Reborn in Blood: The Trials of a Leech. Book 2 - Bloody War

It's been a few weeks since I started my training, and I've noticed some progress. My stats have increased slightly, which is good, but the real improvement has been in my skills. I've gained a few levels and become much more comfortable using them. I can use my skills about 30% faster now, which is a significant boost. It feels good to see tangible results from my efforts! Also, the more I use all of my MP it increase the amount I have slowly same as the other ones.

Venturing out to hunt monsters and beasts has become a routine since then. Yet, the creatures I face are often far stronger than I am. This necessitates a cautious approach and strategic planning to whittle down their strength bit by bit during each hunt. It's a demanding task that tests my combat skills and ability to think on my feet and adapt to evolving situations.

Despite my efforts, I've only managed to slay two beasts since encountering the cub. The first was a formidable Stonetusk Boar, a Level 2 adversary that proved challenging to defeat on the uneven forest terrain. Resorting to a strategy of agility and ranged attacks, I took to the trees, pelting the boar with projectiles until its resistance waned and it succumbed to defeat. The encounter yielded me 2 experience points, a hard-earned reward for the arduous battle.

The second encounter was with a Toxic Slugger, a Level 1 creature that belied its lethargic appearance with swift and accurate toxic projectile attacks. Its noxious assaults tested my reflexes and served as a catalyst for my growth. My poison resistance skill leveled up twice during the skirmish, a testament to the dangers faced. Were it not for my ability to harness vampiric bolts and the life-sustaining properties of blood, I might have met my demise at the slugger's venomous projectiles.

Despite the inherent dangers, I've found that each successful hunt yields valuable experience and gradual improvements. These incremental gains, whether in skill mastery or tactical acumen, contribute significantly to my overall growth and development as a hunter and survivor in this challenging world. Patience and perseverance have become my allies as I navigate the perils of the wild, learning from each encounter and striving to overcome increasingly formidable foes.

Slowly but surely, my combat prowess is improving, even though I occasionally find myself in situations where retreat is the wisest choice due to the overwhelming strength of certain monsters. One advantage I've gained is the ability to predict the movements and fighting styles of many creatures, as they often follow similar patterns. This knowledge allows me to approach each fight with a unique strategy, adapting my tactics to the specific challenges posed by each opponent. It's a learning process, but with each encounter, I become more adept at assessing threats and maximizing my chances of survival.

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Realizing that my need for sleep has decreased doesn't change my preference for nocturnal activities. Daytime outings have lost their appeal, and the night holds a comforting allure. It's not just habit but a sense of belonging that draws me to the darkness now. Strangely, I've come to embrace the night, a stark contrast to my previous fear of it. Despite this newfound comfort, a lingering unease persists—a part of me still resists fully embracing the night. The fear of what lurks in the darkness remains, albeit diminished compared to before. Choosing to stay awake during the day means confronting the dangers of a world filled with active and aggressive creatures. The night offers a shield of secrecy and a sense of control, elements that make survival a more manageable task.

Having honed my stealth skill and mastered the use of vampiric bolts, the night has become my ally in more ways than one. I find solace in the shadows, blending seamlessly with the darkness like a silent predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Much like the agile and majestic jungle cats that stalk their prey from above, I utilize the cover of trees to my advantage, surveying the terrain and planning my actions with precision.

The art of surprise becomes my weapon, striking from a concealed position high above the ground. Vampiric bolts, empowered with blood magic, allow me to engage foes from a safe distance, draining their life force while maintaining a strategic advantage.

The realization that something fast and elusive was homing in on my position sent a surge of panic through me. I had meticulously hidden myself within the dense foliage of the tree, relying on my skills to evade detection. Yet, the approaching entity seemed undeterred by conventional concealment methods, closing in swiftly despite my attempts to hide. The rhythmic vibrations, too rapid for most creatures, hinted at a formidable adversary. My mind raced through potential threats in the area, analyzing their known behaviors and capabilities. Whatever it was, it possessed a keen sense or a method of tracking that surpassed my skill.

