Chapter 11: Survive 3

"Where did that spider go?" Adam wondered.

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[Alert: Host in Danger]

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The System's warning prompted Adam to leap away instantly. Umbra reappeared, striking with deadly precision. Adam's heightened speed allowed him to narrowly evade the attack.

Umbra unleashed a relentless barrage, forcing Adam to dodge and weave. Each time Adam prepared to counterattack, Umbra vanished.

Adam's frustration grew. "What's going on?"

Umbra's unpredictable tactics continued. It descended from above, only to disappear again when Adam countered.

Determined to outmaneuver the spider, Adam scrutinized his surroundings.

His gaze fell upon the shadows, and there, he found Umbra.

As their eyes met, Umbra launched a web-based assault. Adam dodged each strand with incredible agility.

The web's flammable nature and venomous properties made every dodge a life-or-death gamble.

Adam realized he needed a strategy to counter Umbra's teleportation and web attacks.

Umbra vanished right before Adam's eyes.

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[Host Skill Active: Learning (Default)]

[Analyzing Skill... Please Wait]

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The System sprang into action, alleviating some of Adam's tension. However, the venom coursing through his veins remained a pressing concern, steadily draining his health.

The System worked tirelessly, analyzing the skill. "Calculating countermeasures... Processing data..."

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[Analysis Complete: Skill Developed - Cure]

[Cure: Removes poison, initiates self-healing, resists mental attacks to a certain extent; Usage: 1 MP per second]

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The Cure skill offered a multifaceted solution. By removing toxins and promoting self-healing, Adam's health would stabilize. Additionally, Cure provided resistance to mental assaults.

Adam activated Cure without hesitation.

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[Poison Terminated by Cure]

[Host Health: 289/800]

Relief washed over Adam as his health ceased its downward spiral.

With his well-being stabilized, Adam refocused on unraveling the mystery of Umbra's teleportation.

Just then, Umbra emerged from another shadow, launching a surprise attack.

Umbra's web ensnared Adam, draining his strength. Exhaustion loomed, threatening to end his resistance.

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[Host Mana: 120/500]

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Adam assessed his dwindling mana and devised a plan. Since direct attacks proved futile, he would exploit indirect tactics.

"Please work this time," Adam whispered, determination etched on his face.

With a deep breath, Adam grasped the spider's web with his bare hands.

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[Host Positioned]

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Umbra, sensing its prey trapped, ignited the web. Flames engulfed Adam's arms, fueling agonizing pain.

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[Host Experiencing Burning Pain]

[Host Health Reduced: -20]

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As Adam clutched the web, its sticky strands bonded to his skin. The spider's venomous secretion coursed through the web, intensifying Adam's suffering.

"You're fond of making your web sticky with others, but this is your last time," Adam declared, resolve burning within.

Adam activated Kinetic Enigma, channeling the web's energy into himself.

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[Host Active Skill: Kinetic Enigma]

[Warning: Target Mana is Corrupted]

[Advised: Do Not Absorb Target Mana]

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Adam anticipated the System's caution. However, he had an unexpected countermeasure.

"I've been waiting for this moment," Adam thought.

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[Host Active Skill: Cure]

[Alert: Corrupted Mana Purified]

[Host Can Now Absorb Target Mana]

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"Exactly what I asked for... now I'll deal with you," Adam declared, pointing at Umbra.

Adam began absorbing mana from the spider web, drawing energy from the flames and venom.

As the mana flowed into him, Adam's grip on the web tightened.

With both hands, Adam devoured the web's energy, accelerating the absorption process.

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[Host Mana Increase: +10]

[Host Mana Increase: +20]

[Host Mana Increase: +30]

[Host Mana Increase: +50]

.

.

.

[Host Mana Increase: +100]

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Umbra, bewildered by Adam's sudden advantage, desperately spun more webs around him.

Unwittingly, Umbra fueled Adam's power, as the additional webs contained even more mana.

Adam's absorption rate surged, exploiting Umbra's frantic attempts.

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[Host Mana: 800/500]

[Warning: Host Mana Limit Exceeded]

[Warning: Host Advised Not to Absorb More Mana]

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Adam felt excruciating pain coursing through his veins.

Surprised by his mana limit, Adam knew releasing the web risked defeat.

