Kei moved through the fractured landscape, the Resonant Core’s energy humming faintly in his satchel. The jagged terrain stretched endlessly, each step a reminder of the harshness of the Zone. He tightened his grip on the Fang Dagger, his senses on high alert. In the Zones, danger was never far away.


    <blockquote>


    System Notification: Zone Survival Progress: 35%


    </blockquote>


    He glanced at the notification and sighed. “Still a long way to go,” he muttered. The Echo Guardian had been a tough opponent, but the System wasn’t about to let him relax.


    A Perilous Crossing


    The path ahead narrowed into a precarious ridge, flanked by a steep drop on one side and jagged rocks on the other. Kei sent out a pulse of resonance, mapping the area. The vibrations returned, painting a picture of the ridge’s unstable edges and loose stones.


    “Great,” Kei muttered. “Guess I’d better not slip.”


    Carefully, he made his way across, testing each step before committing his weight. The Resonant Core’s steady hum provided an odd comfort, a reminder of his progress. Halfway across, the ground beneath him shifted. A loose stone tumbled down the cliff, disappearing into the abyss.


    Kei froze, his heart racing. Another pulse of resonance revealed something moving below—something large.


    The Crag Eel


    A massive, serpentine creature emerged from the shadows of the cliffside. Its body was covered in jagged, stone-like scales, and its glowing yellow eyes locked onto Kei. The Crag Eel let out a guttural hiss, its body coiling as it prepared to strike.


    <blockquote>


    System Notification: Beast Encounter: Crag Eel


    Level: 7


    Affinity: Earth


    Recommended Strategy: Avoid direct confrontation; exploit environmental weaknesses.


    </blockquote>


    “Avoid confrontation? Not really an option here,” Kei said, backing up slowly.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    The Eel lunged, its jaws snapping inches from Kei’s feet. He jumped back, narrowly avoiding the attack. The narrow ridge left little room to maneuver, and the beast’s sheer size made it impossible to outrun.


    Fighting Smart


    Kei sent out another pulse of resonance, focusing on the Eel’s movements. The vibrations revealed cracks in its stone-like scales, particularly around its neck and underbelly. He gripped the Fang Dagger tightly, formulating a plan.


    The Crag Eel struck again, and Kei sidestepped, slashing at its exposed underbelly. The dagger’s blade scraped against the beast’s scales, leaving a shallow cut. The Eel roared in pain, its massive tail whipping around and forcing Kei to dive to the ground.


    “Alright, not invincible,” Kei muttered, scrambling to his feet. He activated [Harmonic Pulse], sending a concentrated wave of resonance at the Eel’s head. The sound struck the creature, disorienting it momentarily.


    Seizing the opportunity, Kei hurled the Fang Dagger at the cracks near the Eel’s neck. The blade struck true, embedding itself in the beast’s weak point. The Eel thrashed violently, its tail smashing into the ridge and sending rocks tumbling.


    The Final Blow


    Kei recalled the Fang Dagger, the weapon returning to his hand with a satisfying snap. The Eel’s movements had slowed, its injuries taking a toll. Kei activated [Precision Throwing], aiming for the same weak point.


    The dagger flew, piercing the Eel’s neck once more. This time, the beast let out a final, guttural roar before collapsing onto the ridge. Its massive body went still, and a glowing notification appeared.


    <blockquote>


    Beast Defeated: Crag Eel


    Reward: +100 Experience Points, +3 Strength, +2 Agility


    </blockquote>


    Kei leaned against the cliff wall, panting. “That… was way too close.”


    Aftermath


    As the Crag Eel’s body faded into glowing particles, it left behind a small, jagged crystal. Kei picked it up, feeling its warmth in his hand.


    <blockquote>


    Item Acquired: [Earthshard Fragment]


    Rarity: Uncommon


    Effect: Increases durability of equipped weapons. Grants minor Earth resistance.


    </blockquote>


    “Not bad,” Kei said, tucking the fragment into his satchel. The System rewarded risk, but it also demanded constant vigilance. He sent out another pulse of resonance, confirming the path ahead was clear.


    The fractured landscape stretched before him, filled with new dangers and opportunities. Kei adjusted the satchel on his shoulder, his determination renewed.


    “One step at a time,” he murmured, venturing deeper into the Zone.