1. A Real Shitfest

Jake travels hundreds of kilometers from Haven, tree-hopping through an increasingly dense, high-level forest to find a real D-grade fight. While moving, he reflects on outdated gear, the risk Arcane Powershot poses to his bow, and the temptation—but danger—of transmuting equipment with Touch of the Malefic Viper. He resolves to fight first, test his scimitar, and hold off on changing the bow.

Lighttail Monkeys begin tailing him, revealing a territory nurtured by potent, neutral-feeling ambient energy and trees bearing budding natural treasures. Three D-grade Tri-Lighttail Monkeys and a stronger Tri-Lighttail Monkey Crusher confront him as E-grades surround. When the E-grades attack by hurling magically condensed feces, Jake dodges and retaliates with arcane arrows, confirming he gains no experience from much lower-level kills.

Amid the barrage, Jake tests Splitting Arrow, discovering it fails to persist with his Arcane Hunter’s Arrows, disrupting his ranged options. The D-grade monkeys coordinate: one amplifies Jake’s weight, others deliver force blasts, and the Crusher attempts crushing tail strikes, aiming to immobilize him under adhesive, unnaturally heavy filth enhanced by weight magic.

Unimpressed, Jake adapts tactics, avoids being coated, and targets key threats. He fires an Arcane Powershot at the weight-amplifying D-grade, pinning it with a glare and piercing its chest, launching it through the forest. The foe survives but is removed from the fight, and Jake immediately shifts focus to dismantle the remaining coordinated attackers.