For the first time, another notification appeared before his eyes.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Skill Activated: Soul Tracking [Instant Activation] Description: Detect and locate soul signatures within a 5-meter radius. Duration: 30 seconds. Free use upon first activation.
Within seconds, four faint blue orbs hovered into view, like spectral fireflies. They hovered above the grass, circling slowly. The system identified them immediately.
[SPECIES: Lesser Spirit Bees] Status: Neutral Threat Level: Low Behavior: Will only attack if provoked.
His eyes widened slightly. So, not all was hostile here. These 'bees' weren't ordinary insects—they pulsed with an ethereal glow, their forms semi-transparent. A reminder that this world operated on more than just biology.
But one of them darted too close, its stinger glowing ominously. His instincts, sharpened by his new system, kicked in.
With a fluid motion, he launched into a front flip, twisting in mid-air with the grace of a trained fighter. As he landed, his foot connected sharply with one of the glowing bees, sending it tumbling into the undergrowth. Without pause, he pivoted and delivered a precise punch to another, its frozen, ethereal body shattering like brittle glass.
The remaining two tried to swarm him, but he was ready. His fist and foot struck in perfect rhythm—kicking one aside and punching the last frozen bee with calculated force. Within moments, all four lay scattered, shattered, and lifeless on the forest floor.
He had killed them all.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Lesser Spirit Bees eliminated: 4 Experience Gained: 20 XP
A surge of quiet satisfaction filled him. His heart steady, his mind sharp.
"Good," he whispered to himself. "The more I learn… the longer I live."
But his victory was short-lived.
A low growl echoed from the treeline. The Lupine Stalker had arrived.
Emerging from the shadows, its muscular, wolf-like body was cloaked in sleek black fur. Its crimson eyes glowed with predatory hunger, saliva dripping from its sharp fangs. Each step was calculated, its paws pressing silently onto the forest floor.
[SYSTEM ANALYSIS UPDATED] Species: Lupine Stalker Rank: E-class Predator Behavior: Territorial, Aggressive Weakness: Ocular Tissue, Soft Underbelly, Exposed Neck Vein