Kael wore his new Deer Hide Tunic with a sense of pride and accomplishment. It was a tangible symbol of his progress. The "Minor Cold Resistance" was immediately noticeable as the evening chill settled over the forest, a welcome change from the constant shiver he'd endured in his tattered rags. His increased CON also contributed to a greater sense of resilience against the elements.
With his immediate needs for shelter, basic tools, and now functional clothing met, Kael felt a subtle shift in his priorities. Survival was still paramount, but the dormant "Echoes of the Whisperwood" quest tugged at his curiosity. The riddle mentioned "Where shadows deepen and ancient roots drink from forgotten streams." It was vague, but it hinted at a specific type of environment.
Before he could seriously consider searching for such a place, however, he needed to test his newly improved skills and attributes, particularly his 'Stealth (Rank E)' and the 'Silent Step' ability. He also needed to continue stockpiling food; his smoked venison wouldn't last forever.
The next morning, after a breakfast of leftover cooked rabbit (his traps had yielded another one), Kael decided to actively hunt again. This time, he wouldn't rely on a risky ambush from above. He wanted to stalk his prey, to use his 'Stealth' and his new 'Silent Step' ability. His STR of 5 and CON of 5, while still not high, made him feel more capable of a direct, if cautious, approach.
He chose his Crude Stone Hand Axe as his primary weapon. His 'Axe Proficiency (Rank F)' was still low, but the weapon felt more familiar in his hands now. He also carried one of his flint knives. The Sylphwing Quill was tucked securely into his tunic; he focused on it briefly, feeling that subtle amplification of his 'Keen Mind' and senses.
He found fresh deer tracks relatively quickly, larger this time, perhaps indicating an adult. He began to follow, consciously trying to activate 'Silent Step'.
[System Notification: 'Silent Step' activated. Stamina drain initiated (Minor). Movement noise significantly reduced.]
The difference was remarkable. His footsteps, which he'd thought were already quiet, became almost inaudible, even on dry leaves. He moved like a shadow through the undergrowth, his heightened senses picking up the faintest sounds and smells of the forest. This was a true hunter's skill.
He stalked the tracks for nearly an hour, his patience tested, his stamina slowly draining from the 'Silent Step' ability. Finally, through a screen of ferns, he saw it: a mature Forest Buck (Level 4, according to a quick System scan), its antlers impressively large, grazing peacefully. It was significantly larger and more imposing than the juvenile he had hunted before. The Threat Level was listed as Moderate.
Kael's heart quickened. This would be a real test.
He circled, using every bit of cover, his 'Stealth' and 'Silent Step' working in concert. He needed to get close, within striking range of his axe. The buck was alert, its head periodically snapping up, its ears swiveling.
He got within twenty feet, then fifteen. The buck still hadn't detected him. He could feel the strain of maintaining 'Silent Step', his breathing shallow. He needed to make his move.
He chose his moment when the buck lowered its head to graze. Kael deactivated 'Silent Step' to conserve stamina for the attack and then surged forward, covering the remaining distance in a burst of speed, his AGI of 4 serving him well.
The buck's head shot up, its eyes wide with alarm, but Kael was already upon it. He swung his axe with all his STR of 5, aiming for the neck, just as he had with the juvenile.
This time, however, the buck was faster, more powerful. It sidestepped his initial blow, the axe only grazing its shoulder, drawing blood but not a fatal wound.
[System Notification: Hit! Minor damage inflicted. Target 'Forest Buck' bleeding (Rank F).]
The buck snorted, enraged, and lowered its antlers, preparing to charge. Kael had only a split second to react. He dodged, his AGI barely allowing him to avoid the sharp tines. This was no longer a stealthy takedown; it was a fight.
He circled, his axe ready, looking for an opening. The buck was wary now, its eyes fixed on him. His 'Axe Proficiency' skill, though low rank, seemed to guide his grip, his stance. He feinted, then brought the axe down in a chopping blow towards one of the buck's forelegs, hoping to cripple it.
The axe connected with a sickening thud. The buck stumbled, letting out a pained bellow, but it was still very much alive and dangerous. It lunged again.
Kael was tiring. His STR and CON, though improved, were no match for the sustained power of the buck. He knew he couldn't keep this up for long. He needed to end it.
As the buck charged one last time, Kael stood his ground, held his axe with both hands, and aimed a desperate, upward thrust towards its exposed throat as it lowered its head.
It was a gamble born of desperation. The antlers were dangerously close. But his aim, perhaps guided by a combination of his skills and sheer luck, was true. The flint head of the axe found its mark.
The buck staggered, a terrible gurgling sound erupting from its throat. It took a few more stumbling steps and then collapsed heavily.
Kael stood panting, his arms trembling, his new tunic spattered with blood. He had won, but it had been a brutal, close-fought battle.
[System Notification: You have successfully hunted 1x Forest Buck (Adult) (Level 4).]
[XP Gained: 100 / 250 for Level 4.]
[Current XP: 100 / 250 for Level 4.]
[Due to combat under duress and successful takedown of a higher-level opponent:]
[Skill 'Axe Proficiency (Rank F)' upgraded to 'Axe Proficiency (Rank E)'. Effect: Moderately increased damage and accuracy. Increased chance to inflict bleeding. Unlocks basic ability 'Power Strike' (Active - next axe attack deals increased damage at a moderate stamina cost).]
[Skill 'Resilience (Rank F)' proficiency increased.]
[Skill 'Basic Survival (Rank F)' proficiency increased.]
One hundred XP. And 'Axe Proficiency' upgraded, with a new active ability, 'Power Strike'. The rewards were substantial.
As he caught his breath, looking at the massive buck, Kael knew this was a turning point. He could now hunt more formidable prey. His ability to gather resources, to gain XP, had just taken a significant leap.
The Whisperwood still felt distant, but the path towards it, and the strength he would need to face its challenges, was becoming clearer with every hard-won victory. He also realized, with a new sense of urgency, that he needed to start thinking about ranged weaponry. Relying on melee against every threat was not a sustainable strategy.