The raptor lunged, its claws slicing through the air toward Ron's exposed flesh.
Ron threw himself sideways, rolling across the dirt as the beast's claws missed him by inches. His heart pounded in his chest—this was real. The predator snarled and turned sharply, its tail whipping behind it as it prepared to pounce again.
He had to move. Now.
He scrambled to his feet, his mind racing. There was nowhere to run—thick trees surrounded him, and the beast was faster than him.
"I need a weapon. Anything!"
His eyes darted around, searching the ground for something usable. There! A thick, jagged rock sat among the roots of a massive tree.
The raptor charged again.
Ron dove toward the rock, snatching it up just as the beast leaped at him.
He twisted his body—instinct taking over—and swung the rock with everything he had.
CRACK!
The stone slammed into the side of the raptor's head, and the beast screeched in pain, stumbling to the ground.
Ron didn't hesitate.
He lunged onto the beast's back, wrapping his arm around its throat and driving the rock into its skull repeatedly.
WHAM! WHAM! WHAM!
Blood splattered onto his hands, warm and sticky. The raptor thrashed violently, its claws tearing into Ron's side. Pain flared through his ribs, but he held on, his grip tightening.
"I won't die here!"
With one final strike, the raptor let out a gurgling screech, its body convulsing before falling still.
Silence.
Ron panted, his body shaking. His side burned where the claws had slashed him, and his arms ached from the effort.
He had done it.
He had killed a predator with his own hands.
"Ding!"
[First Kill Registered]
[Devour System Activated]
[Absorbing Essence…]
Ron's vision blurred as a strange warmth spread through his body.
[Devouring Juvenile Razorclaw Raptor…]
[Strength +0.5]
[Speed +0.3]
[New Ability Acquired: Night Vision]
Ron's breath hitched.
He could feel it—a slight surge of power in his limbs. His muscles felt a little less weak, and his vision sharpened.
The Devour System was real.
And if he could kill more creatures… he could become stronger.
He stared down at the dead raptor, his fingers tightening around the bloodied rock.
"This world wants to kill me?"
"Then I'll kill it first."