Chapter 12: August at Level 5!
Year 0002, II-III Month: The Imperium
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The Blossoming of Spring, The Beast
The once frostbitten land had finally shed its winter cloak, revealing a vibrant landscape teeming with life. Ancient trees of various hues stood tall, their blossoms painting the horizon in shades of red, pink, gold, and emerald green. The air was thick with the symphony of nature: the melodic hum of insects, the cheerful chirping of birds, and the distant calls of beasts, all harmonizing in the eternal rhythm of the wild.
A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh blooms and damp earth, mingling with the earthy musk of creatures that prowled the forest floor. This was the season of rebirth, a time when the frozen slumber of winter gave way to the exuberant chaos of new life.
Deep within the forest, nestled in a hidden cavern with a narrow crevice just large enough to fit a boy's body, August lay in wait. His keen eyes, sharp as any predators, were locked onto a Boarat—or, as it was officially recorded in the Beast Index, a Skitterpig.
This peculiar creature straddled the line between predator and prey. Its body was primarily that of a wild boar, stocky and muscular, covered in coarse hair that ranged from russet to deep brown. But unlike a common boar, its hooves had evolved into sharp, curved claws, allowing for both swift movement across varied terrain and devastating strikes against enemies. A long, whip-like tail extended from its rear, resembling that of a rat, with sparse bristles that twitched constantly, sensing changes in air currents. Its face, too, bore a rodent-like elongation, though it was lined with jagged tusks protruding outward like lethal daggers, capable of ripping through hide and sinew with terrifying ease.
The Boarat's size, intelligence, and overall lethality varied depending on three key factors: its maturity, its rarity, and its rank within the species hierarchy. August had learned to identify these traits through careful observation, noting subtle differences in coloration, posture, and behavior.
In this world, the higher a beast's rank and rarity, the more dangerous it became. Not only did its physical capabilities increase—speed, strength, endurance—but its cognitive functions evolved as well. More intelligent beasts adapted to combat strategies, predicted movements, and even worked together to eliminate threats. Some developed rudimentary magical abilities, making them all the more formidable.
And that was precisely why survival in the wild was never guaranteed. Even a seasoned hunter could fall prey to the unexpected, a miscalculation, or simple bad luck. The great forests were so beautiful, yes, but it was beautiful in the way a sword's edge catches the light—alluring and deadly in equal measure.
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An Easy Target
For August, however, the Boarat was neither a threat nor a mystery.
It was merely food and experience points.
Through days of careful observation and meticulous documentation, he had discovered that every beast that roamed the forest possessed levels, ranks, and rarity tiers just as he did. This knowledge had transformed his understanding of the world. No longer was he wandering blindly; now he moved with purpose, selecting targets that would maximize his growth while minimizing risk.
The Boarat species, he had learned, came in various ranks and rarities: Common (*) served as the baseline, followed by the Soldier (**), Commander (***), and the formidable Boss (****). Their rarity levels ranged from Novice, with their dull grey hue, to the almost mythical Heroic specimens that glowed with an intense red aura.
His current target?
A Level 3 Boarat, Common (*) Rank, Novice Rarity.
It was weak—at least compared to stronger beasts in the ecosystem. More importantly, it was one level lower than him, giving August a critical advantage in this encounter. The beast foraged carelessly, unaware of the danger lurking mere yards away. Its tusks scraped against the bark of a fallen tree as it searched for grubs and roots, making enough noise to mask August's controlled breathing.
As of now, August was Level 4, with his experience bar sitting at 7,000/8,000. Just one thousand more points and he would ascend to Level 5—a milestone that had become his obsession over the past weeks. Each level brought new abilities, increased stats, and a better chance of survival in this unforgiving world.
Unlike the former game-like trope of traditional hunting methods from his previous life before, where one might harvest specific parts of an animal—meat, tusks, bones—his [Loot System] granted him the entire beast as an additional reward. The creature's essence was somehow compressed into a form he could store and utilize later. He didn't fully understand the mechanics behind it, but he knew it was effective.
A true hunter's blessing, and one he intended to exploit to its fullest potential.
