Luke examined his new form. His forearms gained 3 inches of muscle, thereby increasing his grip strength. He feels that he could beat Levan and Devon Larrat combined in arm wrestling now without technique, just raw forearm strength.
He was amazed. What is the feeling? Well, for reference. He felt like he had transformed Captain America. From a normal human to a super soldier. This is even an understatement as he could understand the increase in strength more than anyone. Maybe he could bend a steel with full power?
Just what is that pill? Is this how strong Beyonders are?
Suddenly, Luke felt danger. Beside him, the abomination had fully transformed. Different from Eleven, this abomination was a mass of flesh with four strong arms. Its face had rows of sharp teeth, and he was bleeding in his four orifices. The disgusting stench combination of rat pee and human waste made Luke nearly puke. "Fucking hell!"
"Watch out!" Klay shouted.
The 7-foot-tall abomination walked towards Luke. It raised its huge fist, enveloped with a puddle of green liquid that released burning smoke.
If it's anyone, they would be scared out of their wits. But Luke, with the blessing of two buffs that had significantly boosted his focus and spirit, calmly dodged the fist that was hurled toward him. The strong air current blew his air. A booming noise defeaned in the room due to how strong the blow was.
Luke's eyes squinted. He could feel how dangerous this monster was. It could roughly deal with a combination of SWAT and special forces from Earth without breaking a sweat.
But somehow, he could feel that this abomination was a lot inferior to his current state.
"His reflexes are also impressive for some who had just ascended. Maybe the passive ability he got increased his sense of danger?" The general, as a combat veteran, managed to analyze more than anyone.
The prince nodded with a gratified smile. "The effect of methamphetamine on his mind should have worn off by now, right? Yet his eyes still contain that spear-like focus."
"He would be a great soldier. A great addition to my unit. Can I register him as a soldier?" With an opportunistic smile, the general had a look of yearning as he watched Luke dodge consecutive moves of abominations: uppercut, right hook, low kick, etc...
The prince displayed a knowing smile. "No... He will be a part of my force. He's the first successful subject in our experiments. I can't just hand him over to you. Lest he dies early under your wing, not being able to provide more data."
Abomination had inherited the fighting ability of its host yet all it did was fight using its instinct. On the other hand, Luke didn't lose focus one bit or get distracted. His eyes were sharp for every move, anticipating trajectories calmly. His movements became more refined.
"He's a fast learner. In my opinion, he's a natural at fighting." The general spoke with a regretful expression. "It's a pity I haven't met him earlier."
The prince looked at the general with surprise. The general was known for his fanatic to the art of combat. For someone like this to give a high evaluation, Luke must be really doing something impressive
Unbeknownst to them, the reason why Luke displayed such prowess was not only because of the increase in spirit and perception after the transformation. But due to the permanent two buffs and his elevated senses for danger!
After all, normally, the Hyper Focus disappears in a few minutes. But to Luke, its state had reached a perpetual permanent state!
Luke rolled below the abomination, sliding behind it. Then, Luke clenched his fist, trembling due to the immense force it held.
BOOM!
His fist connected to the upper traps of the Abomination, it went through and penetrated its chest. Green blood splattered on Luke's face. But Luke didn't stop; he jumped, using the shoulders of the Abomination as the foothold, and he grabbed its mess of a head with disgust.
"Fucking die!"
He pulled the head causing the abomination to let out a screech of pain. It began to thrash around trying to shake off Luke. It prompted Luke to increase his grip. The shaking made him feel dizzy but he didn't let go.
Gradually, the neck tore off, it was severed as Luke put all his strength with a last motion. He felt he had deadlifted 700lbs of weight on the ground.
Blood splashed like a fountain, bathing Luke's entire being with a green puddle of liquid. The combination of the metallic stench of blood and poop made Luke uncomfortable. "This green blood isn't poisonous, right?"
Luke felt along with the body of abominations with a sound of thud in the ground. His strength left him due to too much exertion from pulling the head of the damned monster.
Status!
...
Name: Luke
Race: Human
Path: Shadow Serpent
State of Being: Unshackled Stage
Negative States:
Broken Ribs.
Temporary Buffs:
Permanent Buffs:
Hyper Focus (∞). Calm Spirit (∞).
Shadow Serpent Abilities:
Tier 1 Danger Senses (Passive).
Tier 1 Serpentine Shadow (Active).
Remark: A Beyonder that took the first step to Supernatural World. Able to massacre a squad of fully equipped war veteran soldiers (mortals).
...
Shadow Serpent? Danger Senses? Serpentine Shadow? He needs to investigate this later.
Mortal changed to Unshackled Stage? As expected, Beyonders are just like cultivators! Well, with the difference that Beyonders are specialized and possess esoteric abilities. But in essence, they could increase their strength by elevating their realm or stage.
Now, he understood why he felt as if some kind of invisible and intangible shackles had broken. It made him feel vigorous, his body lighter, mind sharper, more so, his lifespan seems to have increased. This is an intuitive feeling.
These shackles prevent mortals from achieving great things and keeping their potential restricted and lifespan limited.. Without the shackles now, Luke felt that he was a change man, metaphorical and literally.
Now, he understood why it was an "Unshackled Stage".
"How is the feeling?" The Priest of the Storm God patted the corpse of the abomination causing mass of small whirlwind disintegrate it to pieces.
"Congratulations. You're now officially a Beyonder. Welcome to the Supernatural Side of the World." With an amiable smile, the prince said casually.
Klay smiled.
Luke looked at the trio and at Klay. "Thanks... I feel wonderful I guess." Then his gaze landed on the prince. "More importantly, my reward?"