Dawn crept slowly through the forest canopy.
Mist rolled between the trees like breath from sleeping giants.
Kael crouched over a wolf's corpse, his crimson dagger dripping.
The system chimed softly in his mind.
> [+5 EXP Gained]
[Spiritual Energy Absorbed +3 EXP]
He exhaled. Warmth flooded his chest; his aura pulsed brighter.
Every kill now carried more energy than before—his dagger drank the beasts dry.
Hunt of the Beasts
For hours he moved through the forest, silent as wind.
Each strike was guided by Blood Instinct—his first ability.
He felt danger before it appeared, heard every heartbeat in range.
Wild boars. Dire wolves. Even a low-rank horned lizard.
> [+6 EXP]
[+4 EXP (energy absorption)]
[Current EXP: 122 / 200]
Kael paused to rest beside a tree. His dagger glowed faintly—saturated with blood essence.
> "Almost enough to break through…"
System Notification
> [Quest: Slay 30 Living Beings]
Progress: 29 / 30
Reward: Unlock Pill Shop (Grade 1 – Lower) + 50 EXP
He stood again, eyes narrowing as a final target appeared—a Stone-Fang Boar, its hide thick and tusks sharp.
A dangerous prey for a beginner.
Kael activated Blood Instinct. The world slowed.
He dodged left, rolled under its tusks, and drove the dagger up into its throat.
Blood sprayed; crimson light surged around him.
> [+8 EXP Gained]
[+5 EXP (energy absorption)]
[Quest Completed — Unlocking Pill Shop]
His body shook as a surge of power exploded inside him.
> [Level Up Detected]
[Cultivation Level: Beginner (Lower) → Beginner (Middle)]
Lightning-like energy coursed through his meridians.
Muscles tightened. Breath steadied.
Even the air felt lighter around him.
Kael looked at his hands—steady, cold, powerful.
"I can feel it… the difference."
System Update
──────────────────────────────
Blood Reaper System
Name: Kael
Cultivation Level: Beginner (Middle)
EXP: 185 / 300
EXP Storage: 0
Weapon: Rusted Blood Dagger (Grade 1 – Lower)
→ Kill Speed +10%
→ Blood Absorption +3%
Ability: Blood Instinct (Grade 1 – Lower)
→ Battle awareness boost for 30 s
Shop Access:
→ Weapon Shop (Grade 1 – Lower)
→ Ability Shop (Grade 1 – Lower)
→ Pill Shop (Grade 1 – Lower)
──────────────────────────────
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Opening Pill Shop (Grade 1 – Lower)
1. Vitality Pill – 5 EXP
Restores minor stamina and +2 EXP on consumption.
2. Blood Condensation Pill – 15 EXP
Refines blood essence within body; grants +10 EXP and strength +5%.
3. Energy Refining Pill – 25 EXP
Expands spiritual channels; absorbs ambient energy faster (+3 EXP passive/hour).
4. Bone Fortifying Pill – 40 EXP
Temporarily reinforces bones and endurance; +20 EXP.
Kael studied the glowing list. He had 185 EXP.
He needed both power and growth speed.
> [Purchase Confirmed: Energy Refining Pill – 25 EXP]
[Item Received.]
He swallowed the pill; warmth flooded his body.
Every breath pulled in faint strands of spiritual energy from the air.
> [Passive Effect Activated: Energy Absorption +3 EXP/hour]
[+10 EXP Granted.]
He could feel his blood refining itself, his veins glowing faintly beneath his skin.
> "With this, I can grow faster… hunt stronger prey."
Next Objective
> [New Quest Generated:]
Reach 1000 EXP total.
Reward: Access to Grade 1 (Middle) Shop Tier + Title 'Blood Apprentice'.
Kael sheathed his dagger and looked toward the distant mountains.
Stronger beasts awaited there—and so did stronger energy.
> "From commoner to reaper… the climb starts now."
He stepped into the mist once more, his crimson aura flaring softly behind him—
a promise that every drop of blood spilled would carry him higher.