Ape of the Wilds

The jungle was silent.

Not the usual silence of night, where the distant chirps of insects and rustling of leaves formed a symphony of nature.

This was the silence of death.

Kuro stood over the Tzalik Chieftain's lifeless body, blood dripping from his Duskrunner Claws. The once-powerful warrior, a figure feared even among his own kind, now lay motionless, his eyes wide with the shock of defeat.

Kuro had won.

But he knew this was only the beginning.

The Tzalik weren't just a small band of exiles. They were an organized force, growing bolder by the day, spreading their influence through the jungles of Aru'Mata like a disease.

And now, they had a reason to hunt him.

Kuro wiped the blood from his claws, his mind racing. He needed to prepare.

He opened his Status Window.

Status Window

Name: Kuro

Race: Maw'Tanu Ape

Level: 4 (240/400 XP)

Health: 100/150

Stamina: 90/120

Mana: 20/20

Strength: 11

Dexterity: 11 (+1)

Endurance: 9

Intelligence: 2

Wisdom: 1

Skills:

• Unarmed Combat (Lv.2)

• Survival (Lv.2)

• Fire-making (Lv.1)

• Weapon Crafting (Lv.1)

• Grappling (Lv.2) (+)

• Aerial Combat (Lv.1)

• Instinct (Lv.1)

New Title Unlocked: Jungle Predator

• Stealth attacks deal +15% extra damage.

• Weaker enemies are more likely to flee upon seeing you.

His Grappling Skill had leveled up. His dexterity had increased.

But more importantly, he had gained a reputation.

The Tzalik would fear him now.

But fear alone wouldn't stop them.

Kuro moved swiftly, dragging the chieftain's body into the undergrowth. The fewer clues left behind, the harder it would be for any survivors to report what had happened.

He scanned the area. Four bodies.

No… three.

One was missing.

His eyes narrowed.

One of the Tzalik had escaped.

A deep growl rumbled in his throat. He had to track them down before word of his actions spread.

He dropped to all fours, sniffing the air. The scent of blood and fear lingered.

Then—movement.

A faint rustling in the distance.

Kuro sprang into action, bounding through the trees, his movements swift and silent.

The fleeing warrior was fast, but Kuro was faster.

The jungle belonged to him.

He leapt from tree to tree, closing the distance with every breath.

Finally, he spotted his target—a wounded Tzalik warrior, clutching his side, running blindly through the underbrush.

Kuro grinned.

This would be over quickly.

He dropped down in front of the warrior, landing in a low crouch, his claws glinting in the moonlight.

The Tzalik staggered to a stop, eyes wide with terror.

"N-no… stay back!"

Kuro tilted his head, watching as the warrior fumbled for his blade.

Pathetic.

The battle was already over.

The warrior lunged, swinging his knife in desperation.

Kuro sidestepped effortlessly, his movements fluid.

Before the Tzalik could react, Kuro's hand shot out, gripping his wrist.

With a twist and a sickening snap, the warrior's arm broke.

The Tzalik screamed, dropping his blade.

Kuro leaned in close, his voice a low growl.

"Where is your tribe?"

The warrior whimpered, sweat beading down his face. "P-please… don't…"

Kuro's claws pressed against his throat.

"I won't ask again."

The Tzalik gasped for breath, eyes darting frantically.

"T-they're gathering at the old ruins… beyond the river… the warband is preparing an attack…"

Kuro's eyes narrowed.

An attack?

On who?

His grip tightened. "What's your target?"

The warrior hesitated.

Kuro slashed across his chest, drawing a thin line of blood.

"Talk."

"T-the Maw'Tanu village! The elders! They plan to take the island by force!"

Kuro's blood ran cold.

The Tzalik weren't just expanding.

They were planning war.

Kuro dropped the warrior, letting him collapse into the dirt.

He could have killed him.

He should have killed him.

But fear was a powerful tool.

"Tell your people," Kuro said, his voice cold. "Tell them the jungle belongs to me."

The Tzalik scrambled away, disappearing into the darkness.

Kuro exhaled, his heart pounding.

He had no love for the Maw'Tanu elders. They had shunned him, viewed him as an outcast for questioning their ways.

But if the Tzalik warband succeeded, his people wouldn't just lose power.

They would be wiped out.

And if the Maw'Tanu fell…

There would be no one left to stand against the Tzalik.

Kuro gritted his teeth.

He had a choice to make.

He could stay in the jungle, continue growing stronger, and wait for the inevitable war.

Or…

He could return to the Maw'Tanu village, warn them, and fight alongside them.

His hands clenched into fists.

He had always been an outsider, shunned by the elders for his refusal to follow tradition.

But he was no longer the same ape who had left the village.

He was stronger now.

And the jungle had chosen him to survive.

With one final glance at the bloodstained clearing, Kuro turned toward the village.

He was going back.

And this time, he would not be ignored.