The silence in the forest was oppressive, unnatural. Not the calming silence of nature—but the tension leading up to something breaking. Zayn had no map, no guide, but a dim trail of red that glowed fitfully in the dark—Bloodsense still activated, just barely flickering on his HUD.
His progress was with experienced caution, not training, but reflex. He was following something… someone. The bandit who had stabbed him.
Why? Even he didn't know. Revenge? Closure? Maybe it was just the only thing that made sense.
System Notification:
Bloodsense timer increased by 30 seconds due to emotional resonance.
New Trait Unlocked: Blood Memory (Passive Lv. 1)
- When faced with a personal blood trail, gain shreds of emotional memory. Lasts: 10s
Zayn blinked. A flash—smoke-blackened trees, a child's yell, the grip of a knife handle. Not a memory… someone else's.
He shook it off.
The way led him to a hollowed log. He moved quietly, crouched low to the ground. No sound.
Then—movement.
A knife shot out. He jumped aside in time. The bandit from before emerged, injured but alive, eyes wild.
"You should be dead."
"So do I," Zayn replied, himself calm.
The bandit attacked, but Zayn was already on his feet. His dagger slid off the bandit's rib. Blood splattered—
Skill Learned: Blood Echo – Lv. 1
- Gain temporary stats based on enemy's life when blood is drawn. Duration: 20 seconds.
Zayn felt it—a rush of energy, clarity. His stance shifted. One breath, one unadulterated attack. The bandit was motionless.
Zayn stood over the body, cold heart.
He did not improve. Only… colder.