The evening approached swiftly, the sun dipping low, casting long shadows across the already dark forest. Light faded quickly, leaving the trees shrouded in gloom, the underbrush now a maze of shifting shapes and dark corners.
I quickly filled the wooden flask I had carved with cold, clear river water, each splash sending a shiver up my arms. Carefully, I covered the opening with a large leaf to keep insects from spoiling my precious supply. Every drop counted; every moment mattered.
The scream of cicadas grew louder as the sun disappeared completely, a relentless chorus that filled the air, weaving with the faint rustle of leaves and the distant snap of branches. I knew it was time to find shelter before nightfall swallowed the forest entirely.
I moved cautiously, scanning the surroundings for anything that could serve as a safe haven. My footsteps crunched over fallen leaves, the sound amplifying unnaturally in the growing darkness. Panic nudged at my senses, urging me to move faster, but I knew a hasty choice could be fatal.
Finally, just ahead, I spotted a dark mouth carved into a rocky outcrop — a cave. Its opening was partially obscured by overhanging creepers and thick roots, a natural veil that hinted at safety.
Finally!
I approached, lifting the creepers carefully, slipping inside. The moment my foot touched the cool stone floor, a faint rustle from within froze me mid-step.
A low growl vibrated through the air, echoing off the cave walls. My stomach tightened, nerves screaming warnings I couldn't ignore. I crouched behind a protruding rock, eyes straining to make sense of the shadows.
Of course, there would be an animal inside! Why hadn't I realized it sooner?
There it was — a massive bear, its black fur blending almost completely with the shadows. It appeared to sleep, but I knew better than to trust a Feral-ranked beast's apparent calm. One wrong move, and I could end up as nothing more than a meal.
I had learned a little about bears from watching too many nature shows and documentaries back on Earth. Even asleep, they had extraordinary reflexes. Thick fur, dense muscles, and a cunning fighting instinct made them lethal opponents.
And a Feral-ranked bear? Killing one in a single clean strike would be close to impossible.
Hesitation bubbled inside me. I could wait and hope it wandered off, but the cave was my only realistic shelter. If I didn't act, I had no safe place for the night.
I drew a deep, steadying breath. No choice. I had to claim the cave.
Slowly, I removed my shoes and set them outside the cave entrance, careful not to let even a single leaf snap beneath my weight. Every step was deliberate, each movement measured. My sword felt heavy in my hands, yet it was all I had.
I inched forward, heart hammering in my chest, until I was close enough to strike.
Swish…
I lunged, aiming for the base of the bear's neck. The blade sank into thick fur and dense muscle, but barely slowed it. The bear shifted, letting out a low groan that vibrated in my chest like rolling thunder.
And then to my horror, The bear roared. A deep, guttural sound that shook the cave walls and echoed across the trees outside. Its eyes snapped open, wild and unyielding, and it lunged at me with terrifying speed.
A massive paw swung toward my chest. I twisted, rolling aside, pain from the wolf fight flaring across my ribs. Heart racing, I scrambled to my feet, adrenaline surging through every vein.
My sword came up in a blind slash, nicking its flank. Blood spattered the stone floor, but the bear barely faltered.
[Skill Activated: Grace of Blood]
[Estimated Kill Time: 45 minutes]
I knew I couldn't endure a forty-five-minute duel. But the passive strenght draining effect could weaken it just enough to give me an advantage.
The bear lunged again, jaws snapping inches from my face. My arms screamed with fatigue, chest burning, every dodge and counter leaving me more drained than the last.
My first strike hadn't been enough.
Its massive paws came at me again and again, sharp claws swiping dangerously close. I rolled, pivoted, and leapt, narrowly avoiding death at every turn.
Hesitation was no longer an option — survival was everything.
I searched for an opening: the underbelly, the gap behind its foreleg. Places where fur and muscle were thinner.
I lunged, twisting the blade, and found a narrow opening on its stomach.
Slash…
My katana tore through the thick skin, drawing blood. The bear howled, a raw, angry sound that cut through the forest.
"Raaaarrrr!!"
It staggered but wasn't done. Jaws clamped near my shoulder, grazing me and tearing a shallow line across my skin. Pain exploded through my body, but I held on.
One last thrust. One precise motion. I jammed the tip of my sword deep, twisting with every ounce of strength I had left. The bear shuddered violently, bucked, then staggered back.
The cave fell silent, save for our ragged breathing. Blood dripped from my shoulder, limbs trembling as adrenaline crashed. I could not hold on for long — I had to finish this quickly.
I weaved through the distance between us, sword raised, every muscle screaming in protest. The bear rose onto its hind legs, a guttural sound escaping its lips.
I slashed with everything I had, aiming for the neck, the tip of my blade driving forward with desperate force.
I aimed to delve the sword horizontally and kill it in one motion.
The tip of my sword moving towards it's throat, my body tilted slightly to avoid the attack coming from the feral bear.
Splishh…
The sword sank, releasing a satisfying clink sound, final release I hoped for.
~~End Of Chapter chapter 12~~
Note: I hope you guys a enjoying it till here. I the release rate will be 2 chapters per day, one at morning and another at evening. If you want you guys can read both at same time.