Danger Precognition

The forest was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Shiro, now alone, stood over the lifeless body of the wolf he had slain. His hand, still resting on the wolf's fur, tingled with an odd sensation. This was the first time he had experimented with his newfound abilities in such a direct manner. The combination of *Divine Clairvoyance* and *Analytical Appraisal* had yielded unexpected results.

His eyes, glowing with an eerie light, scanned the corpse of the wolf. The familiar feeling of information pouring into his mind was both exhilarating and unsettling. He could sense the wolf's memories and abilities as though they were his own. From the wolf, he had acquired the Extra Skills *Hyper Speed* and *Danger Sense*. The latter, in particular, intrigued him. As he integrated this new skill into his arsenal, it evolved into something even more potent: *Danger Precognition*.

The transformation was immediate and profound. *Danger Precognition* granted him an always-active, passive ability to sense potential threats to his well-being. This newfound power allowed Shiro to perceive looming dangers with a clarity that was both a blessing and a curse. Even as he continued his journey through the dense forest, every step felt fraught with peril. The forest was alive with hidden dangers, each one sharp and imminent.

Despite the formidable abilities at his disposal, Shiro felt like a mere candle in the darkness, vulnerable and easily snuffed out. The weight of his own vulnerability pressed heavily on him. He sighed, his breath a plume of mist in the chilly air, and continued to navigate the forest's labyrinthine paths. His stomach growled, a stark reminder of his hunger.

Determined to alleviate his hunger, Shiro decided to experiment with his abilities. He activated *Ideal Outcome*, a skill that allowed him to manipulate the probabilities around him. With this, he aimed to minimize the likelihood of encountering dangerous creatures while maximizing his chances of finding prey. The effort was taxing, draining his energy with each use, but the risk was worth it. Shiro was acutely aware of his own humanity, and despite his powers, he was still very much subject to the basic needs and vulnerabilities of a human.

Hours passed as Shiro wandered through the forest, his hope dwindling with every fruitless hour. The hunger pangs were growing unbearable, and he began to regret not consuming the wolf he had slain earlier. The dense foliage and shadows seemed to mock him as he trudged on, his optimism fading with each step. Even with *Ideal Outcome* in play, he had yet to encounter anything edible. It was as though the skill itself was conspiring against him, leading him in circles.

As the shadows lengthened and twilight approached, Shiro felt a surge of frustration. His magical energy was nearing depletion, and the thought of using *Divine Clairvoyance* to find a solution was daunting. The risk of passing out due to a lack of magicules was a real threat, as his *Genius One* had warned him. He gritted his teeth and pushed forward, determined to find some form of sustenance.

Then, a distant scream shattered the oppressive silence of the forest. Shiro's heart raced as the sound cut through the quiet. It was a cry for help, raw and desperate. Instinctively, he surged forward, driven by a mix of urgency and curiosity. The thought of encountering other people, even in a dire situation, filled him with a fleeting sense of hope. Perhaps he could play the role of a hero, earning gratitude and a chance to satisfy his hunger in the process.

As he ran towards the source of the scream, his *Danger Precognition* flared to life. The vision was immediate and vivid: a fierce Tiger-like beast with blade-like tails, its menace unmistakable. Amidst this vision, he saw a young girl with pink hair, struggling and drowning in a river. The sight of her vulnerability, combined with the image of the approaching predator, ignited a fierce determination within him.

Without a second thought, Shiro made his way towards the scene, his magical energy almost depleted. He emerged from the underbrush into a clearing, and there it was—a massive Blade Tiger, a beast of immense size and power. Its sleek, muscular frame and razor-sharp tails made it a formidable opponent. The creature had cornered a young girl with horns, who seemed both frightened and exhausted. Shiro felt a fleeting sense of familiarity with the girl, but he couldn't quite place her.

Acting quickly, Shiro grabbed a large stone from the ground and hurled it at the Blade Tiger. The stone struck the beast with a satisfying thud, drawing its attention away from the girl. The Tiger's fierce eyes locked onto Shiro, its predatory gaze filled with confusion and anger. Shiro, with a mischievous grin, gave the Tiger a defiantly obscene gesture. He gave it a middle finger. The beast, although it did not understand the significance, nor the meaning of the gesture, still felt insulted, it roared in fury and turned its attention towards Shiro.

The little girl, seizing the moment of distraction, scrambled away from the riverbank and towards the safety of the trees. Shiro winked at her, a brief gesture of reassurance before he turned and fled into the forest, the enraged Blade Tiger hot on his heels. The roar of the beast echoed through the trees, a constant reminder of the danger pursuing him.

Shiro's heart pounded in his chest as he sprinted through the underbrush, weaving between trees and dodging low-hanging branches. The Tiger was relentless, its powerful strides gaining on him with each passing second. Shiro could feel his magical energy dwindling, but he pushed himself to the limit. His *Hyper Speed* allowed him to move faster than he ever thought possible, but the Tiger's sheer size and power made it a formidable adversary.

Despite the danger, Shiro felt a strange sense of exhilaration. The adrenaline coursing through his veins was a stark contrast to the earlier frustration and hunger. Each second felt like a lifetime, but he couldn't afford to slow down. The forest became a blur of greens and browns as he continued to evade the Tiger's swipes and lunges.

As he ran, Shiro mentally reviewed his options. With his energy nearly depleted, his ability to use *Divine Clairvoyance* or any other skills was limited. He had to rely on his instincts and his acquired abilities to navigate the perilous terrain. *Danger Precognition* was invaluable, alerting him to imminent threats and guiding him away from fatal traps.

Eventually, Shiro spotted a narrow cave entrance partially hidden by thick foliage. It was a risk, but it seemed like the only viable escape. He veered towards the cave, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The Blade Tiger roared in frustration as Shiro darted into the cave's dark recesses. The safety of the cave was a brief respite, but he knew it wouldn't be long before the Tiger's rage brought it to the entrance.

Inside the cave, Shiro slumped against the cold, damp wall, his energy reserves dangerously low. The roar of the Tiger outside was a constant reminder of the danger he had narrowly escaped. He closed his eyes, focusing on controlling his breathing and calming his racing heart.

As he rested, Shiro pondered the day's events. The struggle, the danger, and the fleeting moments of heroism had been exhausting. Yet, there was something invigorating about the challenge. His abilities had proven useful, but they also came with their own set of limitations and risks. He had survived, but the forest was still full of dangers and uncertainties.

With a final glance towards the cave entrance, Shiro prepared himself for whatever lay ahead. The forest was a place of both opportunity and peril, and he would need to remain vigilant and resourceful if he hoped to navigate its dangers and fulfill his needs. The memory of the girl's terrified face and the Blade Tiger's relentless pursuit lingered in his mind, a reminder of the harsh reality of his new existence.

The journey was far from over, and Shiro knew that each step forward would come with its own set of challenges. But for now, he would rest and recuperate, readying himself for the trials that awaited him in the shadowy depths of the forest.