THE AETHERBORN

Thorne felt a rush of excitement as the new skill settled into him. This was a tool he’d only dreamed of—an instinctive knowledge guiding him toward valuable materials in a kill. Focusing on the snakes, it was as if invisible hands were leading him, making clear which parts would be most prized. The wings, laced with aether, would serve well in alchemical concoctions, enhancing potions or strengthening charms. The fangs and venom sacs—potent ingredients for poisons, antidotes, or perhaps something altogether new in the right hands. Even the snakes’ scales, surprisingly tough and durable, would fetch a good price from any merchant.

With renewed energy, Thorne set to work. His daggers flashed with precision as he carefully harvested the most valuable parts, his hands moving deftly as if guided by instinct. The wings came away easily, feathers soft but resilient, woven with the faint shimmer of captured aether.

He worked with meticulous care, prying out the fangs and venom sacs with delicate precision, making sure not a drop of the precious venom was wasted. Finally, he skinned the snakes, rolling up the shimmering scales into neat bundles. It was a messy process, and his hands were soon slick with blood, but he felt the satisfaction of a job well done.

As he worked, a flicker of pride crept in. Despite the dangers, despite the pain, he’d not only survived but thrived. He had fought off three winged snakes, unlocked a skill, and harvested valuable materials. Sid’s harsh lessons hadn’t just saved his life—they had transformed him into something sharper, stronger. He could hear Sid’s rough voice in his head, quietly pleased, “You’re learning, boy.”

When he finally sat back, surveying his haul, his hands were trembling from both exertion and the thrill of his victory. Each part he’d taken was infused with aether, a faint glow still lingering in the harvested materials. He fashioned a makeshift bag out of his torn shirt and carefully packed the parts, tying it securely. Only then did he realize how little time had actually passed; the fight, though intense, had lasted only minutes.

Curious, he checked his stats. His stamina was flagged, dipping low from the energy he’d spent, but his aether and health points were still in prime condition. The temptation to continue hunting lingered, but he knew better than to push too far without resting.

Deciding to rest for a while to replenish some of his stamina, he settled onto a fallen log. he let the cool breeze ease his aching muscles, its gentle rustle through the leaves a soothing contrast to the fierce clash he’d just endured. Closing his eyes for a moment, he let himself sink into the tranquil rhythm of the forest, breathing in its earthy scent, each inhale bringing a sense of calm.

Once sufficiently rested, he rose, ready to hunt. He moved through the forest with a heightened awareness, his Tracking skill active as he scanned for potential prey. This time, every step was calculated, his senses sharp, attuned to even the faintest whisper of movement. He wouldn’t let himself be ambushed again. The subtle rise of aether in the air tingled against his skin, a sensation he was coming to savor. Out here, in the heart of the wilds, he felt connected, alive in a way the city had never given him.

His attention was drawn to a fresh set of tracks pressed into the soft earth. Boar tracks. His heart picked up pace, adrenaline mixing with anticipation. He followed the trail, moving silently through the underbrush until he spotted his quarry: four boars grazing in a small clearing. The mother boar, a massive creature with sharp tusks and a wary gaze, kept watch over her three smaller piglets as they foraged nearby.

Immediately, Thorne went into stealth mode, crouching low and blending into the shadows. His eyes scanned his prey, mind racing as he analyzed his options. Taking on all four at once would be reckless, especially with the mother ready to defend her young. He needed to separate them, take them down one by one. As his gaze shifted to the piglets, he formulated a plan: use his Stealth and Shadow Meld skills to create a distraction.

He picked up a small rock and tossed it into the bushes on the opposite side of the clearing. The faint rustling drew the boars’ attention, and one of the piglets—an impressive size, nearly twice that of a typical boar—wandered off to investigate. Thorne’s heart pounded as he watched it drift away from the others. This was his chance.

Moving silently, he crept after the piglet, staying hidden among the shadows until he was within striking distance. Timing his move, Thorne sprang from his hiding spot, daggers poised. The piglet squealed in alarm, its bulky form spinning to face him just as he unleashed an Aether Burst aimed at its side.

The burst struck true, a flash of energy slamming into the boar’s ribs with a powerful impact that sent it stumbling. It let out a pained squeal, shaking off the shock as it turned, fury blazing in its eyes. Thorne’s muscles tensed, his mind already preparing for the next move.

