Chapter 13: The Darkening Depths

The forest loomed before John, thick with shadows and the lingering scent of damp earth. He had pushed himself to Level 16, defeating the Bloodbeast and gathering a substantial amount of experience, but he knew the true challenge lay ahead. Deeper in the woods, creatures of unimaginable strength waited, and he felt an undeniable pull to confront them.

As he spread his wings, feeling their power beneath him, he reminded himself of the tier system he had learned about. Now, being at **Tier 5**, he was capable of battling even some **Tier 6** monsters, and he was determined to reach **Tier 6** himself. The experience bar for his next level loomed large in his mind.

[**Experience: 175,000/100,000**]

[**Next Level: 20,000 Experience Needed**]

John grinned at the thought. He knew each battle brought him closer to his goal, but the stakes were getting higher. He had survived so much, but the encounters he faced now would be unlike anything he had dealt with before.

He moved cautiously, the sounds of the forest enveloping him. The rustle of leaves, the distant calls of creatures, and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot heightened his senses. He felt powerful, but also acutely aware of the dangers lurking just beyond his vision.

Suddenly, he caught sight of movement—a flash of dark fur darting through the underbrush. John's heart raced. Whatever it was, it was fast. He crouched low, his instincts sharpening as he prepared for a fight. The creature emerged from the shadows, a sleek, lithe figure with glowing eyes and sharp fangs.

[**Shadow Panther – Tier 5**]

[Strength: 600]

[Agility: 900]

[Endurance: 500]

[Abilities: Cloak of Shadows, Ambush]

The Shadow Panther's eyes locked onto him, and before John could react, it lunged. He barely managed to evade its attack, the creature's claws grazing his side. Pain flared, but adrenaline quickly drowned it out. He countered with a powerful sweep of his tail, knocking the panther off balance.

"Not today!" John roared, summoning his **Dark Flame**. He unleashed a torrent of shadow-infused fire, aiming for the panther as it regained its footing. The flames licked at the creature's fur, engulfing it in a blaze of darkness.

The panther yowled, but John could see the **Cloak of Shadows** beginning to shimmer around it, allowing it to partially evade his attack. He needed to stay on the offensive before it could regain its full strength.

As the panther flickered in and out of sight, John focused. He activated his **Dragon Roar**, the sound echoing through the clearing, causing the very ground to tremble. The force of the roar disoriented the creature, and John seized the opportunity to close the distance.

With a leap, he charged forward, claws extended. The panther reappeared, but this time John was ready. He slashed with his claws, tearing through the panther's side, and followed up with another **Flame Breath**, this time catching the creature fully in the flames.

The panther thrashed and howled, its regeneration not enough to save it from the barrage of attacks. With a final roar, John slammed down with his tail, pinning it to the ground. The panther's struggles slowed, and John felt a surge of victory.

[**Shadow Panther defeated.**]

[**Experience Gained: 40,000.**]

[**Experience: 215,000/100,000.**]

[**Level Up! Current Level: 17.**]

Breathless but exhilarated, John stepped back, watching the creature's form dissipate into dark mist. He had taken down a formidable opponent, and he felt stronger than ever. But he couldn't linger. More powerful monsters were deeper within the forest, and he needed to prepare for them.

As he moved forward, he considered his stats and the growing experience he had amassed. He knew he needed to master his skills as well—his previous abilities were potent but required refinement. He would have to train in the field and learn to wield his powers with greater control.

"System," John called out as he walked, "show me my stats."

A window appeared in his mind:

**Name:** John Davis

**Species:** Black Dragon

**Age:** Hatchling

**Level:** 17

**Tier:** 5

**Strength:** 25

**Dexterity:** 20

**Endurance:** 30

**Mana:** 25

**Skills:**

- **Flame Breath (Level 2)**

- **Claw Strike (Level 2)**

- **Dragon Roar (Level 1)**

- **Dark Flame (Level 1)**

- **Shadow Cloak (New Skill - Level 1)**

He had gained a new skill, **Shadow Cloak**, after defeating the panther. The idea of becoming one with the shadows excited him. He could use it to hide from stronger foes or ambush unsuspecting prey.

"How do I evolve?" he asked the system, curious about the next steps. "What is the tier system?"

[**To evolve to Tier 6, you must reach Level 20 and gather 100,000 experience points. Your current experience is 215,000. You are currently at Tier 5. The highest tier is 25. You have the capability to fight Tier 6 and some ordinary Tier 7 monsters, but be cautious.**]

John nodded, feeling the weight of the knowledge settle in. He was making progress but had a long way to go. He remembered the last time he had ventured too deep into the forest and nearly lost his life to a lurking predator.

He could sense the danger, but the thrill of becoming stronger urged him forward. The darkness of the forest was alive, and he was determined to master it.

Continuing on his path, John navigated through thick underbrush and gnarled roots. He was acutely aware that he was not alone. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he sensed a presence watching him. He turned slowly, scanning the trees.

And then, from the shadows, emerged a creature that made his heart race—a massive **Dark Drake**, scales glistening like polished obsidian.

[**Dark Drake – Tier 6**]

[Strength: 1,200]

[Agility: 800]

[Endurance: 1,500]

[Abilities: Shadow Breath, Devour, Tail Sweep]

The drake's eyes narrowed, and it let out a low growl that reverberated through the air. John could feel the raw power radiating from it. This was it—his ultimate test.

He braced himself, ready for the fight of his life. The drake lunged, jaws snapping, and John barely dodged to the side. He could feel the rush of wind as the creature's teeth grazed his scales.

"Time to show what I'm made of!" John yelled, launching into the air with a powerful flap of his wings. He aimed for the drake's back, hoping to gain the upper hand.

As he soared, he unleashed his **Dark Flame**, a torrent of shadowy fire that streaked toward the drake. The flames engulfed the creature, but it roared defiantly, its scales absorbing some of the damage.

"Not enough!" John shouted, diving toward the ground. He used his wings to propel himself back into the air, aiming for the drake's head.

The drake retaliated, unleashing its **Shadow Breath**. A dark wave of energy surged toward him, and John narrowly avoided it, feeling the heat of its power as it passed. He couldn't afford to be hit.

"Claw Strike!" he bellowed, striking the drake's flank as he flew past, his claws digging deep into its side. The drake howled in pain, swinging its tail wildly in retaliation.

John rolled in the air, narrowly avoiding the devastating sweep that would have knocked him out of the sky. He had to be smarter. This drake was stronger and more resilient than anything he had faced before.

Thinking quickly, he summoned his **Shadow Cloak** and slipped into the shadows, blending with the darkness of the forest. The drake's eyes darted around, confused, trying to locate him. John grinned, feeling a rush of adrenaline as he positioned himself for another attack.

From the shadows, he launched himself at the drake again, claws outstretched, but this time he aimed for its wings. If he could ground it, he could turn the tide of the battle.

His claws connected with the drake's wing, ripping through flesh and sinew. The drake let out a furious roar, staggering as its wing failed to catch it.

John seized the moment. "Now, while it's down!" he yelled, unleashing another **Flame Breath** aimed directly at the drake's head. The dark flames engulfed the creature, and for a moment, it was all-consuming.

The drake thrashed, but John pressed the attack, landing on its back and tearing into its neck with his claws. The drake's struggles grew weaker, and John could feel victory within his grasp.

[**Dark Drake defeated.**]

[**Experience Gained: 100,000.**]

[**Experience: 315,000/100,000.**]

[**Level Up! Current Level: 18.**]

John landed on the ground, panting heavily,

TO BE CONTINUED....

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DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE SOME POWERSTONES.