Chapter 4: Leaving the cave
After emerging from the cave, Alex found himself in a dense forest. Towering trees blocked the sunlight, and thick shrubs grew up to his chest, casting deep shadows despite it being midday.
"First mission: find some clothes... I really miss clothes," Alex thought with a sigh.
He began moving through the shadows, a skill he had mastered after forming three elemental circles. It had become second nature to him now, though not without cost. After half an hour, he exhausted himself and paused to recover.
As he began cultivating, Alex noticed the dark element here was far less dense than in the cave. Ten minutes to recover, he noted, wiping sweat from his brow. Moving through shadows consumes a lot of elemental power. I should conserve my energy.
With that, Alex started walking, masking his presence using his dark element. As he pushed through the undergrowth, he suddenly came across a Fire Salamander.
It was a vicious monster, nearly two meters long, with blazing red skin and smoke curling from its nostrils. The creature had a thick hide, difficult to pierce, and could shoot fireballs from its mouth. It was a D-rank monster—dangerous even for a beginner-level cultivator.
In this world, D-rank monsters rival beginner-level cultivators. C-rank equals a master. B-rank compares to a grandmaster, and A-rank... pseudo-saint. Eight circles. Monsters here are stronger than humans by nature. Even a master would struggle against this one, Alex thought grimly.
Staying hidden in the shadows, Alex took aim. He summoned two shadow daggers and launched them at the salamander's eyes—its only true weakness. The blades struck true, piercing both eyes, though not deep enough to reach the brain.
Blinded, the Fire Salamander let out a furious roar and thrashed violently, crushing trees and churning the forest floor. Then, suddenly, it stopped. And dropped dead.