chapter three
Chapter 3: The Battle for Survival
The forest was alive with movement. A low growl emanated from the shadows as Crow and the Hell Hound advanced deeper into the dungeon. Each step they took seemed to draw more attention from the creatures lurking around them.
Crow's heart pounded, not out of fear, but anticipation. With the Hell Hound by his side, he had never felt more confident. He could feel the heat from its flames licking the air, and the beast's primal energy surged through him. They were ready.
Suddenly, the ground trembled. A deep growl echoed from behind a thick line of trees. Crow turned, and the Hell Hound immediately crouched low, ready to strike.
A massive, Level 5 Beast stepped forward, its dark, scaly body glistening with a slick layer of slime. It was a Poison Drake, its eyes glowing with malice. Its wings spread wide, casting a shadow over the ground. A creature of poison and venom.
Crow's eyes narrowed. This was no ordinary beast. Even though the Hell Hound was powerful, he would need to act fast.
---
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Poison Drake (Level 5) detected.
Would you like to engage in battle?
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Crow didn't hesitate. "Hell Hound, use Hell's Wrath!"
The Hell Hound's body surged with energy as it charged toward the Poison Drake, its fiery form becoming a blur of flames. It let out a deafening roar, and in an instant, a massive wave of hellfire erupted from its mouth, engulfing everything in its path.
The flames collided with the Poison Drake, and the resulting explosion sent shockwaves through the forest. The creature howled in agony as its scales melted and its body was consumed by fire.
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[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Poison Drake (Level 5) has been critically damaged.
Hell Hound's attack has dealt massive damage.
---
The Poison Drake staggered, its wings smoking from the intense flames. Crow saw his chance.
"Hell Hound, finish it off with Flame Dash!"
The Hell Hound, its eyes glowing with fiery intensity, dashed forward with blinding speed, leaving a trail of fire behind it. It slammed into the Poison Drake's side, sinking its claws deep into the beast's scales, and with a final roar, the Hell Hound unleashed a burst of hellfire from its paws. The Poison Drake's body ignited completely, its screams echoing through the forest until it fell to the ground, a heap of smoldering ashes.
---
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Poison Drake (Level 5) has been defeated.
You have gained 500 EXP.
Hell Hound has leveled up to Level 2.
---
Crow couldn't help but smile as he saw the results. The Hell Hound had become even stronger. He quickly opened the system to check its stats.
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[SYSTEM INTERFACE]
Hell Hound
Level: 2
HP: 2,800
MP: 1,900
Attack: 2,300
Defense: 1,600
Speed: 1,900
Intelligence: 550
Agility: 1,300
Endurance: 2,100
Fury: 1,800
Flame Resistance: 90%
Fire Power: 2,700
Divine Power: 1,200
---
Crow's eyes gleamed with excitement as he saw the Hell Hound's growth. The creature had already surpassed the strength of a Level 10 beast. In a single battle, it had proven itself as an unstoppable force.
"Nice work," Crow said with a grin, patting the Hell Hound on its fiery mane.
The Hell Hound growled in approval, its tail wagging like an excited dog, though it was anything but ordinary.
---
Suddenly, another creature appeared. This one was much smaller but no less dangerous. A Level 4 Venomous Spider, its body covered in poisonous purple veins, skittered from the underbrush, its fangs dripping with venom. It hissed as it eyed Crow and the Hell Hound, preparing to attack.
Crow didn't need to issue an order. The Hell Hound growled fiercely and charged toward the spider with deadly precision.
---
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Venomous Spider (Level 4) detected.
Would you like to engage in battle?
---
Crow didn't hesitate. "Hell Hound, take it down with Hellfire Claws!"
The Hell Hound lunged forward, its claws igniting with searing heat. It slashed at the Venomous Spider, and the claws tore through the creature's carapace like paper. The spider screeched in pain, its venom dripping onto the ground, but it was already too late.
The Hell Hound's claws ripped into the Venomous Spider's body with one final strike, leaving it twitching on the forest floor, lifeless.
---
[SYSTEM NOTICE]
Venomous Spider (Level 4) has been defeated.
You have gained 450 EXP.
Hell Hound has leveled up to Level 3.
---
The Hell Hound now stood proudly over the defeated creatures, its flames flickering in the dark forest. Crow couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This was the true power of a Beast Tamer—someone who could forge a bond with a creature of unimaginable strength.
Crow looked at the Hell Hound and smiled. "We're just getting started."
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To be continued…