Shadows in the Outer Ring
The forest was alive with whispers—leaves brushing against one another, unseen creatures moving through the underbrush. Kael's chest heaved, muscles burning, but the taste of victory lingered in his mind. One Fangboar down. One step closer to survival.
> [New Quest Available: The Outer Ring Hunt – Challenge Increase]
Kael's vision sharpened. The system's blue screen appeared in the corner of his sight.
> [Objective: Survive the night. Avoid higher-level beasts. Gain experience.]
[Reward: Stat Points + Skill Upgrade + Possible Equipment]
The night was young, yet heavy shadows already began to creep through the forest. Kael's body still ached, but every step he took now carried the confidence of someone who had survived a life-or-death encounter.
A rustle to his right made him freeze. He spun, eyes scanning the darkness. Nothing. Just the wind. Just the trees.
But then—the faintest glow of yellow eyes stared at him from the shadows.
A Lurking Fangwolf, rare for this area, but deadly for a sixteen-year-old with zero beast compatibility. Its fangs gleamed, claws scraping against rocks, and a low growl vibrated through Kael's chest.
> [Beast Level: Green]
[Survival Probability: 15%]
Kael swallowed. He could feel the system humming in his mind. It was guiding him, yet it would not act for him. Every success had to be earned.
"Fine," he whispered. "Let's see if I can do this twice in a row."
Kael scanned the ground and spotted a narrow trench partially hidden beneath fallen leaves. The Fangwolf padded silently closer, calculating its strike. Kael's instincts took over. He dashed toward the trench and dove in just as the wolf lunged. Its claws tore the air above him, missing by inches.
He rolled, grabbed a jagged rock, and waited. When the wolf turned to circle him, he aimed.
A perfect hit grazed the beast's side, and it yelped in pain. But this time, it didn't retreat. It came again, faster, angrier. Kael's mind raced. The system's advice echoed faintly.
> [Host may combine environmental advantages with physical action.]
Kael's eyes scanned the trench. The walls were unstable. With a calculated push of his shoulder, he dislodged a loose boulder. It tumbled down the slope, striking the wolf and sending it crashing.
Kael panted heavily, pain shooting through his ribs, but he smiled despite it.
> [Reward Granted: Stat Points +3]
[Skill Learned: Agility Boost (Passive)]
[Warning: Another threat detected nearby.]
The system's words barely registered before movement caught his eye—another pair of eyes, green and calculating, glinting from the shadows deeper in the forest.
Kael's grin faded. Survival tonight would not only test his body but also his wit.
And then he heard a voice—clear, human, and utterly unexpected.
"Who's there?"
Kael froze.
A figure stepped into a shaft of moonlight. A boy, similar in age, but taller, clad in a dark cloak that shimmered faintly in the night. He carried a long staff topped with a crystal that pulsed with faint blue light.
"Are you here to hunt… or to die?" the stranger asked, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Kael studied him. He could feel the aura of power surrounding this boy—a presence that made even his own body seem weaker in comparison.
> [New Quest Potential: Alliance or Rival?]
Kael straightened, chest heaving, and replied calmly:
"I'm neither. I'm just surviving."
The stranger's smirk widened.
"Interesting," he said. "Maybe you'll last longer than I thought."
Kael's eyes narrowed. This night was far from over.
The forest had already begun testing him—and now, a shadow had stepped out of the darkness to join the game.