Chereads / viral ascension / Chapter 14 - shifting tides

Chapter 14 - shifting tides

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The air in the cavern was thick, stifling, like a pressure pressing down on Kenzai's chest. Every breath was heavier than the last, every movement more sluggish. But beneath the surface, something was stirring—a force within him growing stronger by the second, tearing at the very fabric of his being. It wasn't just the dungeon's oppressive atmosphere—it was the transformation. His body, his mind, were not the same as they had been mere moments ago.

At first, it had been subtle. His muscles had twitched, a sharp pulse of energy, then a quiet crackle in the back of his mind. But now, it was too much to ignore. His skin tingled with raw power, and a low hum vibrated through his bones. Something more than just his strength was awakening inside him.

Claws grew from his fingertips, sharp and deadly. His once-human features began to twist, his senses expanding in ways that were almost overwhelming. His vision sharpened, his hearing more acute, as though the world around him was shifting into a higher frequency, one only accessible to those who had unlocked the primal potential within.

He could feel his bones shifting, growing longer, more defined, but the agony of it was nothing compared to the primal hunger that surged within him. It wasn't just the desire for strength or power—it was an urge to become something other, something less human.

"Focus!" Varek's voice echoed through the cavern, but it seemed distant, muffled by the roar of energy rushing through Kenzai's veins. "Kenzai, don't lose yourself."

But Kenzai's thoughts were scattered, his focus slipping. His body had already begun its change, a transformation so deep it was almost too much to comprehend. His muscles bulged and rippled beneath his skin, the flesh shifting and reshaping as his body grew in size. His posture hunched slightly, more animal-like than human as his spine stretched and twisted.

He could feel it. The air itself seemed to pulse with energy, as though the dungeon itself had become aware of his transformation. Kenzai's heartbeat quickened as his mind wavered between clarity and a growing chaos.

No.

With an immense effort, he clung to his sanity, his human mind. But it was slipping, each breath a challenge. He felt the claws of his fingers dig into the stone floor, his talons scraping the surface as he struggled to keep himself grounded. The air around him shimmered with heat as his body temperature spiked.

The change was accelerating. He could feel it in his bones, in his blood. His once ordinary human features were now marred by sharp, animalistic traits. His skin, once smooth, was now thickening, patches of fur sprouting like armor, thick scales appearing on his forearms and shoulders. His muscles expanded, his joints cracking as they shifted to accommodate his new form. His spine arched as he grew taller, the edges of his body becoming more jagged, more intimidating.

Kenzai's mouth opened in a low, guttural growl, his teeth stretching into sharp fangs. His eyes, once calm and calculating, now burned with a primal ferocity. He was losing himself to the beast within, the creature that had been waiting all along, lurking just beneath the surface.

But then, amid the chaos, he felt it—something that remained tethered to him. His connection to his weapon, Genesis Fang, pulsed with energy, responding to his change. It wasn't just the weapon anymore—it was a part of him, an extension of his will.

Kenzai closed his eyes, clenching his fists. "Focus," he whispered to himself. "I'm still... me."

His form wavered for a moment, a strange battle playing out between the primal urges taking over his body and the remnants of his consciousness fighting to stay human. The beast inside him growled, but Kenzai's resolve strengthened. He wasn't going to lose himself—not entirely.

The ground beneath him trembled as he moved, testing his new form. He flexed his claws, letting the power surge through him. His senses roared to life, and he could feel everything—the distant heartbeat of a creature hiding in the shadows, the shift of air against the stone, the very vibrations of the world around him.

He stepped forward, his legs now digitigrade—more suited for running on all fours. His tail, thick and strong, flicked behind him, reacting instinctively to his every movement. His posture was fully altered now; he stood hunched, his back slightly arched, his muscles coiled like a spring. He was more than human. He was something more—and less.

"Varek," Kenzai said, his voice rough, nearly alien, "this is... too much. I can't control it."

Varek stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "You must. The dungeon is alive, Kenzai. It's testing you. You cannot let it break you."

But Kenzai could already feel the pressure building again. The urge to hunt, to destroy, overwhelmed him. He could feel it—the hunger, the relentless drive to track and tear apart whatever dared to oppose him.

A flicker of movement caught his attention in the distance, and instinctively, he turned. The dungeon had summoned its challenge. It was time.

Before he even realized it, he was moving—fast, too fast for a human. His claws raked across the cavern floor, sending sparks of stone flying as his body surged forward like a predator in pursuit of prey. His tail lashed behind him, propelling him faster, his muscles coiling and uncoiling as he bounded across the terrain with terrifying speed.

The creature that lurked in the shadows didn't stand a chance.

Kenzai's eyes locked onto it—a massive, insectoid creature with legs as long as trees and sharp, jagged mandibles. The creature hissed and lunged, its claws snapping at the air, but Kenzai was already on it.

He moved with the grace of a hunter, his claws slashing through the air in a blur. The creature attempted to retaliate, but Kenzai was too quick, too deadly. His massive fist collided with its head, crushing it with a sickening crack. The creature screeched, but Kenzai was already moving again, his tail sweeping the creature's legs out from under it as he pinned it to the ground.

His claws dug into the creature's flesh, tearing through its exoskeleton with ease. Kenzai roared in triumph, the sound echoing through the cavern as his senses flooded with the satisfaction of victory.

His body trembled with the aftereffects of the transformation, but for the first time in what felt like ages, he felt a connection to something deep within him—a primal, untamable force that was his. It was part of him now, and while it terrified him, it also filled him with an undeniable sense of power.

Slowly, Kenzai's breathing began to calm, the overwhelming energy subsiding as the beast within him settled—if only for now. His claws retracted into his hands, his scales and fur receding as he forced himself to regain control. His posture straightened, though his form was still bulkier, more monstrous than before. His body ached from the transformation, but he knew that he had passed another test.

Varek approached cautiously, his eyes scanning Kenzai's new form. There was a flicker of something in the older man's eyes—respect, perhaps?

"Impressive," Varek said, though his tone was somber. "But remember, Kenzai. You're still in the midst of this. The dungeon isn't finished with you yet."

Kenzai nodded, his heart still racing. He had changed, but so had the world around him. What he had been before was gone. The beast within him was not just an ally—it was a force he had to learn to live with, or it would consume him.

He stood tall, his body still quivering with raw energy, as he faced the next challenge, whatever it may be.

The dungeon had seen his potential, and now it was time to see if he could control it.

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End of Chapter 14

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