Shadowmeld: Basic (Level 8/10) felt peculiar, to say the least. As I traversed through the dense forest, I tapped into the depths of this skill, sensing a slight drain on my soul. However, I could maintain the ability for an extended period without faltering. The already pitch-black surroundings took on an eerie overtone, as if I had ventured into a realm distinct from the one, I had known. Shadows wrapped around me like a second skin, granting me a sense of profound connection and dominance over the darkness.
Amidst the enigmatic aura of the shadows, my attention was drawn to a small figure approaching—and using Level Sight: Basic (Level 4/10) I was able to identify it as a Level 12 Fanged Rabbit. Instinctively, I gauged its threat level, recognizing that compared to the colossal boar I had recently slain, this rabbit posed little challenge. Its fangs protruded menacingly from its elongated incisors, while its eyes glowed with an otherworldly intensity, a clear sign of its heightened predatory nature.
With a mischievous grin, I decided to put my newly acquired skill to the test—illusion manipulation. This encounter would yield me only a minuscule amount of experience, but it presented an opportunity to refine my skills and explore the depths of my newfound abilities.
Drawing upon the shadows' embrace, I channelled their essence, weaving an intricate illusionary spectacle. The forest seemed to come alive with phantom images, distorting reality and disorienting the senses. The rabbit, engrossed by the bewildering spectacle, darted its gaze frantically, unable to discern the true threat from the illusory ones. This diversion granted me the perfect opening to close the distance between us unnoticed.
As the rabbit, consumed by its futile attempts to attack the illusion, grew increasingly frantic and exhausted, a seed of fear took root within its trembling form. Sensing the opportune moment, I tapped into the depths of my power, activating Menacing Presence: Basic (Level 6/10). The air around me thickened with an aura of menace, fanning the flames of its trepidation, and implanting a subtle suggestion in its vulnerable mind—run toward me.
Unaware of the impending doom that awaited it, the rabbit succumbed to the manipulated fear, its instincts overriding any hint of self-preservation. With every desperate leap, it unknowingly drew closer to its own demise, driven by a force it could not comprehend. The illusion I had crafted held its grip over the rabbit, guiding it unwittingly towards my waiting trap.
As the rabbit neared, its breath heavy and heart pounding, I called upon the depths of my power. From the ethereal realm, I summoned forth a blood-etched dagger, its crimson hue glinting with an insidious allure. The blade materialized in my hand, pulsating with an unnerving energy, as if hungering for the life essence that coursed through the rabbit's veins.
With precise timing and unwavering focus, I struck. The dagger, fuelled by my intent and honed instincts, found its mark. The blade sliced through the air with lethal grace, cleaving into the rabbit's vulnerable flesh, swiftly bringing an end to its desperate flight. Lifeblood spilled, merging with the shadow-strewn ground, as the rabbit's struggle ceased, forever silenced.
Experience gained 100.
Shadowmeld: Basic (Level 8/10) ------------- Basic (Level 9/10)
Level Sight: Basic (Level 4/10) --------- Basic (Level 6/10)
Menacing Presence: Basic (Level 6/10) --------- Basic (Level 9/10)
Level: 4 [1100/5000 experience needed for level 5]
Though the experience gained paled in comparison to the monumental triumph over the colossal boar, its significance resonated deeply within Hemalith. The minuscule increments of experience served as invaluable nourishment for honing his skills, fuelling his growth in this ethereal realm of shadows. In that moment, a potent surge coursed through his being, igniting a profound realization—the ability to manipulate his prey's destiny, subtly guiding them towards their inescapable demise, held an intoxicating allure.
The sensation that enveloped Hemalith was nothing short of empowering. The very notion of exerting absolute control over the vulnerable creatures of the forest, leading them, unknowing and unsuspecting, towards their ultimate fate, stirred a primal instinct within him. A dark enchantment danced through his veins, intertwining with the shadows that cloaked his presence, as he revelled in the heady rush of dominion.
