Chapitre 15: Battles Upon Battles. Reaching Level 5.

Ethan slumped down on the carcass of the Razorfangs Puppy, huffing for breath. Exhausted but not as fatigued as he had been during his first day of non-stop running from energy-sucking beasts, he couldn't shake the surprise of the system notification that had just appeared. He needed to move away from the beast's body before other predators caught the scent of his victory.

As he prepared to leave, the system chimed again.

[Threat Is Edible!]

"What the—?" Ethan's eyes widened. He was starving, but did the system really expect him to hide a whole beast? He could use his Storage Space, but the carcass was too large, and he wouldn't need it for long; he still had a full day ahead of him. Contemplating his options, an idea sparked in his mind.

"What if I create an aura skill that lasts long and is sharp enough to cut?" he pondered aloud. "Zark, is that possible?"

"Of course," Zark replied, his voice now more direct and authoritative than before. "But be warned: the skill you want to create will drain your energy, specifically your physical capabilities for now. Until you accumulate more strength and develop special aura traits, it will draw from your stamina. This skill will be unique."

Ethan was taken aback by Zark's directness. "You're talking to me..."

"Focus, kid. You're wasting time."

Ethan nodded, silencing his questions as he gathered his aura again in his right hand. He visualized a 30-inch machete with a long, 4-inch handle. In his mind, it shimmered in dark silver with a glowing silver blade. As he concentrated, the aura began to manifest, forming an outline of the weapon, though colorless for now. The system recognized his intent and prompted him for a name.

"Razor!" he declared.

As soon as he named it, the aura transformed, taking on the dark silver color with a dim glow along the blade's edge. Ethan's breath caught as he tested the blade, swiping it across the beast's snout. A clean, dark silver streak appeared, and the snout sliced away effortlessly.

Surprised by the weapon's sharpness, he plunged the blade into the beast's body and slashed diagonally. He had never skinned or butchered an animal before, but desperation fueled his actions. He cut out a sizable chunk of meat and stored it in the system, then quickly vacated the scene, not wanting to linger any longer.

He soon found an empty cave where he could regroup. Zark guided him on how to grill the meat, while Ethan, having studied survival techniques, managed to start a fire—albeit theoretically. After cooking and devouring a large but flavorless portion, he was astounded by his hunger. Sitting cross-legged, he entered a meditative state, hoping to relax despite the fear still gnawing at him. He needed to replenish his energy for the day ahead; as the saying went, the last days were the most perilous.

---

The following morning, Ethan skidded to a halt, barely avoiding an attack from a towering beast before him. A 3-meter-tall Wolf Drake, its fur a mix of brown scales adorned with dim silver designs, stood poised to strike. Its spine gleamed with scales that flickered when it attacked.

<Wolf Drake (Peak Bronze Rank): A hybrid of a fallen dragon and a wolf, possessing affinities for Earth, Wind, Light, Fire, and the rare Metal affinity. Its rank can be identified by the glowing scales on its spine during attacks.

Ethan's heart raced; this was the first creature he had encountered since leaving his cave. It had been drawn to the aftermath of his previous battle, and its agility and cunning marked it as a real predator, a stark contrast to the mindless Razorfangs Puppy. Each attack was calculated, and the beast was skilled at exploiting the few openings Ethan left.

He dodged a barrage of strikes, but the Wolf Drake was relentless, even managing to evade some of his perceptive instincts. While he could have used Razor to dispatch it quickly, he opted for a different approach—this was good practice, and he wanted to hone his martial arts skills.

A massive metal spear shot toward him, propelled with remarkable speed. Ethan evaded, instinctively reaching for the spear as it passed. Although it was larger than him, he used his strength to hurl it back at the beast. The Wolf Drake, taken by surprise, couldn't escape in time and was pinned against a nearby tree.

Pain coursed through the creature, leaving it distracted and vulnerable. Seizing the moment, Ethan leaped high into the air, fist clenched. "This ends now!" he shouted as he descended, striking the beast's head with immense force. Blood spilled from its eyes as he landed blow after blow, transforming the once formidable creature into a mere punching bag.

Breathless, Ethan finally jumped off its body, panting heavily. He had grown stronger, and the feeling was intoxicating. But his victory was short-lived; an ominous aura suddenly washed over him, far stronger than any he had felt in the past two days.

[Danger! Danger! Danger!]

[Silver Rank Beast Approaching!]

---

Ethan's heart sank. He knew he had to prepare for whatever was coming, every instinct screaming that his next challenge would be unlike any he had faced before.

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