Lost in thought, he didn't notice as a figure appeared from behind the bushes, leaping in his direction. He reacted quickly by jumping to the side, but it didn't help as he still got a long cut on his left shoulder. Recovering quickly, he stood up, trying to take in his situation. Blood dripping to the floor, smell of iron in the air, 2m figure standing in front of him on all fours. Obsidian-black fur shimmered with a hint of luminescence. Silvery eyes locked onto him, showing the predatory intelligence. A low growl reverberated through the air.
"Shit, that hurt…" said Max angrily, then focused on the beast. A grin tugged at his lips, showing a hint of excitement as he prepared for battle by taking a stance, holding his sharpened stone. "Hey there, buddy. You're strong, aren't you?"
As if in reply, the creature moved. It was fast, reaching him in seconds, swiping its dangerously-looking claws at him. Max closely evaded by ducking to the side, swiping his weapon. When it landed, a shallow cut appeared on the beast's hide.
This isn't as effective as I thought…
It's already enhanced by Aether.
Strange, why am I so calm when I am potentially one move away from dying? Is this how Skill: [Calm Heart] affects me? Well, that's handy.
The small internal monologue didn't stop him from moving, barely dodging its attacks, though some still did reach him.
Small cuts slowly started to accumulate on his body.
I need a new tactic. Eyes... it's always the eyes.
With this decision, he backed toward the trees, setting a trap in his mind. The beast still pursued, trying to kill the intruder who dared to invade its area.
With his back to the thick trunk, Max faced the beast, ready for its move. The beast leapt from the ground, aiming to impale Max on its claws. He rapidly ducked down, as the claws whistled above him and struck wood with a thud, getting stuck for a second. Max moved in, aiming his weapon at the eye, where a hint of fear could finally be seen.
A squelching sound could be heard as Max hit the eye, sliding deep inside the beast, hitting its brain. It froze, and gradually the huge body fell to the ground.
Max looked at the beast, checking whether it was still alive. After confirming it was dead, he plopped to the ground, panting from exhaustion from this short but very dynamic battle.
A melancholic mood filled him after his experience. He suddenly thought of his family and his best friend Alex.
Mom… Dad… Bro… Sis… Alex... Please survive.
[ Tutorial: 29 days 17 hours 56 minutes left ]
He ripped his shirt sleeves, making bandages out of them. While treating his wounds, he noticed that there was slightly less blood flowing out.
"Guess Aether makes recovery faster too," he muttered thoughtfully.
Ten minutes later he rose again.
After checking that it was temporarily safe in the area, Max walked to the dead beast and tried to understand how to butcher it, as he had never done it before. As he approached with the intention to interact with it, the system displayed the name of the beast:
[ System Message ]
Dusksaber - Feral Realm
Feral Realm must be the equivalent to Apprentice Realm for humans. Damn, this is worrying. This means that it's possible for a trained human to defeat a beast of the same realm, but what about one of a higher realm?
With little knowledge, Max began the grim task. Instinct guided his hands as he skinned the creature, organs steaming in the open air. His military experience dulled the horror, but the blood still smelled heavy.
He sorted the remains: meat, sinew, bones, claws. Tendons for bowstrings. Teeth for arrowheads.
Then—
[ New Skill Created ]
Skill: [Butchering]Origin: Self-DevelopedMastery: Untrained – 1%Effect: Enables extraction of materials from slain beasts. Improves yield, reduces waste.
"Perfect," Max exhaled.
He wrapped the harvest in the beast's own hide, bundling it into a rough sack.
"Alright, I'm done here. I need to get some shelter to spend the night. There was a large tree with a hole inside near the stream on the way here," he said while remembering the direction to his destination. "It's already 5 p.m. or something. It'll probably take an hour walk from here with the sack. I should start walking now."
Trying to ignore his aching body, he paid more attention to his surroundings, avoiding places with sounds of beasts.
A large tree entered his sight. In the middle was a round hole, making it a natural shelter. Sounds of running water could be heard from the small stream nearby.
Max approached the stream and dropped the sack nearby. Feeling tired, he drank some fresh, cold water and washed off the blood.
"Still stings," he said, chuckling softly. "But damn, that feels good."
After gathering twigs and building a fire, he skewered a piece of meat and set it over the flame. The scent of cooking filled the air.
While waiting for dinner, he went back to the stream and dug a small pit near the stones to hide the sack and mask the smell of blood.
By this time, the food was ready. Sitting on a cold rock, Max took a bite. Rich flavor filled his mouth, warmth spreading across his body.
"Damn, this is the best meal I've ever had," exclaimed Max cheerfully.
He quickly finished his meal, licking his fingers at the end. By this time, the sun was almost hidden behind the horizon. Max lined the hollow tree with dry leaves and moss.
He quickly made a knife with a stick and sharpened stone, then crawled inside.
His body ached. His eyes grew heavy.
Clutching the knife to his chest, he whispered, "Just need to make it through the night…"
Sleep claimed him beneath the glow of distant stars.