《The Ultimate Skill System: Absorb, Upgrade, Create, Transfer》 Chapter 1: Keiran Graywood Keiran Graywood saw himself as an ordinary guy. He wasn''t the type to stand out in a crowd, nor did he think he was special in any way. But at just 19 years old, he was already one of the most popular RPG gamers in the country. He lived alone, earning a comfortable income by streaming his gameplay to thousands of viewers. His setup was the envy of many¡ªa top-tier PC, a high-resolution monitor, and a chair that felt like sitting on a cloud. Life was good. But deep down, Keiran often dreamed of something more. He wanted to experience the worlds he played in, to be the hero he controlled on the screen. To live a life of adventure, danger, and glory. That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Keiran realized he hadn''t eaten anything since breakfast. His fridge was empty, as usual. Cooking wasn''t his thing¡ªhe barely had time for it between streaming sessions and grinding in his favorite RPGs. So, he threw on his red tracksuit, grabbed his wallet, and headed out to the convenience store down the street. Keiran was tall and lean, standing at 6 feet with a skinny frame that made him look older than he was. His black hair was messy, and his dark eyes always seemed to carry a bored expression, no matter what he was feeling. Known to his fans as the Nonchalant Hero, he remained unfazed no matter the chaos unfolding on-screen¡ªhis expression unreadable, his voice effortlessly monotone. It was this calm indifference that set him apart, drawing viewers in with a mix of admiration and amusement. Whether facing impossible odds or achieving stunning victories, he never wavered, his detached demeanor making even the most intense moments feel strangely surreal. He walked into the store. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as he made his way to the instant noodle aisle. He picked up a cup of noodles, paid the cashier, and stepped back outside. But as he pushed open the glass door, something strange happened. The world around him shifted. The convenience store, the streetlights, the cars¡ªeverything vanished in an instant. Keiran blinked, and suddenly, he was no longer holding the door handle. Instead, he stood in an open space bathed in a soft, golden light. The ground beneath his feet was smooth and glowing, like polished marble. In front of him, a grand throne sat atop a set of wide, stone steps. The throne was ornate, carved with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer in the light. Keiran looked around, his expression calm despite the surreal situation. His eyes, always half-lidded and unreadable, scanned the area. He wasn''t panicking¡ªhe was more curious than anything. Before he could process what was happening, a deep, resonant voice echoed through the space. "Welcome, Keiran Graywood." Keiran turned his gaze upward to the throne. Sitting there was an old man dressed in a flowing white robe. His long white hair and beard gave him a wise, almost mythical appearance. The man''s eyes were kind but carried an air of authority. He introduced himself with a gentle smile. "I am Bequeathal, the God of Power and the ruler of the world of Eteria." This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Keiran nodded slowly. "Okay," he said simply, his voice calm and even. Bequeathal raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Keiran''s lack of reaction. He cleared his throat and continued. "You are here because I have summoned you for a great task. The world of Eteria is in grave danger. A demon king is rising to power, the Dark Dragon stirs from its slumber, and the Malevolent Witch has been reincarnated. These threats could bring about the end of everything." Keiran tilted his head slightly. "Why me?" he asked, his tone casual, as if they were discussing the weather. Bequeathal leaned forward, his expression serious. "I chose you because your soul is strong enough to withstand the journey to another world. You have the potential to wield the power I will grant you. I will give you four blessings¡ªabilities that will allow you to grow stronger faster than anyone else. You will be able to absorb, upgrade, create, and transfer skills. In essence, you will become a living weapon, capable of saving Eteria from destruction." For the first time, a flicker of interest crossed Keiran''s face. His bored eyes seemed to sharpen slightly as he processed the god''s words. Bequeathal took this as a sign to continue. He stood from his throne, his white robes flowing around him like a cascade of light, and began his speech. "Keiran Graywood, the world of