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]

The forest was silent again, too silent as if nature itself was holding its breath after the small massacre that had just occurred, I sat on the ground leaning against a large tree trunk. 

The blood on my hands was starting to dry, my arms were stinging. My stomach still burned from Kevin's sword cut, and for the first time since coming to this world, I had time to think.

I had just killed three people, three people I knew, three classmates or at least former friends. I stared at my hands for a long moment. It was strange, I expected to feel worse, guiltier, more shaken, but instead I felt... calm.

Not because I'm a psychopath, at least hopefully not yet, but because the situation is so simple. They wanted to kill me, but I killed them first—simply survival. This world is surprisingly efficient at erasing moral gray areas, I chuckled.

“My adaptation was too fast.”

It's a bit worrying but I'll think about it later, the priority now is to survive, I opened the status.

Name: Raka

Class: One Tree Trunk

Level: 7

Attribute:

Strength: increased

Agility: increased

Vitality: increased

Where: increased

Skill:

Devour Root

Ember Slash

Minor Mana Sense

Weapon:

Thorny Branches

I looked at the new skill.

Ember Slash.

Information automatically appears.

Ember Slash

Infuse fire element into the weapon and increase the damage of the next attack.

Short cooldown.

I nodded Kevin's skill or at least the copied version so Devour Root not only absorbs stats sometimes skills too, the more absurd the more I like it. 

This class is truly like a machine, the more I kill, the stronger I grow. Simple, efficient, highly addictive, and dangerous.

I closed the status then looked around the dark fog was getting thicker and now the next problem appeared: I was alone in the monster forest without food, without a map, without friends although the last one wasn't much of a loss.

I stood slowly, my body still sore but manageable. Minor Mana Sense allowed me to faintly sense the energy currents, life and danger, still very rough but useful. 

I focused on several energy points around me, sensing quite a few monsters, which was very interesting. Previously, this information would have made me panic. Now? I actually felt the possibility of an unhealthy but effective mindset.

My stomach growled. Oh well, biological problems, I needed food, and the nearest monster might be the solution, and farming would be a multitasking activity. 

I walked slowly, following the nearest mana flow. The night forest was far more terrifying when alone, with the sounds of insects, moving leaves, and the occasional snapping twig. The fog also made visibility poor, making it a perfect beginner's nightmare.

A few minutes' walk later, I arrived at a small area near a stream with clear water. It was quite pleasant, and near the stream were two small monsters drinking, resembling rabbits if they had evolved with evil intentions. Black fur, long fangs, red eyes, an unnecessarily hostile look.

A notification appears.

Night Hare Lv.3

Level 3? Okay. Still manageable, I grinned.

“Hello dinner.”

One of the Night Hares looked up at me and attacked without a word, a feat I appreciated. The first monster leaped quickly, and I activated Ember Slash, heating up the Thorny Branch, a small flame appearing at the tip, and then I slashed.

SHRAK.

The attack hit the small fire monster's body, setting its fur ablaze. The Night Hare screamed and fell to its death. Wow, that was effective, I nodded in satisfaction.

"Reasonable."

The second monster seemed smarter, it ran away, but I didn't let it. I chased after it, my agility was much better now, I closed the distance quickly, stabbing, killing confirmed two monsters twice, absorbing, roots coming out automatically, energy entering.

A notification appears.

EXP gained.

Level 8 reached.

Agility +1

Dexterity +1

It's so good, I'm starting to unhealthy love this routine of killing, absorbing, growing, repeating. Life is simple and I'm staring at two dead monsters. 

The important question: is it safe to eat? I stared at the demon-eyed rabbit monster for a long time. Hmm, edibility is low but hunger is stronger, I sighed.

“If he died of poisoning after surviving an assassination attempt, it would be very ironic.”

I started a small fire using Ember Slash, the unlocked utility is very good. A few minutes later, the monster meat was burning on the stalk. The aroma... quite good, not bad. I tasted a little, but it was quite good.

The fantasy monster cuisine was quite delicious, I ate while sitting near the river the night sky was getting darker the cold was increasing.

For the first time since coming to this world, I was truly alone—no human voices, no classroom noise, no one calling my name—just me and the forest. It was strange, but not bad, in fact, it was more honest. At least in this world, the strong live and the weak die, there wasn't much pretense.

I finished eating and drinking from the river then leaned against the Thorny Branch rock I held my eyes slowly closing, I have to sleep for a few hours tomorrow I will start to understand this world looking for a way out or maybe not. 

Because one thing was now very clear: if I returned to being a human too soon, I would only be hunted again. No, not yet. I needed to get stronger, much stronger, strong enough to make everyone think twice before touching me. My eyes were almost completely closed when a new notification appeared.

Quest Triggered.

Survive for 7 days in the Forbidden Forest

Reward:

Unknown

Penalty:

Death 

I stared at the screen for a few seconds and then chuckled.

"Of course."

Why not? Welcome to the exciting adventure mode, I leaned my head against the rock, a faint smile appearing. Seven days? Alright, let's see who gives up first, me or this forest.

[END CHAPTER 5]

Morning came mercilessly, I woke up to something licking my face, my reflexes immediately activated, my eyes opened, my body moved before my mind. I grabbed a Thorny Branch and stabbed forward.

