Dracina’s warning was clear in his head, but Ryu didn’t back down.
’Group-type, huh... so others must be nearby. Still, if I can freeze this one quickly—’
Runa raised her metal spear again. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation as she said, "Let’s make it quick, Ryu."
The hyena snarled, but before it could pounce, Ryu unleashed his [Frost Breath] in a sharp burst. The freezing mist clouded the hyena’s legs, slowing it down.
Runa didn’t miss the opening.
Her spear flashed like lightning, piercing through the creature’s ribs. "Puchi"
The hyena yelped and collapsed with a thud.
[ Skill and Bloodline Extraction Available ]
Ryu ran up and pressed his paw to the fallen body again.
• [ Acquired In Archive: Skill – Sonic Snarl (F) ]
Releases a high-pitched soundwave to disorient targets and briefly lower their agility.
[ Acquired: Bloodline – Bluefang Hyena (F) ]
’Another speed-type skill... nice. But I won’t fuse it yet. Not until I test the Moth one during night travel.’
’Still, I need a better attack type skill soon. Frost breath isn’t that effective.’
’But what about the bloodline? I can’t waste it. This meat isn’t edible anyway. I will extract it when she distracted.’
Just then, more rustling echoed from nearby bushes. Three more hyenas emerged, eyes glowing menacingly.
"Three of them? Tsk." Runa crouched low, readying herself.
"Ryu, can you take the left one? If so, give me a nod."
He didn’t need her order to move. He charged toward the creature on the left, his claws gleaming under the Sunlight.
In a flash, he closed the distance and rammed into its side.
Too light. Need more impact. I need... more power.
The hyena swiped at him with sharp claws, grazing his shoulder slightly, but before it could do more, Runa landed behind the second one and skewered it through the back.
Ryu took a deep breath and released another [Frost Breath]—this time, catching both the wounded one and the third mid-charge.
"Nice one, Ryu!" Runa called out as she battled the immobilized one cleanly.
’This is the chance. She is distracted.’
Ryu went to each fallen creature and performed stealthy extractions on them.
• [ Acquired: Bloodline – Bluefang Hyena (F) x3 ]
• [ Acquired: Skill – Razor Swipe (F) ]
A precise, high-speed slash using claws.
• [ Acquired: Skill – Night Prowl (F) ]
Temporarily boosts stealth and movement speed during nighttime or in darkness.
Now his Archive was growing rapidly.
This forest might be a threat, but it’s also a treasure trove.
"Huh? What are you doing, Ryu?"
Suddenly, Runa’s eyes snapped toward him and the fallen corpses.
Her gaze narrowed as she noticed the bodies of the beasts they had slain, all dried up and unnaturally shriveled.
She came closer and studied them closely.
"They... they look drained. Completely dried. Ryu, did you do this?" she asked, her tone suddenly serious for the first time.
’Crap. I’ve been caught. What was I even thinking, performing bloodline extractions in broad daylight? Of course she’d notice the corpses... I was too impatient.’
Struck with panic, Ryu’s eyes darted around nervously.
’Will she kill me now? Or worse, think I’m some kind of demonic creature?’
His small dragon body trembled, unsure of what her next words would be.
Her eyes darted between the dried-up husks and the nervous baby dragon trying to avert his gaze.
"This isn’t normal. These bodies... They’ve been drained of life."
She crouched beside one of the corpses, brushing her fingers over the flaky hide. Her expression darkened.
"Not just blood. It’s like something sucked the very essence out of them."
Ryu gulped inwardly. His claws twitched.
He braced himself for a strike. For an accusation. Maybe even an attack.
"I see," Runa suddenly said as if understood everything. "So this is your power, isn’t it?"
"You absorbed something from them. You’re not just a Frost Dragon. You’re a variant Frost Dragon who had the power of absorption."
’Hell, why does your guess is so correct, little girl? If this goes on, won’t you strip me off all my secrets? That’s terrifying.’
Ryu froze in place. His tail stiffened. He didn’t nod. He didn’t deny. He simply looked at her and awaited for her judgement.
Runa stared back for a long moment. Then, to his utter shock, she let out a small sigh.
"Sigh, no need to be afraid, Ryu. You’re not the only strange one, you know?"
Ryu’s eyes widened. ’What was she talking about?’
Runa smiled, though it was mixed with something more somber. "I don’t know what you’re doing to them, Ryu. But if it’s making you stronger, and you’re still you, then I won’t stop you."
She stood up and brushed off her hands. "Just don’t lose yourself. Okay?"
Ryu blinked. Then exhaled a breath of relief.
Slowly, he bobbed his small head up and down.
"Good!" Runa smiled happily before walking away.
Runa wasn’t just unusually strong. She’s unusually accepting. Too accepting. Who exactly is she?
Can such kind person really exist?
He wasn’t completely sure if she accepted this part of him, or plotting something in secret. So he decided to be more careful around her.
Or it could be just him, who was struggling to believe the unexpected fondness showered upon him.
Nevertheless, there was a deeper understanding between the two from then on.
They continued searching for prey, and by the time they returned, the sun was high above their heads. Noon had already arrived.
Ryu and Runa stepped back into the Protected House, carrying edible meat and some valuable materials, such as strong bones that Runa claimed were worth something in human settlements.
She hadn’t yet mentioned where those settlements were located, but it was comforting for Ryu to know that humans still existed beyond this forest.
Inside the house, an awkward silence settled between them. Then, after a few minutes later, Runa yawned and drifted off into a light sleep.
Ryu, meanwhile, stayed awake and focused on strengthening himself once again.