Eteria is a land of beauty and wonder, but it is also a land on the brink of ruin. For centuries, the balance of power has held firm, but now, darkness stirs. The Demon King, once sealed away, gathers his strength in the shadows. The Dark Dragon, a beast of unimaginable destruction, awakens from its ancient slumber. And the Malevolent Witch, whose very name strikes fear into the hearts of mortals, has returned from the void. These forces threaten to tear Eteria apart, to plunge it into an age of endless night." Bequeathal''s voice grew louder, echoing through the vast, glowing space. "But you, Keiran, have been chosen to stand against this tide of darkness. You will be the beacon of hope, the shield that protects the innocent, and the sword that strikes down evil. With the powers I grant you, you will rise above all others. You will become a legend, a hero whose name will be sung for generations to come." He paused, his piercing gaze locking onto Keiran''s. "This will not be an easy path. You will face trials that will test your strength, your courage, and your resolve. But know this: you do not walk alone. The people of Eteria will look to you for guidance, and I will watch over you as you fulfill your destiny. The fate of an entire world rests in your hands. Will you take on this mantle and become the hero Eteria needs?" Keiran listened quietly, his hands still in his pockets. When Bequeathal finished, there was a moment of silence. Then Keiran shrugged. "Okay." Bequeathal blinked, taken aback by the simplicity of Keiran''s response. "You agree just like that? No questions, no doubts?" Keiran shoved his hands deeper into the pockets of his tracksuit. "Going to another world to be a powerful hero is something I''ve always dreamed of. Now it''s coming true. Why wouldn''t I say yes?" Bequeathal stared at him for a moment, then chuckled softly. "You are an interesting one, Keiran Graywood." With a wave of his hand, a swirling portal appeared beside the throne. The portal shimmered with hues of blue and gold, its edges crackling with energy. "This will take you to Eteria. Remember, the fate of the world rests in your hands. Grow stronger, face the challenges ahead, and stop the destruction that looms on the horizon." Keiran stepped toward the portal without hesitation. As he reached the edge, he glanced back at Bequeathal. "I''ll save the world," he said simply, his voice steady. Then he stepped through. The world around him shifted again. The golden light faded, replaced by the cool, dim glow of a forest. Keiran found himself standing on a dirt path surrounded by towering trees. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of pine and earth. The forest was eerily quiet, as if holding its breath. The first thing Keiran noticed was a floating, almost transparent screen in front of him. It looked like a status board from one of his RPG games. ????? NAME: Keiran Graywood CLASS: Hero SUBCLASS: Skillmancer LEVEL: 1 HP: 10 MP: 10 SP: 10 [STATS] CONSTITUTION: 1 INTELLIGENCE: 1 STRENGTH: 1 DEXTERITY: 1 AGILITY: 1 AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 12 [SKILLS] DIVINE BLESSINGS: Divine Inheritance, Sacred Elevation, Arcane Creation, Blessing of Bequeathal. COMMON: Iron Fist, Quick Step, Enduring Spirit. ????? Keiran reached out, his fingers brushing against the screen. It felt solid yet weightless, like touching glass. He scanned the information, his eyes lingering on the four blessings Bequeathal had mentioned. A small smile tugged at the corner of Keiran''s lips. "This is going to be fun," he murmured to himself. Chapter 2: Divine Blessing Keiran stood still, his eyes fixed on the glowing Status Board floating in front of him. It was a familiar sight, reminiscent of the RPG games he had spent countless hours playing. The layout was simple, with clear labels and numbers, making it easy for him to understand. He reached out and tapped on the information icon, curious to see what each stat meant. A new set of text appeared, explaining the functions of each status point. [Constitution: Each point adds 10 HP, increases HP regeneration, and improves resistance to status ailments, crowd control, and debuffs.] [Intelligence: Each point adds 10 MP, increases MP regeneration, enhances magical attacks, and improves memory, problem-solving, and observation skills.] [Strength: Each point adds 10 SP, increases SP regeneration, enhances physical capabilities and attacks, and improves appearance.] [Dexterity: Each point improves body maneuver, weapon proficiency, reaction time, and sleight of hand.] [Agility: Each point increases movement, dodging, and attack