Kaleb trudged through the forest, his legs heavy and his stomach growling loudly. The faint glow of the Raiden mark pulsed against his chest, its warmth a steady reminder of the system's constant demands.
He stopped beside a small clearing, his sharp eyes scanning the area for anything edible. "I can't keep fighting on an empty stomach," he muttered, his voice low.
The screen shimmered into view, displaying text that seemed oddly appropriate. [Energy reserves low. Replenishment recommended before next task.]
Kaleb smirked faintly, rolling his eyes. "Thanks for the reminder," he said dryly. "You could've mentioned that sooner."
He knelt down, rummaging through his satchel to check his supplies. Most of what he carried was spirit beast materials—valuable for trading but useless as food.
The faint rustling of leaves caught his attention, drawing his gaze to a nearby bush. Kaleb crept closer, parting the branches to reveal a cluster of wild berries.
The screen displayed a quick analysis as he hesitated.
[Edible. Minimal energy gain but safe for consumption.]
Kaleb picked a handful of berries, their deep red color standing out against the green foliage. "Better than nothing," he muttered, popping a few into his mouth.
The berries were tart but refreshing, their juices providing a faint boost to his energy. Kaleb sat back, savoring the brief moment of rest as the tension in his body began to ease.
His thoughts drifted to the battles he had fought, from the Onyx Wolf to the Crimson Stalker. Each encounter had tested his abilities, pushing him closer to his limits.
The Raiden mark pulsed again, displaying another message.
[Hydration recommended. Nearby water source detected.]
Kaleb glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing. "Water source?" he muttered, his curiosity piqued.
The map updated, marking a small stream not far from his current location. Kaleb adjusted the strap of his satchel and began walking toward the marker.
The sound of flowing water reached his ears before he saw it, the faint trickle growing louder as he approached. The stream was clear and shallow, its surface shimmering in the faint light filtering through the trees.
Kaleb knelt beside the stream, cupping his hands to scoop the cool water. The refreshing taste soothed his parched throat, the tension in his body easing further.
He splashed some water on his face, the chill waking him fully. "Much better," he muttered, standing and adjusting his gear.
The Raiden system displayed another update, the text glowing faintly.
[Energy restored. Ready for next challenge.]
Kaleb smirked, wiping his hands on his pants. "Of course," he said. "Let's get back to it."
The Next Challenge
Kaleb followed the map's glowing marker, the forest growing darker and quieter as he moved. The faint rustling of leaves and distant animal calls were the only sounds accompanying him.
The screen pulsed softly, updating as Kaleb approached his destination.
[Target Location: 800 meters ahead. Prepare for a Tier 2 encounter.]
He adjusted the strap of his satchel, his fingers brushing the hilt of his knife. "Tier 2," he muttered. "This should be interesting."
The terrain became uneven, roots and rocks jutting from the ground, forcing him to tread carefully. The air felt heavier, the tension growing with each step.
The screen shimmered into view again, displaying a new description.
[New Target: Crimson Fang Boar - Tier 2.]
[Description: A large, armored spirit beast with enhanced physical strength and sharp tusks. Known for its aggressive nature.]
Kaleb's brow furrowed as he read the text. "A boar," he muttered. "At least it's not another wolf."
The system added another note. [Weak Points: Behind the legs and under the jaw. Avoid frontal attacks.]
Kaleb crouched low, inching closer to the marked location. Through the trees, he spotted the Crimson Fang Boar, its massive frame illuminated by faint shafts of light.
The boar's dark red fur bristled as it snorted loudly, its sharp tusks gleaming like blades. Its glowing eyes scanned the clearing, its body tense and ready to charge.
Kaleb gripped his knife tightly, his heart pounding as he studied the beast. "That thing looks like it could tear me in half," he muttered.
The screen displayed additional guidance. [Ability Recommended: Lightning Spark. Use ranged attacks to weaken the target.]
[Warning: Increased stamina required for prolonged engagement.]
Kaleb took a deep breath, the mark's warmth spreading through his chest as he channeled energy. Sparks flickered faintly in his hand, the familiar buzz steadying his nerves.
He raised his hand, aiming carefully for the boar's flank. A bolt of lightning shot forward, crackling as it struck the beast's side.
The Crimson Fang Boar roared in pain, its muscles tensing as sparks danced along its fur. Kaleb's heart raced as the beast turned its glowing eyes toward him.
The boar charged, its powerful legs kicking up dirt and leaves as it barreled toward Kaleb. He dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the deadly tusks as they tore through the air.
The Raiden mark pulsed, the screen displaying a new update.
[Energy Boost Activated: Agility +2 for 10 seconds.]
[Maintain distance and attack from the sides.]
Kaleb scrambled to his feet, releasing another bolt of lightning that struck the boar's shoulder. The beast stumbled briefly before recovering, its snarl growing louder.
The ground trembled beneath Kaleb's feet as the boar charged again, its tusks carving through trees and undergrowth. He ducked behind a fallen log, catching his breath as he planned his next move.
The system displayed more guidance.
[Target vulnerable near the legs. Use precision strikes to slow movement.]
Kaleb darted from his cover, circling the beast as it turned to face him. Sparks flickered faintly in his hands as he prepared another attack.
He waited for the right moment, dodging another charge before sliding beneath the boar's frame. With a swift motion, he slashed at its hind leg, blood spraying as the beast roared in pain.
The mark pulsed brightly, and the system displayed a new update. [Lightning Spark cooldown complete. Attack now.]
Kaleb didn't hesitate, releasing another bolt of lightning that struck the beast's side. The Crimson Fang Boar staggered, its movements growing more erratic as its injuries mounted.
The beast lunged forward, its tusks carving deep grooves into the ground. Kaleb darted to the side, sparks crackling in his hand as he prepared a final strike.
With a sharp motion, he aimed beneath the boar's jaw, releasing a surge of energy. The lightning struck true, the beast convulsing briefly before collapsing with a thunderous crash.
Kaleb stumbled back, his chest heaving as he stared at the fallen creature. The tension in the air slowly faded, replaced by the quiet hum of the forest.
The screen reappeared, displaying a new message.
[Task Complete: Crimson Fang Boar Neutralized.]
[Power Level Progress: 70% Toward Tier 2.]
Kaleb let out a slow breath, wiping sweat from his brow as he approached the boar cautiously. He crouched beside its massive frame, his knife steady as he worked to extract its tusks and hide.
The materials were heavy and valuable, each piece a reminder of the battle's intensity. Kaleb placed them carefully into his satchel, his body aching but his resolve stronger.
The screen displayed another map, marking a location further into the forest.
[Next Target: Tier 2 Spirit Beast Detected. Increased difficulty expected.]
Kaleb frowned as he studied the glowing marker. "Another one already?" he muttered, shaking his head. "Guess there's no rest for me."
The Raiden mark pulsed faintly, the system displaying a final message.
[Persistence is key to ascension. Continue forward, little storm.]
Kaleb smirked faintly, adjusting his gear as he stood. The storm within him stirred again, his determination growing with each step as he prepared to face the next challenge.