Chapter 4: The First Hunt

The sun had barely risen, casting a pale, golden hue across the forest, when Ling Yi and Xia Yan set out once more. The night had passed without incident, but the silence had been unnerving. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig had kept them on edge, reminding them of the dangers lurking just beyond their small clearing. Now, as they ventured deeper into the forest, Ling Yi's thoughts were focused on their immediate needs: food, supplies, and the possibility of encountering other players or creatures.

"We need to be careful," Ling Yi said, his voice low as they navigated through the dense underbrush. "This area is likely teeming with both monsters and other players. We can't afford to be reckless."

Xia Yan nodded, her expression serious. She had spent the morning practicing with the small dagger Ling Yi had given her, but it was clear she was still getting used to the idea of fighting. Despite her fears, Ling Yi could see a spark of determination in her eyes—she was willing to do whatever it took to survive.

They moved cautiously, Ling Yi leading the way with his enhanced senses on high alert. The forest was alive with the sounds of wildlife, but there was an underlying tension in the air, as if the very trees were holding their breath, waiting for something to happen.

Suddenly, Ling Yi froze, holding up a hand to signal Xia Yan to stop. She immediately halted, her eyes scanning the area for any sign of danger.

Ling Yi crouched low, his eyes narrowing as he focused on a patch of undergrowth about fifty meters ahead. He had heard something—a faint rustling, followed by the distinct sound of claws scraping against wood. Whatever it was, it was large, and it was moving toward them.

"Stay close," he whispered to Xia Yan, his hand moving to the hilt of the Razor Fang Dagger. "We're not alone."

They both tensed as the rustling grew louder, the creature slowly making its way through the underbrush. Ling Yi could feel his heart rate increasing, his senses sharpening as adrenaline began to flood his system. He knew they would have to act quickly, or they could easily become prey to whatever was approaching.

The bushes ahead suddenly parted, revealing a massive, wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes and fur that bristled like needles. It was larger than any wolf Ling Yi had ever seen, its muscles rippling beneath its dark fur as it stalked forward, its lips curled back to reveal rows of sharp, yellowed teeth.

Beast Identified: Nightshade Wolf

Level: 15

Abilities: Enhanced Speed, Stealth, Poisonous Bite

Threat Level: High

Ling Yi quickly analyzed the information presented by the system. The Nightshade Wolf was fast, deadly, and had a venomous bite that could prove fatal if they weren't careful. They had to strike first, and they had to strike hard.

"Get ready," Ling Yi whispered, tightening his grip on the dagger. "We'll need to hit it before it gets too close."

Xia Yan nodded, though her hands trembled slightly as she held her own weapon. Ling Yi could see the fear in her eyes, but he also saw her resolve. She wasn't going to back down.

The wolf growled low in its throat, its eyes locked on them as it prepared to pounce. Ling Yi knew they had only seconds to act.

"Now!" Ling Yi shouted, charging forward with the Razor Fang Dagger in hand.

The wolf sprang at the same moment, its powerful legs propelling it toward them with lightning speed. But Ling Yi was faster, his reflexes honed by his training and the enhancements from the Super Mutation System. He sidestepped the wolf's initial attack, slashing at its side with the dagger. The blade bit deep into the creature's flesh, drawing a spray of dark blood.

The wolf howled in pain, its momentum carrying it past Ling Yi as it landed heavily on the ground. But it was far from defeated. It turned with a snarl, blood dripping from its wound, and lunged again, its jaws snapping at Ling Yi's throat.

Ling Yi dodged to the side, but the wolf was relentless, its claws slashing out and catching his arm. Pain shot through him as the claws tore through his flesh, but he gritted his teeth and fought through it. He couldn't afford to be distracted by the pain—not when his life was on the line.

Xia Yan, seeing her moment, moved in from the side. She swung her dagger at the wolf's hind leg, managing to land a glancing blow that caused the creature to stumble. It wasn't much, but it was enough to throw the wolf off balance, giving Ling Yi the opening he needed.

With a swift, decisive motion, Ling Yi drove the Razor Fang Dagger into the wolf's neck, twisting the blade as it pierced through muscle and bone. The wolf let out one final, gurgling snarl before collapsing to the ground, its body convulsing as life left its eyes.

Ling Yi pulled the dagger free, panting heavily as he wiped the blood from the blade. His arm throbbed with pain, but he ignored it, focusing instead on the fallen creature before them.

Nightshade Wolf Defeated!

Experience Gained: 300

Loot: Nightshade Pelt, Wolf's Fang, Poison Sac