speed.] Keiran nodded as he read through the descriptions. It all made sense to him, thanks to his gaming experience. He then shifted his attention to the skill section. This was where the blessings Bequeathal had mentioned were listed. His eyes scanned the list, taking in the details of each skill. [Divine Inheritance (Active): Absorbs all skills from a corpse within 24 hours of death. Skill power scales with the user''s stats. Some abilities require partial or full transformation into the original owner''s form to activate. This skill allows transformation at will as long as the user possesses the skill of a certain form. The user gains experience points for each unique skill name absorbed. Each unique skill name can only be absorbed once. MP Cost: 1] [Sacred Elevation (Active): Sacrifice 10 skills of the same rarity to upgrade one skill to the next rarity tier. The user earns experience points for each skill upgraded. MP Cost 1.] [Arcane Creation (Active): Sacrifice 20 skills of the same rarity to create a fully customized skill of the next rarity tier. The user can define its attributes, effects, and mechanics, but its maximum power and capabilities are restricted by its rarity. The user earns experience points for each skill created. MP Cost 1.] [Blessing of Bequeathal (Active): Allows the user to transfer their skills to others. The recipient gains experience points based on the rarity of the transferred skill. MP Cost: 1] Keiran felt a sense of satisfaction as he read through the skills. They were powerful, and he could already imagine how he might use them in the future. He then looked at the skills he currently had. There were three of them, all of Common rarity. These were the standard skills that every human was born with, and they were nothing special, but they were a start. [Iron Fist (Active): A well-trained punch that focuses on proper form and technique, allowing the user to deal slightly increased damage with their fists. Can cause minor bruising and pain to opponents. MP cost 1] This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. [Quick Step (Active) A short burst of speed that allows the user to quickly reposition or dodge an incoming attack. MP Cost 1] [Enduring Spirit (Passive): Through sheer determination, the user can withstand slightly more pain and exhaustion than the average person, allowing them to fight a little longer before succumbing to fatigue.] As soon as he acquired these skills, they connected with his instincts, making him feel as though he had been using them for years. There was no need for training or practice; he could use them naturally. Keiran took a moment to think about where he should allocate his stat points. He understood that performing physical activities, such as running and basic attacks, relied on SP, while casting skills relied on MP. After some consideration, he decided to distribute his points evenly, putting 2 points each into Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, and 3 points each into Intelligence and Strength. With his stats allocated, Keiran began to explore the forest. The trees were tall and thick, their leaves forming a canopy that filtered the sunlight into a soft, green glow. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of earth and vegetation. He moved cautiously, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement. He spotted a few horned rabbits darting through the underbrush, but they were too fast for him to catch. Instead, his attention was drawn to a slower-moving creature nearby. It was a brown slug, about a foot tall, slowly munching on algae. A small notification appeared above it. [Common: Earth Slug Level 1.] This creature was supposed to be nocturnal, yet here it was, wandering around in broad daylight. He decided it would be a good target to test his abilities on. He clenched his fists, feeling the energy of his Iron Fist skill coursing through them. He took a deep breath and rushed toward the Earth Slug. The slug noticed him almost immediately. It reared back and spat a glob of mud in his direction. Keiran activated Quick Step, dodging the attack with ease. He closed the distance between them and swung his fist, activating Iron Fist as he struck the slug''s body. The impact was harder than he expected; the slug''s body was surprisingly tough. The creature wriggled violently, causing the ground around it to tremble. Keiran stumbled slightly but managed to keep his balance. He knew he couldn''t let the slug continue to shake the ground like that. Keiran''s fists pounded against the slug''s stone armor, each hit barely making a difference. His knuckles throbbed, and