On the eve of the last battle
On the sixth day.
Because of the previous incident with the pack of the wolves, this night Stephen wasn't able to sleep peacefully. He was worried that another pack would attack his camp while he was asleep.
That's why Stephen decided to sleep not in the hollow of the tree, but on the branch.
It was a very novel experience for him.
Even though the branch of this tree was very thick and he bind himself to the tree using the rope, Stephen was only able to be in a state of half-asleep/half-awake.
He simply didn't dare to plunge into deep sleep. Even if he was exhausted and wounded, his subconscious didn't allow him to have a good rest. Stephen was in a state of constant alertness.
Because if he were to fall from a tree, he will get not only small scratches.
So, when morning came, Stephen didn't managed to get even a bit of rest.
Nevertheless, Stephen decided to continue his hunt, even if he skipped his morning exercises.
From his bitter experience yesterday, he learned some useful lessons.
That is why today Stephen was in no hurry to hunt far beyond the camp, as in the first four days. He begun from the surroundings of the camp, constantly increasing the distance.
Although this way was too time consuming, Stephen decided that it was better safe than sorry.
Despite this, he wasn't able to meet another pack of the wolves even after half of the day. Yet, Stephen met another dangerous opponent. It was a huge bear.
At first when he saw this gigantic killing machine, Stephen thought that it was better to avoid a fight with the bear.
It seems that the accident with the wolves left some mental shadow on Stephen. As his wounds was still fresh, they reminded him about events yesterday. So there was a slight fear seen in his eyes.
After a few minutes of hesitation, Stephen decided to give it a shot.
Even if he was afraid, nothing could be solved by living in fear.
Not to mention that his current circumstances won't allow him to do it.
Since he decided to participate in the 'Game of New Gods', there was no another way out for him.
He must go on no matter what.
Strengthening his resolve once again, Stephen started preparations for the battle.
Maybe because he was lucky, but that bear didn't pay any attention to Stephen.
Mr. Bear was busy digging the ground as if he was searching for something.
It was a good opportunity for Stephen.
He decided to distance himself a bit more away. Stephen was sure, that he will be able to accurately hit even from the distance of 100 meters.
Maybe it was because 'Bow Mastery' increased his accuracy or maybe it was because his fear didn't faded away completely, Stephen didn't know why he made such decision.
Nevertheless, when he shoot an arrow, it hit the mark.
At first he thought that it's better to start running away immediatly, but when Stephen saw reaction of the bear, he stopped his steps.
Arrow hit the neck of the bear.
Right after that, the bear started to limp away in the opposite direction. Since he didn't begin to run toward him, Stephen decided to cautiously pursue the wounded bear.
During his pursue, Stephen shoot another 2 arrows, until he finally managed to kill the bear.
When the bear dropped dead, Stephen heard a notification.
[Ding! You have killed 1 Black Bear. Reward: 200 exp.]
[Ding! Level up!]
[
Level: 3 → 4
Strength: 6 → 7 (+2)
Agility: 12 → 13 (+2)
Physique: 8 → 9
Intelligence: 13 → 15
Wisdom: 12 → 14
Energy: 130 → 150 ( Intelligence x 10 )
Free attribute points: 2.
]
"Nero, 2 points into agility.", Stephen said right away.
[Ding! Yes, host]
[Agility: 13 → 15]
During those few days, Stephen understood the importance of agility to him. It managed to save his life many times already. That's why he decided to continue to invest his free attribute points into agility for the time being.
After Stephen looked around few more times, he decided to return to the camp. It was already 5 p.m., so he thought to spend the remaining time preparing for tomorrow's fight with the BOSS and resting, since he didn't managed to get any of it today.