SRAK!

The small, furry, gray creature screamed and was thrown. I sat up, breathing heavily, my adrenaline pumping as it fell a few meters away from me. It looked like a squirrel when it decides life isn't exciting enough and grows more fangs.

A notification appears.

Stone Squirrel Lv.2

Status: dying

I looked at him he was still moving a little, I sighed.

“Morning too.”

I ended his suffering with a second stab, killing the confirmed root coming out automatically absorbing.

Notification:

EXP gained.

Strength +1

I'm getting used to this, too fast but a little worrying but there's no time for deep moral reflection. 

My stomach is rumbling again. Seriously? This body is now like a calorie-burning machine. Maybe it's the effects of stat growth or stress, or both. 

I stood up and stretched. The wounds from last night were much better, and the increased vitality had definitely helped. Okay, I'll take another look at the quest.

Quest:

Survive 7 days in the Forbidden Forest

Day 1/7

It was a fantastic first day, and I looked around. The morning mist was still thin, and a small river flowed quietly. This area was safe for a while, but I couldn't stay there for long. Predators usually follow water sources, and I wasn't interested in becoming their menu yet, so I started walking along with the river's current.

Today's goal is simple:

Search for resources

Level up

Not dead

Reasonable goals. 

As I walked, I tried to deepen my understanding of Minor Mana Sense. I focused on it and closed my eyes for a moment. A faint sensation appeared, like a small wave of energy spreading around me. 

There's a small bright spot of low-level monsters, and a larger one further north. Hmm, there's a good chance of trouble. I opt to evade the south, which is a bit safer.

The next few hours were spent hunting monsters and surprisingly I was quite talented or rather my class was too cheaty. 

Low-level monsters are truly free experience: Gray Fang, Night Hare, Stone Squirrel, and sometimes the odd, overly aggressive bird. All provide small stats, though little by little, but they add up over time.

Notifications appear periodically.

Level 9 reached.

Agility +1

Dexterity +1

Level 10 reached.

Milestone reward unlocked.

I stopped.

“Oh?”

Auto open status.

LEVEL 10 REWARD

Skill unlocked:

Root Snare

Nice new skill, I immediately read the info.

Root Snare

Conjures roots from the ground to restrain the target for a few seconds.

Duration depends on level and power difference, low mana usage.

I smiled broadly. Crowd control? That's great, finally having a more tactical use isn't so bad. Thorny Branch also seems to have changed a bit again, the thorns are longer, the stem is darker, a small evolution but it's nice to see. 

As midday approached, I discovered something interesting: human footprints. I immediately focused on them. The tracks were fresh, not many, perhaps one or two people. It was very interesting.

Classmates or locals or people who want to kill me in a different way? Unknown, I followed the trail slowly in stealth mode. 

A few minutes later, I finally heard human voices. I hid behind a bush and peeked at two people, not classmates. They were wearing leather armor, short swords, and travel bags, looking like adventurers or hunters. They were talking.

“The trail leads this way.”

“There are really humans in the depths of the forest?”

"He said young people."

I narrowed my eyes, wait, talking about me? Oh good, I'm famous, one of them sighed.

"If he's still alive, the reward is quite substantial."

Amazingly I leaned back slowly thinking about the situation, so information about my whereabouts had spread whether from last night's survivors or other factors. 

This meant I wasn't the only one hunting; now I was the one being hunted, which was incredibly enjoyable. The two hunters began to move closer to me. I readied my Thorny Branch as one of them almost passed me, and I activated a new skill.

Root Snare.

Roots came out of the ground very quickly wrapping around the first hunter's legs.

"What?!"

He fell, his friend immediately panicked.

“Cursed!”

I came out of the bushes and stabbed the first hunter in the shoulder, before he could get up the man shouted then his friend attacked with a sword that was neater than Kevin and more trained, I held it back.

CLANG.

The impact was quite strong. Okay, not an amateur, that's interesting. He quickly slashed twice, and I stepped back to avoid it. The Thorn Branch's counterattack grazed his cheek, blood flowing. The man stepped back, his expression immediately changing.

“Are you that target?”

I smiled a little.

“I'm so popular today.”

He gritted his teeth.

“Surrender.”

"No."

After negotiations were over, he attacked again, but the first hunter was still tied up in the roots. I took advantage of the poor position and moved sideways, stabbing the bound target in the neck. 

A quick, clean kill, and the Devour Root's active human energy coming in wasn't bad. The second Hunter saw that and immediately made the smartest decision of the day: flee. 

Oh, the cowardly attitude with the highly underrated survival skills, I almost gave chase but stopped, let him bring information and maybe that fear is very useful, I stared at the hunter's corpse.

A notification appears.

Human slain.

Strength +2

Vitality +1

EXP gained.

Level 11 reached.

I smiled faintly. Great, the first day was only halfway through and I was already:

Farming monster

Kill the hunter

So be a bounty target

Very productive, I peered deeper into the forest if outsiders started to enter, then this forest was not just a wasted place but there was something here, something important enough for people to dare enter. It was interesting that I turned the Thorny Branch in my hand.

"Okay."

Then the new target increases not only to survive, I want to know the secrets of this place and if necessary take everything.

[END CHAPTER 6]