This is a 4th-rank mid-tier Wind Bear... I have to be careful, I thought, steeling myself as the massive beast roared again, its claws tearing through the cave walls like paper.
The Wind Bear lunged.
I barely dodged in time, the gust from its swing cutting across my cheek. Using my agility, I twisted behind it and slashed with my sword. But the beast turned sharply, catching my blade with its massive paw—and before I could react, it hurled me into the stone wall.
Boom!
My back thudded against the rock. Pain flared through my ribs, but I pushed myself up.
"Inferno Slash – First Form!"
My blade burst into flames as I swung. The slash hit the bear's belly, leaving a scorched, bleeding wound. It howled in pain and staggered back.
I exhaled sharply. I can't use Earth Seal or Meteor Rain in this enclosed cave...
"System," I called out, "do you have any other ranged skills?"
Ding!
Host, new skill detected: Earth Finger Ray. Do you wish to learn it? Y/N
"Yes!" I responded without hesitation.
Ding!
5500 XP deducted.
Skill 'Earth Finger Ray' learned successfully.
Energy surged into my finger. I raised my hand, aimed at the bear, and shouted, "Earth Finger Ray!"
A piercing ray of earthen light shot from my finger and drilled straight into the Wind Bear's forehead.
The beast's body trembled, then collapsed with a heavy thud.
Ding!
You have slain 4th-rank mid-tier Wind Bear Beast – XP Gained: 4500.
Current XP: 7777
"Hah…" I gasped. "That thing was seriously dangerous."
But then—more growls echoed from deeper within the cave.
My heart sank. "Don't tell me there's more…"
I turned to the system again. "How many breakthroughs can I do right now?"
Ding!
Host may perform one breakthrough.
"Do it. Better than dying."
Ding!
3900 XP deducted.
You have broken through to Body Tempering – 7th Layer.
Warmth filled my body as my meridians expanded once more. I stood taller, stronger.
Without wasting time, I moved deeper into the tunnels—and found two Wind Lizard Beasts napping by a glowing pool. Both were 4th-rank low-tier.
I tiptoed closer. Almost…
They stirred.
In a flash, they lunged.
I parried their strikes, pivoted, and struck back with practiced precision. In two clean movements, I cut them down.
Ding!
You killed 4th rank low-tire Wind Lizard Beast – XP Gained: 3983
You killed 4th rank low-tire Wind Lizard Beast – XP Gained: 4000
Current XP: 11860
"System, how many breakthroughs now?"
Ding!
Two breakthroughs possible.
"Do it."
System deducted 3900 XP .
The power this time surged with double intensity. My body glowed faintly as I felt myself evolving, layer by layer.
Ding!
Breakthroughs complete. Current Cultivation: Body Tempering – 9th Layer.
Current XP: 3660
I pressed onward until the path opened into a deep pit.
What's that smell?
I looked down—and froze.
A massive nest of Rat Beasts lay below, all dozing in a pile. At least a dozen. Most were 3rd-rank mid-tier, but at the center lay one far larger—4th-rank low-tier, clearly the leader.
As I stepped forward, my foot knocked a stone loose.
Clack… clack…
The stone tumbled down into the pit—and chaos erupted.
The Rat Beasts sprang awake, eyes glowing crimson.
"Ahhh, come on!"
I ran back, created distance, and raised my sword.
"Inferno Slash – First Form!"
A sweeping wave of fire surged forward, consuming the swarm.
Ding!
You killed 3rd-rank mid-tier Rat Beast – XP Gained: 2520
You killed 3rd-rank mid-tier Rat Beast – XP Gained: 2540
You killed 3rd-rank mid-tier Rat Beast – XP Gained: 2500
You killed 3rd-rank mid-tier Rat Beast – XP Gained: 2560
You killed 3rd-rank mid-tier Rat Beast – XP Gained: 2600
You killed 3rd-rank mid-tier Rat Beast – XP Gained: 2450
You killed 3rd-rank mid-tier Rat Beast – XP Gained: 2500
You killed 3rd-rank mid-tier Rat Beast – XP Gained: 2400
You killed 3rd-rank mid-tier Rat Beast – XP Gained: 2480
Only the leader remained, snarling with fury.
I raised my hand.
"Earth Finger Ray!"
The beam struck true, piercing the beast's skull cleanly.
Ding!
You killed 4th-rank low-tier Rat Beast – XP Gained: 4100
Current XP: 26210
I stood in the silence that followed, chest heaving, the stench of scorched fur in the air.
"Now," I muttered, gripping my sword tighter, "where is the Third Sword?"