Chapter 5: The Monster Gauntlet
The Arena of Ascension loomed before Kai, its towering walls carved from dark stone and pulsing with an ominous glow. The crowd roared, a cacophony of excitement and bloodlust echoing through the air. Warriors, hunters, and beasts alike had gathered, their gazes fixed on the spectacle about to unfold.
Kai stood at the entrance, flames flickering faintly in his palms. He had defeated a ranked beast to earn his place here, but he knew the real challenge was just beginning. The system's voice echoed in his mind.
[Welcome to the Arena of Ascension.]
Rules of the Arena:]
1. Defeat three monsters in consecutive rounds.
2. Failure to defeat an opponent will result in elimination.
[Warning: Your abilities will be monitored. Revealing your core ability—Devour—is prohibited.]
Kai clenched his fists. The system was clear. If anyone discovered that his true strength came from consuming his enemies and gaining their abilities, he would be marked as a threat by everyone. He had to keep his secret at all costs.
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Round One: The Venomous Basilisk
The ground trembled as the first opponent emerged from the shadows—a massive basilisk, its scales shimmering with a sickly green hue. Its eyes glowed with a deadly light, and venom dripped from its fangs, sizzling as it hit the ground.
Kai's system chimed.
[Opponent: Venomous Basilisk – Level 18]
[Ability: Toxic Spit – Creates a corrosive acid capable of melting through steel.]
The basilisk struck first, launching a jet of venom straight at Kai. He rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack, and countered with a burst of flames. The fire struck the creature's scales but did little damage—they were too thick.
"I need to get closer," Kai muttered, activating Shadow Step. He disappeared from sight, reappearing behind the basilisk. With a swift slash of his knife, he targeted the softer scales near its neck. The blade sank in, and the basilisk roared in pain.
Seizing the opportunity, Kai unleashed a torrent of flames directly into the wound. The basilisk writhed, its movements growing sluggish as the fire consumed it. With one final strike, Kai ended the fight.
[Flesh Consumed: Venomous Basilisk. Power Assimilated.]
[New Ability Unlocked: Toxic Spit.]
Kai felt a sharp pain in his chest as the ability integrated into his system. His body adjusted quickly, and he smirked. "That'll come in handy."
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Round Two: The Frost Minotaur
The next opponent stepped into the arena, its hooves crunching against the icy ground it created with each step. The Frost Minotaur towered over Kai, its body covered in frost-covered fur and its eyes glowing with a cold, blue light.
[Opponent: Frost Minotaur – Level 22]
[Ability: Ice Manipulation – Creates barriers and weapons of ice.]
The Minotaur roared, slamming its fists into the ground. Spikes of ice shot toward Kai, forcing him to leap into the air. He retaliated with a blast of fire, but the Minotaur created a shield of ice to block the attack.
Kai gritted his teeth. The creature's control over ice was impressive, and his flames weren't enough to overpower it. He had to think strategically. Using Shadow Step, he vanished and reappeared behind the Minotaur, unleashing a stream of toxic spit. The acid hissed as it melted through the ice shield and splashed onto the Minotaur's fur.
The creature howled in agony, its movements becoming frantic. Kai used the opening to strike its leg with his knife, toppling the giant. With a final burst of flames aimed at its exposed chest, the Minotaur fell.
[Flesh Consumed: Frost Minotaur. Power Assimilated.]
[New Ability Unlocked: Ice Manipulation.]
Kai shivered as the cold power coursed through him. He tested his new ability, creating a small dagger of ice in his hand. "Now we're talking."
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Round Three: The Thunder Wyvern
The final opponent descended from the sky, its massive wings stirring up a storm of dust and debris. The Thunder Wyvern's scales crackled with electricity, and its eyes glowed with a fierce, golden light. Lightning arced across its body, illuminating the arena.
[Opponent: Thunder Wyvern – Level 25]
[Ability: Lightning Strike – Summons bolts of lightning to devastate opponents.]
Kai barely had time to react as the Wyvern unleashed a bolt of lightning. He dove to the side, feeling the heat of the strike as it scorched the ground where he had stood. The Wyvern circled above, raining down bolts of electricity.
Using Ice Manipulation, Kai created a shield to deflect the lightning. The ice absorbed some of the impact, but cracks began to form. He needed to bring the Wyvern down to his level. Summoning his flames, he launched a fiery projectile at the creature, forcing it to dive to avoid the attack.
As the Wyvern swooped low, Kai activated Shadow Step, appearing on its back. The beast thrashed wildly, but Kai held on, slashing at its wings with his knife. The Wyvern roared and attempted to throw him off, but Kai summoned all his strength, driving his blade into the base of its neck.
The Wyvern let out one final screech before collapsing to the ground.
[Flesh Consumed: Thunder Wyvern. Power Assimilated.]
[New Ability Unlocked: Lightning Strike.]
Kai staggered to his feet, his body trembling with exhaustion and power. The crowd erupted into cheers, their bloodlust satisfied for now.
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The Secret Revealed
As Kai stood in the center of the arena, the system's voice echoed in his mind once more.
[Congratulations. You have completed the Arena of Ascension.]
[Rewards Earned: 5000 Points. Access to the Double Points ability.]
Kai's heart raced. The secret ability was his now. Every time he leveled up, he would gain double the points, accelerating his growth far beyond anyone else's. But he couldn't let anyone know about it—or his core ability to gain powers from those he devoured.
The system's next message chilled him.
[Reminder: Abilities can only be gained through arena victories or quests. Deviations from this rule are strictly prohibited.]
Kai smirked. The system itself didn't want anyone to know about his unique power. That was fine by him. He would keep his secret, bide his time, and grow stronger.
As he left the arena, the realization hit him: every monster he consumed had unique abilities that defined them. But his ability to take those powers set him apart. If anyone found out, they would hunt him relentlessly.
Kai clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "Let them come. I'll be ready."
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End of Chapter 5