I continued running through the forest, my breath becoming heavy. My feet felt hot, and tree branches whipped at my face and arms, leaving thin scratches.

Behind me, I could still hear the sound of footsteps. They were really chasing me, not to scare me, not just to chase me away; they were intent on killing me.

I chuckled amidst my ragged breath.

“Great.”

“Just moved to another world, and already made an enemy.”

When I think about it, my life has consistently not been about giving tutorials. Kevin's voice came from behind.

"DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY!"

It was so noisy, I jumped over a fallen tree trunk, almost slipping on the slippery ground. Damn, this body did feel a little stronger than it used to be, but I was still no athlete. 

I glanced around and saw three people at the front approaching. Kevin, Reno, and a kid named Dimas, the Archer. The annoying combo of fire, lightning, and arrows was not good for my long-term health.

“Shoot him!” Kevin shouted.

The sound of the bowstring being pulled was heard, my reflex moved, I dropped my body to the side.

HAPPY!

An arrow whizzed past my cheek, dangerously close. I rolled to the ground and immediately got back up. Okay, they're serious! I gritted my teeth. If this kept up, I'd be caught, and if I was? It was over. No save points, no respawns. I had to find a quick way to glance at my status.

Name: Raka

Class: One Tree Branch

Level: 1

Skill:

Devour Root (New)

It's just one skill, and I don't even know how it works yet. It's great, a truly hardcore game. I tried to focus on that skill, and as soon as I thought about it, the information would automatically appear.

Devour Root

The ability to absorb the essence of targets that have been killed by the user.

Effect:

Absorbing some attributes

Absorb some energy

Chance of acquiring certain traits

I almost stopped. What? I reread it. Absorbing the power of the target I killed? My eyes widened slightly. Okay, this isn't weak, this isn't weak at all, this is absurd and broken. It doesn't make any sense. 

There's only one problem: I have to kill something first, preferably something weaker than me. 

Second problem: I don't know if there is anything weaker than me, a very extraordinary situation.

As the footsteps drew closer, I turned sharply into a darker area. The deeper I went, the denser the trees became, the ground became rougher, and the air felt colder. It was strange: the birds' voices began to fade, and the forest felt different—it wasn't normal. 

But perhaps this was my chance; dangerous areas usually make normal people hesitate. Unfortunately, Kevin didn't seem so normal.

“He went deeper!”

“Chase!”

The amateur killer's dedication was remarkable, and I finally arrived in a more open area. A small depression was filled with a thin mist, tree roots crawling everywhere, and something was moving in the middle. 

I stopped immediately. A monster? Finally, the creature was small, about the size of a dog, with a body like a mix of a wolf and a lizard, with gray skin, red eyes, too many teeth, and frankly, it was unpleasant to look at.

A notification appears.

Gray Fang Cub Lv.1

I almost smiled. Level 1? Perfect. The monster also saw me, letting out a low, aggressive growl. Good, we need each other. I gripped my branch. It still felt absurd that my first weapon was just a tree branch. 

The monster lunged at me faster than I expected, and I reflexively dodged to the left. Its claws barely grazed my arm.

“Ah, damn!”

I quickly retreated, and the monster turned around, ready to attack again. Okay, my focus was lighter than before, and my reflexes felt better. It was probably a new world effect, or adrenaline mode. The monster attacked a second time, and this time I waited a little longer.

NOW.

I twisted my body to avoid it and hit the monster's head with my branch.

TOK.

...

It was quiet, I stared at the branch, the monster stared at me, we both looked offended.

“That's embarrassing,” I said.

The monster looked angry. I agreed. The attack barely did any damage, but at least I learned something. My strength was pathetic, so I had to get creative. The monster charged again. I retreated behind a tree. The monster chased after me, just as it circled the trunk. I stabbed a branch into its eye.

SQUELCH.

The monster screamed, a critical attack, and finally, I couldn't wait, I stabbed again and again. A wild, inelegant, uncool move, just a survival move, but it worked. 

After a few seconds the monster finally fell, its body stopped moving. Silent, I was panting, my hands were shaking, I had just killed something.

For the first time, the feeling was... strange. There was no heroism, no drama, just relief. Then, the stalk in my hand glowed a faint green. Small roots sprouted from its surface, piercing the monster's body. I instinctively recoiled.

"What else now?"

The roots absorbed something from the monster's corpse, and a thin stream of light flowed up the branches and into my body. Warm energy flowed throughout my body, my fatigue lessened, and my wounds healed slightly.

