The forest no longer felt safe. What had once seemed vast and full of possibility now pressed in on him with every rustle, every whisper of movement. He had learned to fly, hunt, and feed—but experience alone would not keep him alive.
He crouched atop a rock, wings partially unfurled, scanning the shadows. The system pulsed quietly.
[Notice: High-level threat detected nearby.]
[Recommendation: Caution advised.]
He froze. His instincts screamed. Something was coming—something larger than the deer or rabbit he had hunted before. Stronger. Smarter. Dangerous.
Then he saw it.
A creature. Towering. Muscular. Covered in black fur that bristled like spines. Eyes glowed crimson in the dim sunlight, and jagged claws dug into the dirt with each step. It sniffed the air, nostrils flaring, then its gaze locked onto him.
[Threat Classification: Monster – Level 5 | Elite]
The dragon hissed, claws scraping the stone. His wings twitched, ready to lift him away. But instinct told him—running alone wouldn't be enough.
The creature let out a low growl, a sound that shook the nearby trees.
[Predator detected. Engaging target may result in injury or death.]
He tilted his head, sizing up the monster. Its movements were deliberate. It was hunting. And he was prey.
Heart racing, he leapt from the rock, claws extended. Air rushed past him as he gained altitude. His prey—no, his enemy—moved faster than he anticipated. It anticipated him, snapping its massive jaws at the trees to force him off balance.
[System Alert: Enemy attack detected.]
[HP risk: Moderate | Skill usage recommended]
He exhaled sharply. Fire.
Flames erupted from his mouth, small and raw, but enough to singe the monster's fur. The creature yelped and recoiled, snapping at the air where the heat had grazed it.
[XP gained: 50 | Skill Progress: Dragon Breath +10% Efficiency]
The first hit bolstered him. Hunger and instinct combined, and he dove, claws slashing. The monster swung a massive paw, sending him crashing into a tree. Pain shot through his side, scales cracking under the impact.
[HP lost: -7 | Current HP: 14/35]
He staggered, wings struggling to keep him aloft. The creature circled, its eyes glowing with intelligence—this was no mindless beast. It wasn't here to hunt blindly. It was testing him, sizing him up.
He roared, frustration and fear mingling in the sound. Flames licked the creature's legs, making it stumble slightly. But it quickly recovered, charging forward.
[Skill Unlocked: Claw Slash (Passive)]
He didn't hesitate. With a swipe of his clawed forelimb, he raked the monster's shoulder. Fur and blood flew, and the creature let out a howl of pain.
[XP gained: 120 | Level 3 → 4 progress: 70%]
Pain, hunger, and adrenaline surged. His senses sharpened. Every movement, every instinct, every reaction felt faster, cleaner, sharper.
The creature lunged again. He rolled midair, avoiding a crushing paw. The system chimed.
[Level Up Available | Confirm to Proceed]
He didn't wait. His claws dug into the dirt mid-flight, and a sudden surge of energy coursed through him. Scales hardened. Wings stretched further. Fire burned hotter.
[Level 4 Achieved | HP +10 | MP +5 | Strength +2 | Agility +2]
The monster hesitated, and he seized the opportunity. A single leap, claws extended, teeth ready, and he landed on its back. He bit down, fire erupting simultaneously from his mouth, scorching its spine. The creature screamed, thrashing wildly, but he held on, every movement instinctive.
Then—finally—the monster collapsed, unconscious.
Silence returned to the forest. Smoke curled from scorched fur. Leaves and dirt littered the clearing.
He fell to the ground, chest heaving. Pain throbbed through his body, but he was alive. Stronger than before.
The system pulsed.
[Enemy defeated: Monster – Level 5 | Elite]
[XP gained: 400 | Level 4 → 5 progress: 40%]
[New Skill Unlocked: Tail Whip | Can knock back targets]
He stared at the fallen creature, chest rising and falling. The thrill of survival, the raw taste of power, pulsed through him. The forest was dangerous. Full of life—and death.
[Notice: Human hunters have been detected nearby. Risk level: High]
He looked toward the horizon. Humans. Monsters. Dragons. The world would not wait for him to grow comfortably.
He clenched his claws.
Then I will grow faster.
Then I will dominate.
The first real challenge was over. But he knew—this was only the beginning.
[Quest Updated: Survive | Hunt | Gain Power | Evolve | Avoid Humans]
The dragon spread his wings, eyes glinting gold. He had survived his first true threat. Next time… he wouldn't just survive. He would crush his enemies before they even knew he existed