Ape of the Wilds

The Duskrunner Alpha stood at the edge of the clearing, its massive frame partially hidden by the dense undergrowth. Its piercing yellow eyes locked onto Kuro, unblinking, as if sizing up the challenge before it.

Kuro's heart pounded, but not from fear.

This was the fight he had been waiting for.

The Duskrunner was different from the other creatures he had faced. The Razorback Boar had relied on brute strength. The Bloodfang Panther had used speed and instinct. The Blackfang Serpent had been precise and patient. The Cliff Stalker had been an aerial predator.

But the Duskrunner was a perfect hunter.

It had strength, speed, and intelligence.

It was the apex predator of Aru'Mata.

And if Kuro wanted to survive, if he wanted to grow stronger, he had to do more than just fight.

He had to win.

Enemy Encounter: Duskrunner Alpha

Level: 6

Health: 200/200

Abilities:

• Predator's Agility (+50% Movement Speed)

• Lunging Slash (Powerful leaping attack)

• Territorial Roar (Can stun enemies briefly)

Kuro took a deep breath, gripping his ironwood club. He had one advantage—the jungle itself. Unlike the Tzalik, who fought with weapons and armor, Kuro fought as a true Maw'Tanu.

He was not a warrior.

He was a hunter.

The Duskrunner Alpha moved first.

It vanished in a blur of motion, dashing toward Kuro at inhuman speed.

Kuro's instincts screamed at him to dodge, but his body could barely react in time.

The Duskrunner's claws slashed out, aiming to tear through him—

Kuro leapt straight up, grabbing a tree branch just as the beast sliced through the air where he had stood a second ago.

The jungle shook from the force of the attack.

-30 HP (Glancing Blow)

Kuro - 110/140 HP

Kuro gritted his teeth.

It was fast.

Faster than anything he had ever fought.

But it had a pattern.

The way it moved—straight-line charges, lunging attacks, and quick recoveries—meant that while it was fast, it wasn't unbeatable.

He had to find a way to break its rhythm.

Kuro swung through the trees, forcing the Duskrunner to chase him.

The beast snarled, leaping between the trunks, trying to keep up. Its massive legs gave it impressive power, but it was built for sprinting, not climbing.

Kuro twisted mid-air, flipping over the beast's next attack, landing on a sturdy branch.

He had a split-second opening.

He took it.

Kuro hurled his club with all his strength.

CRACK!

The ironwood weapon smashed into the Duskrunner's head, causing it to stumble.

Critical Hit!

Duskrunner Alpha - HP: 200 → 170

But Kuro wasn't done.

As soon as the beast staggered, he dropped from the tree, landing on its back.

The Duskrunner roared, thrashing violently, trying to shake him off.

Kuro wrapped his arms around its thick neck, tightening his grip.

His new Grappling Skill kicked in—

Grappling (Lv.1) Activated

• +10% Grip Strength

• +5% Damage when holding an enemy

The beast lurched forward, slamming into a tree, trying to dislodge him.

Kuro held on.

Then, in one fluid motion, he shifted his weight—

And flipped the Duskrunner over his shoulder, slamming it into the ground.

The jungle shook from the impact.

-50 HP (Throw Bonus Damage!)

Duskrunner Alpha - HP: 170 → 120

The beast let out a guttural snarl, struggling to rise.

Kuro landed beside it, his fists clenched.

He had no club. No weapons.

But he didn't need them.

He was strong enough now.

The Duskrunner staggered to its feet, its glowing yellow eyes filled with rage.

It took a deep breath—

And let out a deafening roar.

Territorial Roar Activated!

• Kuro is Stunned for 3 seconds!

Kuro's body locked up, his muscles refusing to move.

The Duskrunner's claws flashed forward, aiming to tear him apart.

3 seconds.

That was all it needed.

But Kuro was not helpless.

He had fought blind before. Against the Blackfang Serpent, he had learned how to trust his instincts.

And now, he used them.

The moment the stun began to fade, Kuro twisted his torso, throwing himself backward, dodging the beast's strike by mere inches.

Then, in one explosive movement, he lunged forward, throwing everything into a single punch—

BOOM!

His fist connected with the Duskrunner's skull, sending a shockwave through its body.

The beast staggered.

Kuro didn't stop.

He grabbed its throat, using every ounce of strength in his body—

And snapped its neck.

The jungle fell silent.

Then—

Enemy Defeated!

+100 XP (350/300 XP)

LEVEL UP!

Kuro - Level 3 → 4

A deep satisfaction burned in Kuro's chest.

He had done it.

He had defeated the apex predator of Aru'Mata.

But more than that—he had discovered a new way to fight.

New Combat Style Unlocked: The Way of the Ape

• A unique fighting method that combines agility, strength, and grappling.

• Specializes in throws, aerial attacks, and countering fast enemies.

Kuro exhaled, standing over the fallen Duskrunner.

He was stronger now.

But he wasn't done.

The Tzalik were still out there.

And next time, he wouldn't run.

He would crush them.