Chapter 5: Battle

Stepping past the warding stone, Krez waited patiently, half-expecting the elusive panther to emerge. However, as time passed without any sign of the creature, he mused to himself, "I guess I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time when I previously almost became panther chow."

As Krez ventured deeper into the forest, beyond the protection of the warding stone, he sensed an unfamiliar feeling stirring within him. Was it blood lust for the impending battle? He pondered the influence of his favorite games and books, filled with sword battles, fist fights, daggers, and magic. It seemed that these fictional encounters might have left a mark on him, now manifesting in the anticipation of the challenges that lay ahead.

Krez's instincts roared to life, prompting him to swiftly spin around. There, in mid-air, was the panther, having pounced from a tree branch. Surprised, Krez realized the creature possessed a level of intelligence beyond what he had initially credited, strategically waiting for him to pass before launching a surprise attack from behind.

In the face of the panther's calculated assault, Krez's battle sense surged, allowing him to perceive the creature slowing down. Reacting instinctively, he executed a seamless motion – raising his thigh and snapping out his calf and foot in a powerful whip-like kick. The strike maneuvered between the panther's two front claws and landed squarely on the underside of its head, where the jaw connected to the skull.

The sharp crack reverberated through the air as Krez's forceful kick connected with precision. The impact unleashed a potent surge of energy, causing the panther's head to whip backward at an astonishing speed. The majestic creature spun in a tumultuous motion, its body somersaulting head over tail before it finally met the ground with a resounding thud. In that moment, the majestic panther lay still, a testament to the sheer force of Krez's kick.

A golden light emanated from Krez, accompanied by a nostalgic "whoosh" sound. In a retro video game fashion, he heard the unmistakable words "Level up." Contemplating the scene, Krez marveled at the effectiveness of his newfound body cultivation power. With just one kick, he had vanquished a formidable 5-foot-tall panther, leaving him in awe of the strength his body had.

In awe of his own accomplishment, Krez wondered, "How did I do that?" The realization dawned that the panther likely hadn't started cultivation. He assumed its substantial size was merely a characteristic of its species' natural growth. He was completely wrong.

Beginning stage mercenaries would struggle with what he had accomplished—defeating a beast on the same cultivation stage.

Facing a beast on the same cultivation stage as a human poses a formidable challenge, as creatures naturally possess stronger bodies. Beginner mercenaries, akin to being at level 1, lack the experience to navigate such encounters alone. Krez's solo triumph was truly remarkable.

As Krez traversed the terrain, the weight of the panther slung over his shoulder, he cast a discerning eye over the surroundings. The sun's position in the sky indicated the encroaching midday, setting the pace for the tasks that lay ahead. The thought of kindling a fire and savoring the panther meat stirred his senses. Yet, beyond the culinary pursuits, he needed to use his atribute he gaind from the level up. With his grove a sanctuary from predators, a new priority emerged—crafting a tent and bed for the upcoming night.

In addition to his list, Krez acknowledged the practical need to skin the panther and dry its hide. The prospect of crafting pants or a loincloth emerged, driven by a weariness of perpetual nudity. Thus, amidst the other chores, the desire for a more clothed existence added another layer to Krez's to-do list.

Returning to his tranquil grove, Krez initiated his tasks with a focus on collecting wood for a fire. Skillfully, he fashioned a wooden rack to cook the panther meat, leveraging his strength to streamline the process. With deft hands, he carefully pulled the skin from the panther, arranging the meat for cooking and laying out the hide to dry. The grove, now a hive of activity, bore witness to Krez's resourcefulness and capability.

As Krez efficiently navigated the tasks in his grove, a sense of gratitude washed over him. Reading those countless books in the past proved invaluable in the unknown land. The knowledge gleaned about ancient cooking techniques came to his rescue, guiding him in constructing a sturdy cooking rack capable of supporting a panther.

As the pip-pip-pip resonates in the wilderness, Krez revels in the delightful sound, signifying the incremental increase of his agility. The warm glow from the campfire illuminates his content expression as he relishes the aroma of the freshly cooked panther meat. Surveying his surroundings, Krez admires the handiwork of his makeshift shelter, a testament to resourcefulness in the untamed landscape.

The stat board, now reflecting an agility of 106, serves as a tangible record of his progress. The newfound nimbleness courses through his veins, enhancing his reflexes and maneuverability. With each step, he feels a heightened connection to the environment, ready to tackle the challenges that await him under the starlit canopy of the wild.

As night descends, Krez basks in the day's success. Eager for more adventures and growth, he can't wait for tomorrow. However, the thought of exploring and leveling up seems daunting without completing his most crucial task – making those essential pants

Krez, tired of the constant chill and shrinking moments when the wind blew, longed for the comfort of clothing. Each cool breeze left him shivering and feeling exposed. Grateful for the solitude that shielded his nakedness from prying eyes, he eagerly looked forward to the warmth and security his soon-to-be-made hide pants would provide.