Usato continued to temper his skin, hunting magic beasts to hone his skills and test his newfound strength. As he stalked his prey, he practiced his sudden strike technique, aiming to improve his proficiency.
As he reflected on his progress, Usato decided to rate his proficiency using a scale he had learned from cultivation novels. He assessed his sudden strike technique as follows:
*Name:* Shadow Strike (temporary name)
*Proficiency:* Beginner (20%)
*Description:* A basic, instinctual strike that relies on speed and surprise. Effective against small to medium-sized magic beasts, but lacks finesse and control.
Usato recognized that he needed to improve his proficiency to unlock variations of his attack. He began to experiment with different techniques, adding subtle twists to his strike.
*Variation 1:* Shadow Slash - A diagonal strike that targets the magic beast's shoulder or chest.
*Variation 2:* Shadow Thrust - A straight strike that aims for the magic beast's vitals.
*Variation 3:* Shadow Swipe - A sweeping strike that targets the magic beast's legs or arms.
As Usato hunted and trained, he stumbled upon signs of human activity - a crude trap, a carcass with evidence of butchering, and a few scattered, broken arrows. His curiosity was piqued, and he decided to investigate further, following the trail of signs to see where they led.
As he walked, the signs of human activity grew more frequent. Usato found bloodstained soil, discarded animal hides, and even a few crude tools. The trail ultimately led him to a village, nestled deep in the jungle.
Usato observed the village from a safe distance, taking in the scene. The villagers were unlike any humans he had ever seen. They were tall, muscular, and seemed to be covered in scars. Their homes were crude, made from branches, leaves, and animal hides.
Usato realized that these humans were barbarians, living off the land and relying on hunting and gathering to survive. He felt a mix of fascination and trepidation, unsure of how to approach the villagers or what their reaction would be to an outsider.
As he watched, Usato recalled the strategies used by cultivation MCs in novels when encountering unfamiliar groups. He planned to integrate himself into the village, but he needed to be cautious and strategic.
"I'll need to create a new identity for myself," Usato thought, "and find a way to earn their trust. Maybe I can offer to trade or share my hunting skills..."
With a plan forming in his mind, Usato continued to observe the village, waiting for the perfect moment to make his move.
As Usato observed the village, he noticed a somber mood settling over the residents. The villagers seemed sad and forlorn, their faces etched with worry and concern. Usato's curiosity was piqued, and he wondered what could be causing such distress.
He continued to watch, and soon, he overheard snippets of conversation that revealed the source of the villagers' sorrow. A group of their strongest hunters had ventured out to hunt a magic beast, but they had returned severely injured, with several of their number dead.
The villagers were in dire need of medical attention, but it seemed they lacked the expertise to treat their wounded. Usato's eyes lit up as he realized an opportunity had presented itself.
"SKY, can you analyze the situation and provide me with a plan to treat the injured villagers?" Usato asked, his mind racing with possibilities.
SKY quickly assessed the situation and began to explain, "As a nanobot originally designed to combat cancer, my primary function was to devour cancer cells. After upgrading and adapting to various situations, I awakened the 'Devour' skill, allowing me to break down and eliminate harmful cells. However, I've discovered that my capabilities can be applied to other areas, including wound healing."
Usato's eyes widened in surprise. "That's incredible! I had no idea you were designed for cancer treatment."
SKY continued, "I've discovered several herbs in the surrounding forest that can be used to create a healing agent. The Moonpetal's anti-inflammatory properties, combined with the Embermoss's tissue repair capabilities and the Starlight Leaf's antiseptic properties, will provide a potent remedy for the villagers' injuries."
Usato's eyes widened in surprise. "That's amazing! But why didn't you use those herbs on me when I was injured?"
SKY replied emotionlessly, "Host did not ask."
Usato grimaced, his face contorting in a comedic expression. "Seriously? You're going to play it that way?"
SKY continued, unfazed, "As for the plan, I'll instruct the nanobots to devour the Moonpetal, Embermoss, and Starlight Leaf, storing their herbal essence. When you touch the villagers' injuries, the nanobots will infiltrate their skin, utilizing the stored essence to accelerate the healing process. The villagers will likely perceive this as a magical or miraculous healing, which should increase your chances of integrating into the community and potentially gaining their trust and respect."
Usato nodded, a plan forming in his mind. "Alright, let's do this. I'll pose as a healer, and we'll use the nanobots to treat the injured villagers. With any luck, this will be the start of a beautiful relationship between me and the villagers."
With a deep breath, Usato steeled himself and approached the village, ready to put his plan into action.
As Usato approached the village, the villagers noticed him and immediately became alert. They eyed him warily, unsure of what to make of this stranger.
Usato, anticipating their reaction, greeted them calmly, adopting the demeanor of a wise sage. "Greetings, villagers," he said, his voice low and soothing. "I have come to your village, guided by the whispers of the wind. The ancient Mother Tree of the forest spoke to me in a dream, instructing me to come to this place, though I am unclear as to why or what I am to do."
The villagers exchanged skeptical glances, clearly perplexed by Usato's enigmatic words. One of the villagers, an elderly man with a bushy beard, stepped forward. "What do you mean, stranger? What business do you have here?"
Usato smiled serenely, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mystery. "I am but a humble servant of the natural world. The wind and the trees have spoken to me, guiding me to this place. I sense that your village is troubled, and I have come to offer my assistance, though I am unsure what form that may take."
The villagers looked at each other uncertainly, seemingly unsure how to respond to Usato's cryptic words. The elderly man scratched his beard thoughtfully before nodding. "Very well, stranger. You may enter our village, but be warned: we have suffered a great tragedy, and our people are in need of healing."
Usato nodded gravely, his expression somber. "I sense the weight of your sorrow. I will do what I can to help your people, though I must admit that I am still unclear as to what the Mother Tree's instructions mean."
With that, the villagers parted, allowing Usato to enter the village. As he walked, he noticed the villagers' injuries and the makeshift shelters they had constructed to care for the wounded. Usato's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the possibilities. It was time to put his plan into action.