After learning about the beast grading system, Theos ventured deep into the forest, driven by a single thought: to grow as strong as possible in the years to come. Determined and focused, he walked through the towering trees, their rustling leaves a backdrop to his newfound purpose.
It wasn't long before he encountered a Docile beast, calmly grazing and unaware of the impending challenge. Theos stood firm, his gaze unwavering. This was his chance to test the technique he had learned from Roseville—the Impact Destroyer.
Taking a steady breath, Theos let his energy flow freely through his body, feeling it surge like a powerful current. Slowly, he began to condense that energy into one arm, tightening his control over it. The glow of his power intensified, radiating from his fist. He adjusted his stance, aligning himself for the perfect strike. As he punched, the very air seemed to recoil, parting before the sheer force of his blow.
His fist connected with the beast's body, and the impact was catastrophic. Bones and organs disintegrated instantly, leaving no doubt about the technique's destructive potential. Theos stepped back, his breathing heavy but his resolve unshaken. This was just the beginning of his journey, and with each strike, he grew closer to the strength he sought.
After his first encounter, Theos quickly stumbled upon several more beasts, each ranging in power from Docile to Crystallized. Determined to push his limits, he fought relentlessly, defeating nine beasts in quick succession. Each victory filled him with a growing sense of confidence—until he suddenly came to an abrupt stop.
A powerful aura washed over him, chilling him to the core. This presence was different, far more menacing than anything he had faced so far. Theos spun around just in time to see a ferocious attack hurtling toward him. He narrowly evaded it, stepping back instinctively as his heart pounded in his chest.
"What the hell?" he shouted, his voice tinged with both shock and fear. His eyes widened as he took in the creature before him. Its sheer presence confirmed his worst fear—it was a Vigilant beast, a monster of the third rank. At his current strength, defeating something this powerful would be nearly impossible. Theos tightened his stance, every nerve in his body screaming at him to either fight or flee.
The beast lunged at him with terrifying speed, its movements a blur. Theos mind raced as he considered his options—should he stand his ground or run? For a brief moment, fear clawed at him, but then a realization struck him: facing creatures that could defeat or even kill him was the only way to grow stronger. If he wanted to push beyond his limits, he couldn't afford to back down.
Steeling his resolve, Theos planted his feet firmly and braced himself. Instead of evading, he decided to take the attack head-on. The beast's blow connected with a thunderous impact, sending shockwaves rippling through the forest. The sheer force of the collision shattered nearby rocks and uprooted trees, leaving destruction in its wake.
Pain surged through Theos's body, but he refused to falter. Gritting his teeth, he stood firm, his energy flaring as he absorbed the force of the attack. Every nerve in his body screamed in protest, yet deep inside, he felt a flicker of exhilaration. This was what he needed—the kind of challenge that would forge him into someone truly powerful.
As Theos locked eyes with the beast, it lunged at him once more, its ferocity undiminished. But this time, he noticed something—a flaw in its movements, a weakness he could exploit. His heart pounded as the realization set in: there was only one way to defeat it.
Focusing every ounce of his determination, Theos began to channel his Primal Energy to its maximum. The raw power coursing through him was overwhelming, causing the ground beneath his feet to crack and nearby objects to shatter under the immense pressure. His body burned with an intensity he had never felt before, but he pushed through, knowing this was his only chance.
With a roar of defiance, Theos launched forward, his fist glowing with unimaginable power. He punched with everything he had—and then more, summoning strength he didn't even know he possessed. The blow connected with devastating force, sending shockwaves rippling through the air.
The beast let out a deafening screech, its body trembling under the impact. But it refused to fall. Undeterred, Theos followed up with another strike, his fist crashing down like a hammer. This time, the beast was driven into the ground with such force that the earth beneath it splintered.
As the dust settled, the creature lay lifeless, its colossal frame unmoving. Theos staggered back, his chest heaving with exhaustion, yet a new sensation surged within him. He could feel it—he had grown stronger, the battle pushing him closer to the power he sought.
"That's the tenth beast I've defeated—I'm finally done!" Theos shouted, his voice echoing through the forest. A triumphant smile spread across his face, radiating pure joy. Despite his exhaustion, the thought of more beasts waiting for him tomorrow only fueled his determination.
Not one to waste time, Theos began training immediately, focusing on perfecting his Impact Destroyer. Each strike sent shockwaves rippling through the ground, his power and precision growing with every attempt. He could feel his technique improving, the energy condensing more efficiently with each punch.
Though he was still far from mastering it, Theos felt a surge of pride when he realized his strikes had already reached half the strength of Roseville's. He clenched his fists, his body aching but his spirit unyielding. "Just a little more," he muttered to himself, ready to push further.
As swiftly as day had come, night followed, cloaking the forest in darkness. Yet Theos continued his training, unwavering in his determination. The ground beneath him became soaked with the sweat of his relentless effort, each droplet a testament to the intensity of his struggle. His body burned with the agony of his exertion, muscles screaming in protest, but he did not falter. His focus was absolute, his heart and mind locked onto a singular purpose.
With every punch and every strike, he pushed himself further, refusing to give in to the pain. Theos's resolve hardened like steel as he muttered to himself through gritted teeth, "I will bow to no one. Not even the gods who created us."
The words echoed in his mind, fueling his drive. He would not be controlled, not by any force—be it beast, man, or divine power. His training, his struggle, were steps toward a future where he would shape his own destiny, free from the chains of fate.
He could feel it deep within him—a sense of fate that urged him forward. It wasn't just a desire; it was a conviction. He was destined to grow stronger, destined to challenge everything the world had to offer. Nothing would stand in his way, not even Klen. The weight of this purpose settled into his bones, a fire that would burn brighter with each passing day, pushing him toward the future he was determined to create.
He vowed to tear down the very foundation of the place people called home. No longer would he remain confined to the limits imposed by his world. He would rise above it all, to a place where no one else dared to go, carving out a destiny that was his alone. Every step he took would bring him closer to a power that could reshape everything.