28

Just a second before the countdown hit zero, a voice reached Ashton's ears.

"Best of luck, Ashton."

It was Samael.

Ashton barely had time to process his surprise before the world shifted.

A powerful pull yanked at his body, his vision blurred, and in the next moment, he found himself standing in the middle of a vast, lush forest. The scent of damp earth and fresh leaves filled his lungs, the towering trees casting shifting shadows around him.

For a brief moment, he was disoriented.

Damn it. He had entered without a weapon. He had been so focused on the sudden teleportation that he completely forgot to prepare.

How stupid can I be?

But this was also an opportunity. He had his skills now. This was the perfect time to understand how they worked in a real battle.

A rustling noise nearby snapped him out of his thoughts. Movement.

He turned his head sharply, and his gaze landed on a creature emerging from the dense underbrush.

A Horned Rabbit (E+ Rank).

It was bigger than he expected—about the size of a large dog. Its fur was a deep brown, blending seamlessly with the surroundings, but its sharp crimson eyes gleamed with hostility. A single curved horn jutted from its forehead, looking sharp enough to pierce through flesh.

Ashton stilled, waiting.

It's coming.

The moment he thought that, the rabbit charged.

It was fast—far faster than a normal animal. But Ashton wasn't just a normal human anymore.

His eyes flashed, and he raised his hand.

"Soulbind Thorns."

The ground trembled.

In an instant, vines and thorned roots shot up from the earth like living serpents. Before the rabbit could react, they wrapped tightly around its legs and body, locking it in place mid-leap.

The creature thrashed wildly, its horn slashing at the vines, but Ashton willed them to tighten. The struggle lasted mere seconds before the rabbit's movements slowed… then ceased completely.

A sharp ding echoed in his mind.

> You have slain: Horned Rabbit (E+ Rank).

EXP gained: 10.

His first kill.

But Ashton had no time to celebrate. A sudden rustling behind him made his instincts scream in warning.

He turned quickly—two more Horned Rabbits.

They were coming from opposite directions, trying to flank him.

Smart. But not smart enough.

This time, he didn't hesitate.

He lifted both hands, channeling his mana.

"Soulbind Thorns!"

The earth responded immediately.

Thick vines erupted from the ground on both sides, wrapping around the two charging rabbits before they could reach him. They squealed and kicked, their claws tearing at the bindings, but Ashton clenched his fists—the vines constricted tighter, cutting off their movements.

Within seconds, the rabbits fell limp.

Another ding.

> You have slain: Horned Rabbit (E+ Rank).

You have slain: Horned Rabbit (E+ Rank).

EXP gained: 20 (10 per kill).

Ashton let out a slow breath, his heart pounding—not from fear, but from exhilaration.

This power…

It was even stronger than he had expected.

He finally glanced at his notifications, but before he could analyze them—a new presence stirred in the shadows.

And this one… was much stronger.

Ashton smirked.

"Alright," he muttered to himself. "Let's see what else this system can do."

The hunt had just begun.