Tutorial (16)–Ironblood Regeneration.....

  -----

  Up in the sky, the sun was shining brightly, its golden rays piercing through the thick canopy of trees above.

  The warm light created shifting patterns on the ground as the clouds passed by lazily, drifting like white sails across a blue ocean.

  It was afternoon time—peaceful and calm.

  But I didn’t have the time or the luxury to focus onto that.

  "Krrrrrrgh!!"

  A low, guttural growl rolled through the forest, deep and vibrating through the very earth beneath my feet.

  In front of me stood the Ironhide Bear, massive and towering.

  Its crimson-streaked fur shimmered like burning iron in the sunlight.

  Its eyes glowed with primal bloodlust.

  The ground trembled slightly under its weight as it pawed at the dirt, ready to launch its attack.

  'Hoo!'

  But before he could move, I charged ahead.

  My legs pumped hard against the dirt-covered ground, and my footsteps echoed in the open forest.

  Dust and dry leaves swirled around me as I dashed forward.

  My hands clenched tightly onto my weapons—my short sword in my right and my dagger in my left, both gleaming faintly under the sunlight.

  The Ironhide Bear responded instantly, raising one of its massive claws.

  The thick nails on its paw shimmered red—pulsing, glowing unnaturally.

  They began to extend, growing longer and sharper before my eyes like forged blades being drawn from molten steel.

  Iron Claw.

  It swung its claws with terrifying speed, a blur of raw power.

  But I ducked under the swing and dodged it just in time.

  A gust of wind slammed into me as the claws missed by inches.

  His claws crashed into the ground with a BOOM, carving a deep gouge into the soil.

  Dirt and pebbles exploded upward, scattering like shrapnel.

  I didn’t hesitate.

  I moved swiftly to the side and stabbed the bear’s front leg with my sword.

  The blade pierced through the tough outer hide and sank into the thick muscle beneath.

  With a forceful twist, I ripped the blade free.

  "Krrr!!"

  He roared in pain, his voice booming and shaking the branches above.

  Blood burst out of the wound in dark red jets, staining the forest floor beneath him.

  But then—something strange happened.

  The bleeding slowed.

  The torn muscles began to knit themselves back together.

  The hide reformed—layer by layer—until the injury was no more.

  'What?'

  I took a step back, eyes narrowing.

  His claws once again came swinging toward me, violent and quick.

  But I backed away at the correct moment, sliding across the ground to avoid the strike.

  I raised my gaze to meet his eyes again.

  And his injury was completely healed.

  Not a scar. Not even a bruise.

  'So he possesses a hidden skill.'

  I bit my lip.

  Some monsters were born with rare, powerful racial traits—hidden skills passed down from ancient lines.

  This one had it.

  The hidden skill of the Ironhide Bear—Ironblood Regeneration, a legendary trait that allowed it to heal any injury in seconds.

  Which I need.

  A twisted grin tugged at my lips despite the situation.

  'Well, should I call it luck?'

  Because if this beast had that skill, and I consumed its heart—there was a good chance I could obtain it too.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  'But that was also a problem.'

  A huge problem.

  This type of Ironhide Bear had just three weaknesses—and all of them came with their own risks.

  The first was its heart.

  But that was off-limits.

  I needed it intact and fresh to absorb the ability, so destroying it in battle wasn’t an option.

  The second was its neck, one of the few softer parts on its body—but that area was far more protected than the rest, with layers of thick muscle and dense, overlapping hide.

  Reaching it wouldn’t be easy.

  And the third?

  Causing massive, overwhelming injury—enough to force his regeneration into overdrive and exhaust it.

  'Basically, I had to outpace his healing with sheer brutality.'

  I exhaled slowly, calming my pulse.

  I didn’t have time to think.

  "Krrrrrrgh!!"

  The bear came charging at me, its hulking form barreling forward like a runaway boulder.

  Each step pounded against the earth with deafening thuds, sending tremors through the soil.

  The ground vibrated under his sheer weight, leaves rustling and smaller creatures scurrying away in panic.

  His massive palm suddenly folded inward like a giant's fist.

  It began to glow a deep crimson, pulsating with heat and raw energy, and in a terrifying instant, the size of the fist enlarged, muscle and bone shifting grotesquely beneath the skin.

  Earth Slam.

  And then—just like a hammer swung by an angry god—it came down with terrifying force.

  "Hoo!" I exhaled sharply, reacting on instinct.

  I sidestepped quickly, the wind from the blow brushing past my face like a scorching wave.

  His fist smashed into the ground just inches from where I stood.

