An's plan, though formed from cold logic, possessed an undeniable madness. He wouldn't fight the monster. He would become a reluctant alchemist, and his weapon would be the enemy's own by-product.
But to create his "poison," he needed ingredients. A lot of ingredients. A single Demonic Energy Crystal wouldn't be enough to affect a level 8 creature. He needed a collection.
That meant he had to hunt.
He retreated from his high observation point, returning to the contaminated area around the cave. He didn't go far. The Frenzied Zombies were his targets, and they lingered near their power source. He found an area with complex terrain—jagged rocks and thorny bushes. This was his home turf, where his Guerrilla Tactics skill could be used to maximum effect.
He hid behind a rock and picked up a small pebble. He didn't throw it at a specific zombie. He threw it at a rock on the opposite side, creating a dry "clack" sound. A Frenzied Mole Zombie, with its matted fur and blood-red eyes, immediately turned towards the sound. Driven by mindless aggression, it blindly charged in that direction, separating from the group.
An waited. As the mole zombie passed his hiding spot, he darted out like a ghost. The iron dagger in his hand drew a precise arc, stabbing straight into the back of the creature's neck.
[-15 HP]
A critical hit. The mole zombie let out a squeal and fell limp.
[You have gained 15 EXP]
An wasted no time. He quickly used his dagger to slice open the creature's chest, searching for what he needed. A Demonic Energy Crystal, smaller than the last, but still radiating that characteristic negative energy. He carefully plucked it out and placed it into one of his empty glass vials.
One down. He needed more.
The hunt began. It wasn't a glorious battle, but a tedious, dirty, and risky job. An became a ghost in the dead forest, using every trick he could think of. He lured a Frenzied Rabbit Zombie into a thicket of thorns, slowing it down so he could finish it off. He tricked a Frenzied Squirrel Zombie into jumping onto a rotten branch, causing it to fall and injure itself before he moved in.
With each success, he collected another crystal. Each one was a different size and shape. He arranged them in his glass vials, his analytical mind automatically categorizing them by size and the intensity of the energy he could feel.
But repetition leads to complacency. As he was trying to lure another Frenzied Rabbit Zombie, he failed to notice a Frenzied Wolf Zombie hiding in a nearby hollow. They both charged at the same time.
An cursed under his breath. Two enemies, level 2 and 3, at the same time was too much for him. He immediately ran, not out of fear, but as a tactic. He ran towards a narrow gorge he had noticed earlier.
The rabbit was faster, nipping at his heels. The wolf, though a bit slower, was relentless. As An squeezed into the gorge, the rabbit followed. An spun around, using his iron dagger to block its bite, while simultaneously kicking off the rock wall to push them both deeper inside.
Just then, the wolf arrived. With its larger size, it couldn't fit into the narrow opening. It was stuck at the entrance, growling in frustration and helplessness. An had isolated his enemies.
Now it was just him and the mad rabbit in a confined space. There was no room for tricks, only pure combat skill. An used his iron dagger, stabbing and slashing, dodging the rabbit's frantic bites and scratches. Blood splattered, staining him and the rock walls red. After a short but fierce struggle, the rabbit finally collapsed.
[You have gained 20 EXP]
[LEVEL UP!]
A familiar warm energy flooded his body, healing his minor scratches and washing away some of his fatigue.
[Level: 5]
[Strength: 6 -> 7]
[Agility: 8 -> 9]
[Constitution: 7 -> 8]
[Spirit: 5 -> 6]
The wolf outside was still growling, trying to claw at the rock face. An ignored it. He calmly harvested the crystal from the rabbit's corpse, then found another exit at the end of the gorge.
As the sun began to set, An sat on a high branch, looking down at his haul. Four glass vials, containing a total of seven Demonic Energy Crystals of various sizes. He was exhausted, his clothes were tattered and stained with blood, but his yellow eyes were shining brightly.
He had enough "explosives."
He looked towards the dark cave where the Corpse-Flesh Demon Flower was waiting.
The preparation phase was over. Tomorrow, he would begin the execution phase.