After about an hour of aimless wandering, Gabriel noticed movement behind a large tree about twenty meters ahead. He crept closer and found himself face-to-face with a pack of wolves!
The six wolves, initially lounging on the grass, immediately stood up, baring their sharp fangs. They growled menacingly as they approached, ready to defend their territory.
Despite the tense situation, Gabriel couldn't help but observe that these wolves behaved more like wild dogs than true wolves. He quickly checked their status, trying to understand why they were acting as though they were guarding an entrance to something important. A nervous laugh escaped him as he processed the information.
---
[Name: Ferocious Wolf]
[HP: 250/250]
[Mana: 200/200]
[Physical Attack: 60-90]
[Rank: Iron ★★]
[Skills: Eviscerate, Bite, Scratch, ...]
[Description: Within the deep, dense forest lies a pack of magical beasts—fierce and powerful creatures that roam the area. These beasts are masters of stealth, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. But when provoked, they unleash devastating force. Their razor-sharp claws and teeth can eviscerate anything in their path. Despite their fearsome reputation, they play a vital role in maintaining the forest's balance.]
---
After assessing the Ferocious Wolves, a sudden rush of adrenaline surged through Gabriel's body. Without hesitation, he let out a loud battle cry and charged toward the pack. Sensing danger, the wolves quickly surrounded him, circling in from all sides.
But Gabriel wasn't one to be easily overpowered. Summoning all his magical strength, he cast two spells in rapid succession.
The first was [Spirit Curse (Yin)], which silenced the wolves and reduced their attack power. The second spell was [Light Burst (Yin)], which targeted one of the wolves, dealing significant damage and killing it instantly.
---
[AttkDown] Experienced effect! Reduced physical damage.
[Silence] Experienced effect! Can't use skill.
BOOOOM!!!
-300 HP
[Prompt: You killed the Ferocious Wolf! Gained 26 exp!]
---
The remaining wolves, confused and disoriented by the debuffs, didn't stand a chance. Gabriel quickly jumped back and cast [Light Burst (Yin)] again, determined to eliminate the threat before the wolves could recover.
---
BOOOOM!
-350 HP
[Prompt: You killed the Ferocious Wolf! Gained 30 exp!]
---
With [Silence] preventing the wolves from using their skills, they were left completely vulnerable. One by one, they fell, unable to fight back or retaliate.
---
BOOOOM!
[Prompt: You killed the Ferocious Wolf! Gained 30 exp!]
BOOOOM!
[Prompt: You killed the Ferocious Wolf! Gained 29 exp!]
BOOOOM!
[Prompt: You killed the Ferocious Wolf! Gained 36 exp!]
BOOOOM!
[Prompt: You killed the Ferocious Wolf! Gained 25 exp!]
---
As the adrenaline from the battle subsided, Gabriel took a deep breath and opened his status panel to assess his condition.
---
[HP: 166/200] - Gabriel's health was at 166 out of 200, showing he had taken some damage during the fight.
[Mana: 34/500] - His mana, however, was running dangerously low. Without it, he wouldn't be able to cast any more spells.
[Level: 1] - Gabriel was still at level 1, but he knew that each battle brought him closer to leveling up.
[Exp: 223/500] - His experience points were now at 223 out of 500, indicating solid progress.
---
Feeling the need to replenish his mana, Gabriel found a nearby tree and sat down to catch his breath. Reaching into his magic bag, he retrieved a small bottle containing a bright blue liquid—a mana potion. Without hesitation, he uncorked the bottle and drank it in one swift motion, feeling the restorative effects almost immediately.
---
+50 Mana
---
However, Gabriel frowned, realizing it wasn't enough. "Not enough!" he muttered in frustration. He needed more mana, and fast. He quickly grabbed two more bottles of potent mana potion from his bag and gulped them down as well.
---
+50 Mana
+50 Mana
---
Feeling his mana nearly restored, Gabriel decided to take a moment to meditate, allowing his energy to regenerate naturally. Even though he had more potions, he knew it was wise to conserve them for future emergencies. With his eyes closed, he focused on his breathing, letting the mana slowly replenish within him.
...
In a secluded spot surrounded by grass and bushes, Gabriel was deep in meditation, unaware that four shadowy figures were watching him intently. Dressed in black robes with skull symbols etched on their hoods, they observed Gabriel in silence. One of them, with a red scarf tied around his arm, stood slightly ahead of the others, his eyes sharp with caution.
As they continued their surveillance, a figure slowly approached them—it was their boss. Annoyance was etched on his face as he asked what they were doing there. The man with the red scarf replied that someone was near their base, and they were investigating.
The boss wasted no time. He picked up a spyglass and aimed it toward Gabriel's location, surveying the scene. His expression darkened as he inquired about the wolves and how the young man had managed to get so close to their territory. His voice carried a thinly veiled threat, making it clear he was not pleased.
"Boss, we didn't notice anything unusual until we heard a loud explosion. We came to investigate," said the red-scarfed man. He scanned the area and spotted the bodies of the wolves Gabriel had defeated, confirming that a fierce battle had taken place.
Without further delay, the boss gave a sharp order to his men. "Surround him," he commanded. The robed figures immediately sprang into action, rushing toward Gabriel, who remained deep in meditation, oblivious to the impending danger.
---
WHOOOSH!
WHOOOSH!
WHOOOSH!
WHOOOSH!
---
A few minutes into his meditation, Gabriel was abruptly jolted out of his trance. He blinked in surprise as he saw four figures rapidly approaching him. Startled, his first instinct was to run, but his body froze in shock.
As Gabriel struggled to regain his composure, he realized it was too late to flee. The four figures had already surrounded him, closing in with ominous intent. One of them spoke, his voice dripping with menace.
"Where do you think you're going, boy?"
Gabriel knew he was in serious trouble.