Kaleb followed the glowing marker displayed by the Raiden system, the map guiding him deeper into the forest. The air around him felt heavier, the dense canopy above turning the path into a corridor of shadows.
The screen pulsed softly, updating as Kaleb walked.
[Target Location: 500 meters ahead. Prepare for combat.]
Kaleb sighed, adjusting his satchel and gripping the hilt of his knife. "More combat," he muttered. "Maybe next time, I'll get a chance to eat first."
The mark on his chest pulsed, the screen displaying a faint glow.
[Raiden progress requires action. Ascension depends on effort.]
Kaleb frowned but didn't argue, his footsteps crunching softly on the forest floor. His eyes darted to every shadow, the memory of the Onyx Wolf fresh in his mind.
The terrain grew uneven as roots jutted from the ground, forcing him to tread carefully. Distant growls echoed through the forest, faint but distinct.
He crouched low, his sharp eyes scanning the path ahead. "What now?" he whispered, his muscles tense.
The screen shimmered, and text appeared with a brief description.
[New Target: Crimson Stalker - Tier 1.]
[Description: A feline spirit beast known for its speed and stealth. Approach with caution.]
Kaleb's grip on his knife tightened as he read the words. "Great. A predator that's faster than me," he muttered. "This should be fun."
The mark's warmth spread through his chest, steadying his nerves. Sparks flickered faintly in his hands, the energy from Lightning Spark waiting to be called.
As Kaleb moved forward, the forest grew eerily quiet. Each step felt heavier, the tension in the air thick enough to cut.
A low growl rumbled to his left, making him freeze. Kaleb turned slowly, his knife raised as his eyes darted through the trees.
The Crimson Stalker emerged from the shadows, its sleek, crimson fur gleaming faintly in the dim light. Its glowing yellow eyes locked onto Kaleb, its body crouched low and ready to pounce.
Kaleb's heart raced as he studied the beast. It was smaller than the Onyx Wolf but moved with deadly grace, its sharp claws digging into the ground.
The screen displayed new text: [Recommended Ability: Lightning Spark. Maintain distance for effective combat.]
[Warning: Target is faster than previous opponents.]
Kaleb nodded, sparks crackling faintly in his hand. "Keep my distance," he muttered. "Got it."
The Crimson Stalker growled, its muscles tensing before it leapt forward. Kaleb rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the beast's claws as they raked the air.
The mark pulsed, and the screen displayed a new update:
[Energy Boost Activated: Agility +1 for 10 seconds.]
Kaleb felt his movements sharpen, his reflexes quicker than before.
He raised his hand, channeling the energy into a quick bolt. Sparks flickered before a small lightning strike shot toward the beast, hitting it on the shoulder.
The Crimson Stalker snarled, its body convulsing briefly from the shock. It recovered quickly, darting around Kaleb in a blur of motion.
Kaleb spun, his knife ready as he tracked the beast's movements. "Fast," he muttered, his breathing steady despite the pressure.
The system displayed additional guidance: [Predict movements. Use environment to gain advantage.]
Kaleb's eyes flicked to a nearby tree, its low branches sturdy and reachable.
He dodged another lunge from the Stalker, sprinting toward the tree and pulling himself up onto a branch. The beast circled below, its glowing eyes following his every move.
Kaleb raised his hand, sparks crackling as he aimed for the beast's back. He released another bolt, the lightning striking true and sending the Stalker stumbling.
The creature roared, its claws digging into the tree trunk as it began climbing. Kaleb's heart raced as he scrambled higher, his knife glinting in the faint light.
The mark pulsed again, the screen displaying an urgent message:
[Close-range combat required. Aim for critical points.]
[Lightning Spark cooldown: 5 seconds.]
Kaleb gritted his teeth, gripping his knife tightly. The Stalker leapt onto his branch, its sharp claws raking the bark as it lunged toward him.
He rolled to the side, the branch swaying under their combined weight. Sparks flickered faintly in his hands as the cooldown ended.
With a quick movement, Kaleb thrust his knife into the Stalker's side, forcing it to recoil. Sparks surged through his hand as he released another bolt, hitting the beast point-blank.
The Crimson Stalker roared in pain, falling from the branch and crashing to the ground below. Kaleb steadied himself, his chest heaving as he stared down at the fallen creature.
The screen displayed a new update:
[Target Neutralized. Task Complete.]
[Power Level Progress: 40% Toward Tier 2.]
Kaleb let out a slow breath, climbing down carefully as he approached the Stalker's still form. His knife was ready, but the beast didn't move.
The mark pulsed faintly as the system displayed additional text:
[Harvest materials for future use. Prepare for the next challenge.]
Kaleb crouched beside the Stalker, his knife steady as he worked to extract its claws and fangs. The process was slow but methodical, each movement deliberate.
He noticed how sharp the claws were compared to the Onyx Wolf's. "These might be worth more," he muttered, carefully placing them into his satchel.
The forest around him remained quiet, the tension slowly fading as he finished his task. Kaleb wiped his knife clean before storing it back at his side.
The screen displayed a new map, marking another location further into the forest. Kaleb's brow furrowed as he studied the glowing marker.
[Next Target: Tier 2 Spirit Beast Detected. Difficulty Increased.]
[Recommendation: Proceed with caution. Evaluate environment before engagement.]
Kaleb frowned, adjusting the strap of his satchel as he stood. "Tier 2?" he muttered, his voice low. "Guess this is the real test."
The system displayed a final message before the screen faded:
[Strength comes from persistence. Continue forward, little storm.]
Kaleb smirked faintly, his grip on his knife tightening as he stepped toward the marked location. Each step felt heavier, but his determination to face the growing challenge kept him moving.
As he walked, Kaleb glanced at the fading blood on his hands, a stark reminder of the battles he'd already fought. The forest felt alive with tension, every sound sharper than before.
His mind wandered to the Raiden system's words about persistence. "You're pushing me too fast," he muttered, his voice soft. "But maybe that's what I need."
The glowing mark on his chest pulsed faintly in response, almost as if agreeing. Kaleb shook his head with a small smirk, realizing how dependent he had become on the system.
Ahead, a fallen tree blocked the path, its massive roots twisted into the air. Kaleb climbed over it carefully, his eyes scanning for any signs of movement.
The quiet moments between battles left Kaleb time to reflect on his journey. Every fight brought him closer to something greater, but it also reminded him of the distance he still had to go.
He thought of Vorrick Alsevar and the smugglers in the warehouse. The memory burned like a fire in his chest, his resolve hardening with every step.
"They think I'm nothing," Kaleb muttered, his voice low but firm. "But I'll show them what nothing can become."
The storm within him stirred again, and with each step, Kaleb felt his power grow stronger.