Chapter 7: Forge build & the second Hunt

Sweat dripped down Jin's forehead as he took a step back, inhaling deeply, surveying the results of his own effort. Before him stood his newly built forge—a simple yet essential structure, one that marked a turning point of his survival.

The stone-enclosed firepit was carefully arranged to retain and concentrate heat efficiently, the chimney of stacked stones, sealed with mud, stretched upwards to guide the smoke away, keeping the flames alive without suffocating them. A metal grate, salvaged from the ruins, lay embedded within the forge, allowing control over the airflow and temperature—essential for refining metal.

Though primitive, this was no ordinary campfire. This forge was a lifeline, a gateway to crafting tools, weapons, and armor strong enough to defend yourself against whatever lurked beyond the tree-lined.

The crackling flames danced within as he admired his long work, but then—his stomach twisted in protest. Hunger clawed at himself, a reminder that within his determination to build, he had neglected another vital necessity.

Jin turned toward his meager storage, rummaging through what little remained. The dried fruit pouch was light, the roasted meat nearly gone. His provisions had dwindled far faster than expected. He needed to hunt. Now.

Gripping Horned Spear, he moved beyond the safety of the fenced perimeter, heart steady, senses sharp. Jin recalled spotting a game trail leading deeper into the forest—a promising lead.

The air was thick with the scent of earth and damp foliage. Every step was careful, deliberate, feet gliding over the forest floor to avoid snapping twigs. The weight of the spear felt reassuring in his hands.

Then, movement.

A dozen meters ahead, nestled within a thicket, a group of horned rabbits grazed on wild roots. At first glance, they seemed almost harmless—until memory reminded him of their small, curved horns, natural weapons meant for more than just defense. They wouldn't hesitate to charge if threatened.

Jin exhaled slowly, crouching lower. This was an opportunity, not just for food but to test a theory.

Jin's fingers curled around a smooth stone at his feet. Focused, channeling a hint of mana into the stone before launching it toward the nearest rabbit.

The rock struck its side, causing it to flinch but not fall.

[New Skill Acquired: Throwing Lv. 0 (0/10)]

His eyes widened. It worked.

Without hesitation, he picked up another stone and hurled it at a second rabbit. This time, the impact sent it tumbling. Dashed forward, instincts taking over, his spear piercing through its throat before it could recover.

The rest scattered, but Jin immediately pursued, spear tip flashing, adrenaline fueling each precise strike. One by one, the creatures fell until the forest fell silent once more.

[Throwing Lv. 1 (0/15)]

[Level Up! You are now Level 3]

[Title Acquired: Beginner Hunter]

Exhaled, glancing down at the lifeless bodies. Five kills. Enough to last several days.

Gathering them up, Jin turned back toward his newly built base—

And then the air shifted.

A presence loomed from the shadows. His skin prickled as something—no, someone—watched him.

Jin spun on instinct, muscles tensed, eyes scanning the tree-lined. Then, it stepped forward.

A creature both majestic and menacing. A stag, its antlers etched with pulsing runes, its eyes shimmering with a dangerous intelligence. This was no ordinary beast.

His breath caught as his vision blurred—

[Appraisal Activated]

Magical Stag - Level 9

"A mystical beast that roams the depths of ???? Forest. Known for its swiftness and mastery over Wind Magic."

"Magic. It could use magic?" – Jin exclaimed

Realization crashed down like a tidal wave. This wasn't just a battle of strength. This was a test of survival against a foe wielding the unnatural.

The air around the stag compressed. Jin barely had time to react before a blade of wind screeched toward him, cutting through the air with lethal precision.

Dodge!

Jin threw himself to the side as the spell cleaved into the ground where he had just stood. The sheer force left a deep gash in the earth. If that had hit…

No time to hesitate. It was charging another attack.

"Think. I need to stop its movements." - Jin's hand snapped to the ground - "Vines. Yeah, I needed vines."

Mana surged through his fingertips as he called upon Earth Magic, commanding the forest itself to rise. Thick tendrils burst from the ground, snapping toward the stag's legs.

It leaped, faster than he could expected—but not fast enough.

The vines snared its hind legs, yanking it mid-air, disrupting its spellcasting. The stag let out a cry, struggling against the restraints.

[New Skill Acquired: Binding Lv. 0 (0/10)]

No time to wait.

Spear raised, dashed forward, twisting the grip for a single, decisive strike. The blade found flesh, sinking deep into its side.

The stag roared, its struggle weakening—until finally, its form stilled.

Silence returned to the forest.

His chest heaved, sweat trickling down the back.

"That was too close" - Jin had won— "…. but only by luck…eh?!?".

The realization dawned on him like a slow-moving storm. This world wasn't like the stories where heroes fought through brute force alone. Here, beasts wielded magic, intelligence, and instincts sharper than steel.

"If I had faced a stronger monster…" - You clenched your jaw – "I need to become stronger."

Wiping his brow, he grabbed the stag's body along with the horned rabbits. Steps were heavier now, not just from the weight of the spoils but from the truth pressing into his mind. Survival here demanded more than strength. It demanded adaptation.

Tonight, Jin would eat well.

But tomorrow?

Tomorrow, he would have to forge himself into something more.

Something ready for the battles yet to come.