The moon hung low in the sky, veiled by clouds that threatened another storm. Kai sat in the shadowed corner of his dorm room, his creature curled at his feet, its faint glow illuminating the tense lines on his face.
The events of the day played in his mind like a broken reel. The enforcers, Lila's cryptic advice, the relentless pursuit—it all pointed to one grim truth: time was running out.
"Tebu," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "I need more power."
"Host evolution is dependent on combat experience and skill refinement," the system replied, its tone unwavering.
Kai's fists clenched. "That's not enough. They're hunting me. I can't just wait for evolution. I need it now."
"Alternative methods of growth exist but carry significant risks. Would you like to proceed?"
Kai hesitated. Risk was a constant in his life, but gambling with his evolution could have catastrophic consequences. Still, the memory of those attackers—their precision, their intent—left him with little choice.
"Proceed," he said finally, his voice resolute.
---
The academy grounds were eerily quiet as Kai made his way to the training hall. It was well past curfew, but the shadows around him kept him hidden.
Inside, the hall was dimly lit, the vast space echoing with his footsteps. He approached a circular platform at the center, its surface inscribed with intricate runes. This was the academy's Simulated Combat Array, a tool used for training system holders in controlled environments.
"Tebu," Kai said, stepping onto the platform. "Activate the array."
"Warning: High-intensity simulation may result in physical and mental strain. Host is advised to exercise caution."
"I don't have time for caution," Kai snapped. "Do it."
The runes beneath his feet glowed, and the air around him shimmered. Within seconds, the hall dissolved, replaced by a desolate battlefield under a crimson sky.
Kai barely had time to take in his surroundings before the first opponent materialized—a towering beast with obsidian skin and molten eyes. It roared, the ground trembling beneath its weight.
"Enemy level: B-tier," Tebu announced.
Kai smirked, the adrenaline surging through him. "Let's see what you've got."
The beast charged, its massive claws slicing through the air. Kai dodged to the side, his shadows lashing out in response. They coiled around the creature's legs, but it tore through them with brute strength.
Kai gritted his teeth. This wasn't going to be easy.
---
The battle raged on, the simulated environment shifting with each clash. Kai's body screamed in protest, his stamina dwindling as the simulation pushed him to his limits.
"Tebu," he gasped, his vision blurring. "Status?"
"Host energy reserves at 12%. Recommendation: Terminate simulation."
"No," Kai growled, forcing himself to stand. "Keep going."
A new opponent emerged, this one faster and more agile. Its movements were a blur, and Kai struggled to keep up. Every strike felt like a hammer blow, each dodge draining more of his strength.
"Tebu," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Options?"
"Host can sacrifice stored Evolution Points to temporarily enhance combat abilities. Confirm?"
Kai hesitated. Evolution Points were precious, the key to his growth. Wasting them on a temporary boost felt reckless, but the alternative was defeat—and death.
"Do it," he said finally.
A surge of energy flooded his body, the pain receding as his senses sharpened. His shadows grew darker, denser, wrapping around him like armor.
The opponent lunged, but this time Kai was ready. He met the attack head-on, his enhanced shadows slicing through the creature with ease.
---
The simulation ended abruptly, the battlefield dissolving into the familiar walls of the training hall. Kai collapsed to his knees, his body trembling.
"Simulation complete," Tebu announced. "Combat efficiency improved by 37%. Host stamina critical."
Kai didn't respond. He felt drained, his muscles screaming in protest. But despite the exhaustion, a small smile tugged at his lips. He had survived.
---
The next morning, the academy was abuzz with rumors once again. Word had spread about the mysterious figure who had accessed the combat array after hours, leaving it damaged and malfunctioning.
Kai ignored the whispers as he made his way to the cafeteria. His hood was pulled low, and his shadows clung to him like a second skin, concealing his fatigue.
He spotted Lila at a corner table, her eyes scanning the room like a hawk. She met his gaze and gestured for him to join her.
"You look like hell," she said as he sat down.
"Thanks," Kai muttered, reaching for a cup of coffee.
Lila leaned in, her expression serious. "What happened last night?"
"Training," Kai said simply.
"Training doesn't leave the combat array in ruins," she shot back.
Kai sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I needed to push myself. The attackers aren't going to wait for me to get stronger."
Lila frowned. "You're going to burn yourself out at this rate."
"I don't have a choice," Kai said, his voice firm. "Every day I'm alive is a day closer to them finding me—and my sister."
Lila's eyes softened. "You're not alone in this, you know. There are people who can help you."
Kai scoffed. "Like who? Everyone I've met so far either wants to kill me or use me."
"Not everyone," Lila said quietly.
Kai didn't respond. Trusting others had never been his strong suit, and Lila's words did little to change that.
---
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Kai attended his classes, keeping to himself as usual. But his mind was elsewhere, replaying the events of the simulation and Lila's words.
As night fell, he found himself standing on the rooftop of the dormitory, the cool breeze a welcome reprieve from the chaos below.
"