Chapter 3: First Hunt as a True Hunter
Aiden emerged from the dungeon, his body aching but his spirit soaring. He had done it. He had completed his first dungeon solo. The dagger at his waist and the newfound vitality flowing through his veins were proof of his evolution.
[Ding! New Mission Unlocked: Defeat a D-Rank Monster (Reward: Skill Copy Attempt)]
His lips curled into a smirk. The system was relentless, pushing him forward without a moment's rest. But he welcomed the challenge. If he wanted to climb to the top, he couldn't afford to slow down.
Searching for Prey
The city of Neo-Tokyo was no stranger to danger. The outskirts, in particular, were infested with wandering monsters that had slipped through rifts. Aiden needed to find a suitable target.
He moved swiftly through the shadows, his enhanced agility making travel effortless. Soon, he found himself in an abandoned industrial zone where low-level Hunters often trained.
A guttural growl broke the silence.
Emerging from the darkness was a D-Rank Ironclaw Bear. It was massive—easily twice his size—with steel-like fur and claws capable of tearing through reinforced walls.
Aiden exhaled sharply. "This is going to be tough."
But fear was no longer an option.
Battle Against the Ironclaw Bear
The bear roared and charged, its heavy footsteps shaking the ground. Aiden activated Nightfang's Agility, sidestepping just in time to avoid a devastating swipe.
'Too slow.'
With his speed, he darted behind the creature and slashed at its exposed hind leg with his dagger. Sparks flew as the blade barely scratched its tough hide.
'Damn, its defense is insane.'
The bear whirled around, swinging its claw at Aiden's chest. He barely managed to block with his arm, but the force sent him tumbling backward.
[Minor Regeneration Activated!]
Warmth spread through his body, and the pain dulled almost instantly. Aiden's eyes widened in realization—he could take more risks now.
He pushed off the ground and lunged forward, this time aiming for the bear's eyes. With precise footwork, he leaped onto its back, gripping its thick fur as it thrashed wildly.
'Gotcha.'
He drove the dagger deep into the beast's eye socket.
The bear let out an earth-shaking howl before collapsing onto the ground, motionless.
[Ding! D-Rank Monster Defeated! Skill Copy Attempt Unlocked!]
Aiden's breath came in ragged gasps, but a victorious grin spread across his face. He had won.
New Power: Ironclaw's Strength
The system's interface blinked before him.
**[Choose One Skill to Copy:]
Ironclaw Slash
Beastly Endurance
Enhanced Smell]**
Without hesitation, Aiden chose Ironclaw Slash.
A burning sensation coursed through his fingers as his body absorbed the skill. When he clenched his fist, his nails momentarily elongated into razor-sharp claws before retracting.
Aiden laughed. "This just keeps getting better."
With newfound power in his grasp, he knew one thing—
He was no longer prey.
He was becoming the predator.
To be continued…