Daniel walked through the early morning his recently acquired Omnivision quietly buzzing inside his head.
It seemed like he was observing everything for the time; he perceived the energy in the tall trees, the twinkles of insects, beneath the soil and the restless motion of a small underground creature nearby.
He moved with an intent his boots leaving gentle marks on the moss-covered earth.
After collecting a pile of fallen branches he was prepared to head back when his Omnivision switched on not with its usual gentle hum but, with a piercing urgent rhythm.
It served as a caution. Up, beyond a cluster of purple-foliaged shrubs he sensed three clear signs of living beings.
They appeared large, powerful. Emitted a serene predatory vibe. His hand moved toward the handle of his upgraded Vibro-Knife.
He let the firewood fall quietly. Slipped ahead moving with the smoothness and silence of a phantom.
Through the leaves he caught sight of them.
In a clearing three enormous snakes lay, their scales gleaming with a golden-yellow shade that blended seamlessly with the speckled light, on the forest floor.
They were enormous, each at least twelve meters long and as thick as his thigh.
Their heads were wide and triangular their unwavering yellow eyes observing the clearing with an intelligence.
Daniel focused intensely his Nexus Interface overlaying the view, with steadfast data.
[Veridian Constrictors - Level 1]
Attributes: Strength - 11, Vitality -11, Agility - 13
Skills: [Venomous Bite], [Crippling power]
[Threat Assessment: Dangerous and powerful Grappler, Moderate Venom. Hungry and Very Fast.]
His heart started to race a rhythmic thump, against his chest. Three of them. It was daring. It was fatal.. The possible gain was a tempting allure he couldn't resist.
He possessed 24 of the 50 EXP required to attain Level 1. The EXP gained from these creatures would propel him beyond the threshold.
He looked at his interface. Five assimilation charges remained. A desperate calculated risk began to form in his mind. This was the moment to trust in himself.
He drew the E-Grade Vibro-Knife from his belt. It seemed sturdy, dependable. It fell short.
[Soul Assimilation successful on E-Grade Vibro-Knife.]
[Assimilation Charges Consumed (4/10 Remaining).]
An invisible wave of energy felt by him enveloped the blade. The steel shimmered, flowing like shadow before solidifying into a sturdier shape.
[Item Upgraded: Vibro-Knife elevated to D-Grade.]
[New Stats: Attack +40. Increased durability and sharpness.]
He went on. Placing a hand over his chest he shielded the E-Grade Deflector Vest concealed under his uniform.
[Assimilation Charges Consumed (3/10 Remaining).]
[Upgraded Item: E-Grade Deflector Vest raised to D-Grade.]
[Revised Stats: Defense +40. Improved resilience.]
It consumed two out of the five charges he still possessed. The enhancement, courtesy of the gear was instant.
The knife now seemed a weapon, a direct continuation of his intent. The vest rested firmly on his shoulders a reassuring burden of protection.
He was as ready as he would ever be.
He took a breath to steady himself. Entered the area.
The closest constrictor responded immediately. Its head lunged towards him lifting a meter, above its coiled form.
A lengthy split tongue darted out sampling the air its eyes fixing on his.
There was no hesitation or warning. It leapt!
The serpent darted with velocity a shimmering flash of sinew and poison. Than backing off Daniels thoughts entered a heightened state of concentration.
He activated his stolen power. [Godspeed Rush]
For an instant it seemed as if time decelerated everywhere on Earth.
The striking serpent, its teeth oozing poison transformed into a moving missile.
He noticed the distinct muscles flexing beneath its scales the shine of light reflecting in its gaze.
He stepped aside with a motion that appeared incredibly fast.
The snakes jaws shut on space its fangs barely missing him by a mere inch.
He made use of the opening. Riding the force of his dodge he spun on his heel gripping his acquired D-Grade knife in a reverse hold.
He pushed the blade firmly into the snakes side right behind its head.
The honed steel sliced through the scales and tough flesh emitting a satisfying wet tearing sound that had been impossible just moments before.
The snake let out a scream. Twisted violently its massive body coiling and uncoiling in torment.
Then his Omnivision emitted a warning. The other two moved forward flanking him from both sides.
He jumped backward drawing his knife out. Suddenly inspired he forcefully kicked a stone to his left.
The noise of it darting over the clearing was sufficient.
One of the snakes, drawn by the sound and movement, on the side changed its course giving Daniel the opportunity he needed.
His attention was, on the assailant, the individual presently positioned right before him.
It lifted itself its head rocking as it readied to attack.
He struck high with his blade directing its focus upwards.
