[Skill Name]: Aura Release
[Type]: Passive / Active Control Skill
[Description]: Allows the host to release their aura, forming an oppressive presence capable of intimidating weaker enemies, suppressing low-level magic beasts, and weakening targets with inferior willpower or lower levels.
[System notification: Aura strength increases with level, attributes, and killing intent.]
What? A new skill
Zayen was ecstatic, and he eagerly activated it, wanting to see what changes there were.
Zayen's pupils contracted slightly.
A new skill …?
As soon as the system notification faded, Zayen felt a subtle yet terrifying change within him.
With just a thought, an invisible pressure suddenly exploded outward from his body, causing the surrounding air to grow heavy. The nearby Flamehorn Black Sheep corpses seemed to shrink under that formless oppression.
Before he could fully savor it, another message appeared.
[System Notification]
[Now that player has reached Level 5, Level 1 Magic Beasts will no longer grant experience.]
[Experience gained from Magic Beasts below Level 5 has been reduced.]
[Full experience will now only be granted from Level 5 Magic Beasts or higher.]
Zayen was left momentarily stunned by the sudden system notification.
In an instant, he understood the system's intent.
The weak were no longer worth hunting.
From now on, killing low-level magic beasts would be nothing more than a waste of time. If he wanted to grow stronger, truly stronger, he would have to challenge enemies at his own level—or above it.
The path ahead had just become far more dangerous.
Howl!
A series of sharp howls suddenly echoed through the forest around Zayen.
The sound grew closer and closer.
Moments later, five Level 3 Shadowfang Wolves emerged from the shadows ahead, their dark figures weaving between the trees.
It was clear they had been drawn here by the earlier commotion, hoping to take advantage of the chaos.
"Good timing."
Instead of panic, delight flickered across Zayen's eyes.
He had just unlocked a new skill and was searching for a chance to test it. These Shadowfang Wolves had practically delivered themselves to him.
The moment the wolves spotted the corpses of the Flamehorn Black Sheep on the ground, their eyes lit up with greed.
Sheep-type magic beasts were among the best prey for wolves.
However, when their gazes shifted to Zayen standing beside the bodies, their expressions instantly changed.
Low growls rumbled from their throats.
Sharp fangs were bared.
Without hesitation, the five Shadowfang Wolves lowered their bodies and charged straight toward Zayen.
Zayen didn't react at all when he saw the five Shadowfang Wolves charging toward him.
He simply stood there, expression indifferent, waiting for Shadowfang Wolves to draw closer.
When the Shadowfang Wolves closed to within a few meters, one of them suddenly leapt forward.
Its jaws split wide, fangs gleaming as it aimed straight for Zayen's throat.
But the next second.
Boom!
In the very next instant, an invisible pressure exploded outward from Zayen's body.
The air itself seemed to collapse, and a terrifying aura surged forth like an unseen tidal wave, slamming violently into the charging wolves—
The moment that invisible pressure erupted, the world around Zayen seemed to fall silent.
Boom—!
The leaping Shadowfang Wolf was slammed mid-air as if struck by an invisible mountain. Its body twisted unnaturally before crashing into the ground with a deafening thud, bones shattering on impact.
The remaining four Shadowfang Wolves froze instantly.
Their pupils shrank to pinpoints.
As an overwhelming fear surged from deep within their bloodlines, drowning out all ferocity and hunger.
Before they could even react—
Bang!
All four of them were slammed into the ground in the next second, their bodies pressed flat against the earth, unable to move.
Looking at the five Shadowfang Wolves pinned to the ground, Zayen felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
With a simple wave of his hand, five golden swords materialized out of thin air. In an instant, they shot toward the five Shadowfang Wolves, piercing their bodies with deadly precision. In a matter of seconds, all five beasts lay motionless on the ground.
[Congratulations, Host. You have killed a level 4 magic beast: the Shadowfang Wolf.
Experience +10.]
[Congratulations, Host. You have killed a level 4 magic beast: the Shadowfang Wolf.
Experience +10.]
[Congratulations, Host. You have killed a level 4 magic beast: the Shadowfang Wolf.
Experience +10.]
[Congratulations, Host. You have killed a level 4 magic beast: the Shadowfang Wolf.
Experience +10.]
[Congratulations, Host. You have killed a level 4 magic beast: the Shadowfang Wolf.
Experience +10.]
"Huh… the experience points from killing a Level 4 magic beast have been reduced." Zayen muttered, frowning at the disappointing number.
"This is clearly trying to force me deeper into the forest, to hunt higher-level magic beasts," he added, a hint of determination flickering in his eyes.
At this moment, the mysterious voice Zayen had heard when he first got teleported here echoed once more throughout the forest.
[Congratulations to all who have survived the first day in the Endless Forest. You have all proven your strength and perseverance. As a reward, each survivor receives an increase of 10 points in Attack, Defense, and Speed.]
As soon as the voice finishes speaking, a golden light suddenly envelops Zayen's whole body, and after a breathless moment, the golden light fades away.
Zayen He felt a sudden surge of power coursing through his body, his muscles tensing as his senses became even more sharpened.
[System Notification]
Attack +10 | Defense +10 | Speed +10
At this moment the voice continued again.
"Secondly, three special monsters will now be released into the Endless Forest. Those who defeat these special monsters will receive double experience points and unique rewards beyond ordinary measures. Beware, for these creatures are far stronger than the usual inhabitants of this forest."
"Special Magic Beasts? Double experience points? Unique rewards beyond ordinary measures?"
Hearing this, a look of pure joy immediately appeared on Zayen's face.
Isn't this exactly what he wanted? If he defeated a special monster, not only would he gain double experience points, but he would also obtain a unique reward—something far beyond what normal magic beasts could offer.
A sudden question appeared in Zayen's mind.