With little time to spare, I made a quick decision to change my location, hoping to throw off my pursuer. However, to my dismay, the entity adjusted its trajectory with uncanny accuracy, maintaining its course toward me. The urgency of the situation heightened my senses as I scanned the surroundings for any clues or signs of its nature. Was it a natural predator, a sentient being, or something entirely unknown? My thoughts raced as I prepared to confront the imminent threat.

As the unknown entity closed in, my mind raced through possible countermeasures. Instinctively, I readied my Sanguine Surge Lv2, a potent ability to empower my Hemorrhage Lv1 and curse the creature with a debilitating effect.

However, a nagging doubt lingered—a feeling that this adversary might require more than just conventional tactics. My father's teachings resurfaced in my mind, a fragment of knowledge hinting at a more potent but untested ability. It was a risky gamble, given its experimental nature, but survival often demanded unconventional measures and insanity to survive.

In the heart of the night, amidst the rustling leaves and the impending threat, I stood poised to confront the unknown.

The sight of the jet-black fur with streaks of white sent a shiver down my spine. Without hesitation, I unleashed the empowered Hemorrhage skill, casting the blood curse upon the creature as it paused to assess me. The curse took hold swiftly, disrupting its movements and sending the hound into a frenzied retreat. However, my relief was short-lived as I sensed its presence lingering, hidden within the darkness. The Nightshade Hound was not fleeing but rather employing its cunning tactics, utilizing the trees as springboards to close the distance between us with alarming speed.

Despite its stealthy approach, training kicked in, and I pivoted to face the unseen threat with two empowered vampiric bolts. The rustling leaves and faint sounds of movement plus the vibrations guided my instincts as I prepared for the hound's inevitable assault.

The Hound's agile maneuver caught me off guard, causing me to lose my balance and tumble from the branch I had perched upon. Instinctively, I unleashed the empowered bolts. The first bolt struck true, hitting the hound's back with force, while the second found its mark on the creature's muzzle, shattering several fangs in the process.

The impact of the bolts staggered the hound, causing it to falter mid-leap and crash back to the forest floor. The dark blood energy infused within the bolts surged back into me upon impact, a surge of life force that invigorated my senses, unlike anything I had experienced before. As the Nightshade Hound struggled to regain its footing, I seized the opportunity to gain altitude, swiftly climbing to a higher vantage point. With each ascent, my movements were fueled by adrenaline and determination, knowing that the advantage of height could be crucial in this encounter. Even as I ascended, I remained vigilant, firing off another bolt aimed at the hound's vulnerable back right paw. The crackling energy lanced through the night air, finding its mark.

The discrepancy in the life-force absorption was concerning, especially considering the expenditure of magical energy. With only 60% of my total MP remaining, the fact that the life-force yield remained unchanged raised red flags in my mind. Typically, each empowered shot should yield varying amounts of life-force absorption, influenced by factors such as the target's vitality and the potency of the magic unleashed. Yet, despite landing three empowered shots, the life-force intake had remained the same.

The disparity between the Hound's perceived vitality and its actual resilience raised significant concerns. As an ambush predator specializing in agility and strength, I had initially estimated its vitality to be lower compared to other attributes. However, the events unfolding before me hinted at a different reality—a creature far more formidable than its appearance suggested.

The Hound's adaptation to the situation highlighted its cunning and resourcefulness. Utilizing the trees to ascend back into the branches, it cleverly obscured itself from a direct line of sight, evading the threat of another empowered bolt.

Relying on the vibrations created by the Nightshade Hound's movements, I honed my senses to track its subtle shifts amidst the darkness. As I reached the largest branch within my reach, I prepared my arsenal for the next phase of the encounter. I infused another bolt with empowering energies, readying it for a decisive strike. Alongside it, a regular bolt stood at the ready trying to conserve mp.

The night seemed to hold its breath, the ambient sounds of the forest falling into a hushed symphony of anticipation. With measured breaths and focused concentration, I maintained my vigil, waiting for the opportune moment to unleash my spells upon the elusive predator.

The sudden cessation of vibrations and the absence of heat signatures from the Hound sent a chill of unease coursing through me. Panic threatened to overwhelm me as I scanned the area below where the hound had last been. The eerie silence of the night seemed to amplify the sense of impending danger, the shadows closing in around me like a vice. Had the hound retreated, or worse, was it preparing a more insidious ambush? My mind raced through scenarios, each one more ominous than the last.

