9 Power... (1/2)

Ugh its been three days already when will they stop chasing me?!

I'd had no sleep, food or even water for the past three days and the effects were already starting to have an effect on my body - luckily I'd leveled up or else I doubt I would even be able to stand let alone run with my severe lack of stamina.

”Grrrr”

A series of growls came from below me, I knew it was another patrol of tigers stalking the forest looking for me - luckily it seemed they couldn't pick up my scent, I was sure that it was due to be entering the shadow realm multiple times the trail they were following had been lost when I started to escape - but if I continued to stay here I know I'll be found.. Beads of sweat were streaking down my brow and my clothes were already beginning to get soaked in the already cold sweat from the past three days of running, I felt like I was running with a lump of iron wearing these clothes but they were the only clothes I had and I doubt I'd come across anymore in the wilderness here.. Not until I crossed this damn forest, Old man you asshole! I silently cursed him in my mind but no amount of complaining could redeem me from my current situation..

I looked over the side of the tree I was hiding in and saw the patrol passing by, I shuddered at the sight of the five tigers - I was sure I could take at least two in a fight with my current strength, that level-up had seriously boosted my physical attributes, not only that but tiger meat would surely give me some of my energy back from these past few days of running but I could only stare at them silently not able to do a thing.. I felt pained seeing the xp just walk away and not look back, why couldn't they patrol in groups of one?! Weren't tigers meant to be proud? Where was their pride, their honour?! Operating in packs like wolves...

”ROAARRR”

Immense pressure seemed to land on my body, I shuddered as sweat began to run down my face like a waterfall - my clothes which had begun to dry from my recent rest had become soaked once more, ”Wh-what?” I was dumbfounded, whatever that came from was more than enough to kill me with its aura, it was even more overbearing that than of the old man's it felt on par or stronger at least... I shuddered at the thought of something so strong, I couldn't even escape from him.. let alone the owner of that roar.

A loud echoing roar spread through the forest, the tigers stopped in their tracks.. and seemed to bow?! What the hell! Where was the logic in this, they lowered their heads as they walked away as if they didn't dare to be higher than the source of that roar - what was that? I thought to myself but it'd be best if I didn't stay to find out.. it'd be dangerous if I was caught by something that gave me such an overbearing pressure just by the sound of its roar let alone it's actual physical prowess.

”HUMAN COME OUT.”

Instantly I felt a strong aura lock me in place as I struggled to move to grab hold of a branch to keep myself in the tree I was shook to the ground in an instant - the dull impact hit me as my mind went blank.. I'm so fucked..

The ground beneath me began to shake as I was left lying motionless on the ground, I couldn't even move a finger.. I felt powerless, a feeling that made me feel rage in my heart yet I couldn't do anything about it.. I was too weak and the opponent was too strong.