The forest seemed to breathe with malice as Eli faced the crimson eyes lurking in the shadows. The creatures didn't charge immediately; instead, they paced just beyond the Bloodspring, their movements deliberate and predatory.
His sharp rock blade felt woefully inadequate, and his pulse hammered in his ears.
"Alright, you creepy bastards," Eli muttered, backing toward the shimmering pool. "You want a piece of me? Come and get it."
The interface pinged, its calm tone a jarring contrast to the tension.
...
Encounter Alert: Predators of the Expanse
Enemies Identified:
Bloodhound Spawn (x2) – Threat Level: Low
Crimson Prowler (x1) – Threat Level: Moderate
Recommendation: Utilize environmental resources to gain an advantage.
...
Eli's gaze darted to his surroundings. The Bloodspring shimmered behind him, while jagged rocks and gnarled roots lined the ravine's walls. Above, thorny vines dangled, dripping faintly glowing red sap.
The two Bloodhound Spawns crept forward, their glowing eyes fixed on him. Their wiry bodies moved with unsettling fluidity, their claws scraping against the ground. Behind them, the Crimson Prowler—a sleek, panther-like creature with serrated claws—watched from the shadows, its presence exuding lethal intent.
"Okay, use the environment," Eli whispered. His mind raced as he considered his options.
One of the Bloodhound Spawns lunged, its claws outstretched. Eli ducked to the side, the creature's momentum carrying it into a cluster of thorny vines. The sharp thorns pierced its flesh, and it yelped in pain, thrashing to free itself.
"Gotcha," Eli said, using the momentary distraction to slash at its exposed side. The jagged rock tore through its skin, and the creature dissolved into red particles.
...
Hostile Defeated: Bloodhound Spawn
Bloodcore Progression: +3%
Blood Essence Acquired: x1
...
The second Bloodhound growled, circling him warily. Eli's muscles burned with exertion, but he kept his stance low, ready for the next attack.
Suddenly, the Crimson Prowler let out a guttural snarl and charged. Its speed was blinding, and Eli barely had time to react. He dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the creature's claws as they raked the ground where he'd been standing.
"Too fast," Eli muttered, panic creeping into his voice.
The Bloodspring pulsed faintly behind him, drawing his attention. The notification about its properties flashed in his mind.
...
Bloodspring Effect:
Restores stamina and temporarily boosts Bloodcore Progression.
...
He hesitated for only a moment before plunging his hand into the shimmering liquid. The effect was immediate—a surge of energy coursed through his veins, and the faint glow of his Bloodcore intensified.
...
Bloodcore Boost Activated
Stamina Restored.
Temporary Ability: Enhanced Reflexes.
...
The Prowler lunged again, but this time, Eli moved with newfound speed. He sidestepped the attack, his movements fluid and precise. The creature skidded to a halt, growling in frustration.
The second Bloodhound Spawn took advantage of the distraction, leaping at Eli from behind. He spun, slashing with his rock blade, but the creature dodged, its claws grazing his arm.
Eli gritted his teeth against the pain, countering with a swift kick that sent the Bloodhound tumbling backward. He followed up with a downward slash, ending the creature with a decisive blow.
...
Hostile Defeated: Bloodhound Spawn
Bloodcore Progression: +3%
Blood Essence Acquired: x1
...
Only the Prowler remained. Its crimson eyes burned with rage as it crouched low, muscles tensing for another strike.
Eli didn't wait this time. Fueled by the Bloodspring's energy, he charged first. The creature leapt to meet him, claws outstretched, but Eli ducked low, slashing at its underbelly with his rock blade.
The Prowler roared in pain, landing awkwardly and stumbling. Eli seized the opportunity, plunging his blade into its side. The beast thrashed, throwing him off, but its movements were slower now, its strength waning.
Breathing hard, Eli grabbed a jagged rock from the ground and hurled it at the creature's head. The impact stunned it, and with one final effort, Eli slashed its throat.
The Prowler collapsed, dissolving into a cloud of red particles.
...
Hostile Defeated: Crimson Prowler
Bloodcore Progression: +10%
Blood Essence Acquired: x2
...
Eli dropped to his knees, exhaustion washing over him. The glow of the Bloodspring dimmed slightly, its energy spent for now.
He sat there for a long moment, his breath ragged as the adrenaline faded. The interface pinged again, displaying a new message.
...
Quest Update: Claim and Survey
Progress: 50% Complete
Reward Unlocked: Blood Essence (x1)
...
Eli managed a weak laugh. "All this for halfway done?" He pocketed the Blood Essences, grateful for the reward but keenly aware that he'd barely scratched the surface of this world's dangers.
