Chapter 4: Into the Wildlands

The dense underbrush of the wildlands enveloped Cruz as he pressed deeper into the forest, each step a mix of excitement and trepidation. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and unfamiliar flora, while the cacophony of distant creatures echoed around him. He had come a long way since entering the gate, and the thrill of the unknown pushed him forward.

His gauntlets felt reassuring on his hands, the claws glinting ominously in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. Each encounter he had faced since arriving in this new world had honed his instincts, transforming fear into resolve. He was no longer the boy who watched his father die; he was becoming something more—a hunter, perhaps even a warrior.

Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes caught his attention. Cruz dropped into a low stance, his heart racing. Out from the foliage emerged a small creature, about the size of a rabbit, covered in soft, blue fur. It looked at him with wide eyes, then darted away into the thicket. A fleeting moment of disappointment washed over him.

"Not much of a challenge," he muttered, feeling a strange mix of exhilaration and boredom. He wanted to test his skills against something stronger, something that could truly push him to his limits.

Cruz pressed on, navigating the winding paths that twisted through the trees. Each sound—the snap of a twig, the rustle of leaves—kept him alert. He needed to be aware, to anticipate danger. The deeper he traveled, the more the forest changed; the trees grew taller and thicker, their trunks wrapped in vibrant vines that glimmered faintly in the dim light.

As he rounded a bend, he stumbled upon a clearing, and what lay before him took his breath away. A vast lake sprawled out, its surface shimmering like a sheet of glass under the sun. The water stretched out as far as he could see, and it felt like he had stumbled into a different realm.

But that wasn't what caught his attention. Gliding lazily through the water was a massive serpentine creature, its form both majestic and terrifying. The scales reflected the sunlight in a mesmerizing display of colors, and as it swam, it left a trail of bubbles in its wake.

Cruz's heart raced. He activated his [Identify] skill, a sense of urgency compelling him to know what he was dealing with.

Abysswalker [lvl ??-??]

The message blinked in front of him, leaving Cruz both awed and cautious. The unknown level of the creature sent a chill down his spine. He breathed in, smiling wryly as he reminded himself that this was no longer Earth. This world had its own rules, and he needed to tread carefully.

He clenched his gauntlets, feeling the weight of his resolve. "This isn't the end. I need to find the creature that killed my father," he whispered to himself, determination igniting within him. The Abysswalker was a reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows, and it was a challenge he was eager to confront.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

With renewed purpose, Cruz turned away from the lake, scanning his surroundings. He would not let this opportunity slip away. He needed to fight and hone his skills. As he ventured further into the wildlands, he felt a shift within himself. He sensed that each encounter with these creatures would bring him closer to understanding his powers and the world around him.

His mind whirred with possibilities. He recalled the proficiency counter that had appeared when he practiced using [Identify]. With every use, he felt himself growing stronger, more adept at reading the intricate details of the creatures he faced. The more he learned, the more he understood the workings of his abilities.

He paused, summoning the skill to check his stats:

Name: Cruz Hernandez

Race: Human

Class: None

Abilities:

[Descent of Primus]

Rank F ??

Skill Type: Causality Manipulation

Effect: User can accelerate or decelerate the flow of time around a target for a short duration.

Description: ?????

[Identify]

Rank F

Skill Type: Knowledge/Observation

Effect: User can discern basic information about an object, creature, or entity, including its name, type, level, and basic attributes. This skill helps the user assess potential threats and strategize accordingly.

Health Points (HP): 15/40

Mana Points (MP): 30/30

Stamina: 22/35

Stats:

Strength: 3

Agility: 5

Endurance: 4

Toughness: 3

Wisdom: 2

Intelligence: 4

Willpower: 6

Each number felt like a piece of a puzzle, a map guiding him toward growth. He was learning to balance his strengths and weaknesses, honing his agility and endurance in a way that would prepare him for what lay ahead. The Abysswalker was a formidable presence, but he would be ready.

As Cruz trekked deeper, he encountered various creatures—some small and skittish, others larger and more intimidating. Each time, he utilized Identify, gaining insights that would prove invaluable.

He fought with caution and strategy, using the environment to his advantage. When a massive, four-legged beast lunged at him, he ducked beneath its swinging tail and struck with his claws, leaving deep gashes on its flank. The adrenaline surged through him, and as he landed the blow, he felt a flicker of joy; he was becoming the warrior he aspired to be.

Yet, he quickly learned the consequences of recklessness. Each encounter drained his stamina, and he felt fatigue creeping in. His health was low, and he had to manage his resources wisely. He started to forage for more edible plants, mixing his newfound knowledge of the environment with his instinct to survive.

As he traversed the forest, he realized that he wasn't just fighting monsters; he was uncovering the essence of this world and his place within it. The struggle against the wild was a rite of passage, and every battle shaped him, molding his skills and abilities into something stronger.

With each victory, Cruz felt his resolve harden. He would seek out the Abysswalker, but first, he needed to understand his own potential. He was no longer just Cruz Hernandez—he was becoming a force to be reckoned with.

As night fell, the forest transformed. The creatures of the dark emerged, their eyes glowing like embers in the shadows. Cruz steadied himself, ready for whatever lay ahead. He had a purpose now, a direction. He would forge his path through this untamed wilderness, one battle at a time, determined to uncover the truth and reclaim what had been lost.

Cruz smiled to himself, his heart pounding with excitement. The hunt had only just begun.