Additional power flooded his system as the creature’s essence integrated into his biology.

Twenty-six total strength points from a single encounter, clearly, the gold-rank threshold was quite high, hence the high attribute gains.

Total strength now 306. Substantial improvement.1

But more importantly, the transformation option promised capabilities that went beyond simple attribute increases. The Apex Mane’s enhanced form represented the pinnacle of physical perfection at Mid-Gold rank.

Time to test this new capability.

Energy flowed through him as the transformation activated, his human physiology reshaping itself according to the Apex Mane template. His perspective shifted as mass was redistributed, muscles expanding while his frame enlarged to accommodate enhanced proportions.

Golden fur rippled across his skin as predatory instincts awakened in his consciousness. Enhanced senses revealed details about the jungle that his human body had missed—scent trails, territorial markings, the location of every creature within a kilometre radius.

This is what an apex predator feels like.

Strength beyond his previous imagination coursed through enhanced limbs. He could feel the potential for devastating violence in every muscle fibre, raw power that dwarfed anything he’d possessed before.

C Rank Strength in my hands. Or rather, in my claws.

The transformation lasted only minutes before he allowed it to fade, returning to human form with a comprehensive understanding of his new abilities. The Apex Mane transformation would provide Mid-Gold physical capabilities that could tip the balance in future confrontations.

The hunt continues.

Resource notifications appeared as he processed his victory:

Resources gained: 40 wood

Productive expedition. Very productive.

The jungle around him had fallen silent.

…

‘Time to see what else this ecosystem contains.’

The trail wound through the forest, where massive trees created natural cathedrals of shadow and filtered light.

Twenty minutes of movement brought him to a clearing.

Movement among the trees announced the presence of this territory’s guardian.

The creature that emerged defied his expectations completely. Where he’d anticipated something even more powerful than the Apex Mane, he found a being that radiated only Low-Gold energy signatures.

<Ferocious Beast: Crystal Butterfly>

<Crystal Manipulation Talent: D+>

<Rank: Low-Gold>

Ethan raised an eyebrow at the unexpected power disparity.

‘Low-Gold? I expected escalating difficulty the deeper I ventured.’

The Crystal Butterfly floated gracefully above the gemstone formations, its wingspan stretching nearly three meters across. Translucent wings incorporated living crystals that caught and refracted light into mesmerising rainbow patterns.

Each delicate movement created prismatic displays that danced across the surrounding vegetation.

‘Either the jungle doesn’t follow linear power progression, or this creature fills a different ecological niche.’

Despite its lower rank, the Crystal Butterfly moved with confidence that spoke of its territorial dominance.

Its crystalline body commanded respect through otherworldly beauty rather than raw intimidation.

‘Intelligence over force. Interesting tactical challenge.’

But more importantly, this encounter presented an opportunity for skill development rather than desperate survival. His recent advancement had elevated his capabilities beyond Low-Gold opposition, creating conditions perfect for technique refinement.

‘Practice opportunity. Time to work on fundamentals.’

The Crystal Butterfly observed his approach with alien intelligence, compound eyes analyzing threat levels with predatory calculation.

Gemstone formations around the clearing began resonating in harmony with its talent activation, creating a symphony of crystalline chimes.

‘Territorial advantage. It’s using environmental enhancement.’

Instead of activating his new Apex Mane transformation, Ethan maintained human form while cycling through his basic skills. Mana control flowed through his body, distributing energy.

‘Focus on technique, not overwhelming power.’

His Basic Footwork skill engaged as he moved into optimal positioning, each step calculated for maximum efficiency while maintaining defensive readiness. The movements felt more natural now, muscle memory approaching mastery.

‘Novice – 89%. Close to Apprentice rank advancement.’

The Crystal Butterfly initiated combat with aerial grace—gemstone spikes erupted from the ground in complex patterns while crystal shards rained from above. The dual assault sought to overwhelm him through three-dimensional attack vectors.

‘Area denial tactics. Force me into vulnerable positions.’

But Ethan’s enhanced footwork carried him through the crystal maze with flowing grace, each step landing exactly where structural weaknesses created safe passage.

His mana control maintained perfect energy distribution while wind manipulation provided subtle course corrections.

‘Everything is working together. This is what skill integration feels like.’

Fire magic erupted in controlled bursts that struck precisely where the butterfly’s crystalline wing segments showed stress fractures.

D rank flames found weak points that raw power assaults would have missed entirely.

‘Precision over destruction. Technical superiority.’

The Crystal Butterfly adapted quickly, its D+ Crystal Manipulation creating defensive barriers that absorbed his fire attacks while redirecting force harmlessly aside. Its aerial mobility provided tactical advantages that ground-based opponents couldn’t match.

Water manipulation followed his fire attacks immediately, temperature differential creating expansion stress that fractured the creature’s carefully maintained wing patterns. Steam erupted as superheated crystals met rapid cooling.

‘Perfect combination of timing.’

His Basic Footwork carried him through the steam cloud with perfect spatial awareness, each step landing exactly where footing remained secure despite the chaotic environmental conditions.

‘Apprentice level movement…I can feel it, I’m almost there. The skill is definitely advancing.’

The Crystal Butterfly’s intelligence recognised the power of his assault, abandoning defensive strategies for overwhelming offense. Crystal projectiles fired in spiraling patterns that created geometric death zones throughout the clearing.

‘Pattern recognition time. Every attack sequence has a structure.’

But Ethan’s processing had already catalogued the creature’s preferred flight patterns. His footwork anticipated each projectile trajectory while mana control maintained perfect energy efficiency throughout his evasive movements.

Wind blades responded to his will, compressed air finding target points that maximized damage while minimising energy expenditure. Each strike contributed to the destruction of the butterfly’s aerial capabilities.

The Crystal Butterfly’s attacks grew increasingly desperate as its flight patterns suffered from accumulated wing damage.

Crystalline segments cracked under thermal stress while its offensive capabilities diminished with each passing moment.

‘Victory through superior technique rather than mere overwhelming force.’

Ethan’s final combination demonstrated perfect integration of all his developing skills. Footwork positioned him optimally while mana control distributed energy with mathematical precision.

Fire and water coordinated in devastating harmony that shattered the butterfly’s remaining wing structures.

Low Gold starts at 280.

280+26 = 306.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep