The pungent scent of blood and dead hare quickly spread through the air, attracting unwanted attention. Kai sensed it with his "Keen Senses" even before the system could notify him. A low, heavy growl resonated from deeper within the forest, chilling him to the bone.
[Warning! Monster: Night Hyena - Alpha Level 7 has detected you! Danger Level: High!]
Kai's blood ran cold. A Level 7 Night Hyena? They were formidable predators, known for hunting in packs and notorious for their speed and brutality. An Alpha was far more dangerous. With only 6 HP remaining and being just Level 15, he stood no chance in a direct confrontation.
Run! I have to run immediately!
Kai didn't hesitate. He turned, using every ounce of his strength to flee, his tiny legs scrambling over bushes and roots. The Night Hyena's growl grew closer, the sound of its sharp claws tearing at the damp earth echoing behind him like a death knell.
[Skill 'Survival Burst' (Absorbed from a type of forest deer) activated! Increases movement speed by 15% when HP is below 50%!]
Kai's speed increased significantly, but the Night Hyena was still faster. Its hot breath fanned his neck. Kai knew if it caught him, one bite would be the end.
What do I do? I can't fight head-on!
Just then, Kai spotted a small river with a swift current, glimmering under the sunlight. Water! Perhaps his only chance. Kai plunged into the river immediately, ignoring the sharp stones at the bottom. His dragon whelp body could swim, but not particularly fast.
The Alpha Night Hyena snarled furiously as Kai dove into the water. It didn't want to get involved with water, especially a strong current. It stopped at the bank, baring its teeth menacingly, its yellow eyes filled with killing intent.
Kai swam to the middle of the current. The frigid water made his body shiver, but it also helped him clear his mind. From afar, Kai saw a strange object bobbing on the water's surface, drifting towards him. It was a hollow, decaying log.
A floating cave! How lucky!
Without a second thought, Kai squeezed into the log. The space was cramped, but enough to conceal his body. The log drifted swiftly with the current. The Alpha Night Hyena on the bank growled for a while longer, then gradually vanished back into the forest.
[You have escaped a high-level threat!]
[You have completed side quest: 'Resourceful Escape'. Received 50 experience points!]
[Experience Points: 110/100 (Level 15). You can level up!]
[Congratulations! You have reached Level 16! All attributes slightly increased.]
A wave of relief mixed with euphoria washed over Kai. He had survived, and even leveled up! Now, not only was he stronger, but he could also contemplate evolution.
As the log slowed into a river bend, Kai felt a gentle pull from the system. He looked at his status panel.
[New evolution path available!]
[You have gathered enough experience and skills to unlock a special evolution branch: 'Aquatic Dragon Soul (Nascent Stage)']
[Conditions: Level 15+, absorbed at least 3 water/speed/agility related skills.]
[Description: A nascent Dragon Soul, possessing basic water adaptation and control abilities. Increases swimming speed, diving depth, and underwater endurance.]
An Aquatic Dragon! Kai almost shouted. He had forgotten he could evolve. This was his chance not just to survive but to thrive! Especially after having to flee from the Night Hyena.
While contemplating evolution, a strange sound from the nearby riverbank caught Kai's attention. The clanking of metal, not the footsteps of a monster, but the sound of... armor.
A tall figure appeared on the riverbank. He wore heavy, weathered armor that still gleamed with resilience. Over his shoulder was a massive warhammer, and a large round shield was strapped to his back. His ash-colored hair, rugged face, and eyes filled with weariness yet unwavering determination spoke of a hard life.
[Target: Otherworlder - Arthur (Unyielding Knight)]
[Estimated Level: 22]
Another Otherworlder! And he's Level 22! Kai held his breath, trying to hide deeper within the decaying log. This time, he wasn't a nimble swordsman like Zane. This was a Knight, with heavy weaponry and armor. His combat abilities likely focused on defense and raw power.
Arthur walked along the riverbank, his gaze sweeping over every bush and rock formation. He stopped directly where Kai's log was, staring intently.
"You think I don't know you're in there, little dragon whelp?" Arthur's voice was deep but authoritative. "The smell of that hare's blood... and your young dragon scent too. This log doesn't hide you completely."
Kai tensed. Discovered again! "Deep Forest Camouflage" seemed ineffective against these Otherworlders. They must possess senses or detection skills that monsters don't.
"Come out," Arthur said, not sounding hostile, but without any particular goodwill either. "I have no intention of fighting a young dragon still growing. But I need information. You seem intelligent. Tell me, have you seen a wandering swordsman in this area? His name is Zane."
Kai was surprised. So Arthur was looking for Zane! Two Otherworlders who knew each other? The relationships between these "players" seemed more complex than he thought. Was this an opportunity, or a trap?
Kai remained hidden in the log, his dragon eyes observing Arthur, weighing every option. Should he trust this person? And more importantly, if he revealed his position, would it be too dangerous? The world of Aethel still held many mysteries he didn't yet understand.