The Apex Predator System

EPISODE 4: The Phantom Prowler

Ray continued to walk in the desert, heading towards the next city, but suddenly, like an instinct or natural adaptation hinting he was in danger.

He crouched low behind a large boulder, his breath steady but his mind racing. The desert stretched endlessly around him.

He felt an unnatural presence nearby. His newly acquired Apex Predator System alerted him with a subtle vibration in his mind.

Threat detected.

Scanning.

Entity identified.

A Phantom Prowler. Is stalking you. The system said.

The system’s voice was calm, almost soothing, despite the chilling information it conveyed.

“What’s a Phantom Prowler?” Ray whispered, gripping the pistol he had taken from his bag. His arm still throbbed where the blue crystal shard had embedded itself, but the pain was fading, replaced by a strange sense of vitality and awareness.

“The Phantom Prowler is a stealth predator employed by the species called the Morphidons. It specializes in stalking its prey, using advanced cloaking adaptation and predatory instincts. High danger level. Recommended action: Engage and eliminate.”

Ray’s eyes darted around the desert landscape. The moon was full in the sky, casting long shadows across the sand. He scanned the area carefully, relying on his enhanced senses.

Suddenly, a shift in the air caught his attention. A faint shimmer, like heat rising from the sand on a hot afternoon, the distortion moved toward him. The system highlighted the distortion in his vision, outlining it in red.

Engage now! The system voice echoed in his head.

Without hesitation, Ray raised his pistol, pointed at the invisible figure and fired. The bullet passed through the shimmering form, causing it to flicker and reveal a monstrous creature.

Sleek and feline, with glowing yellow eyes and razor-sharp claws. On its back, a fleet of slim black tentacle like cords flutter side to side.

It stopped for a moment and stared down Ray’s eyes.

Don’t make direct eye contact, this prowler is a level 3 predator, you will get stunned with fear if you look directly into its eyes. The system warned.

The Phantom Prowler hissed loudly after failing to stun Ray with its fear-inducing gaze. It lunged at him, but Ray was already moving. His reflexes, enhanced by the system, allowed him to dodge the attack with ease. He rolled to the side, while rolling, he took aim and as his roll came to a stop, to took one single deep breath, firing two more shots at the phantom prowler. One bullet struck the creature’s shoulder, making it stagger.

“System, what’s its weakness?” Ray asked as he kept his distance.

“Scanning database, scanning complete. The prowler’s weakness is its neural node located at the base of the skull. Target precisely for maximum effect.” It said.

The Phantom Prowler growled again, its cloaking ability flickering as it tried to retreat into the shadows. Noticing this, Ray pursued it, his mind sharp and focused.

He sprinted toward the creature, closing the distance between them in a few strides. As it turned to swipe at him, he ducked under its claws and drove the barrel of his pistol against the back of its neck.

“Got you.” He said as he pulled the trigger.