Perhaps it was the alluring enchantment of his recent accomplishments that diverted Hemalith's attention, rendering him oblivious to the imminent danger hurtling towards him. Not a single warning reached his senses—no sight, sound, or premonition—until it was too late. A searing pain tore through his back, cruelly gifting him with a profusion of blood that spilled onto the unforgiving ground. Panic surged within Hemalith as he desperately scanned his surroundings, seeking his invisible assailant, yet finding nothing but an eerie silence that permeated the forest, as if every other creature in the vicinity knew better than to occupy this treacherous space.
The very shadows that had once been his refuge deepened, concealing the identity of his assailant, obscuring any hope of immediate retribution. As Hemalith strained his ears, a faint noise teased from his left, prompting him to whirl around, only to discover emptiness mocking him. Like a sinister dance orchestrated by an unseen puppeteer, the assault came once more, this time from the right, a merciless reminder of his vulnerability. Another crimson stain marked the forest floor, mingling with his own life essence.
An unnerving realization took hold—there was something amiss in this realm of shadows, something far more sinister than he had anticipated. Hemalith's instincts screamed at him to flee, to seek refuge from the hidden tormentor that lurked within the depths of the forest. However, Hemalith understood all too well that his lineage, bound by blood, would never permit such a passive stance. The malevolent creature, fuelled by an insidious intent, had set its sights on him, seeking to claim him as prey. This was an unforgivable transgression that could never be tolerated.
Hemalith focused his senses to their utmost, straining to perceive even the faintest hint of movement or sound. But all around him, an eerie stillness hung in the air, shrouding his surroundings in an oppressive silence. He knew deep within that he was not alone, that the relentless pursuit persisted with an unyielding determination. Every fibre of his being resonated with the awareness that he was still being hunted, a fact that sent a shiver down his spine.
With bated breath, Hemalith stood poised, his senses on high alert, attuned to the slightest disturbance in the shadows. And then, as if emerging from the very essence of darkness itself, he caught a fleeting glimpse in his periphery. There it stood, an abomination in form, a grotesque manifestation of terror and malice.
The creature, resembling a skeletal figure fashioned from twisted branches and gnarled roots, possessed a horrifying visage. Its countenance bore no semblance of humanity, its face dominated by a massive maw brimming with jagged teeth, dripping with the very blood it had spilled moments ago. The limbs of this nightmarish entity were forged into razor-sharp blades, crimson droplets clinging to their serrated edges, a chilling testament to the destruction it had wrought.
Rising to a towering height of nine feet, the creature emanated an aura of pure darkness, its form a pitch-black void that seamlessly melded with the surrounding shadows. It was as if it had been birthed from the depths of the abyss, an embodiment of the very essence it concealed.
With swiftness born of desperation, Hemalith invoked his Level Sight: Basic (Level 6/10), seeking to pierce the veil of uncertainty and gain a glimpse into the formidable adversary he faced.
As the arcane energies coursed through his veins, his vision shifted, unveiling the true nature of the looming threat before him. The sight that unfolded sent a surge of fear coursing through Hemalith's mind, gripping him tightly in its icy grasp.
Level 38 Umbralith Grunt,
Its imposing form radiating an aura of sheer malevolence. The gaping void of its existence loomed over Hemalith, casting a long shadow upon his resolve. The level disparity between them was staggering, leaving no room for doubt that this creature was an embodiment of death and destruction—a merciless predator well-versed in the art of ending lives.
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Though Hemalith possessed monstrous stat that might grant him an edge, he understood that this encounter was not merely a test of strength. The Umbralith Grunt had honed its skills through countless battles, its very essence intertwined with the art of taking life. It was a creature born to kill, attuned to the dance of violence and destruction.
In a split second, Hemalith's sharp gaze caught sight of the elusive creature before it once again vanished into the veils of darkness. He realized that his adversary was cunningly exploiting the very essence of shadows to conceal its presence. Understanding the urgency of the situation, Hemalith swiftly activated his Shadowmeld: Basic (Level 9/10), instantly melding with the ethereal realm of shadows.
As his form melded and merged with the dark expanse, he found himself immersed in a surreal world where shades and whispers reigned. Yet, lurking within this shadowy domain was the Umbralith Grunt, patiently lying in wait, poised to strike Hemalith's unprotected right side.