Thorne pressed his advantage, his knives flashing in quick succession. But the piglet was tougher than he’d expected, its thick hide absorbing much of each blow. His strikes left shallow cuts rather than the deep wounds he’d intended, and he gritted his teeth, frustration mounting. The creature retaliated with a fierce charge, its tusks gleaming as it barreled toward him. He barely managed to twist aside, feeling the rush of air as the tusks brushed past his torso. Too close, he thought, his pulse hammering as he retreated.

In a swift move, he activated his Stealth skill, slipping into the cover of the underbrush. Hidden among the shadows, he steadied his breathing, watching as the piglet snorted and pawed the ground, small, beady eyes searching for any trace of him. It grunted, its head swiveling, confused and angered. Stay calm. Wear it down, he reminded himself, forcing himself to be patient, to think like Sid had taught him.

After a slow, measured breath, he circled behind the piglet, positioning himself in its blind spot. Thorne tensed, then sprang from the shadows, landing a solid strike to its flank. The creature bellowed in pain, but before it could retaliate, he was already melting back into the cover of the trees.

He repeated the tactic, darting out from the shadows to strike, then slipping back into hiding. Each attack left it weaker, more blood dripping to the ground with every wound. Just keep this up. You’re almost there.

The piglet’s breathing was ragged now, each snort a labored gasp, and its movements had slowed as it staggered on weakened legs. Seeing his chance to end it, Thorne summoned another Aether Burst, channeling his focus into a single, lethal shot aimed at the creature’s head. The blast landed with brutal accuracy, stunning the piglet and tearing deep gouges across its face. Without hesitation, Thorne lunged forward, driving both daggers into its skull. The piglet let out a final, pitiful squeal before collapsing, its body still at last.

He had only a moment to catch his breath before a furious roar shook the clearing. Thorne’s head snapped up just in time to see the mother boar charging toward him, her eyes blazing with fury, nostrils flaring as thick plumes of smoke billowed from her snout. His stomach clenched at the sight. Oh, no… Not this again.

Quickly, he activated his shadow meld skill, disappearing into the darkness just as she thundered past, missing him by inches. From his hidden vantage point, he watched in horror as embers flew from her snout, igniting patches of underbrush and setting the dry leaves ablaze. The air filled with the sharp, acrid scent of smoke.

Thorne’s mind raced. If she sets this place alight, I’ll have no cover left. He’d need to act fast, and if he wanted any chance of surviving this, he’d have to thin her defenses. He moved silently through the shadows, circling the clearing as he searched for an opportunity to isolate another piglet.

His gaze fell on one that had strayed a bit too far from its sibling, snuffling around in the leaves. He picked up another rock and lobbed it into the bushes, drawing the young boar’s attention. As it wandered away from the others, Thorne crouched low, readying himself.

With a swift, controlled breath, he sprang from the shadows, an aether burst already charged and aimed at the piglet’s side. The explosion struck, sending it stumbling. Thorne pressed forward, slashing with his knives as the young boar squealed in rage and fear, thrashing in desperate defense. It fought back with surprising ferocity, but Thorne’s relentless attacks wore it down. He struck, retreated, and struck again, slipping in and out of the shadows to keep it off-balance. At last, after a final, powerful blow, the piglet collapsed, defeated.

Now only the mother boar and one remaining piglet stood between him and victory. But as he turned his attention to them, he could see the fury blazing in the mother boar’s eyes, her massive form bristling with rage.

She knows, he thought, feeling a chill down his spine.

He could see the unwavering intent to protect her last young at any cost. She was stronger, faster, and now, after seeing her young fall, even more dangerous.

Thorne’s instincts screamed at him to be cautious. He activated his shadow meld skill once more, blending into the shadows just as the mother boar charged. Her tusks tore through the underbrush, ripping plants from their roots as she thrashed around, her blood-red eyes searching for him. Every swing of her head sent embers scattering, small fires flickering to life in the dry foliage around her.

Stay calm. Think. He moved silently through the shadows, watching her from afar, studying the way she moved, her blind spots, her moments of vulnerability. That was when the last piglet drifted to his position. This was his chance—one final chance to end the fight before the flames overtook the clearing entirely.

Thorne knew he needed a different tactic to deal with the last piglet. His mind flashed to his Escape Artist skill—a skill for slipping out of tight spots could also help lead his prey into one. Scanning the trees, he spotted a narrow passage between two large trunks, just wide enough for him but likely too tight for the piglet. With a plan forming, he picked up a rock but held onto it, making a deliberate noise instead. The sound was enough to draw the piglet’s attention, its small, beady eyes locking onto him.

