Pulkit struggled fiercely as the massive bird's talons dug into his shoulders, lifting him higher into the sky. Terror gripped his heart as he flailed against the creature's grip, his thoughts were a chaotic mess.
What's happening? Am I really going to die like this? His body trembled with fear as he felt the wind whip against him.
Suddenly, a system notification appeared in his mind:
[Your survival is in danger.]
[Title effect : The Survivor's Second Stage activated.]
[All stats increased by 10%.]
A surge of energy coursed through Pulkit's body, calming his racing heart. Power flooded his limbs, and the fear that had paralyzed him moments ago started to fade. I'm not done yet.
Clenching his teeth, he grasped his short sword with both hands. With renewed strength, Pulkit twisted his body and stabbed the sword into the bird's leg. The creature let out an ear-piercing screech of pain, releasing its grip on him. Pulkit's breath hitched as he began plummeting toward the ground, the world around him a blur. This is it… I'm really going to die.
As he fell, flashes of his life passed before his eyes. Despair threatened to overwhelm him, but just then, a familiar sound reached his ears—a desperate, barking cry.
"Saber!" Pulkit managed to cry out, his voice barely audible over the rushing wind.
Below, Saber leapt from a stone wall with all his might. The wolf-like creature soared upward, meeting Pulkit mid-fall. Saber caught him on his back, but the momentum of the fall was too much. Both crashed to the ground with a sickening thud. The impact sent a jolt of pain through Pulkit's body, but Saber bore the brunt of it. Blood trickled from Saber's mouth as he coughed weakly before fainting on the spot.
Pulkit groaned, forcing himself up despite the aches in his body. He knelt beside Saber, his eyes filled with guilt and gratitude.
"Thank you for saving me, Saber," he whispered, stroking the creature's fur. Bloody soon arrived, his tusks glinting in the faint light as he stood protectively by Pulkit's side.
Before Pulkit could gather his thoughts, a deafening cry echoed in the air. The bird had returned, its sharp gaze locked onto him. Pulkit's heart sank. He could barely stand, let alone fight. Without hesitation, he recalled Saber into his summoning space and turned to Bloody.
"Bloody, get me on your back. We need to run!"
Bloody didn't hesitate. Using his tusks, he carefully lifted Pulkit onto his back before charging toward a nearby abandoned building. The bird screeched in rage, its massive form descending to pursue them.
Bloody's speed increased as he activated his Charge skill, weaving through the wreckage of the ruined city. The bird struggled to maneuver on the ground, its size working against it in the tight spaces.
They reached the building, and Bloody bolted inside. Pulkit spotted a room and directed Bloody to hide there. The bird, relentless in its pursuit, began tearing at the walls with its talons.
A sharp gust of wind sliced through the air as the creature used its Wind Slash skill, breaking through the weakened structure. The entire building groaned ominously.
Pulkit's eyes darted to a gate leading to the basement. "Bloody, the basement! Go now!"
Bloody charged down the stairs, and the moment they reached the corner of the basement, the building above collapsed with a deafening roar. Dust and debris filled the air as the ground shook violently.
Pulkit and Bloody huddled in the corner, shielded by the sturdy walls of the basement. The bird, unable to reach them, let out a frustrated cry before flying off, believing them dead.
Pulkit exhaled shakily, his body trembling with relief. "We survived…" he whispered, slumping against the wall. His fingers trembled as he opened the system shop and bought a potion. Summoning Saber back, he carefully treated the wolf's wounds. Saber lay motionless, his breathing shallow.
"I promise, Saber," Pulkit said softly, his voice filled with determination. "I'll kill that bird one day."
Exhausted, Pulkit fell into a deep sleep while Bloody stood guard, his sharp eyes scanning the dark basement. Hours later, Pulkit woke to find Saber awake and looking better. A smile spread across his face as he pulled out food from the shop, sharing a meal with Saber and Bloody.
As he ate, Pulkit noticed his Achievement Points had reached exactly 100. Excitement bubbled within him as he opened the skill shop and purchased the E-rank Appraisal skill.
[Congratulations! You have acquired the E-rank skill: Appraisal.]
[Skill description: Displays information about the target relative to the skill's rank.]
[Skill proficiency: 0.00%]
Pulkit grinned. "Finally! This will be useful."
His moment of joy was interrupted by a sickening sound echoing through the basement. Saber growled, and Bloody took a defensive stance. Pulkit squinted into the darkness but couldn't make out the source of the noise. As his eyes adjusted, he noticed a single shadow slithering toward him—a snake-like creature. His heart raced, but he quickly activated his new skill:
[Name: Man-Eating Centipede][Level: 4]
[Rank: F]
[Skill: Poison Bite (F-rank) – Inflicts poison upon biting the target.]
[Appraisal Skill's proficiency increased to 8.16%]
Relief turned to horror as Pulkit realized there wasn't just one; the darkness concealed an entire swarm of the centipedes. We can't fight this many monsters while we're injured.
He quickly scanned the room and spotted a pillar in the centipedes' path. "Bloody, break that pillar!"
Bloody charged at the pillar, shattering it with a single hit. Pulkit quickly recalled both Bloody and Saber into the summoning space as the ceiling began to collapse. He dove into a corner, bracing himself as the rubble buried the centipedes. A massive rock pinned him down, but his title activated once more:
[The Survivor's Second Stage activated. All stats increased by 10%.]
With the boost, Pulkit summoned the strength to free himself. As the dust settled, notifications flooded his vision:
[Congratulations! You have killed 30 Man-Eating Centipedes.]
[Congratulations! You have leveled up. Current Level: 10.]
[Congratulations! You can now choose a class based on your skills and status.]
[Congratulations! You have developed the D-rank skill: Calm Mind.]
[Skill description : Maintains composure in dangerous situations, aiding in making rational decisions.]
Pulkit's heart swelled with joy, but he quickly realized the need to escape. Investing his newly earned points into Strength, Endurance, and Vigor, he lifted the heavy rock and summoned Bloody and Saber back to help clear the debris.
After hours of digging, they discovered a hidden cave entrance. A notification appeared:
[Congratulations! You have found the entrance to an E-rank dungeon.]
Pulkit stared at the dark cave, a shiver running down his spine. Despite the fear gnawing at him, he clenched his fists. If I want to survive and grow stronger, I have no choice but to move forward.