Time seemed to stretch in those heart-pounding moments as Hemalith's senses sharpened, attuned to the slightest tremor in the air. He spun around with all the agility he could muster, but the vast discrepancy in their dexterity became painfully evident. His opponent, endowed with supernatural swiftness, outmatched him by a substantial margin.
A surge of adrenaline coursed through Hemalith's veins as his mind raced to devise a strategy. He knew that relying solely on his physical prowess would not be enough. With the Umbralith Grunt's mastery of shadows and unrivalled agility, he needed to tap into his ingenuity and exploit every advantage at his disposal.
Summoning every ounce of concentration, Hemalith tapped into his Blood Manipulation: Intermediate (Level 2/10) skill, swiftly moulding and shaping his life essence into a protective barrier. With a surge of energy, a crimson wall materialized between him and the looming creature, a desperate attempt to ward off its imminent attack.
BOOM!
A thunderous impact reverberated through the air as the creature's arm collided with the defensive barrier. Hemalith felt a wave of relief wash over him as his defense held, preventing the creature's deadly strike from cleaving him in half. Yet, the force of the impact sent Hemalith hurtling backward, his body colliding with an unyielding tree trunk.
Pain seared through his body as he struggled to regain his bearings. Bruised and disoriented, he clung to the tree for support, feeling the sharp sting of the encounter. The resilience in his blood surged, fuelling his determination to press on despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him.
New skill unlocked.
Blood Shield: Basic (Level 1/10)
Blood Shield is a fundamental skill in the art of blood manipulation, granting Hemalith the ability to create a protective barrier using his own blood. As a Level 1 skill, it serves as the initial step in Hemalith's mastery of defensive techniques.
When activated, Blood Shield forms a translucent shield composed of Hemalith's manipulated blood in front of him, acting as a barrier against incoming attacks. The shield is capable of absorbing and dispersing a moderate amount of force, effectively reducing the impact of physical strikes, projectiles, and certain types of energy-based assaults.
At this basic level, the Blood Shield is relatively simple and provides a modest level of defense. It can withstand attacks of moderate intensity, such as minor projectiles or low-impact strikes, providing Hemalith with a brief window of protection. However, the shield's durability and effectiveness against more powerful attacks or sustained assaults are limited.
Maintaining the Blood Shield requires Hemalith's concentration and focus, as he continuously manipulates and reinforces the shield using his blood manipulation abilities. Extended use or exposure to high-intensity attacks may strain the shield's integrity and weaken its protective capabilities.
As Hemalith advances in his mastery of blood manipulation, he can enhance the Blood Shield, increasing its durability, size, and resistance to various types of attacks. Additionally, he can learn to infuse the shield with additional properties or adapt it to specific situations, making it a versatile tool for defence in his ongoing battles.
As Hemalith faced the swift and elusive creature, his blood bow materialized in his grasp, ready for action. However, the creature's agility proved challenging, evading Hemalith's attempts to take a shot. Determined to find a way to harm it, Hemalith moved swiftly, keeping a safe distance from the creature while pondering his options.
Realizing that conventional blood manipulation techniques would have no effect on a creature devoid of blood, Hemalith decided to employ an alternative strategy. He unleashed the power of Menacing Presence: Basic (Level 6/10), aiming to exploit the moment of fear and confusion to gain the upper hand. However, to his dismay, the creature remained unaffected, showing no signs of intimidation in the face of Hemalith's attack.
Although the skill failed to install fear, it did manage to create a momentary opening. Seizing the opportunity with unwavering precision, Hemalith swiftly released a blood arrow from his bow. The arrow soared through the air, honed on its target with deadly accuracy. However, as the arrow struck the creature, it passed through as if piercing a mere shadow, unable to inflict any tangible damage.
Dismay showed on Hemalith face as he was unable to harm the creature. He continued to evade but bit by bit the creature was advancing eventually Hemalith had to drop the bow as it was doing no good and the drain on his soul was getting to the point where it was better to release the skill than keep it up. Hemalith kept evading dodging and weaving but the creature was going to catch up to him it was only a matter of time.