the creature hardly reacted, its jagged hide grinding as it moved. It swung at him again, forcing him to step back. His punches weren''t enough. He grabbed a sharp stone from the ground and slammed it into a crack. A small chip broke off. Gritting his teeth, he struck again and again until the crack split wide. The slug shuddered, its armor giving way to the soft, unprotected flesh beneath. Wasting no time, Keiran drove the stone deep into the exposed spot, twisting and tearing until the creature convulsed one last time before falling still. [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran stood up straight, breathing heavily. The fight had been tougher than he expected, but it had gone more smoothly than he had imagined. He looked down at the corpse of the Earth Slug and activated Divine Inheritance. A white, glowing essence emerged from the slug''s body and was absorbed into Keiran''s own. A series of notifications appeared in front of him. [You have received 3 Skills.] [Mud Spit (Active) The Earth Slug spits a glob of sticky mud at a target, reducing their movement speed and accuracy for a short duration. The mud hardens over time, making it difficult for the enemy to move freely. MP Cost 1] [Tremor Wiggle (Active) The Earth Slug wriggles violently, causing small tremors in the ground around it. Enemies standing nearby may trip or lose their balance, making them vulnerable to attacks. MP Cost 1] [Stone Skin (Passive) The Earth Slug''s body is naturally reinforced with a rocky outer layer, reducing damage from physical attacks. Though not impenetrable, it makes the slug more resilient to weak blows.] Keiran smiled as he read through the new skills. They weren''t the most powerful, but they were a start. He could already see how they might be useful in future battles. [For acquiring three common unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] Chapter 3: Horned Rabbits Keiran sat quietly on a large, moss-covered boulder in the middle of the forest. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine, and the faint chirping of birds echoed through the trees. The sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. It was a peaceful scene, but Keiran''s mind was far from calm. He was focused on the task at hand¡ªallocating his stat points. He opened his status screen, a translucent interface that only he could see. The numbers and options floated before him, waiting for his decision. After a moment of thought, he decided to distribute his points carefully. He added 4 points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, and 6 points each to Intelligence and Strength. As soon as he confirmed his choices, he felt a strange sensation ripple through his body. His once skinny frame began to change. Muscles grew and tightened, giving him a lean, athletic build. He flexed his fingers, marveling at the newfound strength coursing through him. "Neat," he said softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. But there was more to check. He looked down at his hands, noting that his skin was still human. That meant his new passive skill, Stone Armor, hadn''t activated yet. He closed his eyes and focused, letting his instincts guide him. Slowly, his skin began to change. It hardened and transformed, becoming jagged and rough like stone. Within moments, his entire body was covered in a layer of natural stone armor. It wasn''t smooth or polished¡ªit was rugged and uneven, as if it had been ripped straight from the earth itself. Keiran examined his new form, turning his arms over and running his fingers along the rough surface. "A little gross," he muttered in his usual monotone voice, "but cool." With his transformation complete, Keiran stood and began walking deeper into the forest. The ground beneath his feet was soft and yielding, covered in a thick layer of fallen leaves. The forest grew denser as he ventured further, the trees towering above him like silent sentinels. He moved cautiously, his stone-covered body blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The jagged edges of his armor made him look like a walking boulder, and he used this to his advantage, staying low and quiet. It wasn''t long before he spotted movement ahead. A group of Horned Rabbits was grazing in a small clearing. These creatures were about a foot tall, with soft fur and a single sharp horn protruding from their foreheads. They looked harmless at first glance, but Keiran knew better. He counted five of them¡ªfour at level 1 and one at level 2. The level 2 Horned Rabbit was noticeably larger than the others, its horn gleaming in the sunlight. