The forest surrounding the tribe was alive. Birds flitted between branches, leaves rustled in the wind, and the scent of earth and wild beasts filled the air. But for Lyra, there was no serenity — only danger.
"Your next trial," the chief announced, "is the Hunt Trial. Each young adult must track and capture a wild beast, alive or subdued. Only the skilled will survive. Failure will mean exile."
Lyra's stomach dropped. Exile. Death in the apocalypse had been merciful compared to that thought.
The system's calm voice echoed in her mind:
[Objective: Hunt and capture a beast. Reward: Strength +3, Agility +2, Beast Form Mastery Beginner]
[Failure: Host Death Probability 50%]
Lyra swallowed hard. She had barely managed a boulder yesterday. Now, she had to survive a real hunt in a forest filled with predators.
The whistle blew.
Warriors disappeared into the dense woods with ease — agile, swift, confident. Lyra stumbled after them. Her new body was still awkward. Her heavy legs sank in soft soil. Her arms ached. Her heart raced.
Then she heard it: a low growl.
A wolf-like beast emerged from the underbrush. Its eyes glowed red, teeth bared, claws digging into the dirt. Lyra froze, the rope she had been given trembling in her hands.
The wolf charged.
Lyra flinched — but instinct kicked in. She rolled sideways, narrowly avoiding the snap of massive jaws. Her palms scraped the earth. Dirt filled her eyes. She wiped them frantically and stared at the beast.
It was fast. Too fast.
Her first thought: run.
Her second thought, fueled by the system: survive.
[Mini Skill Available: Strength Burst (Beginner)]
Lyra clenched her fists, summoning the surge of power again. Her arms trembled, her legs quaked, but she gripped the rope tighter.
With a deep breath, she lunged toward the beast, looping the rope around its neck with clumsy, desperate movements. The wolf yipped and struggled, claws tearing at the earth.
"Come on… you can do this…" she muttered, teeth gritted.
Suddenly, a shadow flickered in the trees.
Kael.
He landed effortlessly on the forest floor, golden eyes fixed on the struggling beast. With a swift movement, he intercepted the creature, pinning it with one hand while giving Lyra a sharp look.
"Step aside," he said, voice cold, yet not unkind. "I'll handle this."
Lyra froze, cheeks burning. Relief and frustration battled inside her. She had wanted to prove herself — but now he was here, making it easier.
"I… I can manage!" she snapped, trying to assert herself.
Kael smirked. "Sure. Let's see how much you've really improved."
The beast lunged again, claws scratching the earth. Lyra and Kael worked together. Her newly acquired Strength Burst allowed her to hold the rope steady, while Kael used his speed and precision to control the creature.
Step by step, they subdued it.
By the time the wolf collapsed, panting, Lyra's arms ached, sweat and dirt caked her skin, and her chest heaved. But she had survived.
The familiar chime sounded:
[Hunt Trial Complete]
[Strength +3, Agility +2]
[Beast Form Mastery: Beginner → Level 1]
[Relationship Update: Kael → Hostile Curiosity (-10) → Tentative Respect (0)]
Lyra blinked at the system. "Tentative respect? He… he respected me?"
Kael's golden eyes met hers. The sharp annoyance had softened slightly — a flicker of acknowledgment, almost admiration. Lyra's heart raced, though she wouldn't admit it even to herself.
The tribe cheered as Lyra and Kael returned with the captured beast. Whispers traveled through the crowd:
"She… survived."
"Not bad for the useless one."
Lyra ignored them. Her muscles screamed, her body was filthy, but she stood taller than she had ever stood before.
Kael gave her a sideways glance. "You did well… for a beginner."
Lyra narrowed her eyes. "Beginner? Ha. Don't underestimate me again."
The tension between them crackled — part irritation, part admiration, part challenge. It was the first step toward something neither of them fully understood: respect… and maybe something more.
---
The forest smelled like wet earth and opportunity. Lyra wiped her hands, feeling the weight of her progress. She had survived another trial, faced real danger, and unlocked new skills.
This life wasn't the apocalypse, but it was harsh, and she would not fail.
Her claws, her muscles, her beast inside — all ready.
She would rise.
And Kael…
he would have to watch.