4. Abbysal Stalker

Kael tightened his grip on the bloodstained branch, his muscles screaming in protest from the previous fight. The air grew heavy, thick with a primal energy that sent a shiver down his spine. Something massive was approaching.

Azrael, floating beside him, let out a low whistle. "Well, I'd say you should run, but I doubt that'll help."

The mist parted, revealing a hulking beast nearly twice the size of the Bloodthorn Wolves. Its fur was matted with old scars, and its golden eyes glowed with an eerie hunger. Thick, curved horns protruded from its skull, and with each breath, steam curled from its nostrils.

[New Threat Identified - Abyssal Stalker]

[Danger Level: High]

Kael's jaw clenched. He barely managed to take down the wolves—this thing was on an entirely different level. But running wasn't an option. If he turned his back, it would tear him apart before he took three steps.

Azrael's voice took on a rare, serious edge. "This one's not just strong, Kael. It's smart. It'll test you before it strikes."

Kael inhaled deeply, steadying himself. His mind raced. He had to play this carefully. He needed an advantage.

The Abyssal Stalker circled him slowly, muscles coiling with tension. It was waiting. Watching. Studying him the same way he studied his prey.

Kael activated [Lesser Beast Instinct].

The world sharpened. Every twitch of the creature's muscles, every subtle movement—it all registered in perfect clarity. The moment it shifted its weight onto its back legs, he knew it was about to lunge.

The beast struck like lightning. Kael barely dodged, rolling to the side as its claws tore through the dirt where he had stood. He came up on one knee, driving his makeshift weapon toward its exposed flank.

The branch snapped.

Kael barely had time to react before a massive paw slammed into his chest, sending him crashing into a tree. Pain exploded through his ribs, his vision flickering.

Azrael winced. "Oof. That looked painful."

Kael coughed, blood trickling down his lip. He forced himself to his feet, ignoring the screaming protest of his body. He wouldn't survive another direct hit like that.

His mind worked furiously. The wolves had taught him that his strength was growing, but brute force wasn't enough. He needed to use his surroundings.

His eyes darted around the battlefield. Rocks. Branches. Roots. Anything he could use.

Then he saw it—a natural pit, partially hidden by thick foliage. Deep enough to trap something heavy.

A plan formed. A desperate, reckless plan.

Kael gritted his teeth and charged.

The Abyssal Stalker snarled, baring its fangs in amusement at his foolishness. It lunged, just as he had expected.

At the last second, Kael dropped low, sliding beneath the beast as its massive body soared over him. He twisted and slashed his broken branch across the back of its leg, severing tendons.

The creature roared in agony, its landing unsteady. Blood sprayed onto the dirt. It turned with fury, but Kael was already moving, leading it toward the pit.

One step. Two.

The beast lunged again.

Kael leapt to the side at the last possible moment.

The Abyssal Stalker's momentum carried it forward—right over the edge.

It let out a bone-rattling howl as it tumbled into the pit, crashing hard against the jagged rocks below. Silence followed.

Then—

[Enemy Defeated - Abyssal Stalker]

[+5 Strength, +3 Agility obtained]

[Skill Acquired: Predator's Reflex - Increases reaction speed when facing stronger opponents.]

Kael collapsed onto his back, panting. Every muscle in his body ached, but he was alive.

Azrael floated over him, grinning. "That was either the most genius or the dumbest thing I've ever seen."

Kael let out a breathless chuckle. "It worked, didn't it?"

Azrael shrugged. "Fair enough. But you've made quite a bit of noise. You should move before something even worse comes along."

Kael groaned as he pushed himself up. His body was stronger, faster. His instincts were sharper. But he still had a long way to go.

He glanced toward the towering spire in the distance—the gateway to the next floor.

His journey had only just begun.