24 Killed or Be Killed (1/2)

The Predator Tiger, an apex species that rules the deeper forest in the Naga territory. Like a normal tiger it is one of the largest feline species in the continent, it is most recognize for its pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with a lighter underside.

Like cats, they play with their meals before they kill them, unlike the wolves that hunt in groups with ferocity, these beast attack once the prey is weaken from start to finish, using their advantage of size and explosive leg strength to dominate them.

They never hunt in groups, as they grew up in nature they had to prove their worth, because of their difficult fertility they only be breed in small numbers.

Since youth, they have hunted by their own and survive on their own.

The size of such beast can make one run with all their might hoping that they are not noticed, their roars can paralyze the weak and shatter the resolve of the strong.

Their metal-like fur can block slashes and spear attacks, so the only way to defeat them is to use heavy attacks on the spine and the neck.

The one before Stigma was larger than the one before, from how it looks, it followed the sound of screams from here and tried to take advantage of the chaos, only to fail with finding carcasses riddled with injuries with multiple bite marks.

Looking around for a moment, it found no one on the ground and went to nearest corpse, relaxing then took a large chunk of flesh after one bite, tearing it in half, the sound of bones being crushed under its jaws made his spine shudder, if his leg got caught it won't end well.

Looking at its body multiple scars were seen, it seems as though it was used to fighting stronger rivals.

Using 'Essence Reader' he confirmed it was stronger than the last one.

*

Species: Great Predator Tiger

Ranks: Rare(II)

Skills: Power Slash (III). Steel Body (V), Thunderous Howl (IV), Strength Boost (III)

*

Slash (III)

*A skill that increase damage done by the user, range will depend on the weapon used. Each level will increase damage.

Steel Body (V) 20%

*A skill that increase the bodies natural strength and defense. Each level gained will increase parameters.

Thunderous Howl (IV) 50%

*A skill that lowers stats of surrounding enemies. Each level gained increases range and effect.

Strength Boost (III)

*A skill that momentarily increases the base strength by 10 percent, take note that increasing natural strength will result in back lash and exhaustion, unless the body is properly trained damage will lessen as a result. Each level will increase the strength including increase of damage by 10%.

Current Strength increase is by 30%

'Shit, its a beast after all.'

'The skills were boosting his defenses, with all those buffs stacked together I don't think even Dusk can take care of it by its own.'

*BADUMP!*

His heartbeat was racing so hard from the danger it was causing him some chest pains, he was getting excited from actual danger of being discovered.

Yet, at the same time, the feeling of greed came to him, if he can absorb it's soul, he will be close to completing the Tiger Soul.

When he tried to use the energy he had yet to complete, he found out it was limited he can't cultivate it, unless he found someway to complete it, then he would have to replenish it every know and then.

He clutched his chest to calm his rapidly beating heart and grinned.

'Looks like I will have a difficult time if it discovers us, any plans Hilda.' Stigma was smiling and had whispered to Hilda who was strapped behind him.

'None master, like you expect the strength you have is not enough, you will die without a plan.'

Stigma was safe for know, with him and the entire area covered in blood from his experimentation, he had unintentionally masked his scent, he would have been discovered long ago by the beast if not for such luck.

Dusk was not far from the Tiger, but given the size difference it would need a good strike at the tigers neck to make it work again.

While thinking he saw some bushes nearby shifting, there was no wind so he presumed that a poor small fry is going to die after being discovered, but it didn't matter to him, its killed or be killed.

Unfortunately, the tiger didn't notice yet, as it continued to eat the other half of the remains, feasting with great relish of its free meal.

In case things don't go his way, he checked his belongings and evaluated his odds.

He had with him were three knives to use to attack its eyes if he had the chance, some jugs of blood and liquor were still on the groundbut that's only to draw attention even if he had it, the small bag filled with stones was empty as he has yet to restock, Hilda would injure him but that would get him come face to face with it so a no, using Dusk would be ineffective although he got bigger it wasn't enough.

All in all he can do is wait it out, until it leaves.

'...Why do I get the feeling something was missing.' Patting himself and the sac he was trying to remember what he had missed, until he heard a sound that caught his attention.

*Bark!**Bark!**Bark!* A cute sound of a puppy was heard from the bushes.

'Why is there a puppy here of all plac.e..s...'

...

'...OH SHIT! I FORGOT I LEFT HIM DOWN THERE!'

Slapping his head from his stupidity, he remembered that he went up but forgot about the puppy.

'MASTER, WHY DID YOU FORGET HIM!' Hilda was starting to like the puppy, so she was also worried about its safety.

Stigma had completely forgot that it was still eating, when he was working with the last one and it disappeared, he assumed it was nearby so he didn't notice that it left, it must have taken a nap and woke up from the noise.

Looking closely, including the one in the Tigers mouth only four were still present and the fifth was gone.

A body was near where the baby wolf was, so it will be discovered sooner or later.

'Think you bastard, think! You are going to get the puppy killed if you don't act now!'

After racking his brain to get them both out of the dilemma, he an idea, he ordered Dusk to be a distraction since he was at the opposite side and he would grab the puppy as it kept the beast busy.

Doing as it was told, it jumped down to draw attention to the Tiger from behind, it slouched down then position its claws making a fighting stance of a certain comic character[1], but Dusk was ignored when it did.

'Huh? Master, what's going on?” Dusk had landed but was ignored, could it be he seen as weak.

Puzzled by the development, he told Dusk draw its attention by going near it, and again it didn't move nor noticed, to test something he ordered Dusk to get close to it's face and wave at it.

The tiger didn't seem to notice that a figure was insulting it.

'...Could it be the invisibility was still active.' Checking its stats he confirmed.

*

Name: Dusk

Species: Wraith