."
Essence… Kai recalled the system's description. Killing entities granted Essence, used for augmentations and survival tools. It was tempting, but the Stalker's sinewy muscles and silent movements screamed death.
...
The Stalker hadn't seen him yet. Kai slowly backed away, keeping his breathing controlled, but the creature's ears twitched. Its head snapped toward him, and a low growl rumbled through the air.
Run.
Kai bolted, weaving through the trees as the Stalker's growl turned into a bloodcurdling roar. His hints screamed directions at him: "Right! Low branch! Leap left!" Each step was a calculated gamble, but somehow, they kept him a step ahead of the predator's swiping claws.
Ahead, the forest thinned, and a flickering red glow illuminated the ground—a Crimson Vein exposed. Desperation surged in Kai as he sprinted toward it. The system flashed another warning: "Vein interaction will attract predators."
It's already here.
Without slowing, Kai reached the vein and slammed his hand onto the pulsating surface. The energy surged into his Blood Mark, sending a wave of power through his body. The pain was immediate and excruciating, as if molten fire coursed through his veins.
The Stalker lunged, claws extended.
Kai screamed, thrusting his hand forward instinctively. The energy he'd absorbed burst outward, forming a crimson barrier that deflected the creature mid-pounce. It yowled, landing awkwardly before retreating into the shadows, growling in frustration.
Kai collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. His Blood Mark flickered, displaying new information:
Blood Essence: 5 units
Augmentation Slot Available.
...
The forest was silent again, save for the sound of Kai's ragged breathing. His body ached, and his head throbbed from the sudden influx of energy. He knew he couldn't stay here—other predators would be drawn by the disturbance.
Stumbling to his feet, he forced himself to move deeper into the forest. The hints now showed a faint glow in the distance: "Safe Zone: Temporary. Proceed cautiously."
As Kai trudged forward, the system chimed softly, offering him a choice:
"Augmentation Available: Choose One."
1. Enhanced Reflexes – React faster to threats.
2. Night Vision – See clearly in darkness.
3. Essence Pulse – Briefly detect nearby entities.
Kai stared at the options, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. Every choice in this world came with consequences.
Nothing is free here, he thought bitterly.
The fractured blood moon glared down through the canopy, a silent reminder of the world's cruel game.