Kael's silver eyes burned beneath the Shadow Veil Mask, his HP steady at 85%, his Lvl 15 frame buzzing with hard-earned strength. The forest's primal energy pulsed, thick and wild, as he perched in the canopy, his Bloodthread Mantle blending with the foliage.
His Abyssal Fang Dagger hummed, its blade slick with beast blood, the Essence Latch feeding him faint pulses of stamina. He at the progression stats on the system interface—[First Floor: Trial of Strength – Progress: 26/100 Enemies Defeated, 5210/7200 EXP]—but the trial's relentless grind had sharpened his instincts, and battle prowess.
And now, his Pre-Awakening cultivation was now a match for Primal Warriors. The forest was his ally for now, and he'd need every trick to survive what came next.
A distant roar shook the trees, followed by snarls and heavy footsteps. Kael's Predator's Instincts flared, his gaze snapping to the direction.