As the creature approached, Thorne darted into the narrow passage, making sure it could see him clearly. The piglet took the bait, charging forward with a loud snort. Thorne slipped through the gap with ease, his escape artist skill guiding each movement as he maneuvered through the tight space.

The piglet, however, was not as fortunate. With a dull thud, its bulky form wedged between the trees, its squeals rising in panicked fury as it struggled to free itself. Perfect, he thought, seizing the opportunity.

Using his Acrobatics skill, he leaped onto the creature’s back, landing on its shoulders in one swift movement. Thorne knew he had only seconds before the mother boar might be drawn by its cries. He gripped tightly to its rough hide and unleashed a rapid succession of strikes, each knife stroke precise and lethal. The piglet writhed, trapped and helpless, and after a final squeal of pain, it slumped beneath him, still at last.

Panting, Thorne climbed off, wiping his bloodied hands on his torn shirt. Now, only the mother boar remained. She stood at the edge of the clearing, her gaze fixed on him, her eyes blazing with anger that was almost human.

Thorne crouched behind the nearest tree, forcing his breathing to steady as his mind raced. The piglets had been manageable, but this mother boar was a different beast altogether. Larger, faster, and more intelligent—she was practically vibrating with rage, her entire body coiled and ready to strike.

The boar snorted, thick smoke puffing from her nostrils as embers crackled and hissed in the cool air. Each exhale set small patches of dry leaves alight, filling the air with the sharp, bitter scent of burning wood.

Thorne felt a chill run down his spine. She knows I’m close, he realized, watching her scan the clearing, every movement as deliberate as his own. She wouldn’t fall for the same tricks he’d used on her young. Brute force wouldn’t be enough here. He’d have to outsmart her.

Activating his shadow meld skill, he slipped into the shadows just as the boar let out another furious snort, her bloodshot eyes sweeping the clearing. Moving silently, he positioned himself behind a large rock, watching as she prowled through the underbrush, her body tense, muscles rippling beneath her coarse hide.

When she finally turned her back to him, Thorne darted out from behind the rock, knives raised, aiming for the back of her leg. His blades flashed in a scissoring motion, striking deep and drawing blood. The boar let out an enraged roar, stumbling slightly, but the injury was far from enough to bring her down. She wheeled around, her gaze locking onto him with murderous intent.

Keep moving, he thought, instincts kicking in as he dived out of the way just in time. The boar charged with a bone-rattling force, and he rolled to his feet, watching as she crashed into the rock he’d just vacated, shattering it into fine dust.

His heart pounded as he bolted through the dense underbrush, his Escape Artist skill helping him navigate the twists and tangles that would have otherwise trapped him. His stamina was draining rapidly, but he pushed forward, knowing that slowing down would be fatal.

The boar’s attacks were relentless, each one fiercer than the last. Thorne felt the sweat beading on his forehead, his limbs growing heavier with each step. I need to end this, he thought, casting a glance around the clearing for anything that could help. His eyes landed on a fallen log nearby. It was risky, but it might be his best chance.

He led her toward it, ducking and dodging as her tusks narrowly missed his torso, feeling the heat of her smoky breath close behind. As she charged again, he leapt onto the log, vaulting over her with all the agility he could muster. In mid-air, he twisted, slashing down with both knives, the blades sinking into her back and drawing a fresh gush of blood. She roared, stumbling briefly, but the injury only seemed to fuel her rage.

Come on, he urged himself, already planning his next move. He had to stay one step ahead, keep her unbalanced, and wait for just the right moment to strike.

Thorne's mind raced, his thoughts a chaotic flurry of Sid's lessons and instinctive survival. He had to use everything he’d learned. Taking a steadying breath, he activated his Primal Aether Manipulation skill, focusing intensely on the swirling motes around the massive boar. He compressed them, forcing their energy to slow her movements. It wasn’t much, but the boar’s movements became visibly sluggish, as if she were wading through thick water. It’s a small edge, but it’ll have to be enough, he told himself, his pulse pounding as he prepared for another strike.

He pressed forward, trying to take advantage of the momentary weakness. Darting in with precision, he aimed his blades at her exposed side. She barely registered his approach, and he managed to sink his knives in deep, leaving twin gashes that seeped thick, dark blood. But in his determination, he’d overextended, his footing off-balance as he pulled back. The realization hit too late—he was vulnerable.

