Chapter 25: First Hunt – The Mana Control Sniper’s True Power!
[Date: March 11, 2025 | Time: 12:15 PM | Location: Bengal Border Jungle, B+ Level Monster Area]
The jungle was alive.
A symphony of sounds filled the air—the distant growls of unseen predators, the rustling of leaves as small creatures darted through the underbrush, and the faint, almost rhythmic calls of exotic birds echoing from the towering trees above. The air carried a thick, earthy scent, a mixture of damp soil, ancient wood, and the faint, metallic tang of fresh blood carried by the wind.
Ankush stood still for a moment, adjusting to his surroundings. His sharp eyes scanned the area, his extraordinary Mental stat allowing him to process every minor detail in an instant. The Mana Control Laser Sniper was strapped securely across his back, its presence reassuring as he took a slow, deep breath.
This was no training ground.
Here, there were no instructors, no safety nets, no second chances. The only rule was survival.
And Ankush intended not only to survive—but to thrive.
His eyes flickered toward the dense vegetation ahead. He had already bypassed the F to A- level hunting grounds, areas where low-tier awakened usually trained in small parties. Instead of stopping there like any rational first-time explorer, he had pushed deeper into the B+ level monster territory, an area where most mid-level awakened still hesitated to tread alone.
Monster Attribute Scaling in the Jungle (Level 20 B+ Tier Monster):
- Strength: 655,360
- Agility: 655,360
- Defense: 1,310,720
- Magic: 655,360
A single Level 20 B+ monster here possessed more strength than an entire squad of Level 10 A-tier warriors back in the city. It wasn't just about brute force—these monsters were smarter, faster, and deadlier. They had evolved in this lawless land, free from human interference, sharpening their hunting instincts over generations.
Yet, Ankush did not feel fear.
He was here for a reason—to push his limits.
To test the true potential of his legendary blueprint creation.
To prove that he did not need corporate backing, military control, or an elite academy to rise.
He would rise alone.
---
[Taking Position – A Hunter's Perch]
Ankush moved swiftly, his agility allowing him to navigate through the thick underbrush without making a sound. His senses were razor-sharp, his every step carefully measured. The dense foliage provided excellent cover, but visibility was limited.
He needed a vantage point.
His gaze shifted upward, locking onto a towering mana-infused ancient tree, its thick branches stretching high above the jungle floor. Without hesitation, Ankush leaped, using his superior Physique to grip the rough bark and propel himself upward.
Hand over hand, he climbed with practiced efficiency, each movement smooth and calculated. His strength allowed him to ascend quickly, bypassing twisting vines and loose bark with ease. Within moments, he reached a thick, sturdy branch roughly 50 meters above ground level—the perfect sniper's nest.
From here, the landscape unfurled before him in breathtaking clarity. The jungle stretched endlessly, its rolling greenery occasionally broken by clearings and winding streams. The air was humid but carried a refreshing breeze, rustling through the treetops.
Most importantly—he had a perfect line of sight.
Settling into position, Ankush unslung his sniper rifle, its sleek, mana-infused frame gleaming subtly under the soft light filtering through the canopy. He pressed the weapon against his shoulder, adjusting his grip to perfection.
Then, he waited.
---
[The First Target – A B+ Rank Apex Predator]
Minutes passed in silence.
Then, movement.
Far below, a massive shadow shifted through the thick underbrush, the sheer weight of its presence causing smaller creatures to scatter in fear. Ankush narrowed his eyes, adjusting his sniper scope, focusing on the source.
Emerging into a clearing was a monstrosity.
It stood at four meters tall, its massive body covered in black, stone-like scales that gleamed with an unnatural sheen. Its broad shoulders rippled with raw power, and its thick tail swayed behind it like a wrecking ball, leaving deep grooves in the earth as it moved.
A Level 20 B+ Tier Dire Serpent Beast.
Its elongated head was crowned with jagged, mana-infused horns, crackling faintly with electric energy. Its crimson eyes burned with the intensity of a seasoned killer—this was no ordinary monster.
This was a ruler of the jungle, an apex predator that had slain countless challengers before Ankush had even stepped into this world.
Yet, despite its terrifying presence, Ankush's hands were steady.
His heart did not race.
His breath did not falter.
His mind did not waver.
Instead, his lips curled into a faint smirk.
"Perfect test subject."
---
[Calculating the Kill Shot]
Ankush's mind worked instantly, breaking down the perfect execution plan:
1. Calculate Damage Output:
- Weapon Damage: F- Rank Mana Control Laser Sniper = Moderate
- Attributes Bonus: 1,000,000 Strength + Weapon Damage
- Total Estimated Damage Output = Enough for a clean kill if properly placed.
2. Target Weak Point:
- The eye—direct access to the brain.
- A joint in its neck—high mana conductivity, minimal armor.
3. Take the Shot.
Ankush exhaled slowly, steadying his grip.
His finger gently squeezed the trigger.
A soft hum resonated through the air.
A thin, almost invisible azure beam burst from the barrel.
The jungle fell silent.
---
[Instant Death – A Single Perfect Kill]
The mana laser cut through the air at hypersonic speed, reaching its target before the monster even sensed danger.
A faint sizzling sound echoed as the beam pierced cleanly through the beast's right eye, burning straight into its skull. The sheer force of the impact sent a shockwave of kinetic energy surging through its brain, causing instantaneous neural failure.
The Dire Serpent Beast stiffened mid-motion.
A half-second later, it collapsed, its massive body crashing into the ground with a thunderous BOOM that sent birds flying into the air.
It never even had time to scream.
Ankush didn't move.
He didn't celebrate.
He simply observed, analyzing the aftermath with a neutral expression.
A moment later, a faint glow radiated from the corpse—a telltale sign of an item drop.
But Ankush did not move to retrieve it.
He had just taken his first major kill, and the jungle had already started reacting.
Faint growls and hissing echoed in the distance. Other monsters had sensed the death of an apex predator.
The real hunt was just beginning.
Ankush's smirk widened slightly as he adjusted his sniper, scanning for the next kill.
If the jungle wanted a battle...
He would give it a massacre.