---
Kael crouched low in the underbrush, watching the treeline ripple with waves of heated air. His traps were crude—branches, sharpened sticks, and snare wire scavenged from the shed—but it was the best he could do.
The warning still echoed in his mind.
> [System Alert: Monster Approaching – Emberfang Ravager | ETA: Imminent]
His fingers tightened around Wraithfang's hilt.
> "I hope this thing bleeds like the rest."
The smell hit first—burning fur and scorched earth.
Then the Emberfang Ravager emerged—low to the ground, muscles taut, its crimson fur smoldering with embers. Eyes like glowing coals locked onto Kael's position.
His chest tightened.
> "System—Scan it."
---
[Scan Result: Emberfang Ravager]
Class: Beast (Feral)
Level: 4
Threat Tier: Moderate
Traits: Fire-Aligned / Aggressive / Keen Smell
Weakness: Water, Internal Disruption
Drops (Low Chance): Ember Core, Fanged Hide, Burn Saliva
---
> "No water. Guess I'll improvise."
He let the beast step into the first snare. It snapped—but the Ravager surged forward anyway, undeterred. One paw flared red and struck the ground—sending a flash of flame toward Kael.
He dove to the side—too slow.
Flame licked his leg, searing through fabric. He rolled, biting back a shout, and came up swinging.
> Skill Activated: [Void Carve]!
Wraithfang howled, carving a glowing arc through the Ravager's shoulder. It yelped, staggered, then slammed him with its weight. The air left Kael's lungs as he hit the ground hard.
> "Can't brute force it…"
He ducked a snap of its burning jaws, rolled under, and stabbed upward—under its ribs. The beast twisted violently, throwing him off—but he held on, digging Wraithfang deeper.
A final surge of strength—he drove the blade up into its throat.
The Ravager collapsed in a twitching heap.
---
Kael stumbled back, panting, eyes wide.
He looked at his shaking hands.
> "That… was too close."
> Ding! [Daily Quest Complete – Survival Routine: Day 1]
➤ +5 Free Stat Points
➤ +10 EXP
➤ Minor Recovery Boost
Beast Defeated – Emberfang Ravager
➤ +15 EXP
➤ [Loot Acquired: Ember Core]
➤ [Level Up: 2 → 3]
➤ [Sync Rate: 7% → 8%]
---
He dropped to one knee, then let himself fall back onto the grass, staring at the sky.
He replayed the fight in his head.
Too aggressive.
Too slow to react.
Didn't account for its weight.
> "I relied on one skill and got lucky. That won't work again."
He pulled up his inventory and status screen.
---
[Loot Acquired]
Ember Core x1: Crystallized fire-element energy. Valuable for forging or synthesis.
Burned Fang x2 (Cracked)
Scorched Hide x1 (Damaged)
---
[Status – Kael]
Level: 3
Health: 58 / 100
Mana: 50 / 60
Stamina: 46 / 75
Unspent Stat Points: 5
Sync Rate: 8%
---
Stat Allocation:
+2 Strength → 14
+2 Endurance → 13
+1 Agility → 15
> "More power. More stamina. Can't afford another close call."
---
Kael glanced at Wraithfang's edge. A faint ember glow danced along the blade—it had fed well.
> "Next time, we'll do better."
He headed back to the house, limping slightly, cradling the Ember Core in one hand.
> [System Notification: Synthesis Feature Now Accessible]
➤ Relic Detected: Ember Core
➤ [Optional Quest Available – "Weapon Tempering"]
Tomorrow, he'd explore the system again.
Tonight, he'd rest—and remember the sting of fire.
---