The battlefield reeked of blood and death. Kael stood amidst the carnage, his small frame a stark contrast to the brutal scene. The notifications of his level-up and the new resonance of his 'The Reborn' title were still fresh in his mind, but the immediate, pragmatic needs of survival took precedence. Looting the bodies was a grim necessity, but also a potential boon.
First, he addressed the System prompt. "Yes," he thought, opening his character screen.
Name: Kael
Race: Human (Variant: Unknown)
Age: Approx. 8 cycles (Physical)
Status: Normal
Title: The Reborn (Adaptability slightly enhanced in high-stakes situations)
Level: 5 (275/400 XP to Level 6)
Attributes (Base):
Strength (STR): 5Agility (AGI): 4Constitution (CON): 5Intelligence (INT): 10Wisdom (WIS): 8Charisma (CHA): 5
Unspent Attribute Points: 5
Unspent Skill Points: 1
Skills:
Basic Survival (Passive) (Rank F)Resilience (Passive) (Rank F)Keen Mind (Passive) (Rank F)Fire Starting (Active) (Rank F)Basic Crafting (Active) (Rank E)Axe Proficiency (Passive) (Rank E)Stealth (Passive) (Rank E)Bow Proficiency (Passive) (Rank E) (Ready for Rank D upgrade)
He had 5 attribute points. His recent encounters had highlighted the need for both physical resilience and the ability to deal more damage. He decided to bolster his core combat stats.
"Allocate 2 points to Strength."
[2 Attribute Points allocated to STR. New STR: 7.]
"Allocate 2 points to Constitution."
[2 Attribute Points allocated to CON. New CON: 7.]
"Allocate 1 point to Agility."
[1 Attribute Point allocated to AGI. New AGI: 7.]
His new base attributes: STR 7, AGI 7, CON 7, INT 10, WIS 8, CHA 5. A significant boost to his physical capabilities. He felt stronger, faster, tougher.
For his skill point, the choice was clear. His 'Bow Proficiency' was ready for Rank D.
"Allocate 1 skill point to improve 'Bow Proficiency'."
[1 Skill Point allocated. 'Bow Proficiency (Rank E)' has been upgraded to 'Bow Proficiency (Rank D)'.]
[Bow Proficiency (Rank D): Significantly increased accuracy and reload speed. Greatly increased chance to recover arrows. 'Aimed Shot' stamina cost slightly reduced, aiming period slightly reduced. Unlocks ability to craft 'Improved Arrows' (requires appropriate materials and 'Basic Crafting' Rank D or higher). Minor increase to effective bow range.]
Rank D! The benefits were substantial. "Improved Arrows" – that was a future goal.
Character screen closed, Kael cautiously approached the body of the Tribal Chieftain. The man was powerfully built, his leathers surprisingly well-made despite their crude appearance. Kael's eyes scanned for anything of value.
The Chieftain's heavy club lay nearby. Kael picked it up. It was made of a dense, dark wood, with bits of sharpened stone or obsidian embedded in its head.
[System Analysis: Tribal War Club. Quality: Uncommon. Durability: 65/70. Damage: Moderate. Requires STR: 8 (Currently 7 – minor penalty to swing speed and stamina usage if wielded). Special Properties: Concussive Force (Small chance to briefly daze target on headshot).]
Requires STR 8. He was close. It was a better weapon than his stone axe, but he'd incur a penalty for now. He kept it.
Around the Chieftain's neck was the string of animal teeth he'd noticed earlier.
[System Analysis: Trophy Necklace. Quality: Poor. Properties: None (Symbol of status/intimidation within specific tribal cultures).]
Useless to him. He then searched the Chieftain's belt and a small leather pouch attached to it. Inside the pouch, he found:
A piece of dried, unidentifiable meat (he discarded this).Three sharp flint arrowheads, better quality than he could currently make.A small, carved bone whistle.A smooth, dark stone with a faint, almost oily sheen.
"System, analyze whistle and stone."
[System Analysis: Bone Whistle. Quality: Common. Properties: Produces a piercing sound. Used for signaling.]
[System Analysis: Ochre Marking Stone. Quality: Common. Properties: Used for creating ritualistic or camouflage markings on skin or objects. Pigment is non-toxic, long-lasting.]
The arrowheads were a good find. The whistle and marking stone might have uses. He retrieved his own Sylphwing-fletched arrow from the Chieftain's neck, cleaning it as best he could.
Next, the Direhorn Wolf. Its hide was thick and matted with blood.
"System, can this hide be tanned? Any other usable resources?"
[System Analysis: Direhorn Wolf Hide. Quality: Uncommon. Properties: Tough, provides moderate warmth and physical protection. Can be tanned using advanced techniques (requires 'Basic Crafting' Rank C or 'Leatherworking' skill). Horns (2x) can be harvested (crafting material for weapons/armor – requires appropriate tools and skill). Teeth (multiple) can be harvested (minor crafting components). Meat is edible but tough and gamey.]
An uncommon hide, but he couldn't process it effectively yet. He decided to take the horns, if possible. Using his flint knife, he carefully, and with much effort due to their solid attachment, managed to saw off the two short, sharp horns. They were heavy and felt incredibly dense.
[2x Direhorn Wolf Horn obtained.]
He then checked the first spearman, the one mauled by the wolf. He had a crude spear (broken) and nothing else of value. The second spearman, the one who had disappeared into the hollow, was still unaccounted for.
The immediate area was now quiet, save for the buzzing of flies already gathering. Corvus landed on a high branch, letting out a soft caw, as if asking if the danger was truly over.
Kael nodded, more to himself than the crow. The immediate threats were neutralized. He had gained a new level, new skills, and some potentially useful items. But the mystery of the hollow, and the fate of the first spearman, remained. And the "Silent Watchers" were still an unknown.
He needed to be smart about his next move. The scent of blood would attract more scavengers, and possibly worse. He couldn't stay here long.