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The cabin was cloaked in silence, save for the crackle of the fire that flickered weakly in the hearth. The warmth from the flames spread across the room, but it did little to chase away the creeping sense of unease that clung to Yuna. The night was thick with a heavy stillness, the kind that made the air feel too tight to breathe. Outside, the creatures lurked, watching, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Yuna's fur prickled as her senses sharpened. She wasn't sure what had changed, but she could feel their presence growing stronger. Her heart thudded in her chest as the weight of the moment pressed down on her. She was still so young—too young to fight them head-on, but she wasn't helpless. Not anymore.
Her body tensed as she felt a shift in the air. They're close. The creatures were moving around the cabin, circling like predators, their footsteps silent but purposeful. Yuna could almost hear their thoughts, feel their predatory instinct. But she knew better than to engage them directly. She wasn't ready for that kind of fight. Instead, she would use what she had—if the "system" allowed it.
Taking a deep breath, Yuna focused on her connection to the system. The familiar sensation of pulling up her abilities coursed through her.
System, show me my skills.
A soft, ethereal interface appeared in the air before her eyes, a gentle glow outlining the status of her current abilities. She wasn't sure why it was called a "system," but it was the only way she knew to access her powers and keep track of them.
Yuna's Skill List
1. Forest Hunter (Lvl 1)
Effect: Increased movement speed while in forested areas.
Passive: +5% movement speed.
2. Predator (Lvl 1)
Effect: Slows and confuses the target after a successful hit.
Passive: Targets become disoriented for 2 seconds.
Active: Increases scent detection radius for 30 seconds. (Cooldown: 2 minutes)
3. Inspect (Lvl 2)
Effect: Analyze and assess others' stats and abilities.
4. Void Sense (Lvl 1)
Effect: Heightened awareness of nearby dangers. (10 meters)
Active: Temporarily grants the ability to sense hidden creatures or traps for 10 seconds. (Cooldown: 5 minutes)
5. Tail Lash (Lvl 1)
Her mind raced as she quickly scanned through the list. She had more than she realized, but the fight wasn't one she could win head-on yet. Her "Predator" skill was her best option right now, to avoid direct confrontation and get a better read on the creatures' positions.
System, activate Predator for 30 seconds.
A ripple of energy coursed through her as the skill took effect. She immediately felt the air around her shift. The scent of the creatures grew more distinct—darker, almost metallic. They were closer than she'd thought. She closed her eyes, focusing on the pulse of their movements just outside the cabin. They were circling, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Next, she turned her attention to Inspect, which would help her assess any immediate threats.
System, activate Inspect.
Her mind sharpened, and her eyes flickered over the room, focusing on the edges of the window. The creatures were faint outlines in the darkness, their glowing eyes piercing through the night like twin flames. She could see their forms now—rough shapes that blended with the shadows. The system didn't give her exact details, but it allowed her to sense where they were moving. She counted at least three in the immediate vicinity, perhaps more.
She turned to Lisa, who was still gripping Yuna tightly. There was fear in her eyes, but also a determined resolve. Yuna had to keep her focused, keep them all safe for as long as possible.
"Lisa," Yuna whispered, her voice steady despite the rising tension. "The creatures are circling the cabin. I can sense them. We need to stay calm. They'll wait until we make a mistake. But we can outlast them if we don't show fear."
Lisa nodded, though her eyes were wide with the fear of the unknown. Yuna felt the weight of that fear, but she knew the truth—showing fear would only give the creatures power.
Yuna focused again, her claws flexing as the air in the room grew thick. She had to keep watch, but there was something more important than survival alone. She had to grow. She had to learn how to use her abilities to protect those she cared about, to become more than just the scared young dragon in a strange world.
The system was her guide, but it was also just the beginning. Yuna knew she had to trust herself, too.
"Stay close," Yuna murmured, tail swishing with barely contained energy. "I won't let them get us. We'll outsmart them."
She wasn't sure how long they could last, but the creatures hadn't moved yet, not with the patience of hunters. Yuna's mind was already racing, planning, ready to do whatever it took to protect her companions.