Maintaining a cautious demeanor, I widened my search, scanning the surrounding branches and shadows with heightened scrutiny. Every rustle of leaves, every flicker of movement, became a potential threat in the haunting stillness of the night. Not wanting to burn too much mp I released the empowered bolt and recovered some of the mp back.

As I released the empowered bolt, a sudden vibration jolted me from behind, sending a shiver of dread down my spine. Whirling around, my eyes widened in horror as the shattered, bloodied fangs of the Hound emerged from my shadow, lunging at me once more. With a surge of adrenaline, I refocused my concentration, summoning every ounce of skill and magic at my disposal. The bolt crackled with dark blood magic as I directed it towards the menacing form of the hound, intent on warding off its lethal advance. The Hound's head, poised for a critical strike. Yet, in a split-second maneuver, the cunning creature slipped further into my shadow, narrowly evading the bolt's deadly trajectory. The projectile grazed past, managing to clip a portion of its ear in its wake.

The Hound's evasive maneuver into my shadow thwarted its initial target, redirecting its lethal bite away from my neck. Instead, its jaws clamped down fiercely on my leg, a searing pain shooting through me as it locked its grip with predatory tenacity. The sudden attack destabilized our position on the branch, sending us hurtling through the air in a chaotic tumble. Instinctively, I grappled with the hound, leveraging every ounce of strength and agility to maintain control amidst the free fall.

The rush of wind and the distant sounds of the forest blurred in the adrenaline-fueled moment, my focus singularly fixed on breaking free from the hound's vice-like grip. With each passing second, the urgency of the situation intensified, the ground below looming ever closer. As we descended, a surge of determination coursed through me. I summoned the remnants of my magical reserves, channeling energy into a last-ditch effort.

The dire circumstances demanded a desperate response, and I drew upon every ounce of my vampiric abilities to turn the tide. Harnessing the blood within me and even that of the wounded hound, I channeled it into a singular, elongated spike of crimson essence beneath us. With a primal surge of willpower, I compressed and solidified the blood, shaping it into a formidable makeshift weapon. However, realizing that the spike needed more mass and strength, I enacted the Sanguine Surge, a surge of dark energy ripping out additional blood from within me and the hound, fueling the growth and potency of the blood spike. The blood spike expanded, becoming a deadly javelin poised to skewer the hound.

The hardened blood, fortified by the empowering effects of Sanguine Surge and fueled by my remaining magical reserves, became a formidable weapon in my struggle for survival. However, the hound's relentless grip and thrashing motions posed a dire threat, testing the limits of my endurance and resolve.

As the hound's bite intensified, its jaws clamping down with ferocious strength, I gritted my teeth against the searing pain. The jerking motions threatened to break my control over the improvised blood spike.

With my magical energies depleted and the situation growing increasingly desperate, I focused on maintaining my grip on the blood spike, using every ounce of strength and determination to resist the hound's violent onslaught.

The violent impact with the forest floor marked the culmination of our struggle, the hardened blood spike finding its mark as it impaled the Hound through its back. As the hound's head struck the earth with brutal force, the momentum of the impalement exerted tremendous pressure, resulting in a catastrophic release of energy. In that cataclysmic moment, the blood spike served as a double-edged sword, securing victory over the hound while exacting a devastating toll. The sheer force of the impact tore my leg clean off, the searing pain momentarily eclipsed by the overwhelming shock of the event. The chaotic aftermath flung me backward, my body careening uncontrollably until it collided with a jagged rock. The sickening impact reverberated through me, consciousness fading as my head bore the brunt of the collision. The darkness tried to claim me, a temporary respite from the tumultuous dance of life and death.

Struggling against the encroaching darkness, I fought to stay conscious, the world spinning around me in disarray. Through blurred vision, I glimpsed a dire warning: my HP dwindling to a perilous 3 out of 190, a stark reminder of my fragile state. Time was not on my side, each passing moment bringing me closer to the abyss. The urgency of survival surged within me, a primal instinct driving me to act decisively. I knew that without replenishing my strength, death loomed as an inevitable consequence. Devouring blood and ending the threat of the fallen hound became not just options but imperatives for my very existence.

