The Dark Forest felt quieter than before.
Every shadow seemed to move. Every root seemed to lurk. But this time, Kael walked without trembling. His body was still weak, but his gaze had changed—calm, focused, and calculating.
The Spirit Devourer—Nephras—hovered beside him, a thin, dark mist invisible to other creatures.
"Kael," Nephras's voice echoed softly, "I know what you're planning. You want to test your body's new limits."
Kael nodded slowly.
"I won't last long if I don't start fighting. Level 2 isn't enough to survive in a place like this."
Nephras laughed softly. "True. If you stay like this, you'll die. But you… are different. You can improve."
Kael didn't respond, his steps continuing forward. Heavy, but steady.
He had already marked this area before—a breeding ground for low-level monsters. His first target wouldn't be anything major. He wasn't an idiot who would immediately challenge a Wolf or a Shadowbeast.
Today, his first target was…
Bloodtail Rabbits.
It may look cute, but this type of monster is a swift hunter with razor-sharp teeth and a barbed tail containing a weak poison.
Great for training.
Great for evolution.
Kael stopped when the sound of rustling leaves was heard. He crouched down and peeked out from behind a giant root.
Ahead, a maroon rabbit with pitch-black eyes was gnawing on a dead bird.
[Bloodtail Rabbit — Level 3]
Just as he had hoped.
Kael took a breath. His heart was pounding, but this time not from fear… but from anticipation.
"Don't rush," Nephras whispered. "Attack while he's distracted. Use your skill."
Kael nodded, then called up the system screen.
[Skill: Shadow Dash (Lv. 1)]
A swift movement based on the darkness element. Increases speed by 40% for a short time.
This skill he acquired when consuming the energy of a small Shadow Serpent in the Deep River. It wasn't powerful, but it was enough for that damn rabbit.
Kael twisted, held his breath, and then—
Shhh—
He took off.
Shadow Dash released a thin trail of black mist at his feet, making his body move faster than usual.
The Bloodtail Rabbit turned, but it was too late.
Kael struck it with the rock he had chosen as a weapon.
Crack!
The monster bounced, sent flying. But the rabbit growled, not dying immediately. It was strong.
"Now back off!" Nephras shouted.
Kael immediately jumped back. At that moment, the monster's tail shot out like a whip.
Whip!
The tree trunk behind Kael was deeply cut. If it had hit his neck—Kael would have been dead.
The monster struck again, bouncing at a frantic speed. Kael twisted, ducked, and swung the rock to the side.
Crack—Crack!
A loud crash rang out. The rock in Kael's hand shattered, but the rabbit's teeth were partially broken as well.
"Now! Finish it!"
Kael lifted the last piece of rock and—
Blaaag!
He smashed it into the monster's head with all his strength.
The rabbit fell, dead.
Kael gasped for breath. His knees were shaking slightly, but he smiled faintly.
"…I win."
Nephras hissed in satisfaction. "Good. Now eat."
Kael placed his hand on the monster's body.
[Devour]
Red-black energy flowed, entering Kael's body like hot smoke.
[You have devoured: Bloodtail Rabbit]
[Processing energy…]
[Stats converted → +2 Agility, +1 Vitality]
[Skill fragment obtained: Blood Rush]
[Level Up!]
[Level: 3 → 4]
Kael's body trembled. It felt like all his muscles were tightening, strengthening.
Kael clenched his fists. "This is… amazing."
The increase in Agility made his body feel lighter. Vitality increased his endurance. He had truly changed.
Suddenly, another notification appeared.
[Skill Fragment: Blood Rush x1]
Skill Requirement: 3 Fragments
Progress: 1/3]
"If you collect three fragments, the skill will activate," Nephras explained. "There are plenty of Bloodtail Rabbits around here. You can farm them."
Kael nodded.
Today, he wouldn't just be fighting one.
He would be hunting many.
Two hours passed.
Kael now stood amidst a pile of seven dead Bloodtail Rabbits. His breath was labored, his body covered in wounds, but his eyes were shining.
[Level Up!]
[Level: 4 → 6]
[Stats gained → +6 Agility, +4 Vitality, +1 Strength]
[Skill Unlocked: Blood Rush (Lv.1)]
[Blood Rush (Lv.1)]
Pumps the user's blood to increase strength and speed by 20% for 10 seconds.
Side effects: increased heart rate, faster stamina depletion.
Kael smiled slightly. "I can feel the difference... my body is faster, and stronger."
Nephras nodded from behind the mist. "That's just the beginning."
The sky was beginning to darken. Dusk cast a blood-red hue among the giant trees.
Kael gazed deep into the forest.
"Nephras."
"Yes?"
"...I want to fight stronger monsters."
Nephras laughed, his voice like an echo from another world. "Those words… are truly good for a Devourer."
Kael clenched his fists. "I don't want to be a burden anymore. Not to everyone who laughs at me, not to myself."
"You want to prove yourself?" Nephras asked.
Kael answered without hesitation:
"No. I want to grow."
Nephras paused for a moment—then smiled.
"Very well, Kael. In that case…"
The mist creature pointed eastward, toward a much darker part of the forest.
"There's a Dire Wolf there. Level 12. Much stronger than you."
Kael took a breath.
He stood.
Then he said:
"Then let's begin."
That night, Kael was no longer the prey.
He became the hunter.