Huff! Huff! Huff!
Nine hundred ninety-eight. Nine hundred ninety-nine. One thousand.
Huff.
Roy had just completed 1,000 handstand pushups, each performed with rocks strapped to his back. With a powerful release of air, he stood up and removed the heavy rocks.
As the stones fell away, Roy's now-sculpted body was revealed. At just 11 years old, he stood at 5.4 feet tall, an imposing figure that defied his age. His body was a testament to his unwavering dedication to training, each muscle fiber pronounced and visible. Roy's physique was both lean and powerful, a model of perfection in height, weight, and build. His bright red eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire.
The constant background noise of the roaring waterfall echoed through the cave, a sound that had become a comforting part of Roy's daily routine. It was a reminder of the harsh environment in which he had grown stronger—an ever-present testament to his perseverance. The cave walls seemed to vibrate in response to the unyielding crash of water, a rhythm that matched the beat of Roy's heart.
The transformation was the result of two factors: the golden liquid that had nourished him and his unwavering dedication to cultivation. Roy was currently at the 6th layer of Bone Forging, a realm he had reached after tempering his bones for the third time.
"I thought twice was enough, but looking at the results, I'm glad I chose to undergo a third round of bone forging," Roy mused, his voice barely audible over the roar of the falls.
"Let's head outside for something to eat."
Roy had halted the use of the golden liquid a few months ago, conserving it for potential future needs. He also desired to gain combat experience during hunting, not wanting all his newfound strength to go to waste.
Exiting the cave through the tunnel that led behind the waterfall, Roy was greeted by the rush of cool mist from the cascading water. The sunlight filtered through the water droplets, creating fleeting rainbows that danced in the air. The roar of the waterfall was deafening, and Roy could feel its power resonate within him. He proceeded to take a bath in the shallow pool near the waterfall, letting the icy water wash away the sweat and grime from his training. The sensation was invigorating, his muscles relaxing under the cold touch of the water.
He then donned his tattered pants; his shirt had long since been reduced to rags back in the legacy cave. The transformation was astounding, and he appeared magnificent. The sunlight glinted off his skin, highlighting the contours of his muscles, each one a testament to the grueling training he had endured.
"Let's see which way I should go today," Roy said, selecting a small rock to toss upward. The sound of the waterfall continued to roar behind him, a constant reminder of the power of nature. Having explored an approximately 20-kilometer radius in all directions from the waterfall, except for the perilous climb to the waterfall itself, he had yet to venture in that direction.
The stone he threw landed to the east. "East it is."
Today's goal was to explore an area extending 50 kilometers in that direction. Roy set off on a sprint, his Bone Forging abilities enhancing his speed. The forest blurred around him, the rustling leaves and distant calls of wildlife blending into the background. Within half an hour, he had covered 20 kilometers.
"From this point onward, everything is uncharted territory," Roy noted as he slowed down, keen to take in his surroundings. The forest here was dense, the trees towering above, their leaves creating a thick canopy that filtered the sunlight into soft, dappled patches on the forest floor. The air was filled with the scent of damp earth and fresh foliage, a reminder of the untamed wilderness he was venturing into.
Along the way, he encountered several small creatures and animals, but he paid them no heed, as they posed no challenge to him. Only Rank One beasts were beneath his notice, and it would take a Rank Two beast to present a genuine threat. Roy was well aware that he was still no match for Rank Three creatures.
After covering an additional 10 kilometers, he halted, watching as a deer came into view. His hunger growing, he decided to hunt it for a plentiful meal.
As he approached the deer, Roy waited for several minutes, observing the surroundings. The sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the distant call of birds added to the sense of anticipation. But when nothing occurred within that time, he prepared to make his move. However, before he left the bushes, his instincts kicked in, and he noticed a pitch-black wolf pouncing from the shadows, ready to attack the deer.
"Thank goodness I decided to wait." The sound of the wolf's silent movement had been nearly imperceptible, but Roy's sharpened senses had picked it up just in time.
He knew the danger all too well, having survived a similar encounter during his first hunt. An unexpected ambush had nearly cost him his life, and he had since become vigilant.
"This hunt just got a lot more challenging. That's an Abyss Wolf, a peak Rank Two beast. It possesses stealthy, assassin-like qualities, allowing it to approach without notice." The growl of the wolf, low and menacing, cut through the natural forest sounds, sending a chill down Roy's spine.
Despite the peril, a broad smile graced Roy's face; he was thrilled about the prospect of his most dangerous challenge yet. The adrenaline coursed through him, his senses heightened, every sound and movement around him suddenly more vivid.
Emerging from the bushes, he and the wolf locked eyes, the latter growling menacingly. The air was thick with tension, the only sounds being the steady growl of the wolf and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.
Roy had no formal fighting techniques; everything he had learned had been through the act of hunting and killing creatures. Their tense standoff continued for a few moments, neither side making a move. The sound of the forest seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the heartbeat of the confrontation. It was only after a brief silence that the wolf decided to take action, charging at Roy.
Roy was fully prepared for this encounter, clutching a handful of dirt in his grip. The wolf closed in, its eyes fixed on Roy's throat, intent on ripping into it. As the beast was just two steps away, Roy flung the dirt into its eyes, momentarily blinding the creature. Seizing the opportunity, Roy leaped into the air.
He soared for more than ten feet, his body a blur as he descended with incredible speed. His hands formed into fists, and he struck the wolf's back with devastating force. The impact sent shockwaves through the wolf's body, the ground nearby collapsing from the sheer force of the blow. The dull thud of the impact echoed through the forest, followed by the wolf's pained howl.
The wolf howled in pain, its body wracked with internal injuries, the most severe being a significant injury to its spine. Remarkably, the spine remained unbroken, demonstrating the incredible strength of a peak Rank Two beast.
Injured but not defeated, the wolf turned to retaliate. Its claws posed a threat even in this weakened state, but its speed was notably reduced. Roy dodged its attacks with ease, his agility proving superior. The sound of claws swiping through the air and Roy's quick steps created a tense rhythm, a dance of life and death. After a few more rounds of dodging and countering, the wolf had slowed considerably due to its injuries, giving Roy the chance to strike its spine again multiple times. Eventually, the wolf succumbed to its injuries, falling still. Roy had triumphed over a formidable opponent.
"My strength might be a bit lower than his, but his injured spine gave me the advantage. To make the most of my power, I need two things: a weapon and some fighting techniques." Roy spoke aloud, his voice filled with determination, the echoes fading into the vastness of the forest.
While he had the capability to defeat these formidable monsters, the process was inefficient without a weapon. A weapon, combined with fighting techniques, would provide a much-needed edge.
GROWL!
Breaking free from his thoughts, Roy broke the wolf's neck to ensure it was fully lifeless before beginning to skin the wolf and prepare a meal. The smell of raw meat mixed with the earthy aroma of the forest, a reminder of his primal existence. Two hours later, he had enjoyed a delicious feast, although it lacked seasoning. As night fell, the forest around him seemed to come alive, the distant calls of nocturnal creatures filling the air. He decided to rest where he was, resuming his exploration come morning. He climbed a tree with sturdy branches, the leaves rustling gently in the wind, and fell asleep there, the sound of nature providing a comforting lullaby.