I woke to the soft chirping of birds outside the cave, the gentle rays of the morning sun filtering through the foliage. Stretching my limbs, I felt a sense of purpose coursing through me, driving away the remnants of sleep. Today was a new day, filled with possibilities and challenges waiting to be conquered.
With renewed vigor, I rose from the cave floor, my mind already buzzing with plans for the day ahead. First on the agenda: mastering the art of slingshot combat. Gripping the sleek weapon in my hand, I stepped into the clearing, the cool morning air invigorating my senses.
Taking a stance, I aimed at a nearby tree, focusing on my target with laser-like precision. With a swift motion, I pulled back the slingshot’s pouch, chanting the loading phrase with confidence. “Sōten Ishi!” I declared, releasing the pouch with a practiced flick of my wrist.
The rock flew true, striking the tree trunk with a satisfying thud before ricocheting off into the underbrush. A grin spread across my face as I realized the potential of my new weapon. “Not bad for a beginner,” I chuckled to myself, relishing the thrill of success.
I practiced dozens more times, aiming to master my accuracy with the slingshot and the quickness of my firing rate. The sounds of rock against wood resonated through the surrounding area.
An hour later, I stopped my practice, satisfied that my aim was good enough. But mastering the slingshot would require more than just hitting stationary targets. I needed to hone my skills in a dynamic environment, where my agility and quick thinking would be put to the test. It was time to hunt.
I needed a constant supply of food; the rabbits wouldn’t last if I intended to make the cave my base camp. I couldn’t afford the food offered in the online store. They were expensive. Even one Kashipan bread cost seven golds.
With breakfast in mind, I set off into the forest, navigating the dense undergrowth with ease. Every rustle of leaves, every chirp of a bird, became an opportunity to sharpen my senses and improve my reflexes.
As I moved through the trees, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, as if unseen eyes were following my every move. Instinctively, I tightened my grip on the slingshot, ready for whatever challenge lay ahead.
Suddenly, a movement caught my eye—a flash of shadow darting between the trees. Without hesitation, I sprang into action, my body moving on pure instinct as I pursued the elusive target. Ducking under branches and leaping over fallen logs, I chased after the creature with single-minded determination. My heart pounded in my chest as I drew closer and closer to my quarry.
Finally, with a triumphant shout, I burst into a small clearing; the creature cornered against a moss-covered boulder. It looked like a porcupine with coats of sharp spines, its eyes wide with fear as it cowered before me. The Status Sight skill ensued.
***
Brambler (Kiiroi)
Level: 2
Title: None
Description: A Kiiroi Ikimono creature that resembles a porcupine with thorny vines intertwined with its quills. These vines can extend and entangle threats. Its meat is said to be extremely delicious and a delicacy among the Midoris. But be careful of its quills; although not poisonous, they can be quite painful when you get hit by one of them.
***
Oh, pristine meat! I hoped it tasted like wagyu beef. I licked my lips, my motivation growing stronger. The creature displayed a pleading demeanor, as if begging me not to kill it.
“Yo, Pokey,” I said, shaking my head. “Sorry, but cuteness doesn’t work on me anymore.”
Raising the slingshot, I took aim at the creature, my hands steady and my mind focused. “Sayonara, dude,” I whispered, before releasing the pouch in a swift motion.
My marble rock hit its body and bounced off. Eh? Even with that force, my rock couldn’t penetrate its defense?
I fired again and again, but the creature just stood there, unfazed by my assault. I momentarily halted my attack, trying to figure out how to kill the creature. The situation took a turn as the brambler shook its body vigorously, and dozens of its quills moved, their pointy ends aiming at me.
“What the heck is this little guy trying to do now?” My brows scrunched in puzzlement. Without warning, a spine flew toward me.
What? It can fire its quills?
I dodged aside, barely avoiding the attack. In quick succession, the creature shot off a dozen more spines.
There’s no need for a battle here; it’s clear who has the better weapon.
I took off running, and to my shock, the brambler closely chased after me. “What’s wrong with the creatures in this world?” I yelled while fleeing.
“Ackkkk!” A quill hit my rear. Since when does prey turn into the predator?
“Ackkkk!” Another quill hit near the same spot. And it turned out to be an excellent marksman, too!
A quarter of an hour later, I was at the banks of the stream, pulling the brambler’s spines out of my rear. I had barely escaped from my opponent and was now feeling the brunt of its vicious assault.
“Why do the creatures here like to aim their weapons at my butt?” I exclaimed in frustration, pulling out one more of the dozen sharp quills. “Ouch!”
Luckily, the spines weren’t poisonous, but they certainly packed a punch. In the end, I had to settle for a Shokupan bread with chicken filling that cost me ten golds.
After an hour of rest, I decided to test whether exercise would increase my STR and DEX points. I surveyed the terrain and found a quiet forest trail about two miles long near the cave that offered ample protection for my runs.
I began my training workout with sit-ups, and as soon as I hit twenty, my stomach was begging me to stop. After a brief respite, I started doing push-ups, and when I hit seven, my arms gave way.
Darn it! Why am I so weak?
I took another break before starting squats, recalling Mai’s advice that squatting could build up leg muscles. After completing ten squats, I lay on the ground again.
“This is going to be tough,” I sighed, breathing heavily after my session. I took a longer respite before preparing for my last exercise: running.
Mai had told me that if I did a hundred sit-ups, a hundred push-ups, a hundred squats, and a six-mile run every day, I could become the strongest man in the world. I laughed at her back then upon hearing this. Where did she hear this crazy training regime? An anime?
I began my run along the route I scouted earlier, pacing myself slightly. When I completed a mile, I stopped, my hands clutching my trembling knees.
I give up. I don’t think I could go for another mile unless there’s a busty deri jō spurring me on.
A sudden rustling sound made me raise my head. Ten yards away stood a brambler, staring hard at me.
“Pokey?” I stuttered. “Is that you?”
The creature’s body began to shake, and its spines started to move, their ends pointing at me.
“Oh, no!” Without hesitation, I turned on my heels and ran as fast as I could. “What is wrong with this world?” I bellowed while fleeing.
Half an hour later, I was back at the banks of the stream, pulling out the quills from my rear again.
“That’s it. I can’t take any more of this suffering.” I sniffed, a tear running down my cheek. “I think I’ll find a high cliff and jump. Maybe in the live game, the quests will be much easier than the tutorial.”
But then the system’s blue screen appeared, changing my mind.
Well Done. You have increased your STR and DEX by one point each.
“All right, this is what I’m aiming for!” I exclaimed triumphantly. My theory had proven successful. Through rigorous exercise, I had enhanced both my strength and dexterity, preparing myself for the challenges ahead. Regardless of the adversity posed by the creatures in this chaotic game, I was determined to persist until I unraveled its mysteries and emerged victorious. With fists raised, my expression radiated pure joy, ready to face whatever came my way.
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