The jungle greeted them with a mosaic of soft morning light and the symphony of rustling leaves. Birds chirped, unaware of the looming dangers hidden within the shadows. Haruto woke slowly, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. Their mission was clear, but the path to completing it was wrought with uncertainty. Around him, the others stirred, exchanging glances filled with quiet resolve. There was no room for hesitation; today was all about survival, leveling up, and working as a unified team.
Their training began as the sun rose higher, each member pushed to their limits as they practiced martial arts. Sweat dripped down their brows, and determination glimmered in their eyes. Every punch, kick, and defensive maneuver sharpened their skills, a testament to their readiness for what awaited them in the jungle. Afterward, they geared up for their hunt, their minds focused and hearts steady. The weaker members relied on this collective strength, trusting that Haruto and Ayan would guide them safely.
Venturing into the depths of the forest, the group moved cautiously, aware of the dangers that lurked. The air was thick with tension, each sound amplifying their alertness. Cracking twigs and distant animal calls sent chills down their spines. For hours, they combed the jungle's edges, avoiding areas known for strong monsters or clustered creatures. Patience guided their every step, until finally, their diligence paid off— a creature emerged from the shadows.
It was no ordinary monster. The creature resembled a rat, but its size rivaled that of a cat, its black fur streaked with crimson stripes. Its movements were rapid, almost blurring as it darted through the undergrowth. Haruto and Ayan exchanged a silent look, signaling their readiness. Ayan adjusted his grip on the shield, feeling its weight as he braced himself for the encounter. Haruto tightened his hold on the sword, the gleaming blade a reassurance amid the uncertainty.
Moving with calculated precision, they approached the creature, keeping their footfalls light on the forest floor. The grass muffled their steps, and the bushes provided cover, masking their presence. As they closed the distance, the creature's eyes glinted in the light, locking onto them with predatory awareness. The moment stretched long— then it lunged.
The impact was immediate. Ayan raised his shield just in time to block the creature's charge, the force reverberating through his arms and into his core. But he held steady, gritting his teeth as he absorbed the shock. Haruto stepped forward, his sword aimed at the creature. His strike was swift and deliberate, but the monster twisted away effortlessly, its agility surpassing expectation.
Their attacks felt futile; the monster's speed kept them on the defensive. Ayan threw the shield toward Haruto, swapping it for the sword. Together, they adapted, trying to anticipate its next move. Yet the creature remained elusive, darting around like a shadow that could not be caught.
Realizing they needed reinforcements, Ayan signaled the others. Three leveled-up members responded immediately. Each armed with stones, they positioned themselves strategically, aiming for distraction over damage. With leveled-up strength, the stones became deadly projectiles, flying faster than ordinary weapons. The creature hesitated, its movements stuttering as the rocks struck near and far.
In the brief pause, Ayan seized the opportunity. His blade connected with the creature's hide, slicing through the tough exterior. A shrill cry escaped the monster as it recoiled. Rage burned in its glowing eyes, its movements becoming erratic. It lunged again, but Haruto blocked with unwavering resolve. Ayan capitalized on the chaos, slashing its hind limbs. The strikes were decisive; one leg shattered completely, while the other dangled weakly. Slowed and weakened, the creature faltered.
The group closed in, their coordinated strikes reducing the monster to its last breath. It fell to the ground, barely alive. Stepping back, Ayan passed the sword to Luca, granting him the honor of delivering the final blow. Luca's hands steadied, his resolve evident as he approached the creature. In one swift motion, he severed its neck.
The jungle's sounds returned —soft rustles and distant bird calls— as a strange voice echoed in Luca's mind:
"You killed an ordinary-class monster: 'Nibbit.'"
"You received a reward: Bent Spear."
"You earned 100 experience points and leveled up."
Grinning, Luca revealed his reward — a rusty iron spear with a bent tip. Testing its strength, he launched it toward a nearby tree with impressive force. The spear struck the trunk with a deafening crack, splintering the wood and leaving the group in awe. Their spirits soared, applause erupting as they celebrated Luca's success. For a moment, the tension lifted, replaced by camaraderie and pride. But the respite was short-lived.
A deafening roar pierced the air, freezing them in place. The sound was monstrous, its vibration cutting through the calm. Driven by curiosity and caution, the group ventured toward the source. Every step was deliberate, their movements silent as they hid behind rocks and bushes for cover.
In the clearing ahead, two monsters clashed. One was colossal, its sheer size dominating the battlefield. Its strength seemed unmatched, each attack shaking the earth. Yet its opponent— a smaller, humanoid creature —moved with supernatural speed and precision. Yellow-green skin stretched taut over lean muscles, four glaring eyes surveying every move of its opponent. Despite its strange features, the creature bore an eerie resemblance to a human.
The fight raged on, the larger monster's brute force proving no match for the smaller creature's agility. Each strike from the humanoid sent shockwaves through the air, pushing the colossal beast further back. Haruto and the others watched in stunned silence, their breaths caught as the battle unfolded.
For over half an hour, the struggle persisted, but the smaller creature emerged victorious. Its speed and power were undeniable, its presence commanding. As it turned to perform a strange ritual, realization struck the group —and what they witnessed left them paralyzed with shock.