Summoned with an SSS-Rank Portal Skill

He examined the fang with fascination, noting its miniature form within one of his inventory slots. It was like something straight out of a game. But he couldn't afford to dwell on this new feature. He had a mission to complete.

First, he cleansed his wound in the cool river water. To his surprise, the pain had already subsided, and the gash was healing at an astonishing rate. He hadn't even needed a bandage. His enhanced physique, combined with the superficial nature of the wound, allowed for rapid recovery.

Rejuvenated, William ventured deeper into the forest, encountering a variety of mutated creatures. He battled packs of mutated wolves, more spiked panthers, and even gigantic bats emerging from hidden caves. Each victory brought him closer to his goal, and the steady accumulation of experience points resulted in a satisfying level-up.

Then, he stumbled upon a goblin encampment. These were not the simple, cave-dwelling goblins he was accustomed to. These wore crude armor crafted from leather and bone, and their camp boasted rudimentary structures for shelter and storage. They had formed a structured society, a tribe thriving within the heart of the forest.

William crept closer, utilizing the System to assess their threat level.

[Goblin Warrior] [Estimated Level: 19]

[Goblin Archer] [Estimated Level: 19]

[Goblin Shaman] [Estimated Level: 22]

He was outnumbered, and some of the goblins surpassed him in level. Should I engage? he pondered.

The tribe's proximity to the village posed a potential danger. But they could also be beneficial, their hunting activities naturally culling the beast population. William weighed his options.

Ultimately, he decided to eliminate the goblins. Even if they were currently preying on beasts, they would undoubtedly attack any humans they encountered. Goblins were inherently hostile towards humans, and the risk was too great. Besides, the chief's description of humanoid footprints suggested a possible connection to the missing villagers.

Only one way to find out, William thought, steeling his resolve.

But how could he overcome such a large group? He was alone, with no backup in sight. He needed a strategy, an advantage.

The demonic sword's voice echoed in his mind. "Remember I mentioned taming beasts? I can assist you with that. Why not tame a powerful creature in this forest and use it to your advantage against the goblins?"

The idea sparked a flicker of excitement within William. "That's a brilliant plan!" he replied mentally. "Can you help me locate a suitable beast? Perhaps sense its energy?"

"Unfortunately, it's not that simple," the sword replied. "You'll have to find it yourself."

With that, the sword fell silent. William, undeterred, began searching for a potential ally. He scanned the surrounding area, his senses heightened, seeking a creature with the strength and ferocity to turn the tide of battle in his favor.

He could easily find a simple beast to aid him, but William sought a powerful ally, one that could not only help him conquer the goblin tribe but also prove valuable in future endeavors. Such a creature wouldn't be found amongst the common beasts roaming the forest. He needed to venture deeper, into the territory of apex predators.

William reasoned that the most silent areas of the forest were likely the domains of the strongest beasts. Where others feared to tread, where the usual cacophony of the forest fell still, that's where he would find his champion. The safest-seeming locations were potentially the most dangerous.

He pressed onward, his senses alert, his sword at the ready. He fought off occasional attacks, but as he ventured further, the assaults became less frequent. An unsettling quiet descended, broken only by the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of birds. He had reached the domain of a predator.

A cave, shrouded in moss and hidden behind a veil of thick vegetation, materialized before him. This, he instinctively knew, was the lair of the beast he sought. With a mix of anticipation and caution, William approached, his footsteps barely disturbing the forest floor.

He cautiously entered the cave, his senses on high alert. The air was thick with the stench of decaying flesh, and an oppressive silence hung in the air. Whatever resided within this cavern clearly preferred to dine in the privacy of its lair.

William navigated the uneven terrain, careful not to disturb the scattered bones littering the floor. The darkness was absolute, but his enhanced senses guided him forward.

At the far end of the cave, a monstrous shape emerged from the shadows. It was a lizard, similar to Professor Lincoln's, but smaller.

[Infant Winged Lizard]

[Estimated Level: 23]

An infant, yet already a formidable predator. Its level exceeded William's, and a wave of apprehension washed over him. He wasn't sure he could defeat such a creature.

He consulted the demonic sword. "How does this taming process work?" he inquired mentally. "Is it permanent? Do I need to weaken the beast first?"

"Indeed," the sword replied. "You must bring it to a weakened state, then use me to pierce its flesh. I will handle the rest."

The instructions were straightforward enough, but the execution was daunting. He had to subdue a creature stronger than himself, carefully balancing the need to weaken it for taming without inflicting lasting damage.

William steeled his resolve, activating his arsenal of spells.

[Iron Skin]

[Swiftfoot]

[Enhanced Strength]

He felt the familiar surge of power coursing through his veins. He was growing more proficient with these spells, their effects subtly increasing. Swiftfoot now granted him 25 agility instead of 20, and his movement speed was boosted by 12 instead of 10. Similar improvements applied to his other spells. But he knew that to achieve truly significant gains, he would need to master higher-ranked spells.

With his body enhanced and his spirit resolute, William prepared to confront the Infant Winged Lizard. The cavern's silence shattered as he launched himself towards the beast, his sword flashing in the dim light.

The lizard's eyes snapped open, piercing the darkness with an eerie yellow glow. It had sensed the intruder.

William pressed his attack, knowing his enhancements were temporary. He aimed for the lizard's leg, seeking to cripple its mobility.

But the Infant Winged Lizard was faster than he anticipated. With a deafening roar, it whipped its powerful tail, striking William before he could land a blow.

The impact sent him flying backward, crashing against the cave wall. Pain flared through his back, a testament to the creature's raw strength. He had barely landed a blow, and already he was reeling.

William gritted his teeth, pushing through the pain. He staggered to his feet, his determination unwavering. This fight was far from over.

He dashed towards the lizard, his movements a blur. This time, he was ready. The lizard lunged, its jaws snapping shut, but William was too quick. He leaped, propelling himself towards the cave ceiling. Using the momentum, he launched himself downwards, his sword aimed with deadly precision.

His blade pierced deep into the lizard's wing, drawing a roar of pain. Blood splattered across the cavern floor. But before William could press his advantage, another lizard emerged from the cave entrance, its eyes glowing menacingly. He was trapped.

William got anxious, not knowing what to do. The situation was not one that he liked being at.