Screwed

As Kaden snapped back to reality, his eyes widened in shock. In front of him were a pair of predatory eyes, gleaming with malevolent intent. The face of the vulture stared back at him, a vulture with a more monstrous face and two twisted horns on its head.

The mutated bird did not give him a chance to respond and directly snapped at his thigh that was sticking outside the protective barrier. 

Pain shot through Kaden's body as the vulture's serrated beak clamped down, tearing into his flesh. He gritted his teeth to stifle a scream, his hand instinctively thrusting the broken spear toward the monstrous bird. 

The jagged weapon struck true, raking across the creature's twisted neck, but it wasn't enough to dislodge the beast.

Blood seeped from his wound as Kaden stumbled backward, dragging the vulture partially through the barrier. To his relief, the shimmering veil flared brightly, its energy reacting violently to the presence of the mutated intruder. 

The bird screeched in agony, releasing his thigh and flapping its wings desperately as the barrier's protective magic burned into its flesh.

Kaden fell to one knee inside the barrier, his breaths ragged, his thigh throbbing with sharp, hot pain. The vulture, disoriented and screeching, flapped its malformed wings and retreated back beyond the barrier. 

Its malevolent gaze lingered on him for a moment before it joined the circling flock, its cries mingling with the others.

He glanced at his leg. The wound was deep, blood trickling down into the forest soil, but it wasn't fatal. Not yet. He pressed his palm over the injury, drawing on the faint whispers of energy around him that were gradually fading.

He was finally out of [One with Nature].

"Motherfucker! Shitty bitch! What in the name of nine hells!" Kaden growled through clenched teeth, his voice a mix of pain and anger. 

The forest now seemed indifferent to his suffering. The lingering energy from One with Nature had left him, and with it went the numbing serenity that had carried him this far. All that remained was the raw sting of the wound and the bitter taste of frustration.

His eyes flicked toward the flock of vultures, now circling lower, emboldened by the blood in the air. "Damn you! This is not over, you bitch!" He shouted at the vulture and then gritted his teeth as he hastily activated [Healing Touch].

He collapsed on the ground and closed his eyes, only focusing on his recovery. 

A shiver ran down his spine as his mind processed what had just transpired. The last time around, it was just a lost thought, a small tug for him to cross over but this time… it bloody well might have kidnapped him and dragged his ass over the line.

Kaden shook himself, silently resolving to never go down this path again. If there was a third time, he was no longer sure if he would be able to come back at all. This stupid skill was extremely dangerous and it was best to let it rot in a corner.

Or maybe not. Maybe it needs stronger mental power to resist and then he could use it to his advantage?

Nope. Too risky and he did not dare try it again. He needed to focus on things he did know. 

As Kaden lay on the ground, his eyes squeezed shut and his focus narrowed to the faint green glow emanating from his hands, he could feel the warm, soothing tendrils of [Healing Touch] coursing through his injured thigh. 

The magic was faint, weaker than he'd have liked, but it was enough to slow the bleeding and dull the pain. The wound began to close, not completely, but enough to keep him from succumbing to the injury.

As the healing energy faded, Kaden opened his eyes, the soft glow from his palms dissipating. He pushed himself up, leaning heavily on his broken spear for support. His leg throbbed, but the worst of the pain had subsided.

But what was the plan now?

He let out a sigh and lay sprawled on the ground, his body wanting a good night's rest. Unfortunately, sleep had to wait. He had so much to do before he could close his eyes for the night. It was only the first day but the struggle was real. Even if he relented for a moment, there would be no more chances waiting for him in the future.

He sat up to look in the direction of the underground cave near the kobold's dwelling. He then slowly shook his head. That was a no-go. He then opened his map to see what else could he focus on when suddenly he noticed the time.

His eyes widened at the sight of the clock which showed that there were merely four hours left before the day officially ended. Shit! He was screwed.