[Skill Activated: Kinetic Enigma]

Adam converted excess mana into kinetic energy.

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[Host Mana decrease: -200]

[Host Mana: 550/500]

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"Just a little more," Adam gritted through pain.

Umbra's mana dwindled, its web melting.

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[Analysis Complete: Skill in Use - Giant Spider (Umbra) is using Shadow Walk]

Shadow Walk allowed Umbra to teleport between shadows.

[Developing Skill to Counter Opponent Skill - Developed Skill: Prediction]

[Prediction Skill]

Explanation: Prediction grants glimpses of the future. On non-living objects, it reveals true value. Automatically activates during surprise attacks.

Cost: 10 mana/sec into the future (e.g., 10 sec = 100 mana points)

Note: Using Prediction and Learning together yields unexpected results.

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Adam now held the key to countering Umbra's teleportation.

Acquiring the Prediction skill was a monumental surprise. This extraordinary ability catapulted Adam to unprecedented heights, rendering him nearly unbeatable.

Regaining focus, Adam turned his attention to the exhausted Umbra.

Eager to test Prediction, Adam activated the skill.

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[Skill Activated: Prediction]

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Adam sought to foresee Umbra's next attack, likely within 3-5 seconds.

Adam gazed 5 seconds into the future.

The Prediction revealed Umbra vanishing, only to reappear behind Adam.

As the vision faded, Adam returned to the present, his awareness seamless.

Adam now knew Umbra's next move: disappearance followed by a rear attack.

With this foresight, Adam prepared to counter Umbra's impending assault.

Anticipating Umbra's reappearance, Adam amassed kinetic energy in his hands.

As Umbra materialized behind Adam, he unleashed the stored energy, striking the spider's head.

The attack shattered Umbra's skull, ending the battle.

Exhausted, Adam collapsed onto his back, gasping for breath.

"If I face such foes in the future, I still have much to learn," Adam reflected, lying on the ground.

Adam's victory brought relief, but also a sobering realization: his journey was far from over.

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[Host Experience: +100]

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[Host Level up]

[Host Level: 6]

[Host Health: 99/900 (Regenerating)]

[Host Mana: 550/600]

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As Adam caught his breath, he surveyed the aftermath of the battle. Umbra's lifeless body lay before him, its massive form a testament to the spider's formidable strength.

Adam's thoughts turned to his narrow victory. "That was too close," he muttered.

Suddenly, the System's voice echoed in Adam's mind.

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[Alert: New Item Acquired - Umbra's Fang]

[Item Description: Umbra's Fang - Rare item, enhances strength and agility]

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Adam's eyes widened as he beheld the fang, now in his inventory.

Adam focused on the Umbra's Fang, intrigued by its potential.

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[Item Description: Umbra's Fang - Rare item, enhances strength and agility]

[Item Stats:

Strength +15

Agility +10

Durability +5]

[Passive Skill: Venomous Strike - 10% chance to inflict poison on target]

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Adam realized the fang's capabilities could significantly bolster his combat prowess.

"Venomous Strike's passive skill will amplify my Kinetic Enigma's damage," Adam thought.

Adam opened the System menu, eager to review his progress.

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[Host Profile:

Name: Adam bak

Level: 6

Experience: 0/600

Health: 199/900 (Regenerating)

Mana: 350/600]

[Skills:

Kinetic Enigma

Learning

Cure

Mana eyes

Prediction]

[Inventory:

Umbra's Fang

Unknown Fragment]

[Quests:

Maze Survivor (Ongoing)]

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Adam noticed the "Unknown Fragment" in his inventory.

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[Item Description: Unknown Fragment - Mysterious item, purpose unclear]

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Adam wondered about the fragment's significance.

As Adam emerged victorious, he declared, "If I get stronger, then I'll survive."

Curious about the time elapsed, Adam checked the System update.

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System Update:

[Time Remaining: 1 hour 02 minutes]

[Host Health: 199/900]

[Mana: 350/650]

[Task Progress: 38%]

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"This task is far from over. Let's go," Adam said, determination etched on his face.

Adam knew the maze still held secrets and dangers. He steeled himself for the challenges ahead.

[Alert: New Objective Unlocked - Reach Maze Core]

[Objective Description: Navigate to the maze's central hub, overcoming obstacles and enemies]

"Huhh" Adam shocked