Summoning the last reserves of my willpower, I crawled towards the fallen creature, pain, and determination intertwining in a desperate struggle. The hound's form lay before me unmoving, a grim reminder of the fierce battle that had transpired moments ago. With trembling hands, I reached out, drawing upon my Regal Drain Lv1 to feed on the spilled blood, each drop a lifeline in the struggle against oblivion. The surge of vitality that followed fueled my resolve, empowering me to take the decisive action needed to secure my survival.

Summoning whatever strength remained, I delivered the final blow to end the hound's threat, ensuring that no lingering danger would claim me in this vulnerable state. I used the blood spike already impaling the Hound's back to explode with crystalized blood fragments rendering the inside full of massive shredded holes. The rush of adrenaline mingled with the taste of blood, a bittersweet symphony of survival in the unforgiving wilderness.

As the immediate danger subsided, I focused on stabilizing myself, the urgency of the moment giving way to cautious vigilance. The night held its secrets and dangers, but for now, I had prevailed against a monster like that. With each gulp, a surge of energy coursed through me, revitalizing my senses and fortifying my resolve.

But I didn't stop there. With a desperate ingenuity born of necessity, I used the remnants of the hound's blood to pry open its jaws, retrieving my severed leg from its grasp. The pain was excruciating, but the primal need to survive eclipsed all else. Clutching my detached limb, I enacted a macabre ritual, using the hound's blood as a makeshift adhesive and suturing agent. With steady hands fueled by desperation, I meticulously stitched my leg back into place, the crimson threads weaving a grim tapestry of survival against all odds.

I am lucky that my mother showed me how to sew and suture wounds shut without that I may have lost this limb forever, leaving me handicapped. I am not sure if I can regrow lost limbs and would rather not try that right now.

As the makeshift surgery neared completion, I focused my vampiric abilities on jump-starting blood circulation to my reattached leg, coaxing life back into the numbed extremity. The pulsing flow of blood, guided by my unwavering will, carried with it the promise of renewed vitality and the chance to retain what had almost been lost forever.

The howls and ominous sounds, coupled with the telltale vibrations of approaching dangers, spurred me into immediate action. Time was no longer a luxury I could afford; survival demanded swift and decisive measures. Gathering the remnants of blood around me, I began shaping the crimson fluid into a protective armor that enveloped my body. The blood armor not only shielded me but also enhanced my agility and control over my body. Allowing me to run with my leg the way it was.

With each step, I felt the pulsing energy of the blood armor responding to my commands, granting me a fluid grace that defied the limitations of mortal flesh. Every movement became a calculated dance of evasion and speed as I sprinted toward the safety of my cave sanctuary. Each step racked me with extreme amounts of pain but to survive I pushed through it all.

The familiar entrance to my refuge loomed ahead, a beacon of fleeting safety amidst the encroaching threats of the night. With practiced efficiency, I sealed myself inside, the heavy barriers serving as a final bastion against the dangers lurking beyond. Yet, fate had one final twist in store. Peering back through the safety of the cave's entrance, I beheld the hound, its fierce gaze fixed upon me with an intensity that defied its impending demise. Though weakened and on the brink of death, the hound's predatory instincts burned bright in its eyes. Knowing that confrontation was no longer an option, I made the strategic choice to retreat, prioritizing my survival above all else. With determination propelling my steps, I left behind the dying hound and vanished into the sanctuary.

The hound's lingering gaze held a silent challenge, a testament to its unyielding will even in the face of imminent demise. As it vanished once more into the enveloping darkness, a grim understanding settled within me—the primal instinct to fight until the very end, to defy fate's cruel hand with unwavering resolve. Turning around, I braced myself for what could be the final confrontation, my broken body a testament to the trials endured and the strength yet to be unleashed. Every breath was a struggle, every movement an act of defiance against the encroaching shadows that sought to claim me. I readied myself for one last stand.

