Chapter 3: Brutal Path

A thud echoed through the desolate corridor, announcing Aaron's latest victory. The young man, covered in blood, school bag slung over his shoulder, gripped a battered stick with grim determination. His journey through this transformed world had begun, and he forged ahead with newfound confidence.

The divine watcher, a beautiful woman suspended thousands of meters in the air, observed Aaron's progress with a faint, knowing smile. She had chosen him for a reason.

[You gain level 20 Zombie soul essence. Agility +3, Strength +2]

"As expected of the one I chose," she mused to herself before gracefully vanishing from view.

Aaron's path was clear: he had to get stronger, survive, and fulfill the objectives that had been laid out before him.

But now, in this eerie silence, he faced a new challenge. Five zombies stood before him, grotesque reminders of the world's descent into chaos. Among them was David, a familiar face, the one who had unwittingly drawn Aaron's ire by pursuing the same romantic interest.

"Obliterate!" Aaron commanded, channeling 50 mana points to the cause.

Pah pah pah pah pah

One by one, their heads exploded in grotesque bursts, and their essence flowed into him, a macabre harvest. Yet, Aaron's intent had been to target their hearts.

[You gain level 17 Zombie soul essence. Ag +1 Str +2]

[You gain level 15 Zombie soul essence. He +1 Ag +1]

[You gain level 17 Zombie soul essence. Ag +1 Str +2]

[You gain level 15 Zombie soul essence. Sta +1 Str +1]

[You gain level 16 Zombie soul essence. He +1 Sta +2]

[You have reached level 15. You acquire ten status points to distribute freely].

[Total points: 24]

But then, agony struck Aaron, an unseen force pressing down on him like a merciless truck. He struggled for breath, battling against an unseen presence. A worried voice whispered, urging him to halt, lest his very soul be torn asunder.

"I feel like there is a way to make this easier and less expensive," Aaron muttered, his determination unwavering. "I just need focus and a little bit of luck. But, yeah, I should stop for now."

Amid the gruesome aftermath, Aaron spotted something intriguing, partially concealed by the zombies' remains. It was a violet cube, which, when opened, revealed a black spear adorned with enigmatic silver engravings. The inscriptions were unlike anything from Earth.

Evadora, his ever-present guide in this world, had explained the ranking of treasures based on the light spectrum: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red.

[Bronze spear (1st path treasure): Ability to penetrate through the defenses of almost any being in the 2nd path and below. +15 strength, +5 agility when equipped]

"Great, just what I needed," Aaron remarked with satisfaction as he examined his newfound weapon. He discarded his old stick carelessly.

With the bronze spear in hand, he couldn't resist indulging in a moment of playful mimicry, swinging it around with the exaggerated flair of kungfu movies he had watched in the past.

"Pfff," Evadora chuckled at his antics but then grew alarmed. "Aaron, watch out!"

She screamed a warning, snapping Aaron out of his carefree reverie. A yellow-blood-stained tiger, injured but deadly, limped menacingly toward him.

"Run!!" Evadora implored urgently.

"Run?" Aaron smirked bitterly. "I think it's a little too late for that."

ROAARRR

With a ferocious roar, the tiger lunged at Aaron, hungering for blood. Swallowing his fear, Aaron steadied his spear, determined to end the confrontation swiftly.

His thoughts raced: I have to finish this in one strike. The longer I fight, the worse my chances of survival.

Shuunk

The tiger's uninjured paw struck Aaron's spear with astonishing speed, almost wrenching it from his grasp. He was thrown aside like a ragdoll, colliding with the wall, gasping in pain. He held onto his weapon and reeled back toward the relentless foe, his face etched with determination.

'Too fast and way too strong. Is there any way to actually kill this damn thing?' Aaron pondered desperately.

The feline charged at him once more, its eyes filled with murderous intent. Aaron's mind raced as he considered his options. He aimed for the tiger's chest and hurled his spear. However, the creature's agility allowed it to dodge, redirecting the staff into its side.

Desperation overcame Aaron as he found himself weaponless and vulnerable. He had taken a reckless gamble by discarding his old stick, and now he faced the consequences. The tiger's eyes blazed with fury as it charged at him, ready to deliver the final blow.

With no other recourse, Aaron thrust his arm forward, using it to block the beast's gaping maw. With his other arm, he stabbed the creature repeatedly in the eyes, a last-ditch effort to fend off the imminent death. The tiger, momentarily stunned, ceased its attack, and Aaron continued his brutal assault until the beast finally collapsed, lifeless and blood-soaked.

[You gain level 50 Mutated cat Soul essence. Mana +70, Health +40, Stamina +28, Strength +35, Agility +30]

As Aaron caught his breath, relief washed over him. His first battle had been won, albeit at a high cost. His clothes were soaked with blood, and he tasted the bitter victory of survival.

"Aaron, you actually did it!" Evadora's voice resounded with excitement, but it wavered as she surveyed his condition. "Oh no, no, no, Aaron, stick with me."

She hesitated briefly before a determined resolve filled her, and she sent a green light into his chest. But then, a sudden flash of red lightning descended from above, striking Evadora. She emitted a painful shriek and collapsed.

[You have been blessed with the gift of life for 20 seconds: +100 health]

Aaron's body tingled as the green light brought a refreshing sensation, rejuvenating him. His wounds began to itch as his strength gradually returned. He gazed at the unconscious Evadora, her ethereal beauty now marred by vulnerability. It pained him that he had been unable to protect her.

But there was no time for regret. The glow ahead beckoned, and Aaron approached cautiously, his prize nearly claiming his life.