With the sun setting soon, I wasted no time. Earlier in the day, I had taken the most direct route through the crimson oak trees, ignoring their bounty, intent on reaching deeper into the gnoll territory. Now, knowing what awaits there, I was no longer in any rush to go deeper.
Instead, I veered sideways rather than pressing deeper into the gnoll lands. I explored the vibrant red trees, my keen eyes searching every nook and cranny for fire nuts. It proved to be surprisingly more difficult than before - the trees here seemed completely stripped out of any produce. I went deeper into the crimson region till I finally spotted the culprit responsible
[Emberbeak Specter - Lvl 16]
It hasn’t spotted me yet. I couldn’t really blame it - the soft dusk light casted long shadows across the ground and I practically blended into the dense underbrush, in the shade of the ember oaks. Summoning the Phantom Whisper, I nocked an arrow, aiming for its head. Changing my mind, I stepped out from the tall shrubs, the bow drawn and the specter still in bow sight.
The Emberbeak Specter snapped its head towards me and let out a high pitched squawk. It flapped its wings frantically, trying to take off when the arrow pierced its neck. The impact sent it sprawling backwards and it tumbled down from its high perch.
I was already nocking another arrow in, ready for the reinforcements to arrive. I didn’t have to wait long - two specters, approached swiftly from the direction I was facing and another darted in from my left, caught in the corner of my eye.
When flying straight, these specters moved fast, wings tucked tight like arrows cutting through the air. This made them a smaller, more elusive target. I released my shot at the leading specter, but it dipped its head at the last moment, letting the arrow sail harmlessly overhead. Tch, hard to strike when they see the arrow coming
Still, I wanted to refine my combat skills - slaying these specters with minimal mana usage would be a solid way to improve. My mind raced through potential tactics, and suddenly, an idea sparked. An idea, so simple that I couldn’t help but grin.
I’d previously attempted shooting two arrows at once, but the results were disastrous; both shots went wide off target. So, I grabbed two arrows from the quiver, nocking one. I had no real expectation of hitting accurately with the first arrow, while holding a second one between my index and middle finger. As the specters came closer, I released the first one, a [Phantom Blink Shot] that darted straight before striking the ground about three hundred feet ahead. Two seconds to blink.
In that instant, I swiftly nocked the second arrow, pulled my right arm back and released just as the closest specter was about to talon-dive me. The arrow whistled through the air, threading between its legs and skewering its underbelly. The impact made it jerk upwards before it began dropping down. Already another arrow in my grasp, I nocked it just as the second one halted mid-air, its wings spread wide to its full span.
With a powerful flap, it sent a barrage of razor-sharp feathers my way just as I released my shot. The last thing I glimpsed was a hail of projectiles closing in, the closest mere inches away from piercing me.
*blink* I reappeared, spinning around, just in time to see the second specter flailing in mid-air, with an arrow lodged deep near its wing joint. Despite its frantic attempts, it slowly spiraled downwards, crashing into the bed of its own quills that now littered the forest floor.
The last one, approaching from the side, slowed its dive to turn towards my new spot. My arrows pack enough power to cripple if not kill the specters outright. Still, I pushed the limit on drawing back the bowstring, muscles taut, waiting for the specter to come closer. As the bird paused mid-air with its wings arched preparing to [Quillstorm], I released. The arrow drove through its chest, a clean kill - dead before it hit the ground. The extra draw power did make the shot faster and delivered more impact; nowhere near the devastating force of the [Charged Shot of Phantom Whisper] but it's far more precise.
Level Up 17 -> 18
Upgrade: Strength +3, Perception: +3, Dexterity + 1, Additional Stat Point +2
That went exactly as I’d planned. I didn’t really need to be precise, when shooting the blink shot into the ground. Having the second arrow instantly ready to nock after, allowed me to get two shots off before needing to blink away.
Finding the flock’s hoard of [Fire Nut of Crimson Ember Oak] didn’t take long; the Emberbeak specters had stashed their woven basket high in the tallest Ember Oak in the vicinity. This time, I carefully snipped off the top, detaching the pouch completely without destroying it.
After a hearty meal of roasted specter meat with a dash of fire nut seasoning, I settled down on a wide tree branch and finished the rest of the fire nut hoard. I reviewed my latest notifications
Upgrade: Cooking Lvl4 -> Lvl6
Upgrade: Constitution +2, Dexterity +1
Upgrade: Dexterity +2
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
The last of the roasted meats, I wrapped in crimson leaves and set aside. Come morning, after a quick dip in the river, I finished the leftovers.
Upgrade: Constitution +1
The plan for today was pretty straightforward. Hunt whatever I could to level up while steering well clear of any Gnoll Ravager or other such powerful beasts.
Taking the same path as yesterday, I reached the spot where I’d encountered the Ravager. I looked at the numerous clawed footprints on the forest floor, trying to make sense of which way they could’ve gone. There were so many overlapping imprints that I had no idea which direction most of them were headed. However, one set stood out - larger, heavier prints that pressed deeper into the soil. The Gnoll Ravager footprints. I could tell from the orientation of its claws where it had leapt down from the tree; it had gone left after that.
