The toxic zone was a desolate wasteland. The air was a sickly yellow, and the ground was covered in a fine, white dust that burned the skin. Jiang Yuan and Li Na moved quickly, their eyes watering, their lungs burning.
[Danger detected: 13 meters ahead. Hostile entity: "Toxic Wraith." Weak point: core in the chest. The entity is highly resistant to physical damage.]
The Toxic Wraith emerged from the mist, its body a swirling mass of toxic gas and exposed bone. It moved with a ghostly grace, its touch burning through Jiang Yuan's t-shirt.
He used his Danger Prediction to dodge, then struck the creature's core with the crowbar. The blade bit in, and the Wraith screeched, its body dissolving into a cloud of toxic gas.
[Evolution points +40. Total: 170.]
[Level Up! Host has reached Level 3. Danger Prediction range increased to 20 meters. Wall Climb duration extended.]
The level up was a relief. Jiang Yuan's strength returned, and his lungs felt clearer. He helped Li Na to her feet, and they continued through the toxic zone.
When they emerged, the next beacon was in sight—a red light on top of a hospital.