Ape of the Wilds

Kuro stood still for a moment, taking in his surroundings with newfound clarity. The System had awakened something inside him, something that whispered of limitless potential. But potential alone would not keep him alive in the treacherous jungles of Aru'Mata. He had been given a task—survive for 24 hours—and he intended to complete it.

The sun had barely risen above the dense canopy, its golden rays slicing through the thick foliage like spears of light. The jungle was already alive with movement. Birds with brilliant plumage flitted between branches, their sharp calls echoing through the trees. Small creatures rustled in the undergrowth, scurrying away as Kuro's powerful frame moved through the jungle.

His hands curled into fists as he thought about his first steps. The Maw'Tanu lived in the safety of their High Nests, wooden platforms built into the tallest trees of Aru'Mata, protected from predators that roamed below. But if he was to grow stronger, he could not rely on the safety of his people. He needed to learn how to hunt, how to gather food, and how to fight—truly fight, not just wrestle with the younger apes of his tribe.

Objective: Survive for 24 hours

Tasks:

• Find a reliable food source.

• Secure drinking water.

• Avoid or defeat any hostile creatures.

Time Remaining: 23:45

Kuro exhaled, glancing at the countdown. Time was already moving. First priority—food.

Kuro moved carefully, scanning the jungle floor for anything edible. The Maw'Tanu diet consisted mostly of fruits, nuts, and occasionally fish from the river. Meat was rare and only eaten by the strongest hunters of the tribe. If he wanted to survive, he needed something substantial.

He leapt onto a thick tree branch, his grip firm as he climbed effortlessly. His sharp eyes scanned the treetops until he spotted a cluster of golden mangora fruits—sweet, energy-rich, and packed with moisture. They would keep him going for a while.

He grabbed a handful and took a cautious bite. The sweet juice ran down his throat, refreshing him instantly.

+1 Temporary Stamina Regeneration

+5 Energy

The System's message flashed before his eyes, confirming what he already knew—the fruit was beneficial. He quickly gathered more, stuffing them into a makeshift pouch of large leaves.

As he moved through the treetops, his ears perked at the sound of rustling below. He froze, scanning the underbrush. Something was moving.

A large razorback boar emerged from the foliage. Its thick hide was covered in bristling black fur, its tusks sharp enough to tear through flesh. It sniffed the air before lowering its snout to the ground, foraging for roots.

Kuro hesitated. He had never fought a real battle before, but this was an opportunity. The System had given him a chance to grow stronger, and fighting meant experience.

He had no weapons, only his fists and his wits.

But he was Maw'Tanu.

He leapt from the branch, landing just a few feet away from the beast. The boar's ears twitched, and it turned its beady red eyes toward him.

Then, it charged.

Kuro barely dodged in time, rolling to the side as the boar's tusks grazed his fur. The beast skidded to a halt, snorting angrily before turning to charge again.

He needed a plan. His muscles tensed, instincts sharpening. The boar was faster than it looked, but it was predictable. It always charged in a straight line.

Kuro sprinted toward a nearby tree and waited. As expected, the boar charged straight at him. At the last second, he leapt over the beast, grabbing a branch and swinging behind it.

The boar crashed into the tree with a sickening thud, momentarily stunned.

Kuro didn't waste a second. He launched forward, aiming a powerful punch at the creature's skull.

CRACK.

A system message flashed before his eyes.

New Skill Unlocked: Unarmed Combat (Lv.1)

• Improves damage when fighting barehanded.

• Increases attack speed and precision.

Critical Hit!

Razorback Boar - HP: 30 → 10

The boar staggered, dazed but still standing. Kuro leapt onto its back, wrapping his arms around its thick neck, tightening his grip. The beast thrashed violently, trying to shake him off, but Kuro held firm, muscles burning.

With a final roar, he twisted sharply—SNAP!

The boar collapsed.

Enemy Defeated!

+20 Experience Points

Level Up!

Kuro - Level 1 → 2

A deep satisfaction coursed through Kuro's body as he felt himself grow stronger. His muscles no longer felt fatigued, his senses sharper than before. He had won his first true battle.

But he wasn't done yet.

He needed fire.

The jungle was humid, making fire-starting difficult, but Kuro had seen humans do it before. He gathered dry bark and leaves, stacking them into a small pile. Then, he searched for stones, striking them together over the kindling.

New Skill Unlocked: Survival (Lv.1)

• Increases efficiency in gathering, crafting, and fire-making.

It took several minutes, but finally, a small spark ignited, spreading into a weak flame.

Success.

He quickly skinned the boar using a sharpened rock, roasting strips of meat over the fire. The smell alone made his stomach growl. When he took his first bite, warmth spread through his body.

+10 Health Regeneration

+5 Strength (Temporary Buff)

The food revitalized him, but the jungle was still dangerous. He had survived for only a few hours. He needed a safe place to rest.

Kuro climbed higher into the trees, using thick vines and sturdy branches to weave a nest-platform, similar to the Maw'Tanu's traditional homes. It was crude but functional, offering him a safe vantage point above the jungle floor.

As he lay down, exhaustion finally catching up to him, the System flashed one last message.

Survival Progress: 6/24 Hours Complete

Tasks Completed:

• Food Secured ✅

• Water Secured ✅

• Defeated an Enemy ✅

• Learned New Skills ✅

Rewards Pending:

• Basic Combat Mastery Unlocked

Kuro closed his eyes.

Today had been a test, but he had survived. More than that—he had grown.

Tomorrow, he would push even further.

And one day, he would become the strongest being in all of Varadain.