The boar snorted in fury, and Thorne felt a searing heat as glowing embers from her nostrils struck his shirt, tiny flames licking hungrily at the fabric. He dropped to the ground, rolling frantically to extinguish the fire, the scent of charred cloth filling his nose. But the boar saw her opening and charged with a vicious speed. Her tusks struck him in the side, and a sharp, blinding pain tore through his ribs as she lifted him and tossed him like a rag doll.

Thorne hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the air from his lungs. He gasped, gritting his teeth against the pain, clutching his side as warm blood seeped between his fingers. He felt the tremor of her approaching steps and knew he couldn’t stop now. Get up. Move. Forcing himself to his feet, he staggered and broke into a sprint, weaving through the trees as the boar crashed after him, her rage driving her forward.

An idea sparked in his mind, desperation sharpening it to a razor’s edge. He made a sharp turn, veering off the path and disappearing from the boar’s line of sight for a brief moment. Without hesitating, he scrambled up a sturdy tree, his Acrobatics skill pushing him past the pain as he climbed, his heart hammering. The boar barreled past, oblivious to his sudden disappearance, her momentum carrying her forward. High above her, Thorne clung to a thick branch, catching his breath as he steadied himself for one last shot.

He channeled his Aether Burst, summoning every remaining ounce of energy, feeling the raw power collect and pulse in his hands. As the boar circled below, confused, he released the burst, channeling it into a concentrated, lethal strike. The blast struck her upper body with a brutal force, tearing into her flesh and sending her crashing to the ground with a pained bellow.

Seizing the moment, Thorne leaped from the branch, pain radiating from his side but determination stronger. With a final, fierce drive, he plunged his serrated knife deep into her spine, feeling the resistance give way as the blade sank in.

Congratulations!

New Skill Unlocked: Stealth Strike!

The boar bellowed in pain, thrashing with a force that shook the ground beneath Thorne. She twisted, bucking wildly, and with a violent heave, she managed to throw him from her back. Thorne was hurled through the air, his vision blurring as he crashed to the ground, pain jolting through him like lightning. Dazed and disoriented, he blinked rapidly, trying to focus, but a new danger loomed: a thick cloud of smoke and flickering embers barreled toward him, heat prickling against his skin.

Get up, he thought, panic sharpening his senses. He scrambled to his feet, frantically batting at the smoldering embers clinging to his clothes, the scent of burnt fabric filling his nose. But he had no time to dwell on it. The boar, her eyes blazing with fury, was already charging at him once more.

Thorne felt a surge of clarity—he couldn’t drag this out any longer. She was too strong, and he was nearing his limit. Despite the punishing aftereffects he knew it would bring, he activated his Aether Surge, the energy flooding his body like a roaring river.

Every fiber of his being crackled with newfound power, and suddenly, the world around him seemed to slow. Details sharpened, each movement in the clearing becoming clear and vivid. He could see the angry glint in the boar’s eye, the way her muscles bunched as she charged, the embers still falling in slow arcs from her snout.

With a fierce roar, Thorne dashed forward, his own movements a blur of speed and strength. He sidestepped the boar’s charge, feeling the ground shake as she missed him by inches, and in a single, fluid motion, he lashed out, his knife slicing through her thick hide with precision. She tried to retaliate, snapping and twisting, but he was already gone, too fast and too powerful, moving with a grace that was almost inhuman.

Again and again, he struck, each attack landing with deadly accuracy, each blow fueled by the aether raging in his veins. Her attempts to fight back grew weaker, the power in his attacks overwhelming her, and he could feel her strength waning with every passing second. He knew the surge wouldn’t last, but he was determined to end this now.

Finally, with a deep breath and one last burst of power, Thorne drove his knife straight into her heart, his blade sinking in to the hilt. The boar let out a final, mournful bellow, the sound echoing through the clearing, before her body gave a final shudder and collapsed, still at last.

Thorne staggered back, panting, his body aching and his wounds pulsing with pain. He could feel the aftereffects of the aether surge creeping in, his muscles heavy, his vision starting to blur, but a small, exhausted smile tugged at his lips as notification after notification flooded his vision. Victory glowed in each one, but the real reason for his joy was...

Character Level Up: Level 16!

Character Level Up: Level 17!

And then he collapsed.