Chapter 3: The Hunt for Strength
Kai stood amidst the carnage of the battlefield. The Cerberus lay still, its massive form sprawled across the cracked city streets, while the Griffin's body slowly began to fade into nothingness. The scent of blood and scorched earth lingered in the air, mixing with the faint odor of sulfur from the Cerberus's fiery breath.
Despite his victory, Kai couldn't help but feel a gnawing sense of urgency. The Flesh System had granted him immense power—far more than he had anticipated—but there was still so much left to learn. He could feel it, deep within him. The power he had absorbed was only a small fraction of what was possible in this new world.
The Flesh System had already thrown him into battle with two legendary creatures, but they were only the beginning. He had to continue hunting, consuming more powerful beings, and evolving. The question was—where would he find them?
He glanced down at the glowing interface that had become his constant companion.
[System Interface]
- Points Available: 5000
- Current Abilities:
- Strength: Enhanced (From King Kong)
- Speed: Enhanced (From Griffin)
- Regeneration: Rapid (From King Kong)
- Flame Control: Basic (From Cerberus)
[Available Enhancements:]
- Strength Upgrade: 2000 points
- Speed Upgrade: 1500 points
- Flame Mastery: 3000 points
- Regeneration Upgrade: 2500 points
Kai's thoughts raced. He could feel the weight of the choices before him. Every enhancement would make him stronger, but the question was: "What should he focus on first?"
He tapped on the Flame Mastery option, his hand trembling slightly. The flames that danced on his fingertips were still new to him, and they felt unstable. If he could harness their power more effectively, he might be able to deal with enemies who didn't rely on brute force or speed alone.
[You have chosen Flame Mastery. 3000 points deducted. Mastery has been unlocked.]
A surge of heat enveloped Kai as the flames around him intensified, becoming more controlled, more powerful. He could feel the fire responding to his will—burning brighter, hotter, and faster. The flames no longer flickered erratically but swirled around his body, moving as if they were an extension of himself.
Now, with the ability to summon intense fire at will, he was a force to be reckoned with. But that was still not enough. He knew this world was full of horrors, and other powerful beings would be coming after him. The real challenge had only just begun.
---
The First Encounter
Kai's enhanced senses detected movement in the distance. He stood still, listening, as the sound of footsteps grew louder. These were not the clumsy stomps of a beast, but something far more calculated.
A figure emerged from the smoke and dust, walking slowly toward him. At first, Kai couldn't make out the figure, but as it drew closer, he saw a tall, lean man, cloaked in dark robes, with a glint of steel in his hand.
The man stopped just a few feet away from Kai, his piercing eyes studying him with an intensity that made Kai's skin crawl. There was an air of danger about this person, a feeling that Kai couldn't ignore. This wasn't just another monster or animal; this was something else—someone with purpose.
"I see you've already begun your hunt," the man said, his voice calm and smooth, yet laced with an unmistakable power. "But you should know... you're not the only one playing this game."
Kai narrowed his eyes. He could feel the man's presence, like a palpable weight pressing on his chest. This wasn't an ordinary human, that much was clear. His mind raced. Who was this person, and what did he want with him?
"I'm just trying to survive," Kai replied, his voice steady. He'd learned quickly that in this new world, it was better to keep a calm head when dealing with the unknown.
The man chuckled darkly, his smile cold. "Survive, you say? You've eaten the flesh of a King Kong, and already you've gained power. But do you truly understand the consequences of this system? Power comes with a price."
Kai's grip tightened on his knife. The man was speaking in riddles, but Kai knew enough to recognize a threat when he saw one.
"I didn't ask for this power," Kai retorted, his voice low but firm. "But I'll use it to make sure I survive. If that's a problem for you, we can settle it right now."
The man's eyes flickered with amusement, and for a moment, Kai thought he saw a flash of recognition in the stranger's gaze. But then, in the blink of an eye, the man drew his blade with a swift motion.
[Enemy detected: Hunter – Level 20]
The system's alert flashed in front of Kai's eyes, and he immediately understood the gravity of the situation. This man wasn't just any opponent—he was a HUNTER, someone who specialized in hunting down those who consumed the Flesh of powerful creatures.
Kai had heard of them—humans who had adapted to the new system, using their own powers to track and eliminate anyone who posed a threat to their dominance.
The Hunter lunged, his blade slicing through the air with frightening speed. Kai barely had time to react, instinctively raising his arm to block. The force of the blow sent him stumbling back, but his enhanced strength allowed him to keep his balance.
The Hunter smirked, clearly enjoying the challenge. "Not bad. But I've fought creatures far stronger than you. Let's see how you handle this."
With a flick of his wrist, the Hunter's blade began to glow with a strange, dark energy. He swung it down at Kai with an almost inhuman precision. Kai barely managed to dodge in time, but the blade grazed his side, tearing through his clothes and leaving a burning wound behind.
[Warning: Poison detected.]
The system's alert sounded again. The wound was poisoned. Kai gritted his teeth, fighting the burning sensation spreading through his body. He could feel his regeneration trying to heal the injury, but the poison was slowing it down.
Kai's eyes narrowed as he summoned the flames once more. This man would not defeat him. Not today.
With a roar, he thrust his hands forward, releasing a massive burst of fire toward the Hunter. The flames roared as they surged forward, engulfing the Hunter in an explosion of heat.
But when the flames cleared, the Hunter was standing unharmed, his body surrounded by a shimmering barrier of energy. The flames had barely touched him.
"Impressive," the Hunter said, his voice filled with respect. "But you'll need more than that to defeat me."
Kai's mind raced. The Hunter's power was on a different level—he wasn't just a simple adversary. But Kai had no choice. He had to survive.
[New Quest: Defeat the Hunter. Reward: Unlock new abilities.]
---
End of Chapter 3