A sense of dismay washed over Hemalith's face as his attempts to harm the creature proved futile. Despite his agile movements, the relentless advance of the creature gradually closed the gap between them. Hemalith realized that clinging to his bow was fruitless; it had become ineffective against this formidable foe. Moreover, the continuous drain on his soul became increasingly burdensome, prompting him to release the skill and relinquish the futile effort.
With the bow now abandoned, Hemalith relied solely on his evasive manoeuvres, dodging, and weaving in a desperate bid to outmanoeuvre the relentless creature. However, the creature's relentless pursuit made it clear that Hemalith's evasive tactics could only buy him limited time. The creature's proximity grew ever closer, and the threat of its impending capture loomed heavily over Hemalith. Each passing moment felt like a race against time, as he searched for an opportunity to turn the tide and regain control of the situation.
As the creature closed in on Hemalith, poised to strike, he tapped into his newfound skill and summoned a Blood Shield: Basic (Level 1/10) in a desperate attempt to protect himself. The shield materialized just in time, intercepting the creature's lethal strike aimed at his neck. A sigh of relief escaped Hemalith's lips as he narrowly evaded a fatal blow.
Emboldened by the successful defence, Hemalith swiftly conjured a blood dagger in his hand, determined to retaliate. With a swift swipe, he aimed the blade at the creature, but to his frustration, it passed through the entity as if it were a mere illusion. The creature seemed impervious to his attacks, leaving Hemalith grappling with a growing sense of urgency and the realization that he needed to find a more effective strategy to overcome this formidable foe before his mana ran out.
Eager to turn the tide of the battle, Hemalith tapped into the power of Bloodbane: Novice (Level 6/10), counting on its inherent ability to overcome the Umbralith Grunt's defences. The clash resumed, with Hemalith deftly evading and spinning to the left, anticipating the creature's movements. In a moment of opportunity, he thrust his blood-drenched dagger into the creature's body, striking true.
A blood-curdling scream escaped the creature's lips, reverberating through the forest. However, instead of succumbing to its injuries, the Umbralith Grunt unleashed a newfound fury, retaliating with increased ferocity. In a relentless dance of evasion and agility, Hemalith and the Umbralith Grunt maneuverer through the battleground, their movements intertwining in a deadly symphony. Time seemed to stretch into an eternity for Hemalith, every passing moment a test of his endurance and skill. He called upon his blood manipulation abilities, conjuring one blood shield after another, desperately seeking refuge from the onslaught of strikes aimed at him.
With each counterattack, Hemalith struck true, his determination unwavering. However, the creature only grew more enraged, its relentless assault showing no signs of abating. Hemalith's body bore the accumulating wounds, a testament to the sheer intensity of the battle. He knew that his natural vitality and blood manipulation skills could only endure for so long before they would be overwhelmed by the relentless damage being inflicted upon him.
Desperation began to settle in as Hemalith reached deep within himself, drawing upon his Menacing Presence: Basic (Level 6/10) once again. But this time, his intentions shifted. Instead of attempting to install fear or plant suggestions, he sought a connection to the very mind of the creature itself. His mind raced, searching for any strategy or tactic that could possibly slow down his relentless adversary, even for a fleeting moment. With an unyielding determination, Hemalith delved deep into the recesses of his mind, channelling his own fury and rage. In a surge of raw power, he unleashed his mind and soul, entwining them with the very essence of the creature's consciousness. The collision of their mental forces was like a catastrophic car wreck, tearing through the creature's mind with an unforgiving force.
The Umbralith Grunt stumbled, its movements faltering as its thoughts were mercilessly scrambled. Hemalith seized this precious moment of vulnerability, his instincts guiding him forward. Abandoning his blood dagger, he willed a colossal great sword into existence, its form materializing in his hands. With a resolute swing, he brought the mighty blade crashing down, severing the creature's head from its body.
Silence filled the air as the lifeless form of the Umbralith Grunt crumpled to the ground. Hemalith stood, his breath ragged and body weary, victorious in his hard-fought battle.