Jit tightened his grip on his sword as the pack of Wild Dogs emerged from the darkness. Their red eyes gleamed like embers in the dim forest light, their low growls forming a menacing chorus that made them even more aggressive.
His mind raced. Six of them. Their levels were likely similar to the two he had just slain around 51. Individually, they weren't a threat. But together? That was a different story.
Then, from behind the pack, a larger figure stepped forward.
Jit's eyes narrowed. This one was different. Its fur was darker, and its body was significantly larger. A deep, guttural growl rumbled from its throat, and the other dogs instinctively lowered themselves in submission.
"A leader..." Jit whispered.
He activated Appraisal.
[Target Identified: Elite Wild Dog]
Level: 55
HP: 495/495
Strength: 180
Agility: 165
Defense: 160
Skills:
Berserk Howl (C-Rank): Increases attack power by 40% for 15 seconds.
Shadow Dash (C-Rank): Increases movement speed by 25%.
Predator's Instinct (B-Rank): Enhances reaction time and grants a 10% chance to dodge lethal attacks.
Leadership (C-Rank): Increases the attack power of allies by 20%.
Jit exhaled slowly, steadying his stance as the Elite Wild Dog bared its fangs. The pack circled him, growling, their bodies tensed with bloodlust. If he let them surround him, he was finished.
No time to hesitate.
Jit dashed forward, slashing at the nearest Wild Dog. His sword carved through muscle and bone, sending it tumbling to the ground with a pained yelp.
[You have gain exp]
[+196 Exp]
Another lunged at his back he twisted just in time, raising his arm to block, but the beast's fangs sank into his forearm.
[You have been wounded.]
[-52 HP]
Pain flared. Jit gritted his teeth and drove his knee into the dog's ribs, forcing it to release him. Before he could recover, a chilling howl erupted from the Elite Wild Dog.
The Elite Wild Dog activated Leadership.
The air vibrated with energy. The remaining Wild Dogs' muscles tensed, their attacks growing wilder, stronger.
Jit barely dodged as two attacked simultaneously. He ducked under snapping jaws, slicing through one's neck. Blood sprayed as it collapsed, but the second tackled him, knocking him off balance.
[You have gain exp]
[+185 Exp]
Shadow Dash!
The Elite Wild Dog blurred, vanishing from sight. Jit's instincts screamed he rolled aside just in time as it reappeared where he had been, its claws tearing into the dirt instead of his throat.
Fast. Too fast.
Jit's grip tightened. He had to take down the pack first, then deal with the leader.
With all his strength, Jit kicked the attacking Wild Dog away and sprinted toward the remaining four. They charged at him, but Jit twisted mid-step, slashing low. His blade found its mark, slicing through three before they could react.
[You have gain exp]
[+228 Exp]
[You have gain exp]
[+216 Exp]
[You have gain exp]
[+256 Exp]
[You have level up]
[+5 Free attribute point]
[+5 MP]
[+5 HP]
The last one lunged Jit ducked, stabbing upward. The Wild Dog fell to the ground.
[You have gain exp]
[+276 Exp]
The Elite Wild Dog growled, its eyes filled with rage at the loss of its pack. It vanished again Shadow Dash.
Jit had no time to react.
The beast struck, its sharp claws raking across his body.
[You have been wounded.]
[-78 HP]
Jit staggered back, breathing heavily. "Half my HP and MP are gone..." he whispered. He wanted to recover, but there was no time.
The Elite Wild Dog activated Berserk Howl and vanished again.
Jit clenched his jaw and activated Energy Shield, turning around and raising his sword just in time. Steel met claws in a violent clash, sparks flying. The force sent him skidding backward.
The Elite Wild Dog lunged again.
Jit dodged left and activated Energy Slash, swinging his blade in a deadly arc. The beast twisted, barely avoiding a fatal strike due to Predator's Instinct, but not completely. Blood dripped from its chest.
Jit saw his chance.
"Open status window."
He converted 100 Energy Points into HP and 100 Energy Points into MP. Then, he added 20 Free Attribute Points into Strength and 20 to Agility.
[+50 HP]
[+50 MP]
[+20 Strength]
[+20 Agility]
STATUS WINDOW
Name: Jit
Race: Human
Class: Warrior (Energy Master)
Level: 25 (EXP: 425/1450)
Health: 225/225
MP: 145/140
Attributes:
Strength: 150
Agility: 150
Defense: 101
Intelligence: 78
Luck: 55
Skill Points: 4
Free Attribute Points: 5
Energy Points: 57
Abilites:
Super Absorption(Rank SSS), Energy transfer(Rank SSS), Storage (rank D)
Skill:
Energy Slash(Rank C) , Energy Shield(Rank D)
Appraisal (Rank D)
Power surged through his body. Jit activated Energy Slash once more and charged.
The Wild Dog tried to dodge, but it was a fraction too slow.Jit's sword drove straight through its chest. The beast shuddered, letting out a final growl before falling silent.
Jit exhaled heavily, pulling his sword free. His body ached, his breath ragged.
He had won.
[You have gain exp]
[+286 Exp]
[You have gain 2 skill point]
[You have gain 4 random attribute point]
[+1 Agility]
[+1 Strength]
[+2 Defence]
Jit picked up the items that had dropped after killing the Wild Dogs.
He collected Wild Dog Meat, Wild Dog Fang, Wild Dog Leather, Wild Dog Monster Core, Gold Coins, some E Rank wepons and some D-rank weapons.
Among the weapons, one stood out a dagger. It had been dropped by the Elite Wild Dog.
Curious, Jit activated Appraisal.
[Elite Fang Dagger]
A deadly dagger crafted from the fang of an Elite Wild Dog. Its sharp, curved blade is infused with lingering beastly energy, giving off a faint black aura. The hilt is wrapped in tough leather, ensuring a firm grip even in intense battles. Lightweight yet incredibly durable, this dagger is designed for swift and precise strikes, making it ideal for assassins and agile fighters.
Critical Hit Rate: +15%
Strength: +54
Agility: +47
Skill - Dark Fang: Unleashes a shadow-infused slash, dealing 25% extra damage. When activated, the dagger glows with a dark sheen, slicing through enemies with increased lethality.
Jit's eyes gleamed with interest. He ran his fingers along the blade's edge, feeling its razor-sharp precision. "This is a good weapon," he muttered.
After collecting his loot, Jit pressed forward, determined to grow stronger. He ventured deeper into the hunting grounds, encountering fierce Level 43 to 52 Tiger Beasts, agile Level 41 to 46 Horned Rabbits, and other dangerous monsters. Each battle tested his endurance, but he pushed through, cutting down enemy after enemy.
Hours passed in relentless combat, and then
[You have leveled up!]
+5 HP
+5 MP
+5 Free Attribute Points
Just as he caught his breath, another notification appeared.
[You have reached level 30]
[New Skill Acquired: Energy Spear (Rank D)]
Forms a spear of condensed energy, increasing attack power by 50%. Requires 100 MP to activate.