Project Nexus: Beyond Reality
Episode 7: A Sudden Challenge
After explaining the leveling system and battle formations, Renji's party decided to push deeper into the forest. The sun had started its descent, casting a golden glow through the thick canopy of trees. The team walked at a steady pace, their spirits high after their earlier victories.
Kai stretched his arms and grinned. "Man, that was some fight back there! Those hyenas almost chewed me up."
Leon smirked. "That's what happens when you put all your points into strength and forget that you need to, you know, survive."
Kai scoffed. "If I just had better armor, I'd be unstoppable."
Airi, who had been quietly walking ahead, turned her head slightly. "You'd also be slower," she pointed out. "Heavy armor would ruin your attack speed. You'd need agility to compensate."
Kai groaned. "Ugh, fine, I get it. Maybe I'll put some points into endurance next time."
Eve chuckled. "Or you could just let us do the work while you stay in the back and flex your muscles."
The group laughed, enjoying the moment of peace. For the first time since they entered Nexus Cloud, Renji felt a deep sense of camaraderie. It was strange. These people were strangers just hours ago, yet now they felt like a real team.
But their moment of rest didn't last long.
A sudden roar echoed through the forest. The ground beneath them trembled slightly. Birds scattered from the trees.
Renji's grip tightened around his sword. "Something's coming."
From the dense shadows of the trees, a massive armored boar emerged. It was at least twice the size of a normal one, with curved black tusks that gleamed under the sunlight. The monster's eyes burned red, and its thick hide was covered in patches of iron-like plating.
[Iron-Tusk Boar – Level 6]
Leon's eyes widened. "That thing's two levels above us!"
Kai grinned and cracked his knuckles. "Perfect. I wanted a challenge."
Renji narrowed his eyes. This wasn't like the weak monsters they had fought before. If they weren't careful, someone could get seriously hurt.
"Formation," he commanded. "Eve and Leon, stun it first. Kai, wait for my signal before attacking. Airi, keep your distance and go for the weak spots."
The team fell into position.
Leon moved first, dashing to the side and slashing at the boar's leg. The monster barely flinched, but just as it turned to charge at him, Eve appeared from behind, landing a quick stab with her dagger to the back of its neck.
The Iron-Tusk Boar staggered slightly—stunned.
"Now, Kai!" Renji called out.
Kai let out a battle cry and lunged forward, bringing his greatsword down with full force. The blade crashed against the boar's armor, sending a loud clang through the air. The attack was strong, but the boar wasn't down yet.
Airi's arrows whizzed past, striking the joints between the monster's armor plates. Small chunks of health chipped away, but the boar roared and retaliated.
It charged forward at full speed, heading straight for Kai.
"Dodge!" Renji yelled.
Kai tried to sidestep, but he wasn't fast enough. The boar's tusks slammed into his chest, sending him flying backward into a tree. His health bar plummeted into the red zone.
"Damn… that hurt…" Kai groaned, trying to push himself up.
Eve rushed over and shoved a health potion into his hand. "Drink."
Renji exhaled sharply. This was tougher than expected.
"We need to end this fast," he muttered.
He adjusted his grip on his sword and activated his Agility Boost, dashing towards the boar at full speed. The moment it turned to face him, Leon leapt onto its back, stabbing his rapier into its exposed neck.
The monster screeched in pain.
Now was the time.
Renji spun his sword and delivered a powerful slash straight to the boar's head. The blade pierced through, and with one final roar, the Iron-Tusk Boar collapsed.
[Iron-Tusk Boar defeated! All party members gain EXP.]
Renji panted, wiping sweat from his brow. "That… was rough."
Kai grinned, despite his injuries. "We totally wrecked it, though."
Airi walked over and checked the loot. "Looks like it dropped some rare materials. This could be useful later."
Eve sighed in relief. "At least we know we can take on bigger monsters."
Renji looked at his status window. He had leveled up to Level 5. The rest of the team had, too.
They were getting stronger.
And they would need that strength. Because something about this game… felt too real.
To be continued...