A notification appears.

Gray Fang Cub has been absorbed

Strength +1

Agility +1

EXP gained.

Level Up!

Level 2 reached.

I widened my eyes.

“Oh this is crazy.”

Not only can I absorb it but the effect is immediate and real, I feel my body a little stronger, a little faster, my heart beats faster not because of fear but because of enthusiasm. 

I looked at the stalk, its shape had changed slightly, just a little. The surface of the stalk looked darker, harder, and sharper at the tip—a small improvement, still ugly, but promising. 

Suddenly, footsteps were heard. Oh, right, I wasn't alone. Kevin and the others appeared from behind the trees. They stopped when they saw the monster carcass and me still alive. Kevin narrowed his eyes.

“You killed that?”

I smiled a little.

“Yes.”

Kevin didn't seem to like seeing me calm. Good. Reno took a step forward.

“I'm done playing around.”

A small bolt of lightning appeared in his palm. Oh, good, the battle royale continues. I gripped the pole tighter. I was now level 2, still weak but no longer helpless, and most importantly, I knew this class wasn't trash. This class was a monster, I just needed time. Kevin drew his sword, and flames erupted.

“Kill him.”

Five people started moving I smiled faintly.

"Okay."

I take a position.

“If you keep insisting…”

My gaze swept over them one by one.

“…I'm going to start thinking of you guys as resources.”

Their expressions changed slightly. Good, let's start the real game.

[END CHAPTER 2]

My sentence made them silent for a split second, only a split second but enough to see the change in their expressions. Kevin just frowned, Reno narrowed his eyes, and Dimas looked a little doubtful. 

Well, a little psychological pressure never hurt then Kevin laughed out loud in disdain.

“Look at him.”

“Just killing a level 1 monster already makes me feel strong.”

His friends smiled sarcastically, it was strange how consistently humans underestimated things they didn't understand. I gripped my shaft tighter, though it felt a little different now, more solid, still like a shaft, but with a warm, flowing sensation within it, as if it were slowly coming to life.

Kevin raised his sword the fire burned brighter.

“I'm getting bored.”

He looked at me with a faint smile.

“Just end it.”

Reno raised his hand, a small bolt of lightning gathering in his palm, and Dimas drew his bow. Three against one, not counting the two others behind him. 

Bad odds but now I have at least one chance of escape or mess but I choose a combination of both.

“Arrow!” Kevin shouted.

Dimas shoots.

SWIING!

The arrow flew fast, I moved sideways more easily than before, the +1 agility really felt. Good, the arrow missed and stuck in the tree trunk, Reno attacked next, a small lightning bolt shot out like a bullet, I jumped back.

HANDS!

The ground where I was standing exploded slightly, okay, I didn't want to get hit by that. Kevin quickly advanced with his sword, slashing horizontally, flames cutting through the air. I ducked, the heat sweeping across my hair too close. I stabbed the handle towards his stomach, but Kevin easily deflected it.

"Slowly." he said.

I agree it's very slow, but that's not the main goal. I backed away, observing the surrounding trees, large roots, fog, and fairly complex terrain. Good, if it were a pure stats duel, I'd lose. But if I could exploit the environment? There was still hope. 

Kevin chased again more aggressively but overconfidently a classic mistake, he slashed from above I rolled to the right then his sword hit a large tree root getting stuck for a split second enough, I hit his hand with the stem.

TOK.

Kevin twitched not in damage more to offend, he looked increasingly annoyed, worth it.

“Damn it!”

He drew his sword, then Reno attacked again with lightning. I ran in a zigzag motion, a small explosion appearing behind me. Dimas fired two arrows in quick succession. I took cover behind a tree, and the arrow landed, almost hitting my shoulder. Okay, the scenario was still bad, I just needed one kill, one weak target, and then more.

My eyes glanced at the two people behind Kevin, they hadn't advanced much just being more nervous and more hesitant supporters, ideal targets, I took a breath the decision had been made. 

Kevin attacked again, this time I didn't back down, I charged straight at him. Kevin looked a little surprised, his sword thrust straight at me. I twisted my body, almost dodging, but the tip of the sword grazed the side of my stomach, stinging, warm, and bleeding.

But I managed to get into his blind spot, I pushed Kevin's body to the side and ran past him.

“What?!” he shouted.

The target changed, I immediately headed towards one of the kids behind Rafi, his class was a support type not too combat oriented, his expression panicked.

