The Wilds fell silent as the glow of Kalis's transformation subsided. He rose to his feet, the air around him crackling with latent power. His crimson eyes burned brighter, and an aura of dread now clung to him—a harbinger of his newfound strength.
Noah observed him intently, his expression unreadable. "Tell me, Kalis. What did you choose?"
Kalis knelt, his voice steady but filled with reverence. "Master, I've evolved my Crimson Stalker class into the **Crimson Wraith**. The bloodline tied to my vampiric heritage guided my decision. It grants me mastery over shadow and blood, but with an emphasis on lethality and evasion."
---
**Crimson Wraith**
*The Crimson Wraith is a silent harbinger of death, blending vampiric predation with the mastery of shadow. Designed for surgical strikes and swift eliminations, it excels in destabilizing enemies and overwhelming them with bursts of precision violence.*
**New Class Abilities Unlocked:**
1. **Eclipse Step**
*You can vanish into the shadows, moving instantly to a targeted location within a short range. This ability allows for unparalleled mobility and positioning during combat.*
2. **Bloodfang Strike**
*Your weapon becomes infused with blood magic, delivering a devastating attack that drains vitality from your target and temporarily enhances your own attributes.*
3. **Crimson Mirage**
*You create shadowy replicas of yourself to confuse and misdirect enemies. These mirages can mimic your movements and attack patterns but deal reduced damage.*
4. **Hemorrhage Field**
*You create an area of control by manipulating the blood of enemies within a radius, slowing their movements and reducing their stamina. The effect increases against wounded foes.*
5. **Predator's Pact**
*Your connection to your vampiric bloodline deepens, allowing you to temporarily increase your speed, strength, and senses in exchange for expending a portion of your life force.*
---
Kalis stood, his form radiating menace. "I chose the path of the predator, Master. One who strikes unseen, eliminates with precision, and fades before retaliation can occur."
Noah nodded approvingly. "It suits you. Now, let's see what you're capable of."
---
The pair didn't have to wait long. A **Savage Steelclaw**, a beast of serrated scales and dagger-like talons, emerged from the underbrush. It roared, its eyes gleaming with primal hunger. At level 20, it was a far cry from the Leviathan they had faced earlier, but its speed and ferocity made it no less dangerous.
Noah folded his arms, stepping back. "This one's yours, Kalis. Show me what your evolution has wrought."
Kalis gave a sharp nod, his movements fluid as he stepped toward the beast.
The Steelclaw lunged, claws flashing in the moonlight. Kalis vanished in an instant, his body dissolving into shadows as **Eclipse Step** activated. He reappeared behind the beast, slashing across its flank with a blade glowing red from **Bloodfang Strike**. The Steelclaw screeched as blood poured from the deep wound, the crimson energy siphoned into Kalis's body.
The beast spun, snapping its jaws, but Kalis was already gone, his form flickering as shadowy replicas surrounded the Steelclaw. **Crimson Mirage** distorted the battlefield, each replica mimicking Kalis's movements. The beast lashed out, striking at the illusions, but each swipe passed harmlessly through the shadows.
"Impressive," Noah muttered, his arms still folded.
Kalis darted in, his movements a blur. He unleashed **Hemorrhage Field**, the blood from the Steelclaw's wounds swirling in the air. The beast stumbled, its movements sluggish and its breathing labored. Kalis wasted no time, activating **Predator's Pact**. His body surged with unnatural speed and power as he delivered a series of rapid, brutal strikes.
The Steelclaw staggered, its strength failing. With a final, decisive blow, Kalis drove his blade into the beast's throat. The Steelclaw collapsed, its death throes fading into silence.
---
Kalis stood over the beast's corpse, his breathing steady despite the exertion. The crimson glow of his blade faded as he sheathed it.
Noah approached, his gaze appraising. "You've come a long way, Kalis. The Crimson Wraith suits you."
"Thank you, Master." Kalis lowered his head respectfully. "I feel… complete. Like my bloodline and my class have aligned perfectly."
Noah smirked faintly. "Don't let it go to your head. Power without control is just chaos. But you've proven yourself tonight. Keep honing your skills. The challenges ahead will only grow stronger."
"Yes, Master."
The two continued their journey through the Wilds, Kalis's newfound abilities adding a lethal edge to their encounters. The beasts of the forest, once a significant threat, now fell swiftly under Noah's precision and Kalis's deadly efficiency. The balance of their partnership was clear—Noah, the strategist and overwhelming force, and Kalis, the precise blade in the shadows.
As dawn broke, the pair stood at the edge of the forest, their path leading back to Draegorth. The night's trials had proven fruitful, not just for Kalis but for Noah as well. Together, they were evolving into a force to be reckoned with.
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