MTLNOVEL Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Hunter’s Evolution
The cold air bit at Athenor's skin, but he ignored it. His focus was on the hunt. Each battle brought him closer to mastering his strength, refining his movements, and understanding the flow of combat.
After his last session, his template integration had reached 12%, and he could already feel the difference. His strikes were sharper, his instincts keener, and his endurance greater.
> [Current Template Integration: 12%]
His grip tightened around the Labrys of the Berserker as he moved through the darkened forest. Tonight, he aimed to push himself further.
His sharp eyes caught movement in the distance—five Draugr gathered around the remains of a fallen deer. Their guttural snarls echoed through the trees.
Athenor exhaled, calming his mind. "Focus. Be efficient."
Rather than charging in recklessly, he circled around, keeping to the shadows. He picked up a stone and tossed it toward the trees on the far side of the clearing. The sound made two of the Draugr turn, breaking their formation.
Perfect.
Athenor burst from the darkness, swinging his weapon in a wide arc. The first Draugr barely had time to react before its skull shattered under the force of his strike.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.4% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 12.4%]
The second Draugr lunged, but Athenor had already sidestepped, using his momentum to bring the axe down on its exposed back. A sickening crack followed as the creature collapsed.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.4% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 12.8%]
The remaining three Draugr roared in fury and attacked together. This was what he wanted—a test of control, endurance, and precision.
The first swung a rusted sword at his side. Athenor twisted his body, letting the attack glide past him, before delivering a devastating counter—a downward slam that crushed the Draugr's ribs.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.4% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 13.2%]
The second Draugr tried to use the opening to strike, but Athenor was faster. He grabbed its arm mid-swing and yanked it forward, slamming the blunt side of his axe into its face.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.4% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 13.6%]
The last Draugr hesitated, sensing its impending doom. Athenor grinned. "Too late."
He stepped in, feinting an attack high before pivoting into a low, sweeping strike that knocked the creature off its feet. One final blow ended it.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.4% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 14%]
He kept hunting, using each fight as a chance to improve. He focused on reading enemy movements, baiting attacks, and finding weaknesses.
When he finally took down his twentieth Draugr for the night, the system chimed.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.4% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 15%]
Athenor smirked in satisfaction, but before he could revel in his progress, a new notification appeared.
> [System Update: Draugr Kills Now Grant Only +0.1% Integration]
His smirk faded. "What?"
His fists clenched. The system had placed a new restriction, forcing him to seek stronger opponents.
Athenor exhaled slowly. He liked the challenge.
With renewed determination, he pressed forward—ready to hunt something stronger.