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A Hunter's Daily Routine
August was not hunting simply for sport or sustenance. This was a Daily Mission assigned by his [System], a new system update he had received the previous week or so after unlocking his [Personal Panel]. The missions varied daily, testing different skills and pushing him to explore new areas of the forest.
Today's task was straightforward: Hunt 5 Common Rank Boarats.
There were no specific conditions—just kill five of them, and the rewards would be his. The time limit was imposed within the day, but August preferred efficiency. The sooner he completed the mission, the sooner he could return to the relative safety of the village, where his LEVEL 1 PATCHED WALLS and vigilant guard The "System" kept the more dangerous beasts at bay.
His incentive for today's hunt? A generous 500 XP on top of the Common Ranked Boarats XP points he would hunt along with their meat and usable body parts, and , a new novice bow set of superior quality, and a freshly stocked quiver full of arrows upon completion.
This was a godsend, as the Chief's novice simple bow—which he had taken from the hut after his eventual search of the village—was beginning to show signs of wear. The drawstring had frayed from his constant use for practice and recent hunts, and the limbs had begun to lose their elasticity, reducing both range and power. The arrows, too, were becoming sparse, many lost or broken during previous training and hunts.
A better bow meant higher accuracy, greater penetration, and more efficient kills. And efficiency was everything in the wild, where each moment spent exposed was a moment of vulnerability.
August had already taken down four Common Rank Boarats this morning. Their carcasses were stashed safely on top of the tall trees, marked with subtle signs only he would recognize. The final kill would complete his mission and push him over the threshold into Level 5—a prospect that filled him with anticipation.
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The Begins
August exhaled slowly, steadying his breath. The morning dew had long since evaporated, leaving the air crisp and clear. He had been tracking this particular Boarat for nearly twenty minutes, observing its patterns, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Now was that moment.
With fluid precision honed through countless hours of practice, he drew the bow's string back to his cheek. The familiar tension in his shoulders grounded him, focusing his mind. He aimed carefully, accounting for distance, wind, and the creature's potential movement.
Then he loosed an arrow, swiftly knocked another, and fired again in rapid succession.
*Puikk! Puikk!*
Both arrows struck true, embedding deep into the Boarat's side between its ribs. The beast shrieked in agony, its cries echoing through the dense woodland, sending birds scattering from nearby branches in a flurry of wings.
*Oiiiiinnnkkkk!*
As expected, it bolted, crashing through underbrush in a desperate bid for escape.
But August remained calm. He knew this dance well, and had performed it countless times before. There was no need for haste or panic.
The creature was bleeding profusely, leaving a trail of crimson droplets that glistened on leaves and stones. Chasing it immediately would be a waste of energy and potentially dangerous if it decided to turn and fight in its wounded state. Instead, he followed at a steady pace, maintaining keen awareness of his surroundings.
The metallic scent of blood would attract predators—creatures far deadlier than a mere Boarat. Grimfangs, Peregrine Eagles, and other Boarats might be drawn to the commotion and the promise of an easy meal.
He needed to be quick, but not careless. In this world, carelessness was often fatal.
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The Hunt Continues
After a short but patient pursuit, the Boarat's pace slowed noticeably. Its tracks became erratic, veering from side to side as it stumbled through the undergrowth. The blood trail grew heavier, forming small pools rather than isolated drops.
Then, at last, it collapsed in a small clearing, its legs finally giving out beneath its substantial weight.
Its body twitched spasmodically, the last remnants of life flickering in its dulling eyes as blood pooled beneath it, turning the soil dark and sodden. Steam rose from the wound in the cold morning air, a visible manifestation of life's warmth escaping into the atmosphere.
August didn't hesitate or show mercy. Such sentiments had no place in the wilds.
He knocked another arrow, aimed carefully at the beast's eye—a direct path to its brain—and fired with practiced precision.
*Thwip!*
The arrow found its mark, and the beast went still, its final breath escaping in a soft wheeze. The forest seemed to pause momentarily, acknowledging the transition from life to death, before resuming its endless cycle.
[DING! YOU KILLED A LEVEL 3 BOARAT, +45 XP]
The familiar notification chimed in August's mind, confirming the kill. But what followed sent a surge of excitement through his entire body.
