As I woke up, I found myself feeling confused about my situation. After sitting up and stretching my body, I carefully checked for any injuries or lingering pain. Confirming that I was fine, I began sorting through the new knowledge that seemed to have embedded itself in my mind.
From this knowledge, I understood the source of the pain I experienced earlier. It was caused by the awakening of the fire demon ability within me. Realizing I had inherited the power of the Fire Demon Ape filled me with ecstasy. Even at its lowest level, the fire control ability gave me an edge against the demonic beasts. With it, I could also forge weapons to aid in my combat endeavors.
The warm sunlight streaming through the cave entrance interrupted my thoughts, gently falling on my face and giving me a fleeting sense of comfort in this perilous world. Steeling myself for the challenges of a new day, I turned my attention to the Fire Demon Ape I had defeated the day before. Its body hadn't begun to rot despite being dead for an entire day. Determined to make use of it, I searched the area for a sharp stone.
After finding one, I heated it using my fire ability until it was sharp enough to cut through the ape's tough skin. Once satisfied, I began extracting its bones. The process was nauseating, but I pushed through. My resolve never wavered because I knew that if I had been the one to fall, the ape would have devoured me without hesitation. This world belonged to the strong, and I had no choice but to grow stronger.
I removed all the ape's bones, understanding their potential value. The bones of a Fire Demon Ape, infused with fire-element affinity, could grant explosive power when paired with fire-based abilities. After finishing, I also skinned the ape for its fur, which I fashioned into makeshift clothing since my original garments had been torn and burned during the fight. I dragged the ape's remaining carcass deeper into the cave and sealed the entrance.
After burying most of the body, I saved some of its fat to eat, storing it in leaves I had collected earlier. With basic necessities secured, I turned my focus to crafting weapons from the ape's bones. Using its smaller bones, I made a hammer, while the larger bones were shaped into swords and spears. It took three days to complete the work as I was a novice in this field, but I quickly adapted. During this time, I sustained myself by cooking the ape's meat with my fire ability.
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[Creation points +300]
[Creation points +200] * 4
After finishing the weapons, I assessed their quality and deemed them adequate for hunting mid-tier body-strengthening-level creatures. From this process, I accumulated a total of 1,250 creation points. Curious, I asked the system:
"System, how many points are required to upgrade my cultivation to mid-body-strengthening level?"
"1,200 points," the system replied mechanically.
Seeing I had enough points, I excitedly gave the command:
"System, upgrade my cultivation to mid-body-strengthening level."
"1,200 points deducted."
Immediately, I felt my body undergo a profound transformation as my fibers were refined and my strength increased. Clenching my fist, I could sense that I had become twice as strong as I was at the low-body-strengthening level. Elated, I punched the air with all my might, creating a sonic boom. The force caused the already weakened cave to start collapsing.
Realizing the danger, I dashed to the entrance, kicked aside the rocks blocking the way, and escaped just as the cave crumbled entirely. Turning back for one last look at the place where I had faced a life-threatening ordeal, I felt a pang of sadness. However, I quickly brushed it aside and set off toward the forest, where even stronger enemies awaited.
As I approached the forest, a familiar face halted me in my tracks.
"Good, my disciple," my master's voice echoed. Her tone carried a mix of warmth and pride, a rare tenderness that softened her usual strict demeanor. "You have taken your first step on the path of cultivation by confronting the ape despite the option to run. I am proud of your courage. Cultivation is for the brave; those with weak wills have no place in this world. You have shown true potential."
Hearing these words filled me with pride and happiness. Yet, before I could bask in my master's praise, she continued, her voice firm but tinged with a note of concern:
"Don't let my compliments inflate your ego. The forest ahead contains beasts at the body-strengthening, essence-gathering, and energy-transformation levels. When you reach the peak of the essence-gathering level, I will provide you with a cultivation technique to advance to the energy-transformation level."
Then, she dropped a bombshell, her tone becoming serious and commanding:
"Your second trial requires you to kill all the demonic beasts within this secret realm to earn your way out."
My face paled as I absorbed the enormity of the task. Sensing my distress, my master's expression softened, and a faint smile played on her lips.
"Don't worry," she said, her voice taking on a playful, almost mischievous tone as she winked at me. "I'll give you a gift when you complete your task."
With those parting words, my master vanished, leaving my mind blank and chaotic as I struggled to process the challenge that lay ahead.