MTLNOVEL Chapter 7: Chapter 7: A Hunter’s Growth
The cold night air wrapped around Athenor as he moved through the dense forest, his senses sharp. Every step he took was calculated—no wasted movements, no unnecessary noise. This hunt was different from the others.
He was testing himself.
Each Draugr he encountered was another chance to sharpen his instincts, refine his technique, and increase his power. He had learned much already—how to bait attacks, how to counter efficiently, how to conserve stamina—but there was always room to improve.
His Labrys of the Berserker rested comfortably in his grip. A blunt weapon suited his fighting style—a mixture of raw strength and efficient brutality.
He had just reached 15% integration, but the system had thrown a new restriction at him.
> [System Update: Draugr Kills Now Grant Only +0.1% Integration]
Athenor exhaled sharply, irritation flickering across his face. He had anticipated this, but seeing it confirmed still left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"Fine," he muttered. "I'll just kill more."
His feet carried him deeper into the wilderness. He had already encountered twenty Draugr tonight, but that wasn't enough. He needed a greater challenge.
His patience was rewarded when he stumbled upon a Draugr patrol—four of them marching together, their weapons glinting under the moonlight.
Athenor took a deep breath, mentally reviewing his approach. Charging in would be reckless. He needed to eliminate them one by one, making use of their sluggish movements.
He gripped a loose rock from the ground and hurled it toward the trees. The sound caused one of the Draugr to grunt and break formation, moving to investigate.
Athenor struck fast.
He sprinted forward, bringing his axe downward in a crushing arc, smashing through the Draugr's head before it could react.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.1% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 15.1%]
The remaining three turned at the sound, snarling.
The second Draugr rushed him, thrusting a rusted blade toward his chest. Athenor sidestepped, using the momentum to swing his axe into its ribcage, sending it flying.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.1% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 15.2%]
The next two attacked together. He ducked beneath one's swing and countered with a powerful upward strike, shattering its jaw. The other managed to land a glancing blow against his side, but Athenor gritted his teeth and retaliated with a spinning attack, crushing both of them in quick succession.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.1% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 15.3%]
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.1% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 15.4%]
Athenor wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. He could feel the strain on his body, but he wasn't stopping now.
An Evolving Battle Style
He moved swiftly through the forest, seeking more prey. Every fight was another lesson, another opportunity to refine himself.
Instead of blocking attacks, he began relying on dodging and countering. He started to predict Draugr movements, striking at their exposed weaknesses rather than mindlessly swinging.
His stamina usage improved, and his attacks became more precise.
One by one, Draugr fell before him.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.1% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 16%]
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.1% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 16.5%]
By the time he reached 17%, he noticed something.
The Draugr were too predictable. Their sluggish movements, their lack of intelligence—it wasn't enough anymore.
He needed something stronger.
Facing a New Challenge
The sound of heavy breathing reached his ears. Athenor crouched low, his gaze locking onto a larger Draugr in the distance.
This one was different.
It stood taller, its form bulkier, and its weapon was an iron mace instead of a rusted blade.
A Draugr Brute.
Athenor's lips curled into a smirk. Perfect.
> [New Enemy Identified: Draugr Brute – Integration Bonus: +0.3%]
The Draugr Brute turned its glowing, dead eyes toward him and roared, slamming its weapon into the ground.
Athenor tensed. This would be a true test.
The brute charged, swinging its mace in a devastating arc. Athenor barely managed to roll away, feeling the shockwave of the attack rattle his bones.
Speed. I need speed.
Athenor circled around, dodging another massive swing. The brute's attacks were slow but powerful—one direct hit, and he'd be in serious trouble.
Seeing an opening, he lunged forward, driving his axe into the brute's side. It let out a guttural snarl, grabbing him by the arm and throwing him backward.
Athenor hit the ground hard, his vision spinning.
The brute raised its mace to finish him.
Move. Now.
Summoning his strength, Athenor rolled aside at the last moment, the weapon smashing into the earth with a deafening crash.
Before the brute could recover, he went on the offensive.
Athenor struck at the legs, forcing it to stumble. The moment it staggered, he jumped and delivered a crushing downward strike onto its skull.
The brute let out a final roar before collapsing.
> [Draugr Brute Defeated – +0.3% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 17.3%]
Athenor exhaled, shaking off the pain in his muscles. That fight had pushed him harder than any before. But he had won.
And he wasn't done yet.
A Near Breakthrough
He continued hunting for the rest of the night, moving with increased efficiency.
His battles were cleaner, sharper, and more controlled.
Every Draugr that fell was another step forward.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.1% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 18%]
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.1% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 18.5%]
The moon was beginning to set, but Athenor refused to stop.
One final Draugr fell before him, and the system rang out once more.
> [Draugr Defeated – +0.1% Integration]
[Current Template Integration: 18.9%]
One more fight, and he'd hit 19%.
He gripped his weapon tightly, breathing heavily. His body ached, but his mind burned with determination.
This was his path.
And he would keep moving forward.