[ DING! DAILY MISSION COMPLETE:
REWARDS:
+500 XP,
[COMMON QUIVER, BOW AND ARROW] - (CLASS II-NOVICE
+40 ATTACK(×2),
+12 ARROWS,
(WHEN EQUIPPED)] ]
And then, the moment he had been striving for:
[ DING! CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE LEVELED UP TO LEVEL 5! +2 TO ALL STATS AND SUB-STATS! ]
But the System wasn't finished. Another notification appeared, one that August hadn't anticipated:
[ DING! ADDITIONAL REWARDS UNLOCKED – PRE-REQUISITE COMPLETED: ]
• MAGIC STAT UNLOCKED
• MAGIC ATTACK & MAGIC DEFENSE SUB-STATS UNLOCKED
[ PREREQUISITE MET: 10 POINTS IN INTELLIGENCE, LEVEL 5 ]
[ SYSTEM ADMIN MAGNUS: MASTER AUGUST, YOU ARE NOW ELIGIBLE TO USE MAGIC. CONGRATULATIONS! ]
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A New Path: Magic?!?
A wave of exhilaration surged through August's body, warming him from within despite the cool forest air. His heart pounded against his ribs as the implications of this development registered in his mind.
"Hahahahaha! I've done it now!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement. "YEEEEAAAAHHHH!"
A triumphant laugh escaped his lips, his voice carrying through the trees and startling a nearby flock of birds into flight. Their wings beat frantically against the air as they scattered, momentarily drawing August's gaze skyward.
For the first time since receiving his new found power, The "System", he had unlocked magic—the ability that separated the New Human Centuurians from the rest of the world, at least those in the continent of Arkanus labeled as the New Centuurians. Those whose blood flows with the Arkanian blood and born from the previous Arkanus Empire thousands of years ago, an evolved human body with two beating but distinct hearts, one for human blood and the other one, that can generate mama and then magic.
It was far more superior from their old bodies as Old Centuurians, a new form forged from those who could truly thrive in this dangerous realm. He had seen village elders perform minor feats of magic before: calling small flames to light hearths, easing pain with glowing hands, predicting weather changes with mysterious accuracy. But now, this power would be his to explore and master.
He clenched his fists, excitement bubbling in his chest as he imagined the possibilities. Would he be able to summon fire? Heal wounds? Create barriers against dangerous beasts?
"Hmm... So can I also cast magic now? But how does it work?" he murmured, his brow furrowing in concentration. He extended his hand, half-expecting energy to crackle at his fingertips, but nothing happened. Clearly, there was more to learn about this new ability.
His mind raced with possibilities and questions, but his thoughts were abruptly interrupted—
*Rustling...*
Something moved within the nearby bushes, disturbing the natural stillness of the forest. The sound was subtle but unmistakable to August's trained ears.
August's instincts kicked in immediately. His celebratory mood vanished, replaced by cold focus as adrenaline flooded his system. His hand moved automatically to his bow, fingers finding an arrow from his dwindling supply.
He was still in the wild.
Still vulnerable.
Still a potential meal for something lurking in the shadows.
Taking a deep breath, he collected himself, scanning the underbrush for movement. After several tense moments, a small rabbiet scurried out from the bushes, paused to look at him with beady eyes, then disappeared into another patch of vegetation.
August exhaled slowly, his shoulders relaxing incrementally. "Right... I'll figure this out back at the village," he decided, his voice barely above a whisper.
With that resolution firmly in mind, he slung his bow across his back and grabbed the Boarat's carcass by its hind legs. The creature was heavy, its bulk nearly as large as August himself, and he could only carry one at a time. It would take multiple trips back and forth to retrieve all his kills, from the top of tall trees where he hid them.
But he didn't mind the extra work. Each trip was an opportunity to observe the forest, to learn its rhythms and patterns. Knowledge was as valuable as experience points in this world.
Even as a smug grin crept across his face at the thought of showing off his new bow to the Gel, his mind remained sharp, his senses alert. The stench of blood clung to him like a beacon—one that could lure predators at any moment. He moved with purpose but caution, eyes constantly scanning the trees and underbrush.
Because in this world, hesitation meant death.
And survival belonged to the fittest.
