---
Kai's limbs ached, each step a silent scream through his cracked exoskeleton. His chitinous plates bore deep dents from earlier clashes, streaked with dried ichor and mud. His legs dragged slightly as he trudged through the forest, a tangled grove of fallen trees and bioluminescent moss that pulsed faintly beneath his feet. Humidity clung to him like wet cloth, soaking into his joints and slowing every motion. Even breathing felt heavier.
His internal system clock blinked a soft orange. It's been eight hours since he'd parted ways with Luna. One hour since he'd fought and killed not one, but two fully grown two-star beasts. One hour of relentless travel through predator-infested wilds. His aura gauge was dangerously low. His stamina bar was still recovering.
