Tibbers, a creature resembling a bear, loomed before Riku, its presence far more terrifying than any ordinary forest predator. Its deep brown fur bristled, accented by patches of crimson along its chest and arms. In this realm, Tibbers was more than a brute; it wielded a skill called [Burning Fire], able to channel the mana coursing through its body into devastating strikes.
The monster also possessed two basic abilities: [Bite] and [Claws].
[Bite] – If Tibbers closed within four meters of its target, it could sink its sharp fangs in, capable of shattering the bones of an ordinary human.
[Claws] – With its long arms, Tibbers could slash at its opponents with razor-sharp claws, covering a wide range in a single swing.
When Tibbers grew tired or its strength faltered, it would revert from its monstrous form, creating a critical window for Riku to strike without restraint.
Where did Riku know all this? His system hadn't given him the information. Instead, he had poured hours into researching monsters, reading every available article, studying statistics, watching anime, and dissecting dungeon data. Every bit of knowledge was a tool for becoming a stronger mutant. In a sense, he had turned himself into a devoted "Otaku" of the supernatural and monstrous alike.
Swish!
Riku rolled across the ground, narrowly avoiding the sweeping claws of Tibbers. He sprang to his feet, putting twelve meters of distance between himself and the monster.
"Gah... this thing is tough. I can't let my guard down for a second."
If the battle turned against him, he reminded himself he could always use [Fly] to gain some breathing room and rethink his strategy.
Master Riku, if you face a powerful enemy, use your speed to your advantage. Stay sharp and think one step ahead. No attack can touch you if you keep your wits about you, Haru's advice echoed in his mind.
The words of his loyal butler brought a faint smile to Riku's face, even in the face of imminent danger. Haru's guidance had always grounded him, and now it gave him a sense of calm amid chaos.
Adopting a ready stance, Riku braced himself, aware that Tibbers could strike at any moment.
Swoosh!
As expected, the monster lunged, its massive claws arcing toward Riku with lethal precision. The heat radiating from its body was almost tangible.
Swish!
With barely four seconds to spare, Riku ducked and sidestepped to the right, narrowly evading the brutal strike. The monster's arm remained extended, leaving it vulnerable.
Seizing the opening, Riku closed the distance in a heartbeat and drove a powerful knee into its side, catching Tibbers off guard.
Thud!
[-7 damage from the monster]
Suddenly, Riku realized he could see the monster's health—and his own—displayed before him.
[Tibber's HP: 93/100]
[Riku Hirota HP: 100/100]
He couldn't quite pinpoint why his perspective had shifted, but one thing was clear: the game system had become his lifeline in this unforgiving place.
This newfound advantage made survival feel far more attainable. By observing the HP of both himself and his opponents, he could calculate the perfect moments to strike or retreat, turning raw instinct into strategy.
Thud!
Yet, his powerful knee strike barely fazed Tibbers. The monster didn't flinch or emit a sound.
Swoosh!
It shifted its head, locking its piercing gaze onto him. Frustration boiled within Riku. The limitations of his newly inherited Dark Crow genes were glaring—he lacked the precision to exploit the monster's weaknesses effectively.
It almost felt as if the beast was taunting him, a cruel grin etched into its wild expression. Riku refused to be intimidated.
"Tch! Don't think your tricks will work on me."
He stayed focused, calculating every move. Each attack dealt -7 damage, which meant he would need fourteen hits to defeat the creature. But if he could identify and target its vital points, the battle could turn in his favor much sooner.
Swoosh!
From fifteen meters away, the level 1 Tibber monster charged again. Each step pounded the earth, sending hairline cracks radiating outward from its massive frame.
Riku studied its movements carefully, keeping his composure. Observation and patience were his most vital weapons against this aggressive foe.
[Claw]
Predicting the attack, Riku rolled aside with practiced precision. But Tibber, surprisingly cunning, countered with [Bite], snapping its fangs toward him in an attempt to catch him off guard.
A smirk tugged at Riku's lips. Leaping back six meters, he landed safely beyond its reach. The Dark Crow genes he'd inherited granted him an agility that made dodging under pressure second nature.
Clang!
The monster's teeth met with his own reinforced strike, producing a metallic clang. Its fangs were nearly as hard as steel.
Wasting no time, Riku rushed forward, delivering a swift left-handed blow to the monster's exposed head.
Thud! Thud!
Two precise punches landed solidly, shaking the creature's skull. "Tsk, you're no easy opponent, Tibber," he muttered, acknowledging its strength.
-9
-9
[Tibber HP: 75/100]
Targeting its vital points made critical hits routine. Ten perfect strikes and the monster would be defeated.
Swoosh!
The Tibber staggered slightly, leaving an opening. Riku seized the moment, closing the distance in an instant. A punch to its abdomen landed with unyielding force.
Thud!
Rawr!
The monster groaned in pain, its frustration palpable. Riku's thoughts sharpened. He had to keep up the pressure before the beast went berserk. One mistake could trigger its passive skill, and that could change everything.
-2
Riku flinched as he realized he had taken minor damage without the monster launching an overt attack.
[HP: 98/100]
"Minus two HP just for hitting it?" he muttered, pausing to wipe the sweat trickling down his temple. "Tsk... that's it. Whenever my punch lands on its heated body, I end up hurting myself."
Thud! Thud! Thud!
In just forty-five seconds, Riku had landed five precise blows, each one costing him two HP.
[HP: 96/100]
The Tibber's feral form began to recede, its monstrous presence shrinking back into a more ordinary bear-like shape. A smirk crossed Riku's face—now, finally, he could deal meaningful damage.
A flurry of kicks and punches followed, each strike more deliberate than the last. Eventually, the Tibber collapsed, motionless.
Huff... Huff... Huff...
Riku staggered forward, exhaustion weighing on him. His breathing was heavy, and each step reminded him that his stamina still had a long way to go.
"This... this monster is still alive. I need to finish it," he muttered, scanning the fallen creature for a way to end the fight.
His eyes landed on its razor-sharp claws. Gritting his teeth, he summoned all his strength to lift one massive limb.
"Damn it! Why is my body so weak?" he groaned.
Swish!
With sheer determination, Riku drove the claw toward the Tibber's heart. Straining every muscle, he forced the monster's arm downward, finally piercing its heart. The creature's life ended in an instant.
[You've received 12 EXP for killing the Tibber!]
A blue notification screen flickered into existence. Exhausted, Riku collapsed beneath the shade of a towering tree, letting the news wash over him.
"Ugh... how can I make this body stronger?" he muttered.
Ding!
The system immediately offered guidance.
[To enhance your fitness, follow this daily regimen!]
• Progress: 100 push-ups (0/100)
• Progress: 150 sit-ups (0/150)
• Progress: 100 punches (15/100)
• Progress: 100 kicks (7/100)
• Progress: 10 km run (0/10 km)
Rewards:
+5 Fitness
+3 Physical Strength
Riku groaned. "Daily quests now? Just reading this makes me tired..."
In his mind, he recalled the consequences from his gaming days: failing daily quests in XR Online carried penalties.
[Please complete the daily quest! Failure may result in placement in the Velle zone.]
He clenched his fists. "I don't have a choice. I've come this far—I can't waste my progress."
Rising slowly, he stepped carefully over Tibber's lifeless body. This battle had been brutal, but it was also an opportunity. Perhaps this monster held the key to unlocking a new attack skill.
[Would you like to use the [Manifest] skill? Yes/No]
Riku whispered firmly in his mind: "Yes."
[Manifest!]