The hunting party moved quietly through the dense forest, the canopy above them casting long shadows over the group. Clarke led the way, her eyes constantly scanning the undergrowth for signs of movement, while Ares followed close behind, his senses alert. Bellamy, Murphy, Finn, and Wells spread out, weapons drawn, their movements tense.
The need for food and resources had driven them out here, but everyone was on edge. Ares could sense it, feel the underlying tension among the group. Since the moment they had arrived on Earth, the threat of Grounders loomed over them, and the recent encounter had only intensified the fear.
"We should split up," Bellamy suggested, gripping his makeshift spear tightly. "We'll cover more ground."
Clarke shot him a look of annoyance. "We stick together. We don't need more people getting killed because of reckless decisions."
Murphy chuckled under his breath, siding with Bellamy. "Reckless? Sticking together just slows us down."
Ares said nothing, his eyes drifting across the terrain. His instincts had been sharper since his recent level-up, and he felt something was wrong—something lurking just beyond their sight. He checked his surroundings and noticed faint tracks on the forest floor.
He crouched down, examining the tracks more closely.
"Footprints," Ares muttered, drawing Clarke's attention. "Recently made."
Clarke moved closer to inspect them. "Grounders?"
Ares stood, scanning the treeline. "Could be. Or animals. Either way, we need to be careful."
Before anyone could react, a sharp whistling noise tore through the air. Thwack! A spear suddenly appeared, piercing through the side of one of the group members—a young man named Derek. He gasped in pain, collapsing to his knees, blood seeping through his shirt.
"Derek!" Clarke shouted, rushing toward him.
The momentary chaos opened the door for more danger. Six Grounders emerged from the trees, moving silently but with deadly intent. Their faces were painted, their weapons gleaming in the dappled sunlight.
"Ambush!" Bellamy yelled, raising his spear.
Ares instantly stepped in front of Clarke, his eyes narrowing. "Get Derek and get out of here. I'll handle this."
"Are you insane?" Murphy spat, panic flickering in his eyes.
"No arguments," Ares ordered, his tone leaving no room for debate. "Take Derek and go back to camp."
Clarke, along with Wells and Finn, scrambled to lift Derek, their eyes wide with fear. "Bellamy, Murphy, cover us!" Clarke barked.
Bellamy hesitated for a split second, but seeing the urgency in Clarke's eyes, he nodded. "Murphy, let's go!" They both raised their weapons and covered the retreat as Clarke, Wells, and Finn dragged the injured Derek away.
Ares turned to face the approaching Grounders. There were six of them, well-armed and clearly experienced fighters. But Ares wasn't afraid. His abilities were sharper, stronger now. Kill Bullet Time activated, heightening his reflexes and giving him an edge in the coming battle.
The first Grounder lunged at Ares with a spear, thrusting it directly toward his chest. Ares sidestepped smoothly, grabbing the spear mid-thrust and yanking it out of the Grounder's hands. With one fluid motion, he spun the spear and drove it through the Grounder's throat.
+1000 XP
The Grounder gurgled, blood pouring from the wound, and collapsed at Ares' feet. The remaining five Grounders paused for a moment, uncertainty flashing in their eyes, but their hesitation didn't last long. With snarls of anger, they rushed at him together.
Perfect. Ares relished the challenge.
Two Grounders attacked him at once, one swinging a knife while the other jabbed with a spear. Ares parried the spear and ducked under the knife's arc, driving his elbow into the first Grounder's gut. The man staggered back, and Ares wasted no time, slamming the spear into his chest.
+1000 XP
The second Grounder swung wildly, trying to catch Ares off guard, but Ares was too quick. He dodged the strike and retaliated with a brutal kick to the Grounder's knee, shattering the bone. The Grounder collapsed with a scream, and Ares quickly ended his suffering with a clean stab to the heart.
+1000 XP
The last three Grounders circled him, their movements more cautious now. Ares rolled his shoulders, wiping the blood from his face. His senses felt sharper than ever, each breath steady and controlled. He could feel the rush of combat, the system calculating his every move.
The next Grounder charged, and Ares moved faster than his opponent could react. He ducked under the Grounder's swing, grabbing the man's arm and twisting it behind his back with bone-crushing force. With a quick motion, Ares snapped the Grounder's neck.
+1000 XP
The final two Grounders tried to retreat, fear now evident on their faces. But Ares wasn't going to let them escape. He picked up a fallen spear and hurled it with deadly accuracy, impaling one of them in the back.
+1000 XP
The last Grounder, eyes wide with terror, stumbled backward, trying to run. Ares sprinted forward, catching him easily. He grabbed the man by the shoulder and drove his knife into his heart, feeling the life leave his body as he crumpled to the ground.
+1000 XP
Ares stood among the bodies of the fallen Grounders, his chest heaving with exertion, but a sense of calm washed over him. Blood dripped from his hands, staining the earth beneath him. He felt stronger now, his system leveling him up, granting him new abilities. The rush of adrenaline faded as he wiped the sweat from his brow.
He had bought the others enough time to escape, and now it was time to head back. But something about this encounter stuck with him—there would be more Grounders. They were not finished with him, and Ares knew the real war had only just begun.
With a final glance at the bodies, Ares turned and began making his way back to camp.
Ares – Level 4
XP: 4000/5000
Skill Points Available: 1
Free Attribute Points Available: 0
New Skill Unlocked: Tracking (Level 1): Enhanced ability to identify and follow trails, making it easier to hunt and track targets in the wilderness.
Attributes:
Strength: 34
Agility: 33
Intelligence: 32
Constitution: 33
Charm: 33