As its head lifted he quickly dropped into a squat his muscles braced like a taut spring and, with a sudden burst of power he lunged ahead.
Clutching the knife with both hands he thrust it upward in a sweeping motion the blade glinting as it tore through flesh and bone.
SHUNNK!!!
Its skull burst off in a spray of blood soaking the nearby foliage!
[You have vanquished: Constrictor (Level 1)]
[Experience Gained: 12 EXP]
[Level 0: 36/50]
He lacked the time to note the alert.
The first snake, wounded and enraged sprang at him. Its massive body hit him coiling firmly around his chest with force.
His lungs were compressed and briefly a surge of panic ignited.
However his new D-Grade vest remained intact the strengthened armor creaking but not shattering under the force.
He found himself confined, yet not powerless.
He raised his knife. Repeatedly drove it down stabbing the blade into the creature's skull with force until, after one final shake it lay still.
[You have overcome: Constrictor (Level 1)]
[Experience Gained: 12 EXP]
[Level 0: 48/50]
He shoved the lifeless coils away, from him struggling to breathe.
Two down. One to go.
He quickly rose, spinning around to confront the constrictor. It paused, its reptile instincts evidently bewildered by the demise of its companions.
It sensed the change inside him—the surge of power—, from a fight that should have claimed his life.
It was never afforded the chance to flee.
Emitting a growl he surged forward shedding his wary survivor guise to become a dominant hunter asserting his domain.
He faced the snake's assault head-on evading with agility and delivering a sharp cut, with his knife in one strong strike.
Quiet fell over the blood-soaked glade.
Daniel gasped for breath his chest rising and falling rapidly his skin glistening with a mix of sweat and serpent blood.
A wave of strength, fierce and overwhelming rushed through Daniel. He didn't need to glance at the notification to grasp what had happened.
[You have overcome: Constrictor (Level 1)]
[Experience Earned: 12 EXP]
[Level 0: 60/50]
[LEVEL UP! You are now Level 1!]
[Level Up Bonus: All Stats +15. Assimilation Charges Restored (10/10).]
[Level 1: 10/250 EXP]
The atmosphere was charged. His exhaustion disappeared, overtaken by a burst of energy.
The small cuts and bruises, from the fight appeared to disappear.
He perceived himself as mightier, quicker and more vibrant than, at any time.
A flood of notifications flooded his vision. One stood out an crucial choice.
[Talent Evolution Path Unlocked. Please select a Class.]
He glanced over the choices his thoughts speeding. He might concentrate, channel his energy.. He wasn't prepared.
He was also unaware of this domain just as he was of the extent of his own soul. In his mind he decided to delay making a choice.
To begin with the loot. He approached each body resting a hand on their chilling scales.
[Total Gain (from 3 Veridian Constrictors): Strength +33, Vitality +33, Agility +39]
[Assimilation Charges Consumed (7/10 Remaining).]
The burst of power was intense. As he enjoyed it an unexpected message abruptly appeared.
[Congratulations Aspirant! Achieving your solo triumph against numerous adversaries has earned you a distinctive reward!]
[Reward: One [Bronze Treasure Chest]!]
Before him a tiny decorative bronze box appeared from nowhere and gently settled on the grass.
He unsealed it carefully.
Inside, resting on a bed of velvet, lay a simple dark blue pouch.
[Celestial Voidpocket]
[Grade: A]
[Capability: Supports distances, up to 150 meters. Objects enclosed remain suspended in time maintaining preservation.]
Daniels face broke into a sincere grin. This was a revolution. No longer would there be traces left behind. No longer would he wrestle with carcasses.
He swiftly slaughtered one of the snakes selecting the finest pieces of meat and meticulously removing the venom sacs a resource that could be beneficial later on.
The rest of the carcass along, with the two vanished into the Voidpocket with only a single thought.
An hour later he returned to the camp carrying the meat and the firewood he had collected wearing a look of weariness.
Ragnars eyes widened. "By the Verge Daniel! Did you take down one of these beasts on your own?"
Daniel inclined his head resting firmly against a tree.
"It was tough " he lied, his voice rough. "I think I caught it napping after a meal. Got lucky with a jab, in the eye."
Sophie remained silent. She approached, her face thoughtful. She picked up a portion of the meat inspecting the slice.
Her gaze then shifted to his knife the D-Grade blade immaculate and flawless.
A lucky jab, to the eye wouldn't have caused that sort of wound. Her gaze rose to meet his her uncertainty nearly tangible.
She simply nodded. "A lucky kill is still a kill. Good job."
The lie had worked. But as he looked into Sophie's intelligent, questioning eyes, Daniel knew his luck was running out.