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The [Information] Panel
**Beast Stat/Sub-stat under the Host's Game-like System**
**Regular Beast Type**
**[Rank]**
- Common (*): Multiplies stats/sub-stats by 5
- Soldier (**): Multiplies stats/sub-stats by 6
- Commander (***): Multiplies stats/sub-stats by 7
- Boss (****): Multiplies stats/sub-stats by 8
**[Rarity]**
- Novice (Dull Grey): Level 1-10 (+5 base stat/sub-stat)
- Average (White): Level 1-15 (+5 base stat/sub-stat)
- Advanced (Blue): Level 1-20 (+5 base stat/sub-stat)
- Expert (Purple): Level 1-25 (+6 base stat/sub-stat)
- Heroic (Red): Level 1-30 (+6 base stat/sub-stat)
- Legendary (Amber): Level 1-50 (+8 base stat/sub-stat)
- Mythical (Ethereal Green): Level 1-75 (+10 base stat/sub-stat)
**Guardian Beast Type**
Unified Base Stat/Sub-Stat per Level: +10
**[Rank]**
- Common (*): Multiplies stats/sub-stats by 10
- Soldier (**): Multiplies stats/sub-stats by 10
- Commander (***): Multiplies stats/sub-stats by 10
- Boss (****): Multiplies stats/sub-stats by 10
**[Rarity]**
- Novice (Dull Grey): Level 1-30
- Average (White): Level 31-60
- Advanced (Blue): Level 61-90
- Expert (Purple): Level 91-120
- Heroic (Red): Level 121-180
- Legendary (Amber): Level 181-200
- Mythical (Ethereal Green): Level 201-250
- Deity (Black): Level 251+
Experience points for Regular Beasts range from 10-75 XP per level, while Guardian Beasts grant 5-100 XP per level.
**Beast Experience Points When Slain Under the Host's Game-like System**
**Regular Beast Type**
- Novice (Dull Grey): Level 1-10 × (10-15 XP) = 10/100 - 15/150 XP
- Average (White): Level 1-15 × (15-25 XP) = 15/225 - 25/375 XP
- Advanced (Blue): Level 1-20 × (25-35 XP) = 25/500 - 35/700 XP
- Expert (Purple): Level 1-25 × (35-45 XP) = 35/875 - 45/1,125 XP
- Heroic (Red): Level 1-30 × (45-55 XP) = 45/1,350 - 55/1,650 XP
- Legendary (Amber): Level 1-50 × (55-65 XP) = 55/2,750 - 65/3,250 XP
- Mythical (Ethereal Green): Level 1-75 × (65-75 XP) = 65/4,875 - 75/5,625 XP
In total the amount of XP earned from slaying a Mythical Regular Beast: would be 10,675 - 12,875 XP, stacking its rank and rarity level from novice to mythical.
**Guardian Beast Type**
- Novice (Dull Grey): Level 1-30 × (5-10 XP) = 5/150 - 10/300 XP
- Average (White): Level 31-60 × (10-15 XP) = 310/465 - 610/900 XP
- Advanced (Blue): Level 61-90 × (15-25 XP) = 915/1,350 - 1,525/2,250 XP
- Expert (Purple): Level 91-120 × (25-35 XP) = 2,272/3,000 - 3,185/4,200 XP
- Heroic (Red): Level 121-180 × (35-75 XP) = 4,235/6,300 - 9,075/13,500 XP
- Legendary (Amber): Level 181-200 × (75-85 XP) = 13,575/15,000 - 15,385/17,000 XP
- Mythical (Ethereal Green): Level 201-250 × (85-100 XP) = 17,085/21,250 - 20,100/25,000 XP
- Deity (Black): Level 251+ × (101 XP) = 25,351 XP
Unlike the regular beast if you managed to kill a Guardian Beast no additional experience points are gained from stacking its rank and rarity levels from (Novice to Deity).
**Health of Beasts Under the Host's Game-like System**
**Regular Beast Type**
Natural-born beasts or regular beasts with no influence from the world system.
Would automatically gain +100 HP/MP per level.
**Guardian Beast Type**
They are former regular beasts that have either received the blessing of the world system or direct pets of the gods.
Gain +150 HP/MP per level.