Chapter 14: Stonehide Crusher
Daniel moved through the increasingly dense alien jungle, the enhanced [Ghoststeps+] making his passage uncannily silent.
The added camouflage subtly changed the color of his grey fatigues, enhancing his ability to blend with the dappled light filtering through the towering canopy above.
His [Aura Sense] swept outwards constantly, a low-level mana drain he barely noticed thanks to his slowly increasing Spirit score and the potential backup of the Argent Moss.
He was actively hunting now, seeking out the tell-tale signatures of Level 2 creatures.
He bypassed several clusters of Level 1 Crimson Fang Hounds , the EXP and attribute gains they offered were becoming marginal, not worth the time or the Assimilation charges compared to stronger prey.
His goal was Level 2, and efficiency dictated targeting higher-value encounters.
After perhaps twenty minutes of swift, silent travel, [Aura Sense] picked up a strong, solitary signature roughly 150 meters ahead.
It felt different from the Raptors, less agile, perhaps, but radiating a dense, heavy presence suggesting significant Strength and Vitality.
It was stationary, tucked away amidst a tangle of thick, rope-like vines and large, crystalline rock formations. An ambush predator? Or simply resting?
Daniel slowed his approach, using the terrain with practiced skill. He circled wide, wanting to get a visual before committing.
The creature's signature remained stationary, seemingly unaware of his presence.