Chapter 6: The Hunting Ground

Chapter 6: The Hunting Ground

After spending days hunting insects and rodents to extend his lifespan, I discovered something incredible about my system—it contained an infinite storage space. At first, I was skeptical, but after experimenting, I realized I could store anything inside, no matter the size. This revelation would make hunting and gathering materials much easier in the future.

With my newfound advantage, I decided it was time to take my training to the next level. I couldn't step outside the city until I reached the Foundation Stage, but there was another option—the Hunting Ground. This was an enclosed training ground inside the city where warriors below the Foundation Stage could fight real mutated beasts. It was designed for life-and-death battles, a place where we could gain experience and test our limits before stepping into the real world.

The entry fee was 1 AstraCoin per day. For most people, this was expensive, but for me, it wasn't a problem. My father's pension and wealth ensured that I had enough resources to sustain my training. The real challenge was proving my worth.

Entering the Hunting Ground

The entrance to the Hunting Ground was a massive gate made of reinforced steel, guarded by warriors in dark combat suits. The line of hopeful trainees stretched far, each carrying weapons of varying quality—some with high-tech firearms, others with traditional swords and spears. The atmosphere was thick with tension, anticipation, and fear.

I handed my 1 AstraCoin to the officer at the counter, who scanned my identity chip before nodding.

"You've got a full day inside," he said gruffly. "Come out before the time runs out, or you'll be considered lost."

I nodded and stepped inside.

The Hunting Ground was unlike anything I had imagined. A vast, enclosed landscape of forests, rocky terrain, and open fields stretched before me. Artificial lighting mimicked sunlight, and the air smelled of damp earth and blood. The sound of distant battles echoed throughout the area.

I spotted groups of warriors fighting mutated beasts—massive wolf-like creatures with razor-sharp claws, armored boars charging at their foes, and reptilian creatures with venomous fangs. Some warriors fought alone, while others moved in teams, coordinating their attacks. Corpses of beasts littered the ground, their blood staining the dirt.

Taking a deep breath, I activated my combat stance. My goal was clear—hunt, kill, and gain enough lifespan to reach the Foundation Stage.

The First Battle

I moved cautiously through the terrain, scanning for potential prey. Soon, I spotted my first target—a mutated beast resembling a large, muscular hound. Its black fur bristled as it sniffed the air, detecting my presence. Its glowing red eyes locked onto mine, and with a snarl, it charged.

I didn't hesitate.

With a burst of speed, I dodged its initial lunge, feeling the wind as its claws barely missed me. My training with my father had honed my reflexes to perfection. Without giving it a chance to recover, I struck. My fist, enhanced by my peak Body Training Stage strength, slammed into its ribs, sending it flying into a nearby rock.

The beast howled in pain but quickly regained its footing. It was more durable than I expected. I needed to finish this fast.

It lunged again, but this time, I was ready. Using my agility, I sidestepped and delivered a powerful kick to its head. Bones cracked under the force, and the beast collapsed, its body twitching before going still.

The moment it died, a notification appeared in my mind:

[Lifespan Absorbed: 70 Days]

A rush of energy flowed through me. The system's power was real. And this was just the beginning.

The Observer

As I stood over the corpse, I sensed a presence watching me. Turning my gaze upward, I spotted her—a beautiful female warrior observing the battlefield from a high vantage point. She wore a sleek combat suit, and her piercing eyes seemed to analyze every move I made.

I didn't know who she was, but something told me she wasn't just another warrior. She belonged to a powerful organization, and she was here for a reason.

Ignoring the distraction, I focused back on my hunt. There were more beasts to kill, and I needed all the lifespan I could get.

With renewed determination, I moved deeper into the Hunting Ground, ready for the battles ahead.

END OF CHAPTER 6.....