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. [Common: Horned Rabbit: Level 2.] Keiran crouched behind a bush, his stone armor making him nearly invisible against the forest backdrop. He focused his gaze on the level 2 Horned Rabbit, the leader of the group. His plan was simple: take out the strongest one first. The others would likely scatter once their leader was down. He waited patiently, his body completely still. The Horned Rabbits hopped closer, unaware of the danger lurking nearby. When they were within range, Keiran acted. He opened his mouth and activated his Mud Spit skill. A thick glob of mud shot out, hitting the level 2 Horned Rabbit square in the face. The creature let out a startled squeak, its movements slowing as the mud clung to its fur. The other Horned Rabbits froze for a moment, their ears twitching in alarm. But before they could react, Keiran fired another barrage of Mud Spit. The mud splattered across the level 2 Horned Rabbit, further immobilizing it. Keiran wrinkled his nose at the smell¡ªit was unpleasant, to say the least¡ªbut he couldn''t deny the effectiveness of the skill. The other Horned Rabbits finally realized what was happening and charged at Keiran, their horns aimed at his stone-covered body. But their attacks were useless. The sharp horns scraped harmlessly against his armor, leaving no damage. Keiran didn''t even flinch. He stepped forward, his stone fists clenched, and activated his Iron Fist skill. With a powerful punch, he struck the level 2 Horned Rabbit in the face. The force of the blow sent the creature tumbling to the ground. It tried to get up, but Keiran didn''t give it a chance. He punched it again, and then once more for good measure. The Horned Rabbit let out a final, pitiful squeak before going still. The moment it died, the other four Horned Rabbits turned and fled, disappearing into the underbrush. Keiran watched them go, then shrugged. "I only needed one," he said to himself. He turned his attention to the fallen Horned Rabbit. Kneeling beside it, he activated his Divine Inheritance skill. A soft, white essence began to rise from the creature''s body, swirling in the air before flowing into Keiran. [You have received 3 Skills.] [Horn Thrust (Active) The Horned Rabbit lunges forward with surprising speed, aiming to pierce its target with its small but sharp horn. Deals minor physical damage and has a low chance to stagger smaller enemies. Mana cost 1] [Rapid Hop (Active) Utilizing its strong hind legs, the Horned Rabbit quickly hops in any direction to evade an attack or reposition itself. Grants a brief burst of speed and slight evasion against incoming attacks. Mana Cost 1] [Skittish Nature (Passive) The Horned Rabbit is naturally alert and quick to flee. When its health drops below a certain threshold, it gains a temporary speed boost and a slight increase in evasion, making it harder to catch. Mana Cost 1] [For acquiring three unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran felt a surge of energy as his body absorbed the new skills and experience. He opened his status screen once again, ready to allocate his newly acquired stat points. After a moment of consideration, he added 2 points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility, and 3 points each to Intelligence and Strength. The changes were subtle but noticeable¡ªhis muscles felt more defined, his movements smoother, and his mind sharper. As he stood there, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the forest, Keiran couldn''t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He was growing stronger, more capable. The forest, once intimidating, now felt like a place of opportunity. There were more creatures to fight, more skills to acquire, and more secrets to uncover. With a determined look in his eyes, Keiran turned and continued deeper into the forest. ????? NAME: Keiran Graywood CLASS: Hero SUBCLASS: Skillmancer LEVEL: 4 HP: 90 MP: 130 SP: 130 [STATS] CONSTITUTION: 9 INTELLIGENCE: 13 STRENGTH: 13 DEXTERITY: 9 AGILITY: 9 AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 0 [SKILLS] DIVINE BLESSINGS: Divine Inheritance, Sacred Elevation, Arcane Creation, Blessing of Bequeathal. COMMON: Iron Fist, Quick Step, Enduring Spirit, Mud Spit, Tremor Wiggle, Stone Skin, Horn Thrust, Rapid Hop, Skittish Nature. ????? Chapter 4: White Wolves Keiran wandered through the dense forest, the fading light of the day casting long shadows across the ground. