Chapter 5: First Hunt in the Forest
While Fate and Isaac walked toward the Forest of the Hidden Beasts, the atmosphere gradually grew heavier. The trees thickened, sunlight barely piercing through the dense canopy, and the sound of distant creatures echoed faintly.
Isaac glanced at Fate and spoke in a calm, advising tone.
"Young master, I recommend that you check your available skills and passives. Knowing their effects beforehand will help you prepare for combat."
Fate nodded in agreement.
"You're right."
Closing his eyes for a moment, Fate focused his consciousness inward. A familiar translucent window appeared before him.
(Status Window)
Skill: Dragon Eyes (Active)
Rank: Rare
– Eyes that grant perception beyond mortal limits. Allows the user to view names, skills, and basic information of targets. Can also see through illusions.
Passive: Mana Circuits
Rank: Uncommon
– Improves mana control and increases efficiency when using mana.
Fate carefully read through each description. Though his abilities were few, they were clearly powerful. Dragon Eyes, in particular, gave him confidence. Information was often the difference between life and death in battle.
"I think I understand how to use them now," Fate said quietly.
Isaac gave a small nod. "Good. Preparation is key."
Not long after, the two reached their destination. Without hesitation, they ventured deeper into the forest, alert and cautious, hoping to encounter wild beasts for Fate's growth.
"Young master," Isaac warned softly, "be mindful of your surroundings."
"Got it."
Fate's hand tightened around the hilt of his sword.
Suddenly—
Rustle!
A large boar burst out from the bushes.
In an instant, Fate unsheathed his sword while Isaac pulled out two daggers. The two assumed combat stances without hesitation.
Fate immediately activated his skill.
(Dragon Eyes)
Name: Wild Boar
Skills: Charge, Strengthen Hide
Basic Info:
Wild boars are driven primarily by instinct. Their hide becomes extremely tough when Strengthen Hide is active, making them difficult to injure. They usually attack in a straight line.
"Young master!" Isaac shouted. "Be careful—it's going to charge!"
As if on cue, the wild boar lowered its head and rushed forward with terrifying speed.
Fate and Isaac swiftly dodged to the side. The boar skidded forward, momentarily losing balance as it tried to slow itself down.
"That's my chance!"
Fate lunged forward. Before the boar could activate Strengthen Hide, Fate slashed cleanly across its body.
The wild boar collapsed instantly.
A mechanical voice echoed in Fate's mind.
[You have defeated Wild Boar.]
[Experience acquired.]
[Level Up!]
Fate felt warmth surge through his body.
"I leveled up…"
Another window appeared.
[You have reached Level 2.]
[Stat Points Available: 3]
"I have three stat points."
After brief consideration, Fate allocated all three points into Agility.
(Status Window)
Name: Fate Kindspring
Race: Dragon (Crystal Dragon)
Level: 2
Skill: Dragon Eyes
Passive: Mana Circuits
Unique Skill: Unawakened
Stats:
Strength: 11 (Colorless)
Agility: 14 (Colorless)
Endurance: 11 (Colorless)
Intelligence: 11 (Colorless)
Mana: 21 (Colorless)
"All my stats increased by one," Fate said happily.
Isaac smiled faintly. "That is good, young master. Let us continue the hunt."
"Alright."
For the next ten hours, the two hunted continuously. Giant wolves, wild boars, and predatory birds fell one after another. Fate's movements grew sharper, his sword swings more precise.
By the time they stopped, Fate had changed dramatically.
(Status Window)
Name: Fate Kindspring
Race: Dragon (Crystal Dragon)
Level: 20
Class: None
Skills:
– Dragon Eyes
– Sword Slash
– Unsheath
– Quick Step
Passives:
– Mana Circuits
– Pain Resistance
Unique Skill: Unawakened
Stats:
Strength: 40 (Colorless)
Agility: 50 (Colorless)
Endurance: 40 (Colorless)
Intelligence: 40 (Colorless)
Mana: 45 (Colorless)
"I'll distribute all my remaining stat points evenly—except for Agility and Mana," Fate said, adjusting his stats accordingly.
After finishing, he turned to Isaac with curiosity.
"By the way, Isaac… what level are you?"
Isaac replied calmly, as if it were nothing noteworthy.
"My level is 227, young master. My class is Shadow Assassin."
"…227?"
Fate froze.
"You're far stronger than I imagined."
"You flatter me, young master," Isaac replied politely.
Just as they continued walking—
Boom!
A massive figure suddenly appeared, wielding a huge axe. The monster swung its weapon downward with brutal force.
Fate barely reacted in time.
Isaac instantly grabbed Fate and pulled him back. The axe smashed into the ground where Fate had been standing moments earlier.
"Young master, stay behind me," Isaac said sharply.
He stared at the monster. "What is an orc doing alone in this forest?"
Fate activated his skill once more.
(Dragon Eyes!)
Name: Warrior Orc
Skills: Axe Swing, Battle Cry, Smash
Basic Info:
Orc warriors are formidable humanoid monsters. They possess intelligence and follow a code of honor.
Facing the orc, Fate quickly formed a plan.
"Isaac, I have an idea."
He explained in detail: Isaac would draw the orc's attention while Fate circled behind it. Once Isaac locked it in combat, Fate would strike from behind and sever its neck.
"What a fine plan, young master," Isaac said. "Leave drawing its attention to me."
Isaac picked up a small pebble and Fate quietly began circling around the battlefield.
The hunt was far from over.
End of Chapter 5
Please wait for more chapters.