After a short rest, I uncurled my limbs and stretched slightly. My body still ached from the previous battles, but the fatigue had mostly faded. The hunger for more power burned within me.
I needed more essence to reach Level 10, and I already knew the best way to get it. Bloodwings.
I climbed higher into the trees, my [Compound Vision] scanning the darkened forest. The faint glow of a Bloodwing's wings caught my attention—a Tier 1, Level 8, hovering just above the undergrowth.
Alone.
Easier than fighting a group.
I moved quickly, activating [Camouflage] as I descended in silence. The Bloodwing remained unaware, scanning the area with its own compound eyes, searching for prey.
This one was careless. It hadn't learned to watch its back.
I struck before it noticed me. My Blade Limbs cut through its wing joint, severing its ability to fly. It screeched, struggling to stay airborne, but before it could recover, I landed the final blow—piercing its thorax.
You have defeated Bloodwing (Tier 1 Level 8).
Essence Gained.
I didn't linger. One wasn't enough.
I needed more.
After searching for some time, I spotted two more Level 8 Bloodwings together. They moved in a coordinated pattern, hovering close to each other as they hunted.
Taking on two at once would have been difficult before.
But now? I had increased my Body stat twice. The previous fights had already shown the difference. My movements were sharper, my balance better, and my durability had improved.
It was time to test it further.
I activated [Camouflage], disappearing into the darkness. This time, I moved deliberately—waiting for the right moment instead of rushing the attack.
The Bloodwings were cautious, their compound eyes scanning the area. But they weren't looking for me. They were hunting smaller prey, their proboscises twitching in anticipation.
When one turned slightly away, I struck. Blade Limbs cut deep, severing one Bloodwing's wing. It tumbled downward, struggling.
The second reacted immediately, lunging at me with its proboscis, but I had already moved. My speed had improved. Its attack barely grazed my exoskeleton.
I countered fast, twisting my body and slicing through its abdomen with a precise strike. The first Bloodwing was still trying to recover, but I finished it off before it could retaliate.
You have defeated Bloodwing (Tier 1 Level 8).
You have defeated Bloodwing (Tier 1 Level 8).
Essence Gained.
Skill Upgrades:
Blade Limbs [Tier 1 Level 5] → Level 7
Camouflage [Tier 1 Level 7] → Level 8
Compound Vision [Tier 1 Level 3] → Level 5
I took a moment to assess my growth. Two Level 8 Bloodwings at once. The fight had been easier than expected.
It was because of my increased Body stat and Skills.
My exoskeleton had absorbed minor impacts that would have staggered me before. My reaction time had also improved—not just in speed, but in efficiency. I wasn't just dodging—I was countering, adjusting. Every move had a purpose.
But Level 8 creatures weren't enough anymore. I needed stronger prey.
I found a solitary Level 9 first.
The fight was noticeably harder—its strikes had more force, and it adjusted to my movements faster than Level 8 creatures.
The Bloodwing lunged at me, its proboscis darting forward like a spear. I sidestepped, but it anticipated my movement, twisting mid-air to slash at my side.
I blocked with my Blade Limbs, the impact sending a shock through my exoskeleton. My Body stat had improved, but this creature was stronger.
I countered with a series of rapid strikes, aiming for its wing joints. The Bloodwing dodged the first two, but the third connected, slicing through its left wing.
It screeched, its flight becoming erratic. I pressed the advantage, driving my blades into its thorax.
You have defeated Bloodwing (Tier 1 Level 9).
Essence Gained.
Skill Upgrades:
Blade Limbs [Tier 1 Level 7] → Level 8
Camouflage [Tier 1 Level 8] → Level 9
Compound Vision [Tier 1 Level 5] → Level 6
I was close.
Moving deeper into the forest, I searched for a new challenge. I had fought single Level 9 Bloodwings before, but now I wanted to see if I could take on two at once.
It didn't take long to find them. Two Bloodwings hovered above a clearing, moving with precise, predatory focus.
Level 9 creatures were stronger, faster, and more reactive. Taking on two at once meant I had to be aggressive—not just counter, but control the fight.
I activated [Camouflage], waiting for my opening.
I struck first, severing the wing joint of one Bloodwing. The second reacted instantly, lunging with perfect accuracy. It had anticipated my movement.
I twisted mid-air, narrowly avoiding its strike, then countered with a precise slash to its thorax. The first Bloodwing tried to recover, but it was already too late.
I finished them both within seconds.
You have defeated Bloodwing (Tier 1 Level 9).
You have defeated Bloodwing (Tier 1 Level 9).
Essence Gained.
Skill Upgrades:
Blade Limbs [Tier 1 Level 8] → Level 9
Camouflage [Tier 1 Level 9] → Level 10
Compound Vision [Tier 1 Level 6] → Level 7
I turned my focus inward, letting the essence settle within my Soul. My body tingled with energy.
One more.
I needed just one more Level 9.
I spotted another Level 9 Bloodwing and quickly defeated it.
You have defeated Bloodwing (Tier 1 Level 9).
Essence Gained.
Skill Upgrades:
Compound Vision [Tier 1 Level 7] → Level 8
You have reached Tier 1 Level 10.
System Notification:
To evolve to the next Tier, all skills must reach Level 10.
For the next few hours, I hunted more Bloodwings and practiced my skills relentlessly. Cutting, dodging, tracking—I tested my abilities in every way possible. I even attempted using [Camouflage] mid-attack, learning to disrupt enemy perception. Every movement became a test, a lesson in efficiency.
Even after slaying more Bloodwings, I wasn't absorbing any more essence.
My soul couldn't absorb more essence. The slain creatures' bodies remained intact, their energy dissipating into the environment rather than fueling my growth.
Perhaps essence that wasn't claimed would return to nature, cycling through the world's balance. Whatever the reason, I couldn't delay any longer.
Now, I was ready.
I searched for a secure location to undergo the trial. I checked a burrow beneath a tree's roots, but the ground was too soft. A cavern in the rock face seemed ideal, but its entrance was too exposed. Even a hollowed-out log was unsafe—signs of predators nearby.
Finally, I found it—a trunk hole.
The interior was twice my body size, but the entrance was narrow enough to keep larger creatures out. It was hidden, secluded. Perfect.
I flexed my Blade Limbs, feeling the slight resistance in my exoskeleton—the first signs of change approaching.
I placed my Stat Point into Body, raising it to 8.
I was ready.
"System. Begin the Trial."