Huff! Huff!
Zarek breathed rapidly, his chest heaving up and down.
On the ground lay the gigantic corpse of the Mad Wolf, bleeding profusely and dyeing the ground bright crimson.
"Dead! I killed the monster that wanted to kill me..." Zarek thought as he couldn't speak, a thick sense of achievement filling his heart.
The feeling was similar to when he first defeated Elden Ring's final boss.
He felt exhilarated. Even though his life was on the line and the monster could have killed him, there was no fear in his heart—only excitement.
This is it! This is what he really wanted!
In his past life, he had everything: a good head above his shoulders, handsome looks, and a wealthy family, but he still felt bored.
No amount of money or women could make him feel what he was feeling now.
A strong, decisive light flashed in his eyes.
This time he was aiming for the absolute top.
He had awakened one of the strongest classes, along with his two acquired skills. His potential was limitless.
This time he was going to be number one.
There was no need to be humble. Back on Earth, he never showed off and acted all gentle and kind, and everyone took a shit on his face.
In novels, protagonists could afford to act all humble, but reality was different.
Just as he was strengthening his resolve to get stronger, the wolf died, turning into particles of light and disappearing, leaving behind a bunch of items.
A sharp bone dagger, wolf's hide, dried meat, and a shining grey core.
"Damn, this feels like a game..." Zarek thought as he picked up the items from the ground. At least he wouldn't have to worry about food.
[Wolf's Howl Dagger: Its power is enough to pierce the defense of any creature below level 5, and its edge is capable of piercing through the defense of any armored car. When equipped: Strength +2]
The bone dagger seemed to be made from the wolf's hand bone. It measured just over half a meter in length and was as wide as a normal adult's wrist.
Zarek swung it around a couple of times to get a feel for it. Once he was satisfied, he put it down and could finally take a look at the rest of the messages.
[First monster successfully killed]
[Summon authority is activated. Mad Wolf is placed in the Infinite Summoning Space]
[Mad Wolf is ready to be summoned]
[Available summons - 1 (Use mana core to increase the capacity)]
[Infinite Summon Link is active. Linked summon - Mad Wolf]
"Infinite Summoning Space?"
Just as he thought in confusion, Zarek's perception shifted. He appeared in a strange space filled with green plains. The space wasn't big—it was large enough to be a football stadium.
A blue window welcomed him.
[Welcome to the Infinite Summoning Space. All of your summons will stay here]
[Inside the Infinite Summoning Space, your summons' natural healing speed is doubled. There is also a chance of evolving to a higher grade]
"Wait, am I here physically, or is all of this in my head?" he thought with narrowed eyes. Just a moment ago he had fought a monster. What if someone attacked him while he was here?
Just at this moment, his perception shifted strangely. Two series of visions flowed in his head: one in which his body was standing in the stony forest, and a second where he was in endless green plains.
Weird! The split view made his stomach churn.
Suddenly, Zarek turned his back. Some distance away from him stood the same Mad Wolf that he killed; however, compared to before, there was something different. There was no look of madness in its eyes.
As if sensing Zarek's gaze, a look of recognition flashed in its eyes. As if finally meeting its long-lost relative after a long time, the wolf rushed toward Zarek while letting out excited howls.
"Wait, wait..." Zarek thought while trying to back away.
He didn't notice it before because of the urgency, but the Mad Wolf was enormous, standing over six feet. Its sturdy frame rippled with thick, iron coil-like muscles beneath darkened black fur. Its elongated, razor-sharp fangs looked as if they could cut through steel itself. Both eyes were filled with hints of suppressed madness. Its tail was like a gigantic hammer, excitedly sweeping through the air.
Zarek's words had no effect on the wolf. The next moment, the gigantic creature was licking Zarek's face with affection, its overflowing saliva drenching Zarek from head to toe.
Zarek just watched this scene with a strange feeling in his heart. He didn't know what to feel, after all, just a moment ago he had killed this very monster.
Just then, another window flashed in front of him.
[Click to check Mad Wolf's status]
He didn't immediately click. First, he confirmed there was no immediate danger, then only did he click on the window. After all, he was curious to see what its stats were.
[Mad Wolf]
[Monster Grade - First Sequence, Common]
[Class - First Sequence Rare Grade, Mad Berserker
[Title - N/A]
[Level - 1]
[Strength - 1.6]
[Agility - 1.8]
[Perception - 1.9]
[Physique - 1.4]
[Mana - 1.9]
[Unassigned Stat Points - 1]
[Class Skills - First Sequence Aura of Madness Level 2]
[Acquired Skills - First Sequence Stealth Level 1, First Sequence Bite Level 1]
According to his memories, everything in this world was divided into sequences from First to Ninth. Moreover, items, monsters, and classes were further divided into five grades.
Common, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and finally Ultimate.
First Sequence Common grade, First Sequence Epic grade, etc., depending on their strength and potential.
"Hmm, didn't I also have one item in the inventory?" Zarek pondered. He recalled seeing an item being mentioned in his inventory. Moreover, it wasn't any item, but a high-grade one.
However, before he could think about anything further, he felt violent movement outside. Something was moving closer in his direction.
Immediately, Zarek focused back on the Stone Forest.
From his north, three Mad Wolves were charging in his direction, their eyes filled with madness.
The moment their eyes landed on Zarek, all three of them let out a terrifying howl.
Zarek, however, wasn't shaken. A strong glint of coldness flashed in his eyes.
"Come, all of you come..."