  CRACK!

  The ground shattered violently, sending chunks of dirt and rock flying in all directions.

  The force of impact made the earth beneath my feet tremble again, cracks spiderwebbing outward from the point of contact.

  But I didn’t miss the chance.

  As dust exploded upward, I darted forward and closed the distance between us, circling around the behemoth’s side.

  My legs pushed off with force, and I launched myself onto his massive back.

  His fur was rough like old steel wool, and the heat radiating from his body made it feel like I was climbing a furnace.

  Gripping tight with my legs, I thrusted forward my sword with all my strength.

  "Krr!!"

  He roared, a furious blast of sound that rattled my eardrums and echoed through the forest like a cannon blast.

  But I didn’t budge.

  I held on tight, the hilt of my sword anchoring me to his body, and with my free hand, I began slashing and stabbing with my dagger.

  The blade bit into his flesh over and over again, sending splashes of dark red blood flying.

  The bear howled and began to thrash, trying to throw me off.

  His thick arms jerked upward, claws stretching back, but his size worked against him—his limbs couldn’t reach his own back.

  But then—it happened.

  His entire body began to glow red.

  A strange, unnatural heat shimmered from his skin.

  His hide hardened, pulsing with an eerie light, and the muscles beneath the skin tightened like forged steel cables.

  Iron Defense.

  Suddenly, the blade of my sword began to slip, unable to maintain a firm hold in the now-armored hide.

  My dagger met resistance, each stab now feeling like I was scraping metal rather than tearing flesh.

  'Damn it.'

  I gritted my teeth and, realizing the danger, yanked both weapons free and leapt off his back just as he began shaking violently—his entire body a flurry of violent motion.

  "Krrrrrrgh!!"

  He turned with thunderous rage, locking his red, glowing eyes onto me like a predator who's been wounded and humiliated.

  His claws gleamed once more—razor-sharp, red-hot—and then he lunged.

  He came at me with a fury of attacks, swinging, swiping, slamming, roaring.

  But despite the raw power behind his strikes, he was still slow.

  Heavy and predictable.

  I weaved between each swing, ducking, rolling, dodging with everything I had.

  His attacks met nothing but empty air, grass, or bark.

  I took the opportunity and went in for swift slashes at his legs, his waist, any area I could reach.

  Each cut was fast, precise.

  But the wounds didn’t stay.

  His healing was absurd—the gashes closed rapidly, as if time itself was rewinding on his body.

  Blood disappeared, torn flesh resealed.

  'Damn it.'

  Even though I hadn’t been hit, I realized I was the one at a disadvantage.

  [Your fatigue is above 60!]

  The system warning blinked at the corner of my vision.

  My breathing grew heavier.

  Sweat clung to my face.

  Muscles burned.

  And still—the bear came at me, faster, angrier, more aggressive.

  I turned around and began to run, darting between trees and leaping over roots.

  Behind me, the Ironhide Bear followed, snarling and tearing through anything in his path like a living avalanche.

  Ahead of me, a large tree came into view—tall and sturdy.

  'Alright, let’s do it.'

  I adjusted my grip on my weapons and shifted my momentum forward.

  As I reached the base of the tree—

  Thud!

  My shoes slammed against the bark and I pushed off it with a forceful jump, using it like a springboard.

  I spun midair, a full backflip, twisting gracefully just as the bear’s claws tore through the space where I had been.

  CRACK!!

  His claws crashed into the tree with such power that it splintered, the massive trunk cracking with a deep groan.

  But I was already airborne, descending behind him like a shadow.

  With all the strength left in my arms, I plunged my sword and dagger into his back.

  The blades tore through the hide, finally finding purchase in the thinner armor around his spine.

  A sickening crunch and squelch echoed out.

  Blood erupted, warm and thick, painting the air red.

  The bear let out a thunderous cry of pain, his body shaking under the impact.

  But I didn’t let go.

  I gritted my teeth, twisted the blades deeper, forcing the wounds to stay open longer.

  He stumbled forward, then began to sway.

  And finally—

  Thud!

  His massive body collapsed to the ground with an earthshaking crash.

  Dust and leaves flew into the air around us.

  The forest fell eerily silent.

  [You’ve slain an Ironhide Bear!]

  The message blinked in front of me, confirming his end.

  "Hooo!"

  I let out air and sat down for a moment, my chest heaving with exhaustion.

  My arms felt heavy, and my muscles burned like they had been set aflame from the inside.

  My breath came in ragged gasps, fogging in the cool forest air, while the silence after the battle weighed heavily around me like a fog of aftermath.