“Oh wait”

There was no time, I hit his chin with the stick, he staggered, I swept his legs until he fell, I immediately stabbed his neck. 

My movements stopped for a split second my old human last thoughts tried to resist but only for a split second. 

Too late, the stab had already penetrated. Rafi froze, his eyes wide, and his body stopped moving. Silence, one second, two seconds, everyone froze in shock. Great, I just killed the first human, and it turned out to be much more effective than talking.

A notification appears.

Human target slain

Devour Root activated.

Absorption possible.

Roots emerged from the branches and pierced Rafi's body, energy far greater than the monster's flowed into my body, hot, strong, brutal, I gritted my teeth.

Spam notification.

Strength +2

Agility +2

Mana +1

EXP gained.

Level Up!

Level 3 reached.

Level 4 reached.

Trait acquired:

Minor Mana Sense

I slowly lifted my head, my body feeling lighter, stronger, and much better. Oh, the scalability is amazing. Kevin took a half step back, his expression completely changed, no longer one of disdain, but now of fear. Good.

“What was that?” someone whispered.

I turned the handle in my hand, the surface changing again, now with small spikes growing on the sides, the shape becoming rougher, more like a weapon, this progress. Kevin looked at Rafi's corpse, then at me.

"Monster." he said softly.

I laughed a little funny just five minutes ago they wanted to kill me, now things have turned so interesting, I stared at them.

“Weren't you the ones who started it?”

No one answered. Dimas took a step back, and the other looked pale. The momentum had shifted, and they knew it. Kevin gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with conflict, fear, anger, and ego—a terrible mix—but finally he shouted.

“KILL HIM!”

Ah still denying to honor the commitment, they attacked again but this time it was different, I was already level 4 the difference in stats was noticeable. 

I dodged the arrows more easily then dodged the lightning and got into close range Reno hit, stab, attack, kill.

The real battle had just begun and for the first time since coming to this world I was starting to feel like I had a chance not to survive but to win.

[END CHAPTER 3]

Reno attacked first, lightning gathering in both of his hands, much larger than before, and the air around him smelled of ozone. The hairs on my arms stood up slightly, a sign that being electrocuted wasn't a pleasant experience.

“Lightning Burst!”

He thrust both hands forward, and two lightning projectiles shot toward me at breakneck speed, but now the world felt a little slower, or maybe I was just faster. I twisted to avoid the first projectile, and the second one narrowly missed my shoulder.

HANDS!

A small explosion occurred behind me my skin still felt very hot almost to the touch.

“Did he get faster?!” Dimas shouted.

Yes, I was also quite pleased with this development. Kevin charged from the left, his sword blazing brightly, flames encircling the blade, and then slashed diagonally. I raised the pommel.

CLANG!

The sound of impact startled me slightly, and I looked down at my weapon. The hilt had managed to keep the sword from shattering, leaving only a slight scratch. "Oh, so the durability has increased," Kevin looked equally surprised.

“Impossible!”

“Many impossible things happened today,” I replied, pushing him back.

I kicked Kevin in the knee, causing him to lose his balance for a moment. I took advantage of the moment and stabbed him in the shoulder. Kevin quickly retreated, but the tip of the handle only grazed his arm. There was a little blood, but there was still progress. 

Reno came in again from the right flank, their coordination was quite good, very annoying. Lightning struck the ground near my feet, I jumped back, but Dimas shot two arrows, one I missed, and the other hit my left arm.

SRAK.

I winced, the arrow was stuck shallow and hurt so much, I pulled it out forcefully.

“Ah, you bastard.” Blood dripped. 

Okay, I can't take too long; they still have the numerical advantage; I need to reduce the speed of the players. My eyes immediately locked on Dimas, the long-range archer, whose defense was definitely low. Prioritizing my top target, I ran towards him.

“Protect Dimas!” Kevin shouted.

Too late, Dimas panicked, he shot hastily but his arrow missed. Good, I got into close range and saw Dimas's face pale.

“W-wait”

No, I swung the shaft at his wrist.

CRACK.

His bow fell, Dimas screamed, I kneed him in the stomach, he bent over, then stabbed him in the chest with a swift movement. Dimas's body immediately froze, his eyes widened, his breath faltered, and then he fell silent.

A notification appears.

Human target slain

Devour Root activated.

The roots came out again, piercing Dimas's body, and the second energy flowed in stronger, hotter, and more addictive. I closed my eyes for a split second, feeling like my body was being forcibly upgraded—muscles were denser, reflexes sharper, and mana increased.

