Rio released the arrow, and it struck the direwolf, embedding itself in the creature's fur. While the direwolf didn't seem physically harmed, the pungent smell was overpowering its sensitive senses. The direwolf leaped and dashed around frantically, attempting to rid itself of the arrow and the overpowering scent. It eventually bolted away from Rio aiming to find a way to cleanse itself of the stench.
Relieved that the direwolf was no longer a threat, Rio sent his bow into his inventory, unable to bear the unbearable odor any longer. He didn't have time to inspect the weapon's status but knew he would return to it later. However, before he could contemplate further, he suddenly fainted yet again.
When he awoke in the white, desolate land, he was surprised to find that the voice had fallen silent for once. However, the silence was short-lived.
"You need to become stronger and faster." the loud voice spoke softly, and then continued "You are not yet strong enough to wield your weapon. I will sponsor you to get you started. But first, you must pass a test to prove your readiness."
Before Rio could respond, three pills dropped in front of him.
"One of these will grant you strength, one will unlock your magical abilities, and the third will enhance your overall health. These effects are temporary. You must defeat the direwolf within the hour with these boosts to acquire skills related to them. Get going."
Without the chance to question, Rio awoke once again, still hung on the tree. He consumed the first pill and instantly felt a surge of strength, leaping from the tree with ease. He then ingested the second pill, which rapidly relieved his aches and pains. Lastly, he took the third pill and felt an incredible surge of imagination and power. He instinctively felt the need to imagine something to manifest it, and once he thought about a fireball one came out of him and was sent out shooting towards a tree. The sensation was euphoric, as this sudden surge of power made him feel like he were the king of this forest, his kingdom.
Knowing that he can retain euphoric feeling by defeating the direwulf motivated him to quickly focus and start searching for it. He saw the direction the direwulf went in and was able to easily smell the remnants of the bad smell, so he knew where to go, andas he was walking in that direction a system message popped up
Quest: Defeat the direwolf in an hour.
[Read more information >>>]
The adrenaline rushed through Rio’s body, and he started running in the direction of the direwulf, and as soon enough the smell started to get stronger. A wet and muddy direwulf suddenly appeared with an arrow still stuck to his body. Its like the direwulf tried to mask the smell, but it only worsened it. So the direwulf returned to complete his initial goal before his prey escaped, not knowing that his prey wanted to fight back.
Immediately, as soon as the direwulf showed up, Rio used the same fireball he had just tried and attacked the direwulf with it. He amanged to harm it but not kill it, as the wolf immediatly jumped at Rio and clawed him.
[Passive skill activated:
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Warning: your health point is now 1]
With adrenaline surging through his veins, Rio aimed his fireball at the direwolf and envisioned one fireball after another leaving his hand, and that was what materilaised. He used all his strength to hold the wolf at bay. However, the direwolf's muddy and wet coat rendered the fire less effective putting Rio in a predicament, he was not trained for battle and was purely acting on instinct.
He recalled the last time his health had dropped to 1 HP, the painful electrical shock from the thunder attack. In that moment, he imagined the direwolf being subjected to the same attack. As if in response to his will, a bolt of lightning struck the direwolf, rendering it immobilized.
The wolf, inches from Rio's face, attempted to extend its claws, but it moved sluggishly after enduring the relentless barrage of attacks. Seizing the opportunity, Rio hit the arrow embedded in the direwulf with his leg, embedded it even further, driving it it deeper into the creature's body. Then once again, Rio sent a fireball aimed directly at the direwulf's wound, make it fall down to it's death.
"What a long day this has been!" he sighted these words, and immediately sat down to breath. He then started to look at the bombardment of messages he received
[You have leveled up]
[Level 7]
[Speed: 70
Strength: 140
Durability:70
HP: 1/50
MP: ERROR
ERROR
Skills:
Resistance to lighting, level 2
Fainting to the abyss: Level 9.
Plants detection: Level 4
Detection Magic: Level 1
Tamer: Level 3
Archery: Level 1
Inventory Space: Level 1
Lighting control: Level 2
Fire Magic: Level 2
"You defeated a berserk beast that was 30 levels higher than you. The heavens are looking at you with curiosity." he read, and then checked the message attached to that.
You’ve gained the title [Lucky to have survived]
Your strong faith that you will survive despite being inches away from death, is rewarded. If you get down to 1 HP again, you will be filled with a strong adrenal rush, and all of your stat power will double momentarily.]
Rio sat on the floor, completely exhausted. He looked at the direwulf, and felt nauseous, he loved animals and yet somehow he was driven to kill one. But, he was glad that he was alive, and he started counting his blessings and thinking how he can eat its meat when suddenly he saw fire spreading behind him.
He was too busy fighting the direwulf to notice that he accidentally started a fire, and it was coming in his direction.