Kael Ardyn stumbled deeper into the forest, his body worn down from his encounter with the goblins. His wounds throbbed with every step, and the crude spear in his hand felt heavier than before. He had cleaned his wounds with the stream's water, but the ache in his limbs and the burning cuts were constant reminders of how fragile his situation was.
Even with his newfound skills—Spear Proficiency and Swordsmanship—Kael knew the world around him was waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. His HP and MP were his lifelines, both dangerously low after the previous fight. He checked his status again, watching the floating display as he trudged through the glowing underbrush.
---
HP: 15/100
MP: 30/50
---
Despite the restorative power of the Mana Crystals, they couldn't heal him physically. He sighed, clenching his fists as he glanced down at his gear. The spear had served him well, but it was a simple weapon. The Rusted Sword from the goblin leader was a potential upgrade, but he had no idea if it was durable enough for prolonged use.
"I need more than this," Kael muttered. "Food, shelter… anything to stop myself from getting killed out here."
He paused as the forest around him grew darker. The glowing moss began to thin, leaving pockets of shadow between the trees. The distant sounds of running water faded, replaced by the eerie silence he had come to fear. Every sound—every snapping twig or rustling leaf—felt amplified.
Kael adjusted his grip on the spear, his eyes darting around. The tension in the air was suffocating, but there was no turning back. He had to press on, even if he didn't know where he was going.
***
After what felt like hours of walking, Kael emerged into another clearing. Unlike the goblins' camp, this space was dominated by an ancient, crumbling structure. Stone pillars jutted out of the ground like jagged teeth, their surfaces covered in glowing green runes. Vines wrapped around the stones, their faintly luminous leaves casting strange shadows across the clearing.
At the center of the structure stood a stone pedestal. Kael's heart skipped a beat as he spotted what appeared to be a small, glowing orb floating above it. The light pulsed gently, bathing the area in a faint golden glow.
"A relic?" Kael whispered, stepping cautiously into the clearing. The System had provided no explanation for this world, but if there was any chance that the orb could help him survive, he had to take it.
The System chimed in his mind.
---
New Quest: Investigate the Ruined Shrine
Objective: Approach the pedestal and retrieve the relic.
Reward: Unknown.
---
Kael tightened his grip on his spear as he moved toward the pedestal. His instincts screamed at him to turn back, but curiosity and desperation drove him forward. As he reached the pedestal, he hesitated, his gaze fixed on the floating orb.
"This feels too easy," he muttered. "Where's the trap?"
His question was answered almost immediately. A low growl echoed through the clearing, and Kael spun around to face the source. Emerging from the shadows was a massive creature, its body covered in dark fur that shimmered with faint purple streaks. Its glowing red eyes locked onto him, and a row of sharp teeth glinted in the faint light.
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Dire Shade Wolf - Level 5
HP: 90/90
---
Kael's blood ran cold. The wolf was larger than the feral one he'd faced before, its movements far more deliberate. He stepped back, his spear raised, but the wolf didn't attack immediately. It circled him slowly, its eyes never leaving him.
"Of course, it couldn't just be easy," Kael muttered, adjusting his stance. His mind raced as he tried to come up with a plan. The wolf was faster and stronger than him, but if he played his cards right, he might have a chance.
The wolf lunged suddenly, its claws slashing through the air. Kael sidestepped, jabbing at its side with his spear. The weapon glanced off its thick fur, barely scratching the surface. The wolf snarled, spinning around to swipe at him with its claws.
Kael raised his spear to block, but the force of the blow knocked him back, sending him sprawling to the ground.
---
HP: 10/100
---
"Damn it!" Kael hissed, rolling to his feet. He had to find a way to turn the tide. His MP was still partially restored, giving him just enough for another Skill Replication. He activated the ability, focusing on the wolf's movements as it circled him.
---
Skill Replication Activated.
Skill Replicated: Predator's Reflexes (Basic)
-10 MP
---
MP: 20/50
---
A surge of energy flowed through Kael as the wolf lunged again. This time, his body moved instinctively, stepping just out of range of the claws. His grip on the spear adjusted, and his stance shifted slightly, making his movements more fluid. The skill heightened his reflexes, allowing him to react faster to the wolf's attacks.
Kael jabbed at the wolf's side again, this time piercing through its fur. The creature yelped, backing away as blood dripped from the wound. Its HP dropped slightly, but it was far from done.
The wolf lunged again, faster than before, its glowing eyes filled with fury. Kael ducked under the swipe, spinning his spear and delivering a sharp thrust to its shoulder. The wolf howled in pain, its HP dropping further.
---
Dire Shade Wolf - Level 5
HP: 65/90
---
Kael didn't let up. He pressed the attack, his newfound reflexes allowing him to dodge the wolf's retaliatory strikes. He jabbed at its legs, forcing it to stumble, and followed up with a quick slash to its flank. The wolf snarled, spinning around to lunge at him again.
This time, Kael wasn't fast enough. The wolf's claws raked across his side, leaving a burning line of pain in their wake.
---
HP: 5/100
---
Kael staggered, gasping for air as he clutched his spear. He couldn't afford another hit. One more attack would kill him. He glanced at the glowing orb on the pedestal, wondering if it held the key to victory, but there was no time to find out.
The wolf circled him again, its red eyes gleaming as it prepared to lunge. Kael gritted his teeth, adjusting his grip on the spear. His mind raced as he formulated a desperate plan.
The wolf lunged, its jaws snapping at his neck. Kael ducked low, spinning his spear upward and driving it into the creature's chest. The wolf let out a pained howl, its HP dropping rapidly as it staggered back.
Kael didn't wait for it to recover. He rushed forward, delivering a series of quick jabs to its chest and legs. The wolf snarled, swiping at him weakly, but its movements were growing slower.
With one final thrust, Kael drove the spear into the wolf's neck, ending the fight.
---
Victory!
You have defeated Dire Shade Wolf (Level 5)
+25 XP
---
Kael collapsed to his knees, gasping for air. His body ached, his wounds burned, and his hands trembled from the effort. He'd barely survived, but he'd won.
---
HP: 5/100
MP: 20/50
---
The System chimed again.
---
Quest Complete: Investigate the Ruined Shrine
Reward: Skill Orb (Unique).
---
Kael looked up at the pedestal, where the golden orb floated serenely. It seemed to pulse with energy, as if calling to him. He staggered to his feet, limping toward the pedestal as he reached out to touch the orb.
The moment his fingers brushed the surface, the orb dissolved into light, flowing into his body. A new notification appeared in his mind.
---
New Skill Acquired: Domain Seed (Unique).
Description: Grants the user the ability to begin constructing an inner domain. Followers and believers placed within the domain will increase the user's power over time.
---
Kael stared at the notification, his mind racing. The word "domain" filled him with curiosity and confusion. What did it mean to construct an inner domain? How would it help him survive? He shook his head, too exhausted to think clearly.
For now, all he could do was rest. The fight had taken everything out of him, and he needed time to recover before exploring the skill's potential.
Kael slumped against one of the stone pillars, clutching his spear as his eyes drifted shut. The golden light from the pedestal faded, leaving the clearing bathed in eerie silence once again.