บท 18: Survival (II)

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Due to the small body of the fox, it was able to manipulate itself in a way that eclipsed Apollo's agility. Even Azridan offered his input on the matter.

[The agility of this beast is at least 3.2. Instead of chasing it and exhausting yourself, stay rooted and instead let it approach you. One of its shortcomings seems to be its nature isn't that of a typical fox. It's too confrontational.]

"Understood" Apollo nodded while focusing his weight on his toes. This time, the events played out differently. With precise directions and astonishing timing, Azridan guided Apollo and informed him when to react.

As the fox dashed toward him, Apollo dodged under Azridan's orders. After a successful dodge, he followed up with an attack of his own.

Apollo gripped the ankle of the fox's hind legs and slammed it into the ground. But, he didn't stop there. He had no thoughts of letting it go just yet. Next, he kicked it into the air, causing a small yelp.

〈System: 5 Damage dealt.〉

'Perhaps the damage I inflict is related to that so-called Zul Count, or almost double my strength.' Apollo thought while glancing at the disappearing notifications. However, since the fox possessed the upper-hand in speed, Apollo sought to reduce the advantage.

〈System: Agility: 2.0 → 2.4〉

While Apollo felt energy surge through his limbs, the fox reacted. With a snarl, it bit Apollo's wrist, causing a small damage indicator to materialize before his eyes whereas a sharp pain shot through his arm. For a moment, his grip on the fox's ankle loosened, allowing it to escape.

〈System: -7 Health.〉

〈System: 39/46 Health remaining.〉

Unable to contain the displeasure with the prior clash, the red fox beast pounced once again. Only, this time, Apollo responded by ramming his shoulder into its torso. While its body smashed against the floor, he climbed atop and pinned it to the ground. Picking up a decent-sized rock, he was instantly reminded of being buried under the stones.

That instance of trauma caused him to snap for a moment, entering a mindless rage, "A-agghh!"

Bam! Bam! Bam!

In a fit of rage, he began smashing the fox's head repeatedly. When he stopped it was already long gone, departed from this world.

[I see, there is a fire inside you, young lad. Harness that rage, use it as fuel, a catalyst precipitating your unhindered growth.]

However, Apollo didn't respond. His hands trembled as he dropped the rock, staring at them in slight horror. He lost himself momentarily and didn't realize he had blanked out. This new experience was one that took him by storm, there was blood on his hands and it wasn't his.

〈System: You have killed a Mortal Beast (Red Fox).〉

〈System: 20 [10+10] Experience rewarded.〉

〈System: Experience: 490/500〉

[Don't fret lad, you will get used to it.]

"Okay," Apollo answered as his gaze remained glued to his hands. For some reason, he wasn't unsettled by the blood...he was enticed by it! Eventually, his gaze fell upon the mangled mess on the floor. 'I... crushed that.'

Sometime later, Apollo exited his reverie after experiencing the taste of having something's life within his grasp.

Subsequenlty, it wasn't long before he once again chased that feeling. Within the hour, Apollo found himself embroiled in combat with another Mortal Beast.

But, since this was his first day and combat wasn't something a strong suit of his, the time spent in combat with a single beast continued to lengthen as he accrued many small injuries along the way.

Luckily, the pendant hanging around his neck released an aura that continuously healed him. By the time its assistance finished healing him the sky began darkening. Shortly after, his stomach started to growl due to the excess movement yet lack of food.

[If you are going to survive, then you'll need to learn survival skills. Pick any one of the 12 monsters you have slain today. I will walk you through the process of handling them.]

It went without saying, Apollo immediately picked the largest one. Then he realized a dilemma prohibiting him at the moment, "How am I going to handle this if I have no knife or utensils?"

"How am I going to cut it if I have no knife?"

[Good question. I will help you.]

A small portal opened, dropping a seemingly black object. However, when it landed it pierced the ground cleanly. Its shape possessed a natural curve while the handle was only large enough to situate 4 fingers. Tapping his finger against the tip, Apollo winced.

"What a sharp knife!"

「Item Name: Dark Cutter

Tier: Rank 2 Demonic Artifact

Effect: While this weapon may be used for battle, it is a basic item from the Nihilistic Rings. Hence, it possesses no attack value nor conductive properties. It can deal with the process of skinning, filleting, and other survival needs.

Information: An extremely sharp knife forged from Obsidian Demon Stone. It is capable of cutting through all Rank 2 and below Spirit Beast skin and bones. In some instances, depending on the beast type, it may be able to handle Rank 3. 」

[Begin by skinning the animal. Once skinned, you will need to separate the flesh from the joints and the joints from the bone. Oh! Make sure to pay close attention to the heart.]

Inside a beast, before becoming Spirit Beast, all of their gathered essence coagulated in their hearts. But after death, it quickly faded. Hence, why it was better to eat the more rewarding Spirit Beast meat. They held essence more efficiently when compared to a Mortal Beast.

From Apollo's movements, there was an utter lack of skill. But yet and still, he was able to harvest the heart and meat to a suitable standard for his first try; courtesy of his high intelligence and decent Agility. Creating fire with sticks and rocks, he began roasting it as per Azridan's instruction.

A flavorful meaty smell filled the atmosphere, however, the smell was masked by the stench of blood. In a few moments, once the meat was well prepared, he began devouring his meal. Compared to before in the Dining Hall, the experience rewarded was small. Nevertheless, the quantity was much larger, so that made up for the quality.

After eating, his belly was satisfied as he stretched. Then, a tinge of drowsiness began overtaking him.

〈System Alert: Experience source found. Extracting experience from said source.〉

〈System: 10[5+5] Experience rewarded.〉

〈System: Congratulations, you have reached Level 6.〉

〈System...〉

[Rule 1 of survival, when in the wild, always remain vigilant. Even when it is time to rest, train yourself to react at a moment's notice. Understand? You are in the presence of many other foes. There isn't the luxury of being careless.]

"Yes, I understand," Apollo answered. A slight wave of drowsiness entered his mind.

[Good, you may rest. But I'll be locking your conscience in a semi-active state.]

In little to no time at all, Apollo drifted to sleep. Constantly draining his stamina left both his body and mind exhausted. The whistling of the wind sounded as a light chill pervaded the atmosphere.

[Hmm? This forest isn't as normal as it seems. It'll serve as an adequate training place indeed.]

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At the same time, in the Kaiser Family estate, someone approached Apollo's living quarters in such of him. Only, he wouldn't find what he was expecting.