Ron staggered back, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he stared at the dead raptor. His hands were still shaking, the warmth from the Devour System's absorption lingering in his body.
For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt real power.
It was barely noticeable—his muscles a little denser, his breathing steadier—but it was there. And more importantly… he had gained an ability.
[New Ability Acquired: Night Vision]
His eyes adjusted instantly to the dim forest around him, making the shadows clearer, the details sharper. A biological enhancement—just like that.
"If I can keep hunting… I can keep getting stronger."
But now wasn't the time to celebrate. He was still injured.
Pain flared from his side, where the raptor's claws had torn into his flesh. His hand pressed against the wound, feeling the warmth of his own blood seeping out. He grit his teeth.
"I need to stop the bleeding."
Ron quickly scanned the forest floor. He needed something to bandage himself.
He spotted a large broadleaf plant nearby, its thick leaves sturdy and fibrous. Perfect. He tore several leaves off and used them to wrap around his wound, tying them tightly to stop the bleeding. It wasn't ideal, but it would hold—for now.
Then, his stomach growled.
Hunger.
The Devour System had given him a small boost, but it hadn't magically filled his stomach. His body was still weak—and in this world, weakness meant death.
He turned his gaze back to the dead raptor.
Its blood seeped into the ground, the metallic scent mixing with the damp earth. He knew what he had to do.
"I have no choice."
Ron knelt beside the corpse, grabbing a sharp stone and slicing into the raptor's thick hide. The first cut was rough, but he had butchered animals before—in a lab setting, not for survival.
He worked methodically, peeling away the skin and cutting into the muscle. The meat was dark, firm, and streaked with fat. He hesitated for a moment, but his hunger won out.
He took a bite.
Raw. Warm. Metallic.
He forced himself to chew, swallowing down the tough meat. His stomach lurched in protest, but he kept going. If he didn't eat, he wouldn't last.
As he ate, he thought.
The Devour System allowed him to absorb strength and abilities from creatures he killed—but only partially. The boost he got from this juvenile raptor was small. If he wanted to get truly strong, he needed to hunt bigger prey.
But first…
He needed fire.
He needed weapons.
He needed a plan.
Ron wiped the blood from his mouth and stood up, his gaze hardening.
"This world is a nightmare."
"But I will survive."