Ape of the Wilds

The jungle of Aru'Mata was never silent. Even in the dead of night, the rustling of leaves, the distant howls of beasts, and the eerie whispers of the wind filled the air. But now, as Kuro crouched high in the treetops, watching the departing figures of the Tzalik, a new sound filled his ears—his own heavy breathing.

The battle with the Bloodfang Panther had drained him. His body ached, his wounds stung, and yet, his blood burned with something deeper.

Excitement.

He had fought a predator and won. He had grown stronger. But now, he had encountered something far more dangerous—thinking enemies. The Tzalik would return. He had no doubt. And next time, they wouldn't underestimate him.

He opened his Status Window, checking his progress.

Name: Kuro

Race: Maw'Tanu Ape

Level: 3 (120/300 XP)

Health: 90/140

Stamina: 80/110

Mana: 20/20

Strength: 9

Dexterity: 8

Endurance: 7

Intelligence: 2

Wisdom: 1

Skills:

• Unarmed Combat (Lv.1)

• Survival (Lv.2) (+)

• Fire-making (Lv.1)

• Weapon Crafting (Lv.1)

• Instinct (Lv.1)

He was improving, but it wasn't enough. The Tzalik warriors had been faster, stronger, and most importantly—organized. They had weapons, armor, and tactics. Kuro had survived through instinct and improvisation, but that wouldn't work forever.

He needed a new way to fight.

The Maw'Tanu had always relied on their natural strength, agility, and sheer power. They didn't forge swords or wear armor like the humans of Varadain, but that didn't mean they were weak. The strongest of the Maw'Tanu warriors could crush bones with a single strike or leap across treetops faster than any archer could aim.

Kuro closed his eyes, remembering how he had fought so far.

• Against the Razorback Boar, he had used brute strength to overpower it.

• Against the Bloodfang Panther, he had relied on reflexes and precision.

• Against the Tzalik, he had outsmarted them, using the trees to escape.

He needed to combine all three.

New Quest: The Way of the Ape

• Develop a unique fighting style based on agility, strength, and cunning.

• Hunt and defeat three more jungle predators to refine your technique.

• Rewards: +200 XP, New Combat Skill

Kuro grinned, his sharp teeth gleaming in the moonlight.

He had his next challenge.

Kuro moved without sound, his hands and feet gripping the thick vines as he climbed higher into the jungle canopy. He needed to find prey—something deadly, something that could teach him how to fight better.

As he leapt from tree to tree, he spotted movement below.

It slithered through the undergrowth, its onyx scales shimmering under the moonlight. Its body was as thick as Kuro's arm, and its fangs dripped with venom. A single bite could paralyze most creatures in seconds.

Kuro's instincts screamed danger, but he ignored them.

This was exactly what he needed.

He positioned himself directly above the serpent, watching its movements carefully. Unlike the boar or the panther, this enemy would not charge blindly. It was patient. It would wait for an opening.

Kuro had to be faster.

He dropped from the tree, aiming to crush the serpent's skull beneath his weight.

But the Blackfang was faster than expected.

It coiled back, avoiding his strike, then lashed out with terrifying speed.

Kuro barely managed to twist his body, avoiding the first bite, but the serpent's tail whipped around, smashing into his ribs.

-15 HP

Kuro landed hard, rolling into a crouch. The snake slithered back, watching him, waiting for an opening.

This was different. Unlike the panther, which had relied on ferocity, the Blackfang fought with precision and patience.

If Kuro rushed in, he would lose.

Instead, he stayed still.

The serpent flicked its tongue, sensing his lack of movement. It slithered forward cautiously, expecting him to retreat.

That's when Kuro attacked.

In an instant, he lunged, grabbing the snake's throat just behind its fangs.

The serpent thrashed violently, trying to coil around his arm, but Kuro squeezed tighter, using his raw strength to crush its windpipe.

The creature struggled for a few moments… then went limp.

Enemy Defeated!

+60 XP (180/300 XP)

New Skill Unlocked: Grappling (Lv.1)

• Improves effectiveness in holds, submissions, and throws.

Kuro took a deep breath, dropping the dead serpent.

That had been close. If he had hesitated, the Blackfang would have ended him in a single strike.

But he had learned something.

Not all fights had to be won with brute strength. Timing was just as important.

Kuro didn't stop. His body still ached from the battle, but he knew momentum was important.

He climbed toward the cliffside region of Aru'Mata, where deadly creatures lurked among the rocky outcrops.

That's when he saw it.

A Cliff Stalker.

It was a lanky, hairless beast, its skin pale and gray, blending perfectly with the stone. It had elongated limbs with razor-sharp claws, built for climbing.

Unlike the serpent, this creature didn't wait. It screeched and lunged the moment it saw him.

Kuro dodged, gripping the edge of the cliff and using it to swing around the beast's strike.

This fight would be different. The Stalker was a climber, just like him. He couldn't use strength alone.

He needed to outmaneuver it.

The two engaged in a deadly aerial dance, leaping from rock to rock, neither landing a hit.

Then, Kuro saw his chance.

He baited the Stalker into lunging—then suddenly stopped moving.

The creature overextended, its claws swiping at nothing.

Kuro grabbed its arm, twisting mid-air, and flipped the beast off the cliffside.

It screamed, tumbling into the abyss below.

Enemy Defeated!

+70 XP (250/300 XP)

New Skill Unlocked: Aerial Combat (Lv.1)

• Enhances agility-based attacks when airborne.

Kuro pulled himself back onto the ledge, breathing heavily.

He was so close to leveling up again.

For his final trial, Kuro descended back into the dense jungle. He needed one more kill to complete his quest.

Then he heard it.

A deep, guttural growl.

He turned, his eyes widening.

A Duskrunner Alpha.

A towering, bipedal reptilian beast, its skin dark green, blending into the foliage. Its powerful legs were built for speed, and its arms were tipped with wicked claws.

This was no ordinary predator.

This was a true king of the jungle.

Kuro grinned.

He had come too far to turn back now.

The final battle had begun.