C3 [son of Luck!]

In the dim light of a secluded forest, a young man perched on a large tree. Dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved tee, he gripped a sharpened bamboo pole with a resolute gaze fixed on a nearby wolf. His name was Zhou Fann, a battle-hardened Soldier King fresh from an overseas conflict, just before the world plunged into chaos.

Zhou Fann was no stranger to adversity, having endured rigorous training and completed numerous covert operations within his homeland. He led a team of equally skilled and nimble operatives, becoming a living nightmare for his adversaries. Unscathed through countless battles, his was the stuff of legends.

His latest mission had been clandestine: posing as a transfer student to safeguard the daughter of a VIP. This task led him to cross paths with Zhao Dong, a wealthy heir with more money than sense. Zhou Fann had intended to teach Zhao Dong a lesson in secret, especially since he had his sights set on the same woman. No one else should dare touch what he desired.

But fate had other plans, thrusting Zhou Fann into the brutal Slaughter World. The wolf before him was a formidable beast, its size and lethal fangs far surpassing those of any wolf from his former life. Initially, Zhou Fann doubted his ability to confront the creature, but luck—or destiny—favored him. The wolf was injured, presenting an unexpected advantage.

Licking his lips, a cold gleam sparked in Zhou Fann's eyes. He was no longer just a soldier; he was a hunter. The wolf, having let down its guard after his prolonged observation, was ripe for the taking. It was time to strike.

But then, a system alert disrupted his focus:

"Congratulations to Survivor Zhao Dong for achieving the First Kill."

Zhao Dong? Zhou Fann's brows furrowed in disbelief. How could that spoiled brat have managed such a feat? Zhao Dong was nothing more than a pampered rich kid, utterly useless without his wealth. In this harsh new world, Zhou Fann had been certain of Zhao Dong's demise.

Yet, against all odds, Zhao Dong had surprised him, snatching the First Kill. Zhou Fann's pride was wounded; he had been mere moments away from claiming that wolf himself. His fists clenched so tightly that his nails bit into his palms, his eyes glinting with icy resolve.

"Lucky break, that's all it is. Zhao Dong, you better hope our paths don't cross, or you'll learn the cost of crossing me," he thought, seething.

In Zhou Fann's world, what he desired was his alone, and Zhao Dong was nothing but an overprivileged upstart. How could he ever measure up?

With a surge of fury, Zhou Fann's hands tightened around the pole, veins throbbing on his forehead. He propelled himself forward, spearheading an attack on the wolf. If the first kill was beyond his grasp, he would settle for the second.

The wild wolf, already weakened and unguarded, was caught off guard and pinned to the ground before it could rise.

"Puff!"

The wolf was swiftly dispatched.

Kudos to Survivor Zhou Fann for securing the second creature kill.

Second Kill Reward: Level +1 (All attributes +10, plus 10 free attribute points).

Second Kill Reward: A military knife.

Second Kill Reward: 1,500 gold coins.

Yet, Zhou Fann felt no joy with his rewards.

He figured if the second kill came with such bounties, then Zhao Dong's first kill must have reaped even greater ones.

Jealousy surged within him at the thought.

That Zhao Dong was insufferable!

Not only did he pursue Zhou's love interest, but he also snatched his chance.

"Hmph, on the battlefield, he'd be dead already!"

Zhou Fann's mind raced with possibilities.

"If a first kill brings rewards, then perhaps other first-time actions might yield benefits too?"

His eyes sparkled with the realization that he might be onto something.

He steadied his nerves and scanned his surroundings.

"What's something I've yet to attempt?"

"Eating for the first time won't cut it; that's too easy. It's got to be challenging, something everyone must do..."

"Like roasting food before eating, which means I need fire..."

"Yes, fire!"

Zhou Fann's frown melted away at the thought.

Starting a fire would be a challenge.

Without hesitation, he gathered dry grass, ready to try his hand at fire-making.

For a Soldier King like him, friction fire starting was child's play.

"Zhou Fann's probably trying to start a fire by now," Zhao Dong mused as he stowed the fishing net, his anxiety palpable.

Zhou Fann's intelligence was undeniable.

After his initial kill, he quickly deduced that pioneering other first-time actions would also bring rewards.

And so, he set his sights on fire-making.

His efforts paid off, earning him the Flame skill.

This was no trivial ability; it allowed him to conjure flames from his fingertips with just a bit of mental exertion.

The stronger he became, the larger the flames he could produce.

With fire at his command, he could grill his food and keep warm.

Life had just gotten a lot more comfortable.

"I have to acquire that Flame skill."

But Zhao Dong's heart sank as he surveyed his surroundings.

Stranded on a wooden boat amidst water, with no way to move, he felt helpless.

His only option was to search the boat for anything useful.

The Attribute Display revealed several items hidden in the hull.

A fishing rod: Once a catcher of countless fish, now missing its line.

A net bag: Perfect for holding fish.

A fisherman's straw hat: Worn but still offering decent shade.

A flint stone: The fisherman's tool for wilderness fire-starting.

"Flint stone, it's actually here!"

Overjoyed by his luck, Zhao Dong quickly retrieved it.

Beside the flint, he found tufts of tinder grass, ready for kindling.

"Haha, I'll be the first to light a fire."

With renewed hope, he struck the flint stone against the grass, eager to spark a flame.

"Snap, snap, snap..."

The flint was working wonders. Sparks struck the fluffy grass, and in no time, wisps of smoke began to rise.

Zhao Dong quickly bunched the grass together and blew into it, coaxing the sparks.

The sparks grew larger and larger.

"There it is, it's catching!"

He kept blowing, the black smoke billowing more intensely.

At last, a tiny flame flickered to life.

"Ha! Success!"

With the emergence of the flame,

a system prompt materialized before him once again.

Congratulations to Survivor Zhao Dong on being the first to kindle a flame.

Initial Reward: Level increase by 1 (All attributes +20, plus an additional 20 free attribute points.)

Initial Reward: Acquired Skill: Flame (Use the flame based on the strength of your mental power)

Gold Coins Earned: 3000.

Earned one lottery draw opportunity.

Yes!

Just as hoped, he was awarded the skill of flame.