Coming From Below

The arm of the tyrant sloth rippled and became lacerated beneath the vibration force, sending small bits of fur and flesh everywhere.

The world twisted around, and Lem could barely keep track of what was happening.

Both he and the sloth had been sent flying in opposite directions from the collision.

He landed hard on his back, and his breath was driven from his body.

Ignoring the pain, he leapt back up to his feet at once.

Where had the sloth gone?

He caught sight of it out of the corner of his eye, and ran towards it.

His heart eased as he came closer.

It was lying in an unmoving heap. The arm that he had punched was broken slightly above the elbow, with a fractured bone poking out from a large open gash.

Other parts of its body looked limp and awkwardly crumpled, and they were coated in the sloth's own flesh and blood.

It was an utter mess.

Lem's simulated self touched the corpse a couple times, before pushing it over.

As it rolled, it was even more clear that it had become a dead object.

It fell back down out of inertia in a different position.

Satisfied that his enemy had been defeated, Lem's simulated self looked at his right hand, which had just landed the punch.

He wiped the blood from it as he checked the extent of the damage.

Immediately, he could see that he had not emerged from the fight unscathed.

His fingers were already beginning to swell, and there were already purplish lumps, signs of deep bruising. Surprisingly enough, there were no cuts. 

All of the blood had been from the sloth, indicating that the force created by the [Nine Bull Fist] had insulated him from the impact somewhat.

From his detached position, Lem was both shocked and happy. Somehow, he had already become so ferocious.

He had completely crushed a dangerous beast at the cost of a swollen hand.

His body was emanating elation. He did not even feel any pain yet due to all of the excitement.

Lem glanced at the simulation screen. The events had occurred too quickly for him to read it.

[As you are gauging your chances of defeating the sloth, it suddenly comes barreling towards you. You throw your spear at it! As it leaps out of the way, you explode towards it with the most powerful punch you have ever thrown.

In an instant, your fist comes in contact with the tyrant sloth's arm and makes a loud sound. The arm breaks and you are launched backwards, while the tyrant sloth is sent flying through air.

You quickly regain your footing and run forward, intending to finish the battle. You quickly realize that the sloth is dead. You touch it a few times, and even turn it over, but it is lifeless.]

Lem's simulated self walked over to the place where the tyrant sloth had run from.

He did not forget the odd behavior he had witnessed before being attacked.

Remembering the words of the guard, he could not help but feel anticipation.

There it was!

Immediately, he felt the pleasant sensation of spiritual energy.

He looked around, scanning the environment quickly.

Was it a fruit? Or perhaps another berry?

Trees, bushes, grass.

The feeling did not increase as he approached any of them.

It seemed to be coming from below.

He scanned the forest floor.

Leaves, twigs.

Closer.

He found a patch of earth that appeared to emanate the pleasant feeling.

There was nothing on the surface…

It must be buried somewhere underneath.

[After searching for a minute, you find a patch of ground that is saturated with spiritual energy. Without hesitating, you begin to dig.]