Swish...
Suddenly, the Mana Density in the air changed, crackling with intense power, as if the very fabric of reality was being reshaped.
I finally entered the middle ring of the forest.
"Huff..."
Taking in a deep breath, I took a moment to get used to the Mana-infused air that surrounded me.
I felt as if the gravity itself had increased, pulling me to the ground with a stronger force than before.
However, this was normal.
My body wasn't used to the heightened Mana concentration yet, so it would take some time to adjust.
Also, since the Mana density was high here, training in this area would greatly increase my ability to harness and control Dark Mana.
This was a perfect place for me to hone my skills and push my limits...
Or hunt a being that would allow me to get through the border.
"It should be awake right now..."
I thought to myself, feeling a sly smile spreading across my face as I looked at the moon hanging high in the night sky, casting an eerie glow over the dense forest.
The moonlight danced through the twisted branches of the ancient trees, casting long shadows on the forest floor.
It was midnight and the creatures of the night were hunting and searching for their prey.
Kludde, the monster I was seeking for, was also a creature of the dark, thriving in this very environment.
It is a formidable creature that has adapted to the darkness, its fur able to blend seamlessly into the shadows, making it almost invisible as it stalks its unsuspecting victims.
It looks like a giant dog with two, almost draconic, wings sprouting from its back.
Tap... Tap...
Venturing deeper into the middle ring of the forest, I could feel my heightened senses twitching every second. Every rustle of leaves, every faint sound, and every shift in the shadows held a mysterious allure. The Mana-infused air seemed to whisper secrets, promising untapped power to those who dared to explore its depths.
The moon's pale light illuminated my path, casting an ethereal glow on the ancient trees that stood tall and proud, their branches intertwining like gnarled fingers. The forest floor, carpeted with fallen leaves and moss, seemed to breathe a life of its own. Each step I took echoed through the silent night as if the very ground acknowledged my presence.
Roar...
The haunting echoes of roars and battles reverberated through the woods, a testament to the fierce struggles between these mystical beings. It was a constant reminder of the untamed wilderness that surrounded me, a world where survival of the fittest was the law of the land.
My senses remained alert, attuned to the slightest disturbance in the air. The scent of moss and damp earth filled my nostrils, mingling with the distinct musk of the forest's inhabitants. The night was alive with unseen creatures, their presence felt through the rustling of leaves and the occasional cracking of twigs.
As I navigated the dense undergrowth, I caught glimpses of eerie figures darting between the trees. Some were mere shadows, flickering in and out of existence, while others revealed their true forms briefly before vanishing into the darkness once more.
Luckily, none of them went after me.
I wasn't sure if it was because I was a Demon or simply because they hadn't targeted me as their prey, but it definitely wasn't because I possessed any sort of intimidating power.
An Imp scarring away such creatures was unheard of.
Grrr...
Suddenly, my keen ears picked up a low growl that sent chills down my spine but also made a small smile curl up on my lips.
The low growl grew louder, resonating through the forest, and I instinctively knew it was Kludde, the monster I had been tracking. A rush of anticipation surged through me as I approached the source of the sound, cautiously navigating the thick vegetation.
As I stealthily made my way forward, I caught sight of Kludde through a gap in the trees. It was a formidable sight, with its sleek black fur glistening under the moonlight, almost merging with the darkness around it. Its draconic wings were partially unfurled, adding to its intimidating presence.
Kludde's attention was fixed on its prey - a majestic deer with glowing azure horns and a bitten throat. The creature's life force was fading, and Kludde seemed to relish in its final moments. The deer's body trembled weakly as it succumbed to its wounds, a tragic yet mesmerizing scene.
Grrr...
Kludde let out a growl that reverberated through the forest, a primal call of triumph.
It was scary...
But at the same time incredibly fascinating!
I observed Kludde's movements from between the trees, watching as it sunk its sharp teeth into the deer's flesh, tearing away chunks with savage hunger.
The sight would make most people with weak stomach gag, but I was undisturbed by the gruesome scene.
I don't know if it was because I became a Demon, but such a scene stimulates a sense of dark exhilaration within me.
It didn't seem that scary to me anymore.
I could even feel a voice whispering in my ears, urging me to embrace the darkness, to embrace the primal instincts that lie dormant in my body.
It was the Call of the Demon.
The thing that the low-level Demons couldn't comprehend or resist.
However, I was not a normal Demon.
I was different.
Probably the only one with such circumstances in this entire world.
And I was able to control the darkness, the voice in my head.
Click...
I quietly unsheathed my sword and crept closer to Kludde, who was still engrossed in its feast.
I had to attack it while it was busy or else my chances would be quite low.
Kludde is a creature that could go toe to toe with the Fiend Rank Demon, hence I was at a massive disadvantage.
However...
It's do or die.