The notification appears again.

Agility +3

Dexterity +2

Mana +1

EXP gained.

Level Up!

Level 5 reached.

Weapon evolution available.

I froze. Weapon evolution? Fascinating. The weapon in my hand trembled. Its handle cracked, not broken, but slightly elongated. More thorns grew, and the surface became darker. Its shape was no longer a simple handle, more like a sharp branch, a primitive weapon, but certainly more deadly.

A new notification appears.

One Tree Stalk → Thorny Branch

Evolution complete.

I smile.

“Oh.”

“Finally there is visible progress.”

Kevin looked at me like he was seeing a nightmare, a fair reaction he gripped his sword tighter.

“We have to kill him now!”

Finally understanding Reno seemed to start to hesitate.

“K-Kevin…”

"We have to retreat"

The smartest thing he said all day Kevin turned sharply.

“Shut up!”

Ah, the leadership qualities are so bad it's so good. I spin the Thorny Branch in my hand much more comfortably, more balanced, sharper. 

A good improvement, but still ugly, but effective. I took a step forward, and Kevin unconsciously took a half step back. I found it very satisfying.

“Why did you step back?” I asked.

“You guys are the ones who want to kill me, right?”

Kevin gritted his teeth, his face tense and sweat starting to show, the fire on his sword trembling slightly, a breach in trust detected. Good, Reno finally made his decision, he really did retreat.

“I’m not coming anymore!” he said.

Then turned around and ran away very wisely Kevin glared.

“RENO!”

It was too late; all that was left was Kevin and one other person who looked like they were about to faint from fear. Kevin stared around at the bodies, the blood, his two friends dead, one running away, and me still standing, alive and growing. The silence was heavy, but finally, Kevin said softly,

“We can talk.”

I almost laughed, oh the negotiation phase. It's interesting how morals and diplomacy emerge after a change in position.

“I think I'm a monster?” I said.

Kevin swallowed hard.

“That was…”

“Force situation.”

Oh wow amazing I shook my head slowly.

"No."

“You guys just panicked and went for the easiest solution.”

I raised my weapon. The thorny branch reflected a faint light, and Kevin took another step back.

“Raka, listen” 

I cut.

“Now it's my turn to choose.”

Our gazes met, he knew I knew there was no turning back. Kevin roared and attacked with his sword in full flame, slashing vertically. I blocked.

CLANG!

The impact was stronger, but my body was also stronger now. We were locked in a moment, Kevin's face very close, filled with anger and fear.

“You should be dead!” he hissed.

I stared at him blankly.

“Maybe.”

Then I shifted my body letting Kevin's momentum get the better of him, he lost his balance a little and then I stabbed him with the Thorny Branch through the side of his stomach. 

Time seemed to slow down Kevin froze his eyes widened, his mouth slightly open he looked down at the blood that was starting to flow.

“Ah…”

His body weakened and his sword fell.

CLANG.

He knelt down and collapsed, utterly silent. I stood there, breathing heavily, my body covered in minor injuries, my clothes dirty, and my hands bloody. Before me, the man who had tried to kill me was now dead.

A notification appears.

Flame Knight slain

High-value absorption available.

I stared at the writing, slowly smiling.

“High marks?”

It was so exciting, the roots came out bigger than before, piercing Kevin's body, and this time the energy that entered was much greater, more brutal, the heat burning my entire body. I gritted my teeth, almost screaming.

Notifications appear in succession.

Strength +4

Vitality +3

Fire Resistance acquired.

Skill fragment obtained.

Skill acquired: Ember Slash

EXP gained.

Level 7 reached.

I opened my eyes slowly, breathing heavily, my body felt… different. So different, so much stronger, I noticed my own hands were shaking slightly, not from fear but from adrenaline and strength. 

I chuckled softly in disbelief. In a matter of minutes, I'd gone from being a burden to something they were afraid of, something they were attracted to.

I looked at the last remaining person, the child was already sitting weakly, his face pale, tears almost coming out.

“D-don't kill me…”

I looked at him for a few seconds then sighed.

“Go.”

He glared.

“Hah?”

“Go.”

He didn't wait twice and ran away as fast as he could, very clever. I finally sat on the ground, my body feeling tired but my mind was very clear. 

I looked at the Thorny Branch in my hand. This weapon was only its first evolution, meaning there were still many stages to go. I smiled faintly. This new journey had begun, and from now on, I would no longer be the prey; I would be the hunter.

[END CHAPTER 4]