Chapter 3: Breaking the Limits
It had been a grueling month. Every day, he pushed his body to its limits, completing the impossible tasks the system had set for him. His stats were now maxed out at 100/100, and though his body felt strong, his soul craved validation.
System Notification:
To unlock further potential and survive the strain of your Main Talent, you must defeat a Level 2 monster using your own ability. External help is prohibited.
Aiden tightened his grip on his spear, a weapon he had fashioned with his own hands. Its blade, made from salvaged metal, gleamed dully, and the shaft was wrapped in strips of leather for better grip. He adjusted his improvised armor—layers of hardened leather and scavenged metal plates strapped over his body.
He wasn't invincible, but he was ready to fight.
Finding the Beast
Aiden moved cautiously through the woods, his senses heightened. The rustle of leaves, the chirp of distant birds, and even the faint sound of running water reached his ears. Every shadow seemed alive, every noise a potential threat.
He didn't have to wait long.
A guttural growl echoed through the forest, followed by the sound of snapping branches. Aiden froze, his eyes scanning the underbrush. Slowly, the creature emerged from the shadows.
It was massive, standing nearly eight feet tall on two legs. Its body was covered in thick, dark green scales that shimmered in the dim light. Long, muscular arms ended in razor-sharp claws, and its glowing yellow eyes locked onto Aiden with a predatory hunger.
Monster Identified:
Name: Forest Ravager
Level: 2
Threat Level: High**
Abilities:
Enhanced AgilityPoison Claws
Aiden's throat tightened. Poison claws? That meant even a single scratch could be deadly. He gritted his teeth and adjusted his stance, raising his spear.
"You've got this," he muttered to himself. "It's just another challenge."
The Ravager didn't wait. With a deafening roar, it charged, its claws tearing through the dirt as it closed the distance in a blur of motion.
The First Clash
Aiden barely had time to react. He sidestepped the creature's first swipe, feeling the rush of air as its claws narrowly missed his face. Pivoting on his heel, he thrust his spear forward, aiming for the beast's chest.
The Ravager was faster than he expected. It twisted its body, avoiding the strike, and lashed out with its other arm. Aiden raised his left forearm to block, the metal plate strapped to it absorbing the impact. The force sent him stumbling back, pain shooting through his arm.
"Damn, it's strong," he muttered, regaining his footing.
The Ravager didn't let up. It lunged again, its claws slashing in rapid succession. Aiden dodged and blocked, his reflexes and agility pushed to their limits. Each swipe came closer than the last, and sweat dripped down his face as he fought to keep up.
A Desperate Strategy
Aiden knew he couldn't win in a prolonged fight. The Ravager was faster, stronger, and had the advantage of poisonous claws. He needed to find a weakness—and fast.
Circling the beast, he observed its movements. It always led with its right arm, overextending slightly with each attack. A plan began to form in his mind.
He baited the creature, feinting an opening by lowering his spear. The Ravager roared, taking the bait and lunging forward with its right claw. Aiden ducked under the swipe, spinning to the side and slamming the butt of his spear into the creature's exposed ribs.
The Ravager let out a pained growl, stumbling slightly.
"There it is," Aiden said, his confidence growing. "You're not invincible."
But the beast recovered quickly, its claws slashing wildly in frustration. Aiden was forced to backpedal, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow.
Pushed to the Brink
The fight dragged on, each clash leaving Aiden more battered and exhausted. The Ravager's strength seemed endless, while Aiden's arms ached, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
A sudden misstep cost him dearly. As he lunged forward, his foot caught on a root, throwing off his balance. The Ravager seized the opportunity, its claws raking across his side.
Pain exploded in his torso as he stumbled back, blood soaking through his armor. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he thought he might collapse.
System Notification:
Critical Injury Sustained. Immediate action required.
Aiden gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand. He couldn't give up now. The system had warned him: this was his fight to win or lose.
"You're not... taking me down," he growled, raising his spear again.
The Ravager charged, sensing his weakness. But Aiden's mind was clearer now, his focus sharpened by desperation.
The Final Strike
As the beast lunged, Aiden sidestepped once more, but this time he pivoted sharply, driving the tip of his spear into the creature's exposed flank. The blade sank deep, and the Ravager let out a deafening roar.
Aiden didn't stop. He used his full weight to twist the spear, tearing through muscle and bone. The Ravager thrashed wildly, its claws raking the air, but its movements grew weaker with each passing second.
With a final roar, the creature collapsed to the ground, its body twitching before going still.
Victory Through Pain
Aiden fell to his knees beside the fallen beast, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. Blood dripped from his wounds, and every muscle in his body screamed in protest, but he had done it.
System Notification:
Congratulations! You have defeated a Level 2 monster using your own ability. Further potential unlocked.
Stats Limit Increased: 200/200
Main Talent: Limitless Mimicry remains locked. Further requirements must be met.
Despite the pain, Aiden couldn't help but smile. This victory was hard-won, and though his Main Talent remained out of reach, he had taken a step closer to unlocking it.
"Not bad," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Not bad at all."
The forest seemed quieter now, the threat of the Ravager gone. Aiden stood, leaning on his spear for support, and began the slow journey back to the city.
The road ahead was still long, but for the first time, Aiden truly believed he could walk it.