Chapter 7: The Beasts of the Abyss

  Moving through the forest, Alex’s steps were soundless. His training ensured efficiency—low profile, controlled movements, constant vigilance.

  The environment changed subtly the deeper he went. The trees grew taller, their twisted roots snaking across the ground like something out of a nightmare. The air felt thicker, charged with an energy he couldn’t explain.

  Then, he heard it.

  A low growl.

  Alex immediately dropped into a crouch, rifle raised. His Tactical Awareness flared—something was watching him.

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  Slowly, he scanned the area. The underbrush rustled, but the movement was unnatural—controlled. Stalking behavior.

  Alex’s grip on the M4 tightened. He could take whatever this thing was. One clean shot to the head, and it’s done.

  Then it lunged.

  A black-furred beast, the size of a lion but with six eyes and elongated claws, burst from the trees.

  Alex moved on instinct.

  Three-round burst—center mass.

  The bullets hit, sending the creature tumbling mid-air, but it didn’t die.

  Shit.

  The beast landed on all fours, growling, its wounds sealing with unnatural speed.

  [System Analysis: Abyssal Stalker]

  ? High-speed regeneration.

  ? Increased durability.

  ? Weakness: Headshot with enhanced weaponry.

  Alex exhaled. Alright. Time to adjust.

  He flipped his rifle’s fire mode to single shot, aiming carefully. The beast lunged again—this time faster.

  Alex sidestepped just in time, firing a single armor-piercing round into its skull.

  The result was immediate. The beast staggered, snarling, then collapsed, its body disintegrating into dark mist.

  [System Alert: First Trial – Success]

  [Skill Upgrade: Tactical Awareness Lv.2]

  Alex lowered his rifle, scanning for more threats.

  One down. How many more to go?