Fight in the Dawn Light
Kai abruptly spins around, feeling a surge of adrenaline as he tries to identify the origin of the movement that catches him off guard.
The sunlit forest adorns the ground with patterns, created by the interplay of light and tree branches.
Hyperaware of his surroundings, all he can perceive are swaying branches and rustling leaves.
Embarrassment washes over him as he realizes it is merely his imagination. "Just my imagination," he mutters, his voice trembling.
Before he can take another step, a rapid blur of movement catches his attention from the left. Suddenly a sharp claw cuts through the air, leaving a mark on his arm.
He feels a surge of pain, causing him to step back and hold onto his bleeding arm. A scream escapes him as blood drips onto the ground beneath the trees.
After what seems like a moment, he gathers his composure, gradually calming down his breaths. To his astonishment, the bleeding has already ceased, leaving behind a throbbing wound.
Kai's head snaps up as his senses sharpen. He desperately scans the area, attempting to identify his attacker.
He suddenly catches sight of it a few meters ahead, a view in the dim morning glow.
It appears to be a wolf, like no other he has ever come across before, towering twice the height of a wolf.
Its fur shimmers in emerald green with intricate pulsating designs.
The wolf's eyes glow with an eerie blend of green and gold, and its muscular presence exudes raw power.
Fear grips Kai as he locks eyes with the wolf. It is unlike any creature he has encountered before, and he can't help but feel vulnerable in its presence.
Before he can react, the wolf lunges again, its movements fluid and unpredictable. Kai tries to evade, but he is too slow. The wolf's claws graze his right side, inflicting another wound, and fresh pain flares to life.
Kai clenches his teeth, refusing to succumb to fear. A series of notifications flash before his eyes:
[Your Proficiency in Pain Tolerance has increased]
[Skill: Pain Tolerance has leveled up]
[Skill: Pain Tolerance level is now 13]
[You have earned a new Skill: Haemorrhage Tolerance]
[Your Proficiency in Haemorrhage Tolerance has increased]
[Your Proficiency in Haemorrhage Tolerance has increased]
[...]
[Skill: Haemorrhage Tolerance has leveled up]
[Skill: Haemorrhage Tolerance has leveled up]
[...]
[Skill: Haemorrhage Tolerance level is now 4]
[Effects of Haemorrhage Tolerance have stopped the bleeding]
The pain has dulled significantly, and the bleeding has ceased. Though grateful for the reprieve, Kai has no time to dwell on it. The relentless wolf continues its onslaught, pushing him to his limits.
Kai's mind races as he seeks a way to survive without harming the creature. In the dim morning light filtering through the trees, their struggle continues beneath the ancient canopy.
Kai battles the emerald-green wolf with unwavering determination. His sword, which he has taken from his inventory, feels like an extension of himself as he swings it with resolve and urgency.
The wolf moves with uncanny grace and speed, effortlessly dodging Kai's strikes. Its muscular form ripples with power as it repeatedly launches itself at him, sending shivers of fear down Kai's spine.
Kai's lack of experience in fighting animals becomes evident. In the controlled environment of his school, he has never faced a creature like this.
Anxiety creeps into his thoughts as he tries to anticipate the wolf's movements. Kai manages to land a hit on the wolf's side, but it doesn't deter it.
The wolf retaliates with another fierce attack, snapping at Kai's legs. He narrowly evades, his heart pounding.
Blood trickles from his wounds, and his body protests, but Kai remains resolute. His love for animals compels him to find a way to stop the wolf without causing harm.
With each clash, he analyzes the creature's patterns and movements. Though relentless, Kai detects a glimmer of exhaustion in its glowing eyes. It has been fighting just as fiercely as he has.
Desperation fuels Kai's actions, and he decides to change his strategy, aiming to disable rather than harm the wolf.
As the wolf lunges again, he quickly delivers a firm strike to the side of the wolf's head using the flat part of his blade.
The impact of the hit momentarily disorients the creature, causing it to tumble to the ground in the forest.
The wolf shakes its head, attempting to regain its bearings. Kai seizes the opportunity. Instead of delivering a finishing blow, he uses his sword to pin the wolf's massive paw to the ground.
The creature struggles, its eyes now filled with a mix of confusion and fear.
Kai speaks softly, his voice trembling but resolute. "I don't intend to cause you harm. Please, just try to relax."
Maintaining pressure on the sword, Kai prevents the wolf from getting up. Gradually, the tension in the creature's body starts to subside.
The frenzied fight drains from its eyes, replaced by a glimmer of recognition. Minutes pass in tense silence as Kai maintains his hold. Eventually, the wolf lets out a low whine, no longer resisting. It has acknowledged Kai's dominance.
Kai eases the pressure on the wolf's paw and takes a cautious step back. He watches as the creature rises to its feet, its emerald-green fur matted and streaked with dirt.
The wolf regards him warily, its glowing eyes searching his face. Kai offers a tentative smile, hoping the creature will sense his intentions are not hostile.
His heart still races, but now it is not only with fear but with a strange sense of connection to this extraordinary creature of the forest.