Chapter 15 : The Tiger

The next morning, Arthur's curiosity led him to check on the condition of the dead snake stored in the makeshift freezer. Upon inspection, he noticed a small amount of water had formed on top of the ice, a sign that the freezing process might need some adjustments. Activating his 'Heat Vision,' he quickly froze the water back into ice, ensuring the meat remained perfectly preserved.

With the snake now ready for cooking, Arthur proceeded to cut it into three portions. As much as he had relished the culinary delight the previous day, he realized that consuming the entire snake in one sitting was a bit excessive. Storing the remaining two-thirds back into the freezer, Arthur let the portion he intended to eat warm up to room temperature before commencing his cooking.

With the sizzling sound once again filling the cave, Arthur felt a mix of anticipation and satisfaction as he cooked the meat to perfection. The aroma wafting through the air heightened his appetite, and he couldn't wait to indulge in this delectable treat once more.

Once his delicious meal was ready, Arthur savored each mouthful, enjoying the exquisite taste and texture that 'Heat Vision' had bestowed upon his food. The rich flavors danced on his taste buds, and he marveled at how this newfound skill had transformed his dining experience.

With a contented belly and a smile on his face, Arthur knew that the joy of cooking and the thrill of discovery were now essential parts of his daily routine. However, he couldn't overlook the energy expenditure required for this newfound pleasure.

Aware of his daily energy expense reaching 200 units just for the simple pleasure of cooked meat, Arthur understood that managing his energy reserves would become an even more critical aspect of his survival in this world. Though he still possessed a comfortable amount of energy, he realized that the daily costs could add up quickly, especially if he encountered unexpected challenges or needed to use his other skills.

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Entering the forest with a newfound sense of purpose, Arthur had become a snake-hunting enthusiast. Day after day, he tirelessly pursued his prey, honing his skills and refining his techniques. On average, he managed to hunt down three snakes each day, and with each successful hunt, he gained a satisfying 100 units of energy. The energy expenditure for each hunt amounted to nine units, leaving him with a daily net profit of 273 units of energy.

As the days passed, Arthur's confidence and efficiency grew, and he found himself seamlessly integrating his skills in perfect harmony. On the third day after he had savored his first cooked meal, Arthur's keen senses detected a slight variation in the snake he was about to confront. This snake had a unique appearance, with black scales over a vibrant orange hue. Its face was partially obscured by a nearby bush, unaware of Arthur's stealthy approach.

Recognizing the perfect opportunity for a sneak attack, Arthur engaged his 'Shadow Walk' and activated his 'Poison Fangs.' With silent determination, he crept closer to the unsuspecting snake, his heart pounding with anticipation. When he was within striking distance, Arthur pounced on the snake, sinking his poison-laden fangs into its flesh.

As soon as Arthur's fangs sank into the fluffy object he mistook for a snake, a jolt of realization surged through him. This was no snake. Panic set in as a low growl echoed from behind the bush, sending shivers down Arthur's spine. Peering through the foliage, he came face to face with a majestic giant tiger, its imposing presence sending a rush of fear through his veins.

The simulated machine, already in operation to absorb the snake's energy, displayed a status screen above the tiger, labeling it as a 'Void Tiger.' While Arthur had a fleeting thought of discovering more about this formidable predator, he knew that now was not the time for idle curiosity. Danger lurked just a few feet away, and his instincts urged him to escape swiftly.

Enabling 'Shadow Walk' with urgency, Arthur's heart pounded in his chest as he swiftly began his retreat. The tiger remained in its spot momentarily, seemingly taken aback by the audacity of such a small creature daring to attack it. However, the sight of Arthur fleeing seemed to awaken the predator's instincts, and without hesitation, the massive tiger began to give chase.

As Arthur ran, the adrenaline coursing through his veins allowed him to divide his concentration, stealing quick glances into the simulated world while maintaining his focus on escaping the pursuing tiger. Yet, to his surprise, the simulated world appeared devoid of any trace of the tiger he had just bitten with 'Poison Fangs'.

In the real world, Arthur's feline instincts drove him to navigate the forest terrain with agile grace, ensuring he didn't collide with any trees or obstacles in his path. While the fear of being caught by the formidable predator loomed, he knew that he had to stay composed and focused if he were to outrun the tiger.

With every step, the gap between Arthur and the tiger seemed to lessen, and a surge of determination washed over him. He refused to become prey to this beastly adversary. In a desperate bid to evade capture, he activated 'Illusionary Eye' and peeked towards the tiger, knowing that establishing a connection between himself and the tiger was crucial.

As the illusionary connection formed, a slight sense of relief washed over Arthur as he observed the tiger appearing before him. Without hesitation, he blacked out the creature's surroundings, hoping to obscure its vision in the real world. The tiger, suddenly losing its sight, reacted with surprise, seemingly puzzled by the sudden darkness.

However, to Arthur's astonishment, a small amount of white energy emerged from inside the tiger, moving erratically within its body. The energy seemed to be searching for something, and as it reached the tiger's eyes, it appeared to have found what it sought. In a strange and unsettling turn of events, the energy entered the tiger's eyeballs and vanished, leaving Arthur bewildered.

At that very moment, the connection he had established with the tiger through 'Illusionary Eye' unexpectedly vanished. The shock and fear of the situation surged through Arthur, but his adrenaline-fueled instincts compelled him to push forward, fleeing with increased determination.

As the tiger closed in, Arthur decided to once again utilize 'Illusionary Eye,' cautiously peering into the tiger's world. As the tiger materialized in his illusionary realm, he swiftly obscured its vision yet again. This sequence of events unfolded rapidly. This time, the tiger was prepared for the possible consequences.

The tiger paused only briefly as the white energy reentered its eyes, countering Arthur's illusion. Witnessing the tiger shake off his influence so effortlessly, Arthur's heart sank with dread.