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth. In his hands, he carried the limp body of a Horned Rabbit, its once-proud horns now drooping lifelessly. The forest was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of a bird. Night was approaching, and the darkness seemed to creep in from the edges of the trees, swallowing the light bit by bit. He had been walking for hours, and the weight of the rabbit was starting to tire his arms. Keiran decided it was time to set up camp. He found a small clearing, surrounded by tall trees that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. The ground was soft, covered in a layer of fallen leaves and moss. It was as good a spot as any to rest for the night. Keiran set the Horned Rabbit down and began gathering wood for a fire. He moved quickly, his hands deftly picking up dry branches and twigs. The forest was full of them, and soon he had a small pile ready. He arranged the wood in a neat stack. The fire crackled to life, its warm glow pushing back the encroaching darkness. He skewered the Horned Rabbit on a stick and held it over the fire, the meat slowly roasting and filling the air with a savory aroma. Keiran sat cross-legged by the fire, his expression calm and content. The forest around him was dark and dangerous, but he didn''t seem to mind. In fact, he found the experience oddly enjoyable. The solitude, the sounds of the forest, the flickering fire¡ªit all felt strangely peaceful. As he sat there, his sharp senses picked up on something. A faint ripple of energy, like a disturbance in the air. His high Intelligence stat allowed him to sense the presence of mana, and he could feel it now¡ªa group of creatures approaching. Their mana signatures were strong, and they were moving quickly. From the shadows of the trees, five white wolves emerged. Their fur gleamed in the firelight, and their eyes glowed with a predatory gleam. They were massive, their bodies muscular and powerful. The leader of the pack, a particularly large wolf, stepped forward, its lips pulled back in a snarl, revealing sharp, glistening fangs. [Common: White Wolf: Level 4.] The other wolves followed closely behind, their growls low and menacing. They were lower in level¡ªone at level 3, one at level 2, and two at level 1¡ªbut together, they were a formidable force. To them, a lone human in the middle of the forest was an easy meal. Keiran, however, didn''t seem fazed. He glanced at the wolves, then at the meat roasting over the fire. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. With a casual motion, he raised the skewer and offered it to the wolves. "Want some?" he asked, his voice monotone and unbothered. The leader of the pack didn''t hesitate. It lunged at Keiran, its powerful legs propelling it forward with terrifying speed. But Keiran was faster. With a quick hop, he activated Rapid Hop, his body moving with such agility that he seemed to blur. He landed a few feet away, the skewer still in his hand. "You''ll ruin the meat," Keiran said, his tone almost bored. He seemed more concerned about his food than the pack of wolves surrounding him. One of the wolves, a level 3, darted forward and sank its teeth into Keiran''s arm. But instead of the satisfying crunch of flesh, the wolf''s fangs met something far harder¡ªKeiran''s stone skin. The wolf''s eyes widened in shock as its teeth failed to penetrate. It let out a whimper, its jaw trembling from the force of the bite. Keiran didn''t even flinch. "Not even a tickle," he muttered. He activated Iron Fist, his hand glowing with a faint metallic sheen. With a swift, powerful punch, he struck the wolf square in the head. The impact was devastating, the combination of his stone skin and iron fist sending the wolf crashing to the ground. The wolf let out a pained cry, but Keiran didn''t stop. He punched it again and again, each blow landing with brutal precision. The wolf''s cries grew weaker until, finally, it fell silent and still. As the wolf''s life faded, Keiran activated Divine Inheritance. A faint glow surrounded the wolf''s body, and its essence flowed into Keiran. [You have received 3 Skills.] [For acquiring three unique skills, you have received experience points.] [Ferocious Bite (Active): The White Wolf delivers a powerful bite to its target, dealing physical damage and causing a minor bleeding effect that lasts for a short duration. Mana Cost: 1] [Predator''s Rush (Active): The White Wolf dashes toward an enemy, closing the distance instantly. If the attack lands, the wolf''s next basic attack deals increased damage. Mana Cost: 1] [Pack Instinct (Passive): When near allies or other wolves, the White Wolf gains a slight boost to its attack speed and awareness, making it more effective in group combat.] The level 4 White Wolf, the leader of the