General Skill ‘Tracking’ acquired
Upgrade: Tracking Lvl0 -> Lvl1
Cool. To the right then. I traversed the new territory, fully alert. The tall trees here with their slender bark didn’t provide much physical cover but their branches high above were thick, laden with brown leaves forming a dense canopy, creating pockets of dark shade. I tried using [Identify] on one of the trees, but it came up blank.
After about an hour of cautious scouting, I finally spotted something - four gnoll skirmishers scattered across the forest floor. They were clawing through the underbrush, tearing aside tangled roots with swift, brutish motions. Clumps of earth were sent flying in all directions as they dug, occasionally pausing to sniff with their snouts, searching for something specific beneath the earth.
I crept closer, moving silently, watching for any indication of them stopping or detecting my presence. Climbing a tree for a better vantage point would have been ideal, but I opted against it—better not waste time and risk missing this opportunity.
One of the beasts grunted as it unearthed something - a stash of mushrooms. It moved out from its digging spot and deposited them in a small pile I hadn’t noticed before. It resumed digging, this time at a different spot.
Summoning my bow, I nocked an arrow while evaluating my options. The gnolls were within each other’s visual range, except for the one that had just moved. It was momentarily out of sight from the rest, who had their backs turned. Circling around, I found a favorable angle. Perhaps due to my enhanced perception stat, it was easy to pick up on their movements—each gnoll had a distinct rhythm to its digging. My first target was predictable: three quick claw swipes followed by a brief pause.
My left eye flared green, highlighting its weak spots. I exhaled slowly and released a [Silent Arrow of Nex]. The arrow flew soundlessly , piercing the beast’s skull just as it paused between digging. The beast slumped into the hole it was digging, head first. I didn’t need the system notification to tell the beast status - [Phantom Whisper] was already humming, sending a wave of what felt like satisfaction coursing through me.
Without missing a beat, I nocked another arrow, nerves taut as I waited to see if the others would notice their dead companion. None did. With another deep breath, I pulled the bowstring back, aiming at the next closest target. This one dug with both claws cupped together, sending clumps of soil flying behind it. As it bobbed its head up from the digging motion, my arrow pierced its throat.
The reaction was instantaneous - the remaining two skirmishers snapped their attention towards me. They must have caught sight of the arrow's trajectory.
The larger of the two charged forward, closing the distance at a rapid pace. It was almost halfway by the time I drew the arrow back. But it wasn’t my primary concern. The other gnoll reared back, spine straight and snout lifted high - it was about to howl. My next shot had to be quick. I released, the arrow slicing through its throat just as it opened its maw.
The last skirmisher had covered the gap much faster than I anticipated - only about fifty feet away by the time I turned my focus to it. I barely managed to nock an arrow as the beast leapt. In the split second before impact, I leapt backwards and released the arrow with almost no draw power. It flew sluggishly, more like a child's toy than a lethal weapon.
I could see the muscles in its neck and shoulders bunching up, preparing to snap down with crushing force. Its target was clear—my left shoulder, exposed just enough for those fangs to sink deep.
At that moment, my senses heightened; time slowed down - the beast mid-air closing the distance despite my body falling backwards. It opened its maw, wide open revealing rows of jagged, yellowed teeth that promised pain. I attempted to bring the bow between but my body responded sluggishly. I won’t make it in time.
My mind raced, desperately calculating my options; but to no avail, every reaction my body could make, the beast could respond even faster. The world seemed to narrow into the tunnel of its gaping jaw, something that felt like deja vu. Time stretched into an agonizing crawl as the beast closed the final inches between us.
*plop* The arrow struck the ground. Time shifted from moving at a crawl to an absolute standstill. I welcomed the shroud of darkness enveloping me like never before. Whispers, always soft and faint, became almost comprehensible - obliterate all that dares to stand in our path, bring forth annihilation.
The world snapped back into focus as I reappeared, sprawled on the forest floor. The gnoll’s hindlegs and torso blurred past above me. In one fluid motion, I rolled into a crouch, another arrow already in hand. The beast skidded to a halt, turning back with a growl.
I drew the nocked arrow, charging the shot with my unique ability - strength and mana poured in. Only a second in, I felt each of my back muscles distinctly, coiled and tense. Another half a second, and my expanded chest started to tremble, my core threatening to collapse.
The arrowhead glowed with molten energy, sparks crackling along its shaft. The beast leapt, aiming for the head. The arrow flew from my grasp before I could release, streaking forward like a missile. The impact was so powerful it knocked me off my feet, sending me sprawling again.
I lay there for a moment, my muscles screaming from the strain of holding that charged shot for barely two seconds. I took my time getting up, not a shred of doubt regarding the beast’s demise.
Not wanting to linger in this area any longer than need be, I made my way toward the stash the gnolls had been so intent on unearthing.