The Heavenly Demon of Terror-Chapter 325: First Monster Encounter in the Forest of Whispering Oaks

Chapter 325 - First Monster Encounter in the Forest of Whispering Oaks

Samuel's POV

The forest grew denser as I pressed forward, each step sinking slightly into damp moss. Shafts of golden light pierced the canopy, illuminating motes of drifting spores. My heart pounded in my ears.

Rustle.

Leaves trembled ahead. I froze.

"System—scan ambient threat levels," I whispered.

> Scanning...

Threat Detected: Large Predatory Entity – Classification: Delta Tier

Recommended Caution Level: Maximum

Suggested Action: Avoid or neutralize if unavoidable

I swallowed. Delta Tier—definitely something I didn't want to meet unprepared.

A low growl vibrated through the air. I turned toward the sound.

Between two ancient oaks stood a hulking shape: the Gloomclaw Bear. Its fur was obsidian-black, mottled with vein-like patterns of glowing violet. Four glowing eyes blinked in unison—the top pair scanning the treetops, the bottom pair locking onto me. Steam curled from its nostrils.

I reached for the system menu.

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Accessing Bestiary Entry: Gloomclaw Bear

Habitat: Twilight forests, shadow zones

Behavior: Solitary ambush predator; highly territorial

---

Weakness: Vocal dissonance causes momentary stun; sensitive to high-frequency light

My pulse raced. I had no weapons—only my wits and the system.

"System—deploy tool: Echo Flare." I pressed the holographic prompt.

---

Echo Flare Activated.

A small orb of pulsating light materialized in my hand.

---

I tossed it at the bear's feet. The orb pinged open, emitting a high-frequency chime and a burst of prismatic light.

The bear roared—an ear-splitting bellow that shook the branches. It lunged.

I dove aside, rolling beneath a fallen felled log. The Gloomclaw's claws raked the wood, splinters flying.

"System—suggest counterattack." I panted, scrambling upright.

Countermeasure Recommended: Shadowstep & Sonic Burst

Execute 'Phase Blink' to close distance; then 'Echo Shock' to exploit stun window.

"Phase Blink." I closed my eyes and willed my feet to vanish.

Whoosh.

I reappeared twenty meters to the bear's flank. It snarled, turning.

"Echo Shock!" I shouted, slamming my palm forward. A spherical wave of sonic energy pulsed outward.

The bear staggered, eyes rolling, fur rippling. It let out a strangled roar.

Taking advantage, I dashed forward and jabbed the orb's secondary button.

---

Orb Detonation: Sudden flash of ultraviolet light

Effect: Temporary blindness (5 seconds)

---

The bear roared in panic, shaking its head. I sprinted beneath its massive belly and sprinted to the edge of the clearing.

The forest seemed to hold its breath as the Gloomclaw, blinded and disoriented, finally lumbered away with thunderous steps, crashing through undergrowth toward darker shadows.

I dropped to one knee, chest heaving, the Echo Flare's glow fading in my hand.

"Target neutralized... no casualties," I murmured.

---

Combat Experience +120 XP

Gloomclaw Bear Fang acquired.

Skill Unlocked: Sonic Resonance (Tier I)

---

I pocketed the fang—proof of survival and a reminder of Elaria's dangers.

Wiping sweat from my brow, I stood slowly. The forest was silent once more, but I'd changed. My pulse steadied.

"Phase One complete," I whispered.

And with the Gloomclaw's roar fading behind me, I stepped deeper into the unknown.

________________________________________

Samuel's POV

A Moment's Reflection Beneath the Whispering Oaks

The Gloomclaw's roars faded into the distance, leaving only the rustle of leaves and my own ragged breathing. I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the Echo Flare's residual hum through my palm. For the first time since waking in this world, I allowed myself to pause.

I glanced up at the trees, their branches twisting toward the crimson sky like ancient sentinels. What else is out there? I wondered, voice low.

A faint blue glow rippled before me—my System window materializing on the air.

System Prompt: Awaiting Command

I nodded to myself. "System—list potential threats and points of interest within a 50-kilometer radius."

Scanning...

Results:

1. Feral Drakon Packs (Gamma Tier) – Roaming the Northern Highlands

2. Arcane Anomaly Zone – Unstable magic storms near the Broken Spire

3. Fae Ambassadors – Diplomatic envoys at Moonlit Glade

4. The Iron Vanguard – Mercenary company headquartered in Emberfall Ruins

5. Spirit of the First Tree – Ancient guardian said to reside in Heartwood Sanctuary.

I whistled softly. Each sounded more dangerous—and more fascinating—than the last.

"System—which encounter offers the highest XP gain for my current level and skill set?"

Analyzing...

Recommendation:

Arcane Anomaly Zone – Exposure grants +500 XP and unlocks "Stormbinder" affinity; risk of magical backlash.

Feral Drakon Packs – +300 XP each; high injury risk.

Spirit of the First Tree – +1000 XP but requires advanced diplomacy or combat prowess; unknown outcome.

I exhaled, staring at the data.

Stormbinder affinity... that could amplify my sonic skills in unexpected ways.

But the Spirit of the First Tree... a legendary being.

Diplomacy or combat prowess? I tapped my chin.

My sonic attacks had served me well, but diplomacy? I'd never tried.

"System—add 'Spirit of the First Tree' to my Objectives and provide lore summary."

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Objective Added: Seek out the Spirit of the First Tree

Lore Summary: The Spirit is the remnant consciousness of the primordial Forest Heart. Said to grant boons of vitality and growth to those it deems worthy—or unleash the wrath of nature upon intruders. Approach with respect; offerings of song or sacred water recommended.

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An offering of song? I allowed myself a small grin.

I wasn't a bard, but I could adapt.

I closed the window and rose to my feet. My hand brushed the Gloomclaw fang in my pocket—a trophy of survival, a promise of power to come.

"Alright, Elaria," I murmured, setting my jaw.

"One legendary spirit and a hundred quests await. Let's see how this world tests me next."

With the forest's shadows shifting around me, I began walking toward the distant glow of Heartwood Sanctuary, each step carrying me deeper into a world both beautiful and deadly—and full of possibilities I was determined to master.