Kelvin collapsed onto the damp grass, gasping for air. The night sky stretched endlessly above him, the stars piercing the darkness like shards of glass. It was the first time he'd seen the open sky in what felt like an eternity. His chest rose and fell as he fought to steady his breath, the adrenaline of his escape ebbing away, leaving exhaustion in its wake.
It sure took a toll on me. I could only defeat the warden because the system interfered with his mentality. Otherwise there was no way I could defeat him.
The silence of the forest was unsettling, broken only by the distant howls of wolves. He clenched his fists, dirt and blood smeared across his fingers. His stolen armor weighed heavy on his shoulders, but not as heavy as the thought of what lay ahead.
Now then. What should I do next. My objective is to take revenge on those bastards. But I'm too weak for that. The current me is very weak! So the first thing to do is getting strong. Only by getting strong myself can I take my revenge!
Suddenly the system sounded.
[ System Notification:
Primary Objective Updated:
Survive the wilderness.
Locate a safe shelter.
Regain strength for the battles ahead.]
Kelvin's eyes narrowed at the glowing text. "Survive? Easier said than done."
He dragged himself to his feet, leaning against a tree for support. His legs ached, and his wounds stung from the rough escape.
I have escaped from the dungeon. But it's too soon to be happy. They'll soon know that I have escaped. I must go away from here. I can't get caught again.
The system's voice interrupted his thoughts.
[Warning: Host's physical condition is critical. Immediate recovery is recommended.]
[System Feature Unlocked:
Emergency Recovery Mode
Effect: Accelerates healing at the cost of stored Mental Points.
Cost: 15 Mental Points.]
Kelvin hesitated. His Mental Points were dangerously low after the escape, but the alternative was succumbing to his injuries in the wilderness. He activated the skill, wincing as warmth spread through his body. The pain dulled, and his vision cleared, though the process left him drained.
"Better than bleeding to death," he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
The forest around him was dense, the canopy overhead blocking much of the moonlight. Every shadow seemed to shift, every rustle in the leaves felt like a predator lurking. Kelvin's senses were on edge.
[System Notification:
Skill Unlocked: Predator's Awareness (Basic)
Effect: Detect potential threats within a 20-meter radius.]
As the skill activated, faint pulses of life began to illuminate his mind. Small animals scurried nearby, but there was something larger—something watching. Kelvin turned sharply, his hand gripping the hilt of his stolen sword.
The bushes rustled, and a pair of glowing yellow eyes emerged. A massive wolf, its fur matted and its teeth bared, stepped into the clearing.
Kelvin's heart raced. His weakened state left him at a disadvantage. The system chimed again.
[Combat Assistance Mode Engaged:
Recommended Skill: Enhanced Reflexes
Cost: 5 Mental Points.]
He activated the skill without hesitation, feeling his muscles tighten and his reflexes sharpen. The wolf lunged, and Kelvin sidestepped just in time, his blade slashing across its side. The beast howled in pain but didn't relent.
Kelvin's mind raced. He couldn't afford a prolonged fight. His eyes scanned the forest, searching for an advantage. He spotted a sharp incline nearby, its edge lined with jagged rocks.
"Come on, then," he taunted, backing toward the incline. The wolf snarled and charged. At the last moment, Kelvin dove aside, and the beast skidded past him, losing its footing and tumbling down the rocky slope.
Breathing heavily, Kelvin stared down at the lifeless form of the wolf.
[System Notification:
Threat Neutralized. Mental Points Gained: +10.]
What the hell? The wolf would have killed me! And I got only 10 points for killing it?! System, you should be a little more generous!
Kelvin wiped his blade clean and sheathed it. The cold wind bit at his skin, and he knew he couldn't linger. The forest was vast, and he needed shelter before dawn.
As he moved deeper into the trees, the system spoke again, its voice devoid of emotion.
[This is only the beginning, host. The path to vengeance is long, and survival is but the first step.]
Kelvin didn't respond. His gaze hardened as he pushed forward into the unknown.
The beginning huh? Yeah. It sure is the beginning.
The dungeon was behind him, but his true battles were just beginning.