When the water’s surface stirred once more, Synthia emerged, holding something carefully in both hands.

The fact that she didn’t need her hands to swim still surprised Luke. Then again, with that powerful tail extending from her waist, she could probably swim even in her sleep.

She approached the edge and held it out.

"Here."

Luke’s brows slowly rose as he looked at the shining pearl resting in her palm. It was slightly larger than the ones found inside clams, closer in size to a ping-pong ball, yet far smoother and far more beautiful.

An ethereal radiance flowed from its surface, soothing to the eyes. Despite its pristine white color, Luke felt as though he could see into it, so pure and translucent was its brilliance.

"What is this?" Luke asked as he accepted it, silently instructing the system to analyze it as well.

"I’m not really sure," she admitted with a shrug. "It’s been resting at the bottom of the pond for a very long time. Ever since I arrived here, it’s been tempting me."

After a brief pause, she added, "I thought you might find some use for it. Maybe you could trade it for something valuable?"

So she had no idea what it actually was. She simply knew it looked precious and, because of that, decided to give it to him.

Soon, the item’s description flashed before his eyes.

[Name: Lunar Pearl]

[Grade: S]

[Description: A teardrop formed from the essence of the moon over countless years, eventually settling within the mythical Pond of Life.]

[Further information can only be acquired after the host consumes it.]

’Consume it? Are you sure that’s safe?’

[It is, Host. The system has thoroughly assessed the item for toxins and any possibility of lasting harm. With the host’s current Endurance stats, it is perfectly safe to consume.]

[Think of it as a gemstone, Host.]

Luke hummed thoughtfully. It sounded safe enough, and to be honest, it already looked surprisingly delicious to him.

After a brief pause, he asked, ’Then do I need to eat it here?’

[No, Host. The pearl can easily be regarded as a treasure, so the host may bring it back instead.]

Luke grinned.

Nice.

Without a second thought, he stored it in his inventory, causing Synthia to gasp.

"Where did it go?"

Luke shook his head.

"No need to worry. It’s still with me."

His reassurance allowed her to breathe a sigh of relief.

For many nights, she had resisted the urge to consume the pearl. Every time she drew near it, the treasure tempted all her senses.

She could almost feel that it would grant her something beyond imagination. Even so, she had been reluctant to take such a risk while trapped in this place with no one to look after her if something went wrong.

"Alright then, Synthia. It’s time for me to head back," Luke said, breaking the silence as he noticed that only three hours and fifteen minutes remained.

He had already spent more than half an hour here.

At those words, Synthia’s shoulders drooped. This time, however, she didn’t try to stop him.

"Okay, I understand. Then... I’ll wait for you."

Again... those eyes.

Letting out a quiet sigh, Luke deliberately looked away. He couldn’t allow his resolve to waver. Everything had already been planned, and he knew he could see it through as long as he didn’t act recklessly.

Using the map, he marked the location so he could find his way back here without any trouble next time.

As he reached the wall covered in thick vines, he called out,

"The next time I leave your side, you won’t be alone anymore. I promise."

And with that, he began climbing the vines toward the hammer lodged in the wall.

Synthia remained at the water’s edge, her fingers clutching the spot where he had been sitting only moments ago.

She pursed her lips and kept her gaze fixed on his retreating figure until it disappeared into the darkness.

In a low voice, she muttered,

"You are my last hope, Luke... please don’t abandon me."

....

After climbing out, Luke felt a strange heaviness in his chest.

When he glanced back at the curtain of leaves, a powerful urge rose within him to return to her, even though he knew it wouldn’t help.

He couldn’t bring her out into the sunlight, and trying to carry her to the ocean without proper preparation would be pure foolishness.

In the end, he forced himself to calm his restless heart. He would return as soon as he could. For now, there were things he needed to do.

With that thought, he began his hunt.

Even now, he could hear monsters lurking within the shadows, patiently waiting to pounce the moment they sensed weakness or vulnerability from him.

Luke summoned Magma Tooth into his left hand and charged at the first beast he spotted.

It was a hyena. The creature snarled at him as it burst out of the bushes, baring its fangs.

However, before it could react or even take a step back, Luke had already passed it. Magma Tooth carved a hissing arc through the air, slicing across its throat.

A moment later, a geyser of blood erupted from the wound.

The hyena collapsed.

Luke flicked the blood from his dagger and immediately charged toward a snake concealed within the camouflage of a nearby tree.

As he closed the distance, the serpent suddenly hissed and spat a stream of venom at him, its head perfectly positioned for the ambush.

A Level One beast. He had expected at least some resistance.

Luke sidestepped smoothly and heard the ground sizzle as the venom struck it. This poison looked far deadlier than the one belonging to the creature that had led him to Synthia.

Reaching the tree, he jumped.

Just before his feet left the ground, a steel claw materialized in his hand. He drove it into the trunk and used the leverage to propel himself upward.

As he rose, he found himself staring directly into the creature’s golden eyes.

Its maw opened wide enough to swallow his entire head.

Luke snickered.

Then he released Magma Tooth and snapped his fingers.

With only the slightest exertion of pressure...

CLINK

A metallic sound echoed through the forest.

A violent surge raced through the snake’s body.

Then,

BOOOOOM! 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Its head exploded.

Blood, flesh, and shattered bone sprayed through the air, splattering the surrounding trees in a gruesome mess.

Its massive body went limp and began falling straight toward Luke.

He quickly released his grip on the tree and dropped to the ground.

A moment later, the beast crashed down behind him with a heavy THUNK, shaking the surrounding area.

"Damn..."

Luke turned and finally got a proper look at it.

The snake was far larger than he had initially thought. Nearly fifteen feet long and thick enough to make him wonder how it had managed to remain hidden among the branches.

Just then, a notification appeared before his eyes.

[Congratulations! You have slain a Level Two Beast.]

"..."

Luke blinked.

Wasn’t it supposed to be a Level One beast?

Had he really just slaughtered a Level Two creature that easily?

’Is that confidence... or have I actually gotten better at judging my attacks?’

After taking a few moments to admire himself, Luke grinned and continued deeper into the forest.

The hunt wasn’t over. He still has a lot more to do.

•••••••••

A/N:- I hope you liked the Chapter.