The forest was quiet, too quiet.
But Kael could hear them — ten heartbeats, steady and unguarded.
He stood on a branch above their camp, the Rusted Blood Dagger glowing faintly in his hand.
The system's red interface shimmered in the night.
> [Quest: Eliminate 10 Bandits]
Progress: 5 / 10
Reward: Unlock Ability Shop (Grade 1 - Lower) + 20 EXP
Below, the bandits laughed and drank, unaware that death watched them from above.
Kael's cold gaze locked on the leader — a scarred brute who had once tied him to a burning post when he was a child.
"Finally," Kael whispered, "you'll pay for that night."
---
⚔️ The Silent Reaper Strikes
He dropped silently into the shadows behind the first bandit and drove the dagger through his neck.
> [+2 EXP]
Before the body hit the ground, Kael was already moving.
He threw the dagger — a crimson blur — and it sliced through another man's throat.
> [+2 EXP]
Panic erupted.
"Wha—who's there?!"
Kael appeared behind them, his movements fluid and precise. Every kill was silent, clean, and efficient.
In less than a minute, six bandits had fallen.
The leader roared and swung a massive axe.
"Little rat! You dare come back here?!"
Kael sidestepped, calm and focused. His dagger flashed once.
Blood sprayed across the firelight.
The leader fell, eyes wide with disbelief.
> [+5 EXP Gained]
[Quest Completed.]
[Reward Unlocked: Ability Shop (Grade 1 - Lower) + 20 EXP]
A wave of warm energy surged through Kael's body as his system glowed crimson.
> [EXP: 19 + 29 = 48 / 200]
His heart thudded once, then steadied.
---
🩸 System Update
──────────────────────────────
Blood Reaper System
Name: Kael
Cultivation Level: Beginner (Lower)
EXP: 48 / 200
Exp Storage: 0
Weapon: Rusted Blood Dagger (Grade 1 - Lower)
→ Kill Speed +10%
→ Blood Essence Absorption +3%
Skills: None
Abilities: None
Techniques: None
Equipment: None
Shop Access:
→ Weapon Shop: Grade 1 (Lower)
→ Ability Shop: Grade 1 (Lower)
──────────────────────────────
> [Opening Ability Shop…]
---
🛒 Ability Shop (Grade 1 - Lower)
1. Blood Instinct – 20 EXP
→ Enhances reaction speed and awareness in battle for 30 seconds.
→ Cooldown: 5 minutes.
2. Blood Harden – 25 EXP
→ Temporarily strengthens muscles and defense by 15%.
3. Vital Sense – 15 EXP
→ Allows the user to feel nearby living beings through their life energy.
4. Blood Recovery – 30 EXP
→ Absorbs small amounts of vitality from fallen enemies to heal minor wounds.
Kael studied the options.
Every ability was tempting, but one matched his nature perfectly — fast, calm, and deadly.
> [Purchase Confirmed: Blood Instinct]
[20 EXP deducted.]
[Ability Unlocked — Blood Instinct (Grade 1 - Lower)]
---
⚡ Blood Instinct Activation
A burning sensation flared in his eyes, followed by a rush of energy through his nerves.
The world slowed around him — every sound, every heartbeat became clear and sharp.
> [Ability Active: Blood Instinct — Duration: 30s]
Kael looked at his reflection in a pool of blood.
His irises glowed deep red, his aura faint but fierce.
He exhaled slowly, letting the power fade.
> "So this is instinct…"
His lips curved slightly. "Perfect."
---
🌑 After the Hunt
Kael dragged the bandit leader's axe to a tree and carved a mark —
a single blood-red slash.
It would be the first symbol of his vengeance.
> [New Quest Generated:]
Slay 30 living beings (any race, any type).
Reward: Access to Pill Shop (Grade 1 - Lower) + 50 EXP.
Kael looked at the glowing quest text, then at his bloodstained dagger.
> "More killing… more strength…"
"Then I'll never stop."
The forest wind blew through the silent camp as Kael disappeared into the night,
a shadow walking the thin line between man and monster.
---