The forest grew darker the deeper Kael walked.
The trees were thicker here—roots coiling like veins through crimson soil.
Each breath carried the scent of iron and energy.
His body pulsed faintly with power; the Energy Refining Pill's effect was still active.
Every inhale drew threads of spiritual mist into his blood.
> [Passive Effect — Energy Absorption +3 EXP/hour]
[Current EXP: 195 / 300]
Kael's dagger gleamed in the dim light, its red edge vibrating softly as if it could sense blood ahead.
A low growl rolled through the air.
---
The Spiritual Beast Appears
Between the roots, a creature stepped out—a Crimson Root Wolf.
Its body was made of muscle and sinew intertwined with glowing vines pulsing like veins of fire.
Its eyes were scarlet, its aura heavy enough to crush lesser men.
> [Detected: Crimson Root Wolf — Spiritual Beast (Lower Tier)]
[Estimated Reward: +60 EXP + 20 Energy Absorption EXP]
Kael tightened his grip on the dagger.
"Perfect target."
Blood Instinct Activated
> [Ability Active — Blood Instinct (30 s)]
Time slowed.
Kael dodged as claws ripped the air where his chest had been.
The dagger slashed once, twice—sparks against iron-hard hide.
The wolf howled and lunged again. Kael rolled under it, cutting the roots on its legs.
Blood splattered across his face; the dagger drank greedily.
> [Weapon Absorption +2%]
Kael's movements grew sharper, faster.
He leapt, twisting mid-air, and drove the blade straight into the beast's heart.
The crimson vines flashed once—then went still.
> [Target Eliminated]
[+60 EXP Gained]
[+20 EXP (Spiritual Energy Absorbed)]
The corpse crumbled into faint red mist that flowed into Kael's body.
He staggered as his meridians trembled, then steadied.
> [Level Up Detected]
[Cultivation Level: Beginner (Middle) → Beginner (Peak)]
Energy flooded through him; his senses sharpened further.
And then—his dagger began to glow.
Weapon Evolution
The blade trembled violently, runes appearing across its surface.
> [Weapon Evolution Condition Met]
[Rusted Blood Dagger → Evolving…]
Light flared.
The rust peeled away, revealing smooth black metal etched with red sigils.
When the glow faded, a new notification appeared.
──────────────────────────────
Weapon: Blood-Vein Dagger (Grade 1 – Middle)
→ Kill Speed +15%
→ Blood Absorption +5%
→ Passive: Blood Vein Pulse (Stores 5% of absorbed energy for burst attack)
──────────────────────────────
Kael examined the weapon, expression calm but eyes bright.
"Beautiful."
System Status
──────────────────────────────
Blood Reaper System
Name: Kael
Cultivation Level: Beginner (Peak)
EXP: 275 / 400
Weapon: Blood-Vein Dagger (Grade 1 – Middle)
Ability: Blood Instinct (Grade 1 – Lower)
Passive Boost: Energy Absorption (+3 EXP/hour)
Shop Access:
→ Weapon Shop (Grade 1 – Lower)
→ Ability Shop (Grade 1 – Lower)
→ Pill Shop (Grade 1 – Lower)
──────────────────────────────
> [New Quest Generated:]
Absorb total of 500 Spiritual Energy Units.
Reward: Unlock Weapon Shop (Grade 1 – Middle) + 100 EXP.
Kael looked down at the wolf's remains, then toward the distant mountains.
Beasts stronger than this one awaited deeper in the wilds—each a step closer to power.
He sheathed the dagger, crimson mist swirling faintly around him.
> "If every drop of blood can lift me higher… then I'll drown this world in it."
The forest wind carried his words away as he vanished among the roots,
leaving only silence—and the smell of iron behind.