Damian awoke to the scent of blood. It lingered in the air, sharp and metallic, blending with the musty scent of decaying leaves. The crimson sky had dimmed into a dark, oppressive maroon, as though the world itself was bleeding.
His muscles ached from the fight with the Blood Wolf, but the surge of power coursing through him dulled the pain. He felt stronger, faster, more alive than he ever had in his eighteen years of existence.
"Alright, System," Damian muttered, rising to his feet. "Let's talk. What else can you do?"
The translucent screen appeared once more, responding to his thoughts.
[Blood Maniac System Interface]
Host Name: Damian Kane
Strength: 12
Agility: 9
Vitality: 10
Skills:
1. Blood Absorption (Passive): Absorb the essence of defeated enemies to enhance stats.
Blood Points (BP): 10
Available Upgrades:
• Enhanced Blood Frenzy (10 BP): Temporarily increases all stats by 50% during combat. Duration: 1 minute.
• Blood Sense (10 BP): Detect enemies and life forms within a 100-meter radius.
Damian frowned, studying the screen. Two skills were available for purchase, but his Blood Points wouldn't allow for both.
"Enhanced Blood Frenzy… sounds useful in a pinch," he mused, "but Blood Sense could save my life."
"You must decide quickly. The longer you linger, the more dangerous this world becomes." The system's voice echoed in his mind, cold and impartial.
"Fine," Damian said. "Let's go with Blood Sense."
The screen shimmered, and a sharp pain shot through Damian's temples as the skill integrated into his being.
[Upgrade Complete!]
Blood Sense Unlocked.
Almost instinctively, Damian closed his eyes and concentrated. A wave of sensory information washed over him. He could feel the life around him—the faint pulse of insects in the soil, the slow thrum of the twisted trees' existence. Then, further out, two stronger life forces flickered.
One was faint, erratic, as if it were on the brink of extinction. The other was predatory, relentless, and moving fast.
"What the—" Damian opened his eyes, his heart pounding.
A scream tore through the air, sharp and desperate. Without thinking, Damian sprinted toward the sound.
The clearing was a scene of chaos.
A young woman with auburn hair was backed against a jagged rock, a makeshift dagger trembling in her hands. Her clothes were torn and bloodied, her face pale and desperate.
Surrounding her were three figures—human, but twisted. Their eyes glowed faintly red, their movements jerky and unnatural. Each carried a crude weapon, their clothes stained with old blood.
Scavengers.
"Please… stay back!" the girl cried, her voice trembling.
The scavengers laughed, a guttural, inhuman sound.
"You're wasting your breath, girl," one of them snarled. "We like it when they struggle."
Rage boiled in Damian's chest.
"Hey!" he shouted, stepping into the clearing.
The scavengers turned, their glowing eyes narrowing as they sized him up.
"Another one?" one sneered. "You've got guts, kid."
Damian clenched his fists, the wolf's blood still fresh on his hands. "Let her go. Now."
The largest scavenger, clearly the leader, barked a laugh. "Or what? You'll bleed us dry?"
Something dark stirred in Damian. The system's voice whispered in his mind.
"Kill them. Consume them. Their blood will make you unstoppable."
His lips curled into a cold smile. "Exactly."
The fight was brutal.
Damian had strength and speed on his side, but the scavengers were experienced killers. They fought with wild, unrelenting ferocity, forcing Damian to dodge and counter every attack.
The leader swung a rusted axe, its blade aimed for Damian's neck. He ducked, driving his fist into the scavenger's ribs. The man stumbled back, snarling, but Damian pressed the attack, grabbing a fallen blade and slashing it across the leader's chest.
Blood sprayed, and the system chimed.
[Blood Points gained: 5]
Damian didn't stop to celebrate. The other two scavengers lunged at him simultaneously. One managed to graze his side, drawing blood, but Damian's instincts took over. He twisted, slamming the stolen blade into the second scavenger's throat.
The third hesitated, realizing he was outmatched.
"Wait—" he started, but Damian didn't give him the chance.
"Too late for mercy."
With a savage swing, Damian ended it.
[Blood Points gained: 10]
[New Skill Unlocked: Blood Frenzy]
Damian stood over the bodies, panting. His hands trembled, not from exhaustion but from the intoxicating rush of power. He could feel it coursing through him, strengthening every fiber of his being.
"You… you killed them," the girl whispered, her voice a mix of awe and fear.
Damian turned, his eyes glowing faintly red. "Are you hurt?"
She hesitated, then shook her head. "No. Thank you."
Her gaze lingered on him, wary but curious.
"I'm Damian," he said, offering a hand.
"Elara," she replied, taking it.