His gaze drifted back to the Bloodspring. It had saved him this time, but he couldn't rely on it forever.
"I need more more than luck to survive here" he muttered forcing himself to his feet. "I need a plan"
With one last glance at the crimson pool, Eli turned back towards his own territory, the forest watching him with malice.
...
Eli staggered back into the boundaries of his territory, his muscles aching with each step. The glowing barrier greeted him with its familiar crimson hue, though it flickered faintly—proof of its fragility.
His legs nearly gave out as he reached the center, collapsing near the newly deployed Resource Generator. The crystal spire pulsed steadily, emitting a low hum that was oddly comforting. A notification appeared, reminding him of his earlier progress.
...
Basic Resource Generator Output
Obsidian Bloodwood: x1 Acquired
Crystallized Dust: Generating (00:50:00 remaining)
...
Eli wiped the sweat from his brow, muttering, "At least something's working around here." He pulled up his inventory to review his spoils: three Blood Essences and a handful of Crimson Ivy sap collected during his trek.
His interface chimed with a new system prompt.
...
Side Quest: Claim and Survey Update
Progress: 50% Complete
Recommendation: Explore further and identify potential resource nodes or key landmarks.
Optional Objective: Construct a defensive structure before venturing out again.
...
The suggestion lingered in his mind. He knew the forest wasn't going to get any safer, and the Prowler encounter had been too close for comfort. His defenses were nonexistent after the last attack, and heading out unprepared again was a recipe for disaster.
"Alright," Eli said, sitting up and opening the Territory Menu. "Time to fix this mess."
...
Territory Construction Options
Spike Barricade: Basic defensive structure to deter low-level threats. Cost: Obsidian Bloodwood (x2)
Blood Snare: Trap that immobilizes enemies temporarily. Cost: Obsidian Bloodwood (x1), Crystallized Dust (x1)
...
Eli frowned at the limited options. He only had one Obsidian Bloodwood so far, and the Crystallized Dust wouldn't be ready for another fifty minutes.
"Looks like I need more resources," he muttered.
Before he could decide what to prioritize, the interface chimed again, this time with a warning.
...
Territory Alert: Proximity Intrusion Detected
Threat Level: Unknown
Recommendation: Investigate immediately.
...
Eli's blood ran cold. He rose to his feet, his eyes scanning the edge of the boundary. The crimson light flickered ominously, and the air grew heavier. Gripping his rock blade, he moved cautiously toward the disturbance.
At first, he saw nothing but the swaying Bloodwood trees. Then, he spotted movement—a small, humanoid figure stumbling toward the edge of his territory.
"Another person?" Eli whispered, his grip tightening on the blade.
The figure crossed the boundary, and the interface pinged with new information.
...
Entity Detected
Name: Unknown (Transmigrant)
Status: Critical Condition
Bloodcore Status: Unranked
...
The person collapsed just inside the barrier, their breathing shallow. They were a young woman, her face pale and streaked with dirt. Her clothes were torn, and blood seeped from a wound on her leg.
"Hey!" Eli called, rushing to her side. He knelt, trying to assess her injuries. "Can you hear me?"
Her eyes fluttered open, unfocused and glazed with exhaustion. "Help… me…" she whispered before losing consciousness.
...
Emergency Quest: Aid the Fallen
Objective: Stabilize the injured transmigrant and discover her origins.
Reward: Territory Expansion (+10%), Blood Essence (x1)
...
Eli swore under his breath. He wasn't a doctor, and his knowledge of first aid was limited at best. Still, he couldn't ignore her—she was the first person he'd encountered in this hellish world.
He dug through his inventory, pulling out the sap he'd collected from the Crimson Ivy. The earlier notification had mentioned its healing properties, though he had no idea how to use it.
"Guess I'm about to find out," he muttered, smearing the sticky red liquid over her wound. The sap hissed faintly as it touched her skin, and she flinched, a weak groan escaping her lips.
A new notification appeared.
...
Crimson Ivy Applied
Effect: Accelerates minor wound healing.
Duration: 10 minutes.
...
Her breathing steadied slightly, and some color returned to her face. Eli exhaled in relief, though he knew this was only a temporary solution.
"She's stable for now," he said, glancing at the Resource Generator. "But I need to get stronger before I can protect both of us."
The thought of expanding his territory suddenly felt more urgent. Another ping from the interface broke his focus.
...
Optional Side Quest Unlocked:
Collaborative Growth
Objective: Strengthen the trust with the newly arrived transmigrant to unlock cooperative abilities.
Reward: Shared Territory Control Feature.
...
Eli leaned back, staring at the notifications. His small, fragile territory had just become a lot more complicated.
"Great," he muttered. "As if surviving alone wasn't hard enough."