Chapter 2: The First Test
Kai stood in the heart of the ruined city, the remnants of King Kong's massive form sprawled before him. His muscles were still surging with power from the feast he had just consumed. The strength, speed, and regenerative abilities he had gained were unlike anything he had experienced before.
The air felt thick with tension, and his senses were heightened to the point where he could hear the smallest whispers of movement around him. Every gust of wind, every distant sound, was like a signal to his body, ready to react at a moment's notice. He flexed his fists, watching as the thick veins on his arms bulged with the newfound power.
But this was only the beginning. He couldn't afford to get complacent. The world had changed, and it was no longer a place of safety and peace. The Flesh System had thrown everything into chaos, and if he didn't act now, he would be swallowed by the very system he was trying to control.
Ding!
The notification appeared once again, flashing in his vision.
[Quest: Test of Survival. Enemies will now target you. Defeat them to earn more power.]
A chill ran down his spine. Enemies? Already? He had barely begun to adjust to his new abilities, and now he was being thrown into a battle for survival. He looked around, searching for any sign of movement.
Then he heard it—a low growl. Kai's heart skipped a beat as he turned to face the source of the sound. Emerging from the shadows, a large creature with glowing red eyes stalked toward him. It was a massive [Griffin], its wings unfurled and claws clicking against the cracked pavement as it moved forward with deadly intent.
Kai's first instinct was to fight. He had no other choice. The power inside him roared to life, his body brimming with raw energy as he focused on the beast. He didn't have time to hesitate.
With a swift motion, he dashed forward, the ground cracking beneath his feet as his enhanced speed carried him toward the Griffin. The creature lunged, its talons aimed at him with lethal precision.
But Kai was faster.
He ducked just in time, his body moving with a fluidity he hadn't known he was capable of. He swung his knife, the glowing blade cutting through the air with an almost unnatural sharpness. The Griffin screeched as the knife found its mark, slashing across its wing.
But the Griffin was not defeated. It roared in pain, its wings flapping fiercely to regain balance as it lashed out with its claws. Kai's enhanced regeneration kicked in immediately—his wounds healed almost instantly, leaving no trace of damage behind. The Griffin's claws scraped against his skin, but the regenerative power of King Kong's flesh made him virtually invulnerable.
Kai grinned. This was what he needed.
[Flesh Consumed: Griffin's Flesh. Power has been assimilated.]
A surge of new energy flooded his body. The strength he had gained from the King Kong meat had now been combined with the agility and sharp senses of the Griffin. He could feel his reflexes becoming even faster, his senses more attuned to his surroundings. He was becoming an apex predator in this new world.
Ding!
[Points Earned: 2000]
The points appeared in his vision, ready to be spent. But Kai knew he couldn't waste time. The battle wasn't over yet. As the Griffin staggered back, its eyes narrowing with hatred, a second, even larger creature emerged from the shadows. This one was more terrifying—a Cerberus, a three-headed, fire-breathing beast.
Kai's eyes widened. The Cerberus was legendary in the old myths. Its fiery breath and razor-sharp teeth would make it an extremely dangerous foe. But Kai wasn't afraid. He had the strength and speed to face it. And this time, he would not be fighting alone.
[Quest: Defeat the Cerberus. Reward: Unlocked ability to control fire.]
A new quest notification appeared. Control fire? Kai's heart raced. If he could gain control over fire, it would be a game-changer. But first, he had to defeat this monster.
The Cerberus growled, flames erupting from its three mouths as it charged at him. Kai didn't wait. He leaped forward, the power of the Griffin's wings surging through him. He dashed around the Cerberus, narrowly avoiding its deadly fire as it roared in fury.
Kai had no intention of letting it get close enough to land a blow. With a single, powerful strike, he aimed for the beast's neck. The knife, now infused with the strength of King Kong and the speed of the Griffin, sliced through the Cerberus's thick hide with ease.
But the Cerberus wasn't done. One of its heads snapped at Kai, its teeth sinking into his shoulder with terrifying force. Pain flared, but the regeneration power from King Kong's meat kicked in, healing him almost instantly. The Cerberus's bite was like a mosquito sting in comparison to the raw power coursing through his veins.
Kai roared in defiance and swung the glowing knife again. This time, his attack landed directly in the Cerberus's throat, severing its main head. The creature screeched, its body convulsing in agony before collapsing to the ground.
[Flesh Consumed: Cerberus' Flesh. Power has been assimilated.]
A wave of heat surged through Kai as the Cerberus's power was absorbed. His hands flared with orange flames, the fire dancing around his fingers as he gained the ability to control fire.
Ding!
[Points Earned: 3000]
Kai stood tall, surveying the two defeated creatures before him. The power he had gained was immense, but he knew this was only the beginning. The world was full of dangerous monsters, and the system was only going to become more chaotic. If he wanted to survive, he would need more power.
The Flesh System had given him a chance, but now it was up to him to grow stronger. He had to be ready for whatever came next. He couldn't afford to make the same mistakes he had in his previous life.
And one thing was certain—he would never be weak again.
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End of Chapter 2