pack, snarled and charged at Keiran, its fangs bared. Keiran stood his ground, his expression calm. He removed his red tracksuit, revealing his lean, muscular frame. As the wolf closed in, Keiran''s body began to change. His skin hardened, taking on the texture of stone, and his form shifted, transforming into that of a White Wolf covered in stone armor. The two wolves clashed, their bodies colliding with a loud thud. Keiran''s stone armor protected him from the worst of the impact, and he quickly gained the upper hand. He lunged at the leader''s neck, his powerful jaws clamping down. The wolf struggled, but Keiran''s grip was unyielding. He shook his head violently, the motion tearing into the wolf''s flesh. The other wolves, seeing their leader in trouble, joined the fray. They attacked Keiran from all sides, their teeth and claws scraping against his stone armor. [You are now taking damage from multiple simultaneous attacks.] Keiran''s voice was calm, almost detached. "Will this kill me?" he asked. [Not if you eliminate your enemies quickly enough.] Keiran focused on the strongest wolf first, his jaws tightening until the creature''s struggles ceased. Once the leader was dead, he turned his attention to the others. Using Predator''s Rush, he darted toward the nearest wolf, closing the distance in an instant. His attack was swift and brutal, his stone-covered fangs tearing into the wolf''s flesh. The forest was filled with the sounds of growls, snarls, and the sickening crunch of bone. Keiran moved with precision, his stone armor protecting him from the wolves'' attacks. One by one, the wolves fell, their cries growing weaker until, finally, the forest was silent. Keiran stood amidst the bodies, his form shifting back to human. He activated Divine Inheritance once more, but this time, no new skills came. [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran noticed that it was getting harder to level up as he grew stronger. He shrugged, his expression indifferent. The forest was quiet once more, the only sound the crackling of the fire. Keiran returned to his meal, the Horned Rabbit now cold but still edible. Chapter 5: Black Scale The first light of dawn crept through the dense canopy of the forest, casting long, golden streaks across the damp earth. Keiran stretched his arms, feeling the cool morning air brush against his skin. The forest was alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, but his mind was elsewhere. He had just acquired a fresh batch of stat points, and it was time to put them to use. With a focused mind, Keiran began allocating his newly earned points. He decided to distribute them evenly, adding two points each to Constitution, Dexterity, and Agility. These would help him endure more damage, move faster, and react quicker in combat. For his Intelligence and Strength, he added three points each. Satisfied with his choices, he closed his stat window and took a deep breath. The forest stretched endlessly before him, its towering trees and thick underbrush hiding countless secrets. Keiran decided to explore further, his curiosity piqued by the unknown. As he wandered, the terrain began to change. The ground grew softer, and the air carried a faint, earthy scent. Soon, he stumbled upon a dark cave nestled at the base of a rocky hill. The entrance was wide enough for a person to walk through, but the darkness inside was impenetrable. What caught Keiran''s attention was the absence of weak monsters nearby. Usually, the forest was teeming with low-level creatures, but here, there was an eerie silence. It was as if the weaker monsters were avoiding this place. Keiran tilted his head, considering the possibilities. After a few seconds of thought, he shrugged nonchalantly and stepped inside. The cave was damp, with water dripping from the ceiling and pooling on the uneven floor. The walls were slick with moisture, and the air was cool and heavy. Keiran moved cautiously, his footsteps echoing softly in the confined space. The cave wasn''t particularly deep, and within minutes, he reached its end. There, he found a nest made of twisted tree branches and dried leaves. At the center of the nest were two large, black eggs, each about a foot tall. [Black Scale Snake Egg.] Keiran raised an eyebrow. "Giant sunny side ups," he muttered to himself, a small smirk playing on his lips. There were broken eggshells next to the eggs, meaning others had already hatched. He wondered where the hatchlings¡ªor their mother¡ªmight be. As if on cue, a low hiss echoed from the cave entrance. Keiran turned slowly, his eyes narrowing as he saw a massive black snake slithering toward him. Its scales glistened in the dim light, and its forked tongue flicked in and out as it tasted the air. The snake''s eyes locked onto Keiran, and a notification appeared in his vision. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. [Common: Black Scale Snake: Level 8.] Keiran raised a hand in a casual greeting. "Yo," he said in a monotone voice. The snake didn''t appreciate the gesture. It hissed loudly and lunged at him, its fangs bared. Keiran activated Stone Skin, and a layer of stone armor instantly covered his body. The snake''s fangs sank into his arm, but the venom couldn''t penetrate the stone. Frustrated, the snake bit down harder and thrashed its head, slamming Keiran against the cave wall. Keiran grunted as he stood up, brushing off the debris from his red tracksuit. "I''m starting to feel like an exhibitionist," he commented dryly, removing his jacket and tossing it aside. The snake coiled itself, ready to strike again. This time, Keiran didn''t wait. He activated his transformation ability, his body shifting and growing until he stood as a giant white wolf covered in stone armor. The snake lunged once more, but Keiran met it head-on, his powerful jaws clamping down on the snake''s face. The scales were tough, and the snake thrashed violently, slamming Keiran into the walls in an attempt to free itself. The battle was fierce. The snake was strong and agile, its movements unpredictable. It managed to break free from Keiran''s grip and disappeared into the shadows. Keiran''s heightened senses strained to detect the creature, but the snake was skilled at hiding its presence. Even his sense of smell couldn''t pinpoint its location. Keiran focused on the faint traces of mana essence in the air, trying to track the snake. It was difficult, but he was determined. Suddenly, the snake emerged from the shadows above, its fangs aimed directly at him. Keiran reacted instantly, activating Horn Thrust. A sharp horn sprouted from his forehead and stabbed deep into the snake''s mouth. The snake writhed in pain, its body coiling around Keiran in a desperate attempt to crush him. Keiran felt the pressure building as his stone armor began to crack. He quickly retracted the horn from the snake''s mouth. Without hesitation, he lunged forward, his powerful jaws clamping down on the snake''s lower head. The snake hissed in agony, its body tightening around Keiran in a final, desperate attempt to overpower him. But Keiran bit down harder, his fangs sinking deeper into the snake''s flesh. The snake thrashed violently, slamming Keiran against the cave walls, but he refused to let go. His grip only tightened as the snake''s movements grew slower and more erratic. [Your HP is dropping rapidly.] "I know," Keiran said calmly, his voice steady despite the situation. He bit down harder, his fangs sinking deeper into the snake''s flesh. The snake''s body tightened around him, but Keiran refused to let go. It was a battle of endurance, and neither side was willing to back down. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the snake''s movements slowed. Its grip loosened, and its body went limp. Keiran stood, his stone armor crumbling away. Blood dripped from his fur, a mix of his own and the snake''s. [HP: 19.] Keiran sighed, looking at the two giant eggs in the nest. "All of this," he muttered, "for two giant sunny side ups." [You leveled up 2x.] [You have received 24 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran activated Divine Inheritance, and the essence of the Black Scale Snake flowed into him. [You have received 3 Skills.] [Venomous Bite (Active): The Black Scale Snake sinks its fangs into its target, injecting a mild venom that causes minor poisoning. The venom weakens the target''s stamina and slightly reduces movement speed for a short duration. Mana Cost 1.] [Shadow Slither (Active): Utilizing its dark scales, the Black Scale Snake blends into shadows, increasing its stealth for a brief period. While in this state, it moves more swiftly and is harder to detect by predators and prey. Mana Cost 1.] [Scale Resilience (Passive): The Black Scale Snake''s tough scales grant it slight resistance to physical attacks and environmental hazards, reducing minor damage from cuts, bites, and rough terrain.] [For acquiring three unique skills, you have received experience points.] [You leveled up.] [You have received 12 Stat points.] [Your HP, MP, and SP have been replenished.] Keiran looked at the two eggs again, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Sunny side up it is," he said, his tone light despite the ordeal he had just endured.