Chapter 128: Casual visit

"GUH-GUH-GUH!"

The monkey sprang onto its feet and charged forward, its guttural cries echoing through the surroundings.

However, rather than launching a straightforward assault, it suddenly leaped just before reaching Kai, caught hold of an overhead branch, and swung itself around to deliver a vicious kick.

SLASH!

A blade the monkey could barely perceive flashed through the air.

The monkey’s attack faltered midway as a deep cut opened across its groin. Its momentum carried it forward, and it crashed onto the ground in a bloody heap, its body twisting in agony.

Kai casually flicked the blood from his sword before looking down at the creature. It was the very same monster that had forced him to retreat during his previous visit.

"GRUOK!"

Despite its injury, the monster refused to give up. It struggled to its feet, limping heavily as it attempted to launch another attack.

SLASH!

Kai swung his blade once more, putting an end to its misery.

[+10 SP, +20 EXP]

[Current Balance: 9200 SP]

[Experience Points: 520/3500]

Kai exhaled a quiet sigh. This was the seventh Level Three beast he had killed since entering the dungeon, yet the difference between his current strength and his previous capabilities was almost absurd.

He was no longer a Rank D hunter. Fighting these creatures, which had once posed a genuine threat to him, now felt almost as effortless as his experiences within the Monarch’s Void.

[Host, the monsters ahead may belong to the same rank. It is advisable to clear the surrounding area before proceeding.]

Kai hummed in acknowledgment and looked toward the distant castle. His ultimate destination still lay a considerable distance ahead, and he had no intention of charging blindly into whatever dangers awaited him along the way.

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and released a droplet of mana.

Ting!

The droplet resonated with its surroundings, sending an imperceptible ripple through the area. In an instant, Kai’s perception expanded, revealing the predators lurking in the shadows and the creatures patiently waiting for an opportunity to strike.

There were seven in total.

Keeping his eyes closed, Kai summoned his newly acquired armament.

The burning bow materialized in his grasp, its fiery appearance illuminating the immediate surroundings. Unlike the first time he had wielded it, the flames no longer caused him any discomfort.

Even so, the weapon still felt strangely disconnected from him, as though he were holding something that did not truly belong in his hands.

Well, he understood why.

Kai was nowhere near strong enough to wield such a weapon to its full potential. Whatever power the bow possessed, he could only draw upon a fraction of it for now.

That did not mean he couldn’t make use of it.

In fact, he already had an idea.

He drew the bowstring, feeling the familiar heat gather around his fingers, and took another measured breath. With his eyes still closed, he focused his perception on the seven beasts scattered throughout the area.

Their forms remained hidden from his physical sight, but within his consciousness, he could sense their movements with remarkable clarity.

He could even distinguish their heat signatures, allowing him to pinpoint their locations without needing to look at them.

And then...

TWING!

The flaming arrow tore through the air.

"GRRUOGH!"

The nearest beast, a panther-like monster prowling among the shadows, barely had time to react before the arrow pierced its head. Its roar died in its throat as its body crumpled to the ground.

A grin spread across Kai’s face.

He immediately drew another arrow and released it, his eyes never opening.

"KUH-KUH-KUUUUH!"

A monkey shrieked in terror as the second arrow caught up with it. The creature had attempted to flee the moment it sensed danger, but its efforts proved futile.

Kai continued the assault without hesitation. Each arrow followed his mental command, guided by his perception as he hunted down the remaining monsters one after another.

There was no need to rely on his eyesight, nor did he have to waste time searching for his targets.

He simply sensed them, aimed, and fired.

The monsters tried to evade the incoming projectiles, but their movements were far too slow to escape his attacks. One by one, they fell before they could mount any meaningful resistance.

THUD!

The seventh and final monster collapsed.

By then, however, Kai could feel his consciousness beginning to slip away from that extraordinary state of perception.

The connection that had allowed him to sense every movement within his surroundings was gradually weakening, and he knew better than to push himself recklessly.

He released a long breath and let the heightened perception fade.

Only then did he lower the bow.

[+90 SP, +160 EXP]

[Current Balance: 9290 SP]

[Experience Points: 680/3500]

Kai hummed in satisfaction. It had been a productive hunting session.

He glanced at the corpses scattered across the area before turning his attention to the burning bow. After a moment, he dismissed the weapon, having gained a much better understanding of both his newly awakened skill and the possibilities his armament offered.

There was clearly much more to explore. If he could improve his control over that extraordinary perception, he might be able to hunt enemies without ever exposing himself to their attacks.

And with the Fiery Birch providing the means to strike from a distance, he could potentially eliminate entire groups of monsters before they even realized they were being hunted.

Of course, there were limitations he still needed to overcome.

For now, though, he was satisfied with what he had accomplished.

[Level: 7]

Str: 58-> 60

Spd: 62-> 63

End: 48-> 50

Int: 45-> 49

MP: 67-> 75]

[Attribute Points: 10]

Kai considered continuing deeper into the dungeon, but a glance at the clock quickly changed his mind. He had already spent more than twenty minutes inside.

There was no need to rush. He could always return later and explore further.

With that decision made, Kai left the dungeon.

...

"Haah..."

Stepping out of the bathroom, Kai stretched his arms and glanced at himself in the mirror.

His clothes were clean, and there wasn’t a trace of blood on his body.

"Good."

Satisfied with his appearance, he straightened his clothes and prepared to get on with the rest of his day when suddenly,

*Bzz*

He received a call.

It was from Adam.