Chapter 5: The Hunter Becomes the Hunted

Chapter 5: The Hunter Becomes the Hunted

Jin and Aerin moved cautiously through the Forest of Beasts, the remnants of their battle with the Alpha Shadow Wolf still fresh in their minds. The trial wasn't over yet—ten hours remained, and more threats lurked in the shadows.

The air was thick with tension. Every rustling leaf, every distant growl, felt like a warning.

Jin stole a glance at Aerin. She was keeping pace beside him, but he could tell she was in pain. The wound on her arm from earlier was still bleeding.

"You should rest," Jin said without stopping. "That wound's slowing you down."

Aerin scoffed. "I've had worse."

Her voice was calm, but there was something off about how she said it. Not like someone trying to act tough, but like someone who had genuinely endured worse.

Jin didn't press further. She's hiding something. But now wasn't the time to pry.

---

New Prey, New Predator

After walking for a few minutes, a notification appeared.

> "Midnight approaches. Stronger creatures will emerge."

"Warning: The Apex Predator of this floor has awakened."

Jin stopped. Apex Predator?

Before he could react, a scream echoed through the forest—followed by the unmistakable crunch of bones.

Then, silence.

Aerin tensed. "That didn't sound like a normal beast."

Jin nodded. "Something's hunting the other players."

Aerin's grip on her daggers tightened. "What do we do? Avoid it or fight?"

Jin smirked. "We're already being hunted. Running won't help."

---

The Predator Appears

A heavy thud shook the ground. Then another. Leaves rustled violently, branches snapped. Something massive was moving through the trees.

And then, it stepped into view.

> [Bloodclaw Tyrant – Lv. 15]

A monstrous hybrid of wolf and bear. Razor-sharp claws coated in the blood of its victims.

It was at least three meters tall, its thick fur matted with dried blood. Its eyes locked onto Jin and Aerin, filled with primal hunger.

Jin clenched his fists. This thing is stronger than the Alpha.

Aerin muttered a curse. "You sure about fighting it?"

Jin grinned. "Only one way to find out."

The Bloodclaw Tyrant roared and charged.

---

Battle Against the Apex Predator

Jin activated Phantom Stride, his body flickering as he dodged to the side. The Tyrant's claws slammed into the ground, tearing through the earth.

Aerin moved just as fast, flipping backward to avoid the attack.

"It's fast for something that big," she muttered.

Jin's mind raced. I need to steal its skill.

> [Skill Copy: Bloodclaw Tyrant – Crimson Slash]

A rush of raw energy filled him. His hand tingled as it was enveloped in a deep red glow.

> [Crimson Slash – Attack Skill]

Coats the user's attack in blood energy, increasing cutting power.

Perfect.

Jin dashed forward, activating Crimson Slash. His fist glowed blood-red as he struck—

BAM!

The Tyrant staggered, a deep wound appearing on its chest.

But it wasn't dead.

With a furious roar, the beast swung wildly, its claws cutting through the air. Jin barely managed to dodge, but even the shockwave sent him flying backward.

He crashed against a tree, pain flaring through his ribs.

Aerin used the distraction to strike. She dashed in, her daggers flashing under the moonlight as she slashed at the Tyrant's legs.

The beast howled, its movements becoming sluggish.

"It's weakening!" Aerin shouted.

Jin gritted his teeth, forcing himself up. Time to end this.

> [Skill Evolution: Crimson Slash → Blood Execution]

A new power surged through him. His fists now burned with unstable crimson energy, crackling like lightning.

Jin pushed off the ground, rushing forward faster than before.

One final blow.

BOOM!

Jin's fist tore through the Tyrant's skull, the impact sending shockwaves through the forest.

The beast collapsed, its massive body hitting the ground with a thunderous crash.

> "You have defeated Bloodclaw Tyrant!"

"Exp gained: 600."

"Skill Acquired: Predator's Instinct."

Jin exhaled. That was close.

---

The Unspoken Truth

Aerin leaned against a tree, watching him.

"Not bad, Celestial Player."

Jin smirked. "You too, Rogue."

A moment of silence passed between them. Then, Aerin spoke quietly.

"You're not like the others."

Jin raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"

Aerin hesitated. Then, with a faint smirk, she looked away. "Maybe."

Jin didn't push further. She was hiding something.

But so was he.

The trial wasn't over yet.

---

End of Chapter 5