[Warning: Blood Ape berserker rage imminent. Recommend immediate follow-up attack.]
The larger ape's muscles bunched, and he hurled himself at me with frightening speed. His massive form blotted out the sun as he descended, claws extended like daggers. I barely rolled away as his fist cratered the ground where I'd stood.
"Ice Wall!" The barrier materialized just as his other hand swept toward my face. His claws screeched against the ice, leaving deep gouges. The impact shook through my bones.
Ice wall Is a new skill I just learned recently, and thank God I did.
His raw strength terrified me. One direct hit would crush my skull.
The ape roared and smashed through my wall, sending crystalline shards flying. I leaped back, but wasn't quite fast enough - his claws raked across my shoulder. Hot pain blazed through my fur as blood welled up.
[Warning: HP reduced by 15%. Blood Ape's attack power exceeds current defense rating.]
The ape's eyes gleamed with savage satisfaction at drawing first blood. He beat his chest and charged again, each footfall shaking the forest floor. His previous wounds from fighting the other ape seemed forgotten in his rage.
I backed away, trying to create distance, but he matched my pace with frightening agility. Those muscled arms could span the gap between us in an instant. The trees felt too close, limiting my movement options.
His next swipe came so fast I felt the wind of it pass my whiskers.
I gathered every drop of mana I had left, feeling it surge through my core. My fur crackled with frost as I channeled the energy into a desperate assault.
"Ice Spike! Ice Spike! Ice Spike!"
The air crystallized as dozens of jagged spears materialized above me. The wounded ape tried to dodge, but the ice spreading from his chest had slowed him. Three spikes punched through his torso, and another impaled his throat. His eyes went wide with shock before the light faded from them.
The larger ape bellowed in fury, but his rage made him predictable. He charged straight at me, ignoring the remaining ice spikes hovering in the air. Big mistake.
"Die!" I snarled, directing the remaining spikes downward.
They struck like a rain of frozen daggers. The first wave pierced his shoulders and back. The second wave drove through his chest and legs. He stumbled, tried to take another step, then crashed face-first into the dirt. Blood pooled beneath him, turning dark against the forest floor.
[Experience gained: 450]
[Level up! Current level: 13]
[Warning: Mana reserves critically low. Current Mana: 5/120]
I collapsed onto my belly, panting. My legs trembled from exhaustion, and my head spun from mana depletion. The wound on my shoulder throbbed, but I couldn't even summon enough energy to check how bad it was.
"That... that was too close." My voice came out as a rasp.
The forest had gone quiet except for my labored breathing. Two massive red-furred corpses lay sprawled in the clearing, surrounded by shattered ice and splintered trees. Between them, four green fruits still pulsed with their inner light, untouched by the carnage around them.
I dragged myself over to the fallen fruits, my paws leaving crimson prints in the dirt. Each step sent fresh waves of pain through my shoulder, but the sight of those glowing orbs drew me forward.
The first fruit felt cool against my paw pads as I picked it up. Its surface was smooth like polished stone, yet it yielded slightly to pressure. Pulses of green light rippled beneath its skin in time with my heartbeat.
"System, these are safe to eat, right?"
[Affirmative. Ironhide Fruits will grant +3 Defense and 1 stat point per consumption. No known negative side effects.]
I gathered the remaining three fruits, storing them carefully in my inventory. The weight of my recent battle settled over me as I stared at the first fruit. Those Blood Apes had nearly killed me - a defense boost didn't sound bad at all.
My fangs pierced the fruit's skin. Cool juice flooded my mouth, tasting of mint and mountain streams. As I swallowed, energy surged through my body. My muscles tensed, then relaxed as a tingling sensation spread across my skin. It felt like my fur was turning to steel, yet remained as soft as ever.
[Defense increased by 3]
[1 stat point gained]
The sensation faded, leaving behind a pleasant warmth. My shoulder wound still hurt, but the pain felt more distant now. I pulled out another fruit, already addicted to that rush of power.
"Four fruits means four stat points and twelve defense." I purred at the thought. "Not a bad haul for one fight."
[Current Defense Rating: 28]
[Available stat points: 5]
The Blood Apes' bodies lay cooling nearby, reminding me of just how close I'd come to joining them. I needed every advantage I could get in this world. These fruits might make the difference between life and death in my next battle.
I sank my fangs into the second fruit, juice trickling down my chin. The same cool, metallic sweetness filled my mouth - like drinking from a mountain spring mixed with liquid silver. As I swallowed, that familiar surge of power rushed through me again, stronger this time. My fur bristled as energy coursed beneath my skin.
[Defense increased by 3]
[1 stat point gained]
The third fruit burst between my teeth. Each bite sent waves of tingling sensation across my body. My muscles tightened, then relaxed as my hide grew denser. Not quite armor, but definitely tougher than before.
[Defense increased by 3]
[1 stat point gained]
I licked my paws clean before taking the final fruit. This time, I savored it slowly, feeling the changes ripple through me. My wounded shoulder tingled as the enhanced defense took effect. When I pressed a paw against it, the flesh felt firmer, more resilient.
[Defense increased by 3]
[1 stat point gained]
"System, status."
[Current Defense Rating: 37]
[Available stat points: 8]
I stretched, flexing my claws against the ground. The dirt barely scraped against my paw pads now. My hide had taken on a subtle sheen, like polished steel beneath my white fur. When I rolled my shoulders, the movement felt smoother, more fluid, despite the added density of my muscles and skin.
I batted at a nearby tree trunk experimentally. The bark splintered, but I barely felt the impact. A low purr rumbled in my chest. This new durability would definitely come in handy during future fights.