Two months had passed since Ethan began his training under the guidance of Valdraxx, the ancient entity residing within him.
This training not only honed Ethan's physical abilities but also transformed his way of thinking.
He had now mastered a portion of the "Devourer Power," the dark energy that granted him the ability to absorb and manipulate energy from other creatures.
The relentless and rigorous training had changed Ethan from an ordinary human into a tougher and more dangerous figure.
However, the real test now awaited him in the outside world, far from the safety of the cave where he had been hiding.
"It has been two months since I taught you everything I know about the Devourer Power, Ethan," Valdraxx's voice echoed in his head, hoarse and deep, filled with authority.
"The rest you will discover for yourself as time goes on. Now, let us test the results of your hard work. Leave this cave and face the outside world."
Ethan nodded slowly, agreeing with the creature's suggestion. He turned and gazed at the cave that had been his refuge for the past two months.
Though simple and filled with sharp stones, the cave had become a kind of home for him. In Ethan's hand was a dagger made from a deer horn, an item he had crafted after defeating a stag. Though it appeared simple, the dagger had become a part of him, a weapon he trusted to protect himself from danger.
With steady steps, Ethan left the cave and walked into the wilderness surrounding the mountains. The fresh air hit his face, and the scent of damp earth and foliage filled his senses.
After a long time, he felt free again, but he also realized that danger lurked around every corner.
The day began to dusk as Ethan followed a path through the forest. In the distance, a thin fog hovered above the dense trees.
After walking for several hours without rest, Ethan began to hear the sound of unfamiliar human footsteps. He quickly crouched behind some bushes to observe.
Not far from his hiding place, a man was walking along the forest path.
He wore tattered clothing, carried a large backpack on his back, and had an open notebook in his hands. His hair was disheveled, and his eyes appeared tired yet full of curiosity.
From the logo on his bag and the equipment hanging from his belt, Ethan immediately recognized the man's profession as a zoologist, an adventurer studying living creatures.
"This is your chance," Valdraxx's voice whispered slyly and temptingly in Ethan's mind.
"He's alone. Kill him, take what you need, and disguise yourself. The nearest city is on the edge of this forest. With his identity, you can move freely."
Ethan stared at the man for a moment, his heart burning. This wasn't the first time he had killed someone in this world, without any reason other than for personal gain.
The power he possessed was that of a predator; only the strong would survive.
Silently, Ethan crept up behind the man. The man was too focused on his notebook, jotting down something about the flora and fauna around him, unaware of the impending danger.
In an instant, Ethan's dagger was at the man's throat.
"I'm sorry," Ethan whispered softly before swiftly slitting the man's throat. The zoologist fell silently, blood flowing from his wound, soaking the ground beneath him. The man's last breath escaped slowly, his eyes wide with shock and pain.
Ethan took a deep breath, trying to control the feelings of guilt, power, and emptiness flowing within him. However, Valdraxx only chuckled softly in his mind, as if justifying what he had just done.
"Very good, Ethan. This is just the beginning of everything."
After ensuring that no one else was around and the unfortunate man lay lifeless, Ethan quickly changed his clothes for the adventurer's attire.
The tattered leather jacket, rough leather gloves, and cargo pants that had belonged to the man now fit Ethan's body.
The clothing was not only comfortable but also gave the impression that he was just an ordinary traveler, aligning with his plan to infiltrate the nearest city.
The large bag the man had carried, filled with research equipment, now hung over his shoulder. Items like a small knife, glass vials, and a thick notebook filled the bag, along with some coins.
Ethan carefully opened one of the notebooks. Inside were rough sketches of creatures residing in Arkhana, complete with detailed notes about their behavior, habitat, and weaknesses.