The stakes couldn't have been higher as I harnessed the renewed energy coursing through me, channeling it into one final bolt of power. The magic surged, crackling with intensity as I aimed with unwavering focus, knowing that this decisive strike could determine my fate. But fate, it seemed, had other plans as the hound descended from the shadows above, its fangs gleaming with lethal intent. Time slowed to a crawl as instinct and survival merged into a singular purpose—to outlast and overcome the looming threat, no matter the cost.

Shifting my stance to meet the descending menace head-on. The bolt of magic, a manifestation of my determination will survive, hurtled towards the hound even as its jaws aimed unerringly for my head. The bolt surged forth, a beacon of defiance against the encroaching darkness. The hound's descent continued unabated, a symphony of chaos and determination converging in a dance of life and death.

The deafening pop echoed through the tense air as the bolt found its mark, shattering the hound's eye in a burst of magic and fury. Yet, the relentless force of the creature remained undeterred, hurtling toward me with unyielding determination.

Instinct and survival merged seamlessly as I leaned back, bracing for the inevitable impact. The hound's broken fangs tore through my blood armor, a painful reminder of the razor's edge between survival and oblivion. With a grim resolve, I seized the moment, unleashing a barrage of armored fists upon the hound's head.

Each blow reverberated with the force of desperation and defiance, a symphony of impacts amid the chaos of battle. The hound's skull yielded to the relentless assault, the armor augmenting my strikes with a lethal precision born of necessity. As the struggle unfolded in a flurry of motion and sound, the primal clash between predator and prey reached its zenith. Blood, sweat, and determination mingled in a brutal dance of survival, each strike a testament to the indomitable will to endure. The hound's once-fierce countenance faltered under the onslaught, its final moments marked by a crescendo of impacts that echoed the resilience of a survivor pushed beyond the brink. With each hammering blow, the threat diminished until, at last, the hound's form stilled, the echo of its demise ringing in the cavernous silence.

Blow after blow rained down upon the hound's head, the resounding impacts merging into a cacophony of violence and survival. The armor that once shielded me now shattered under the force of my strikes, each blow carrying the weight of desperation and resilience. My hands, hardened by struggle and resolve, hammered relentlessly until the hound's once-menacing visage became a shattered, bloody mess. As the final echoes of the struggle faded into the night, I stood amidst the aftermath, my breath ragged, and my body battered. The remnants of the shattered armor lay as a testament to the ferocity of the battle, a testament to the price paid for survival in a world that showed no mercy.

The toll of the brutal encounter was starkly evident as I gazed upon my broken and bloodied hands, the remnants of the fierce battle that had unfolded. Pain surged through every fiber of my being. As I struggled to maintain consciousness, my gaze shifted to the lifeless form of the hound, its once-menacing presence now stilled in eternal defeat. The notification of its demise flashed before me, a grim reminder of the price paid for victory in this unforgiving realm. A bitter smile touched my lips, a mix of exhaustion, relief, and grim satisfaction. "About fucking time," echoed my thoughts, a whisper of defiance amidst the encroaching darkness of unconsciousness. The weight of the battle lifted momentarily, replaced by a fleeting sense of accomplishment in overcoming a formidable foe.

With a final breath, consciousness slipped away, carrying with it the echoes of struggle and triumph. The world faded into darkness, the aftermath of conflict and survival merging into a transient respite amidst the ever-churning chaos of existence.

You have killed a Rare G-Ranked monster Nightshade Hound. You have gained a new subtitle from Killing a Blessed Monster.

Reward: 10 Exp gained from the kill.

New title: Fangbreaker.

Fangbreaker: The title earned through triumph over a blessed monster of Darkness, embodies resilience and defiance in the face of formidable adversaries. It signifies the bearer's ability to shatter the fangs of adversity, emerging stronger from the crucible of challenges faced. Those who bear the title Fangbreaker are known for their unwavering courage, tenacity, and skill in overcoming even the most daunting foes.

Continue to Kill and survive and you will gain more titles and upgrade them making the bonuses from titles stronger.

The title Fangbreaker grants the bearer a small but significant increase in their agility and endurance, reflecting the enhanced combat prowess gained through battling and defeating a blessed monster. This bonus serves as a testament to the lessons learned and strengths honed in the heat of battle, empowering the bearer to face future trials with greater confidence and prowess.

Bonus: +5% to Agi, +5% Vit