Swoosh!
A knife fell. Like a death scythe, it claimed a life in an instant.
Slash!
A beast as tall as Zhang Wei collapsed with a pitiful whimper.
Ding!
{(7/10)Defeat 10 opponents of similar strength with at least 70% personal contribution}
A glowing system window popped up in front of him, showing his current kill count.
"Not bad…" Zhang Wei chuckled. Only today had he noticed it—his senses had become sharper, his body faster.
Is this the effect of magic awakening? he wondered, surprised that simply awakening could bring such hidden benefits.
While lost in thought, he reached a rocky patch in the middle of the grassland.
In front of him stood a cluster of jagged rocks, their sharp edges looming like watchtowers in the wind. Shadows fell across him, making the air cool and heavy.
Should I rest here for a while?
He sat down briefly—then jumped back up, eyes narrowing.
Why?
Because a wild roar thundered from the distance.
ROAR!!
The sound carried on the wind, but even at that distance, Zhang Wei felt its pressure.
Thud!
His heart pounded. His body stiffened with instinctive fear, the same kind he once felt when facing a stray dog in his past life.
"A… magical beast?!"
He pressed a hand against his chest, steadying his racing heartbeat.
Should I run… or…
Something on the horizon caught his eye.
What is that?
A small black dot grew larger with every heartbeat.
"A… wolf?" he muttered.
From the horizon, a wolf-like beast charged straight at him, jaws wide open.
Dirt exploded beneath its paws as it sprinted with terrifying speed.
"It's… coming for me?!"
A chill crawled up Zhang Wei's spine.
Awooo!
The beast howled—the same howl as before.
Run!
Without hesitation, Zhang Wei spun and dashed toward the forest.
"Haa… huu!"
He steadied his breathing, saving stamina.
Damn it!
From the corner of his eye, he saw the wolf closing in, its bloodthirsty aura pressing against his back. One glance was enough—this was no ordinary beast.
Suddenly, the wolf opened its massive jaws, revealing rows of sharp, glistening fangs. But instead of lunging, it inhaled—drawing in the very air around them.
Whoooosh!
The grass swayed violently as currents twisted together, pulled into a growing sphere of spinning wind between the beast's teeth. In mere seconds, the sphere swelled to the size of a basketball, then larger, spinning so fast that even dust and leaves were sucked into it.
Zhang Wei's heart skipped.
"A… wind-type magical beast?!"
The realization hit like a hammer. Escaping was hopeless. With a monster like this, even running into the forest meant nothing—he'd be torn down before reaching cover.
His mind raced.
Think, Zhang Wei. What do I do? What do I have?
He glanced around the vast grassland. Nothing but uneven hills stretching endlessly. No trees. No boulders large enough to hide behind. Just him, the open air, and the beast.
Then his eyes flicked back to the glowing system window floating before him.
Two points remained.
His gaze moved down to the skill list. [Azure Wind].
If I can learn 'Azure Wind' here… maybe I can turn this fight around. The best way to learn is through battle. With the stormy weather and a wind-type beast, this might be my chance… Maybe even enough to reach stage two.
Zhang Wei clenched his fist.
It's dangerous. Too dangerous. But if I keep running, I'll only die tired. If I fight… there's a chance.
He raised his eyes, meeting the monster's.
Azure Wind… let this be the beginning.
The wolf growled deep in its throat, then snapped its head forward.
BOOM!
The compressed wind sphere shot out like a cannonball, shrieking as it tore through the grass.
"Damn it!" Zhang Wei cursed, diving to the side. The sphere streaked past him—then swelled suddenly, expanding mid-air.
His eyes widened. "No—!"
BOOM!!
The sphere erupted into a wave of raw wind, exploding outward in all directions.
The grass flattened. The air screamed.
"ARGHHH!!"
Zhang Wei crossed his arms over his chest, but the violent gusts smashed into him, lifting his body off the ground like a leaf caught in a storm.
The world spun as he was flung four meters into the air.
"Pfft!"
Blood sprayed from his lips. The force rattled his organs, every bone in his body aching from the pressure.
But even as pain shot through him, his eyes lit up.
He could feel it.
The rhythm. The current. The endless flow of wind around him.
"This…!"
The corner of his mouth twisted into a grin, even through the blood.
Not enough… but close!
His hand shot to his waist, drawing his blade. Mid-air, with the beast already lunging, Zhang Wei forced himself to breathe steadily.
The more dangerous it gets, the calmer I must be. Only then can I see clearly.
The wolf's massive form surged up to meet him, jaws wide open, breath foul and heavy with the stench of blood. Its eyes glowed with primal hunger.
It wants to eat me alive…!
The beast leapt, fangs bared, aiming to crush him in one bite.
"Dirty beast!" Zhang Wei roared, his sword flashing as he locked eyes with it. "Take my blade!!"
Steel and fangs clashed in mid-air—