  And then, despite the ache in my bones, I began to extract his heart.

  Firstly, I turned around his body.

  It was massive and unmoving now, the once fearsome Ironhide Bear lying like a fallen mountain.

  Blood still oozed slowly from the wounds I had inflicted, staining the grass beneath into a dark, muddy crimson.

  Its red-glowing skin had dimmed to a dull hue, but the aura of heat still radiated faintly from it.

  And then with the dagger, I began cutting away his hide.

  It was tough—like slicing through tightly-woven armor—but I pressed forward, tearing back layers of thick muscle and bone.

  The dagger’s edge heated with friction, and I had to readjust my grip several times, but I didn’t stop.

  Soon, his heart was visible—a massive, throbbing organ that pulsed faintly even in death, the last remnants of the bear’s life still echoing through it.

  And I took it out.

  It was larger than other hearts I have eaten till now.

  Its weight was substantial, its texture veiny and soaked in warm, dark blood.

  The aura it gave off was strange—almost oppressive.

  It vibrated with stored rage and strength, like a remnant of the monster’s will still lived within it.

  I had wanted to eat it as quickly as possible.

  But I rested for a bit to reduce my fatigue.

  My body was shaking slightly, my hands stained in blood, and my limbs sore from the effort.

  And once it reached back to 30, I began.

  Gulp!

  I took the first bite.

  The flesh was tough, rubbery, and reeked of iron and something more primal.

  It slid down my throat like molten coal.

  [Your body temperature has risen!]

  And the effects had already started.

  Gulp!

  I took the second bite.

  The heat spread like wildfire through my veins.

  My throat burned, and the pain exploded in my chest.

  My heart pounded like a war drum.

  More heat and pain erupted in the body.

  Gulp!

  I took the third bite.

  My vision wavered.

  My skin felt too tight, like it was about to tear apart from the inside.

  My muscles ached, heat and pain engulfed them like they were being forged anew inside a furnace.

  [Your body temperature has risen!]

  [Your body is in immense pain!]

  Gulp!

  Gulp!

  Gulp!

  I ignored the message and ate away the rest of the heart, bite after burning bite.

  My body trembled with each swallow.

  My insides twisted as if rejecting the sheer energy flooding in.

  "Uggggh!!"

  And just like usual, the heat, the pain, and followed by screams.

  Just—it was more than other hearts.

  [Your body is in abnormal condition!]

  [Please seek a healer!]

  "Aggghh!"

  Screams came from my mouth, unbidden and unrelenting.

  My body curled into itself from the torment.

  Sweat formed over my body, pouring down my face, drenching my clothes.

  My vision blurred, colors distorting into a hazy mess.

  My muscles felt like they were melting away.

  My skin stung with phantom fires.

  My blood boiled, rushing like lava through my veins.

  My bones cracked with the sensation of breaking, like glass under pressure.

  Of course, it was all feeling.

  But the pain and heat—they were real.

  [Your body is in grave condition!]

  "Inventory!"

  I called out hoarsely, and the blue screen flickered into existence with a faint hum, barely legible through my wavering eyes.

  I took out potion and drank it, tipping the vial shakily to my lips.

  The liquid poured down my burning throat, offering only a sliver of relief.

  [Warning! Warning!]

  [Your body temperature has risen a lot!]

  "Uggggh!"

  I gritted my teeth and held on, clenching my fists into the dirt as waves of agony crashed through my body.

  After who knows how long—minutes or maybe hours—did the pain and heat subside.

  Slowly, like a retreating tide, the torment faded.

  "Hoo!"

  I let out air out of my mouth, finally able to breathe again.

  My hands still trembled, and my clothes were soaked, clinging to my skin.

  [Your body has gone abnormal changes!]

  [Your strength has increased!]

  [Your vitality has increased!]

  [Your endurance has increased!]

  'Is it another failure?'

  I thought to myself, unsure whether I had pushed through the torture for nothing again.

  [Your perception has increased!]

  [Your heat resistance has increased!]

  The messages continued, one after another, like an unfolding prophecy.

  And then–

  [You’ve obtained skill: Ironblood Regeneration!]

  "What?"

  I looked at the message again, blinking to be sure.

  My heart skipped a beat.

  And it was true.

  It wasn’t just stats.

  It wasn’t just tolerance.

  It was a skill.

  A real skill.

  A rare one.

  A powerful one.

  It was a success.

  I let my body rest on the ground for a moment, staring up at the canopy of leaves above as the pain faded and triumph slowly took its place.