Ape of the Wilds

The scent of blood lingered in the air as Kuro stood over the Duskrunner Alpha's lifeless body. His muscles ached, his breath came in heavy gasps, and his fur was matted with sweat and dirt. But despite the exhaustion, a fire burned within him.

He had grown stronger.

The jungle had tested him, throwing its deadliest hunters at him. And he had proven himself not just a survivor—but a predator in his own right.

He opened his Status Window, eager to see how much he had progressed.

Status Window

Name: Kuro

Race: Maw'Tanu Ape

Level: 4 (50/400 XP)

Health: 140/150

Stamina: 120/120

Mana: 20/20

Strength: 11

Dexterity: 10

Endurance: 9

Intelligence: 2

Wisdom: 1

Skills:

• Unarmed Combat (Lv.2) (+)

• Survival (Lv.2)

• Fire-making (Lv.1)

• Weapon Crafting (Lv.1)

• Grappling (Lv.1)

• Aerial Combat (Lv.1)

• Instinct (Lv.1)

His Unarmed Combat Skill had improved. His body was tougher, faster, and more efficient in battle.

But one message stood out above the rest.

New Combat Style Mastered: The Way of the Ape

• A fighting method designed around agility, power, and grappling.

• Grants +10% bonus to throw damage and enhanced dodging ability.

• Unlocks special movement options in battle.

Kuro grinned, baring his teeth. He wasn't just fighting anymore—he was evolving.

But he wasn't done yet.

The Tzalik were still out there.

And the next time they crossed paths, he wouldn't run.

He would end them.

Kuro turned his attention back to the Duskrunner Alpha's corpse. He could not let the kill go to waste. The beast's bones were strong, its hide thick, and its claws deadly sharp.

If the humans of Varadain could make weapons from their prey, then why couldn't he?

He ripped off the Duskrunner's claws, examining them carefully. They were as sharp as stone knives—perfect for a new weapon.

New Item Acquired: Duskrunner Claws (x2)

• Can be crafted into a primitive weapon.

• Lightweight and extremely sharp.

• +5 Attack Power when used in combat.

Kuro tied the claws to his wrists with jungle vines, testing their weight. They were perfect—fast, deadly, and suited to his fighting style.

From now on, he wouldn't just punch and grapple.

He would slash and tear like a true predator.

Kuro barely had time to finish before his ears twitched.

Footsteps.

More than one.

He leapt into the trees, crouching low among the thick vines, watching as five figures emerged into the clearing.

They were Tzalik.

Unlike the last group, these warriors were heavily armed. Their dark fur was painted with red markings, their weapons glinted in the faint moonlight, and their eyes burned with malice.

At the front stood a massive Maw'Tanu, larger than any Kuro had ever seen. His arms were thick with muscle, his shoulders adorned with bone armor, and a crude iron axe rested on his back.

A chieftain.

Kuro narrowed his eyes.

The Tzalik weren't just wandering the jungle anymore.

They were hunting him.

The Tzalik warriors spread out, examining the remains of the Duskrunner Alpha.

One of them—a lean, scarred Maw'Tanu with a spear—crouched beside the beast's corpse, running his fingers through the bloodstained earth.

"This was fresh," he growled.

The chieftain stepped forward, his deep voice rumbling like thunder.

"Then he's close."

Kuro's heart pounded.

This wasn't a fight he could win through brute force alone. He had to use the jungle.

Silently, he moved through the treetops, staying above them as they searched.

One of the warriors, a bowman, strayed too far from the group.

Kuro's eyes gleamed.

A perfect target.

He dropped from the canopy without a sound, landing directly behind the archer.

Before the Tzalik could react, Kuro's hand clamped around his mouth—

And his new Duskrunner Claws sliced across the warrior's throat.

The body collapsed without a sound.

Enemy Defeated!

+40 XP (90/400 XP)

Kuro dragged the corpse into the underbrush, concealing it before moving back into the trees.

The Tzalik still hadn't noticed.

This was his jungle now.

Kuro struck again and again, picking off the warriors one by one.

Another warrior—taken from behind with a precise throw from above.

A third—yanked into the trees, his screams cut short.

The chieftain snarled, realizing something was wrong.

"Coward!" he roared. "Fight me face-to-face!"

Kuro grinned.

He wasn't afraid of a direct fight.

But he wasn't going to make it easy.

He launched himself from the canopy, aiming straight for the Tzalik leader.

The chieftain swung his axe, but Kuro twisted in the air, dodging the strike mid-flight.

He landed on the chieftain's shoulders, gripping his head—

And sank his claws deep into the warrior's throat.

The chieftain roared in fury, grabbing Kuro and hurling him across the clearing.

-40 HP

Kuro - 100/150 HP

Kuro rolled to his feet, wiping blood from his mouth.

The chieftain was still standing.

But barely.

Blood poured from the wounds in his neck. His stance was weaker, his breathing ragged.

Kuro sprinted forward.

The chieftain raised his axe—

Too slow.

Kuro dodged left, then right, before leaping onto the chieftain's chest—

And driving both claws into his heart.

The massive warrior's eyes widened in shock.

Then—he collapsed.

Boss Enemy Defeated!

+150 XP (240/400 XP)

New Title Unlocked: Jungle Predator

• Enemies are more likely to fear you.

• Stealth attacks deal +15% extra damage.

Kuro exhaled, standing over the chieftain's corpse.

The battle was over.

But this wasn't the end.

If the Tzalik Chieftain had been hunting him, that meant one thing—

More were coming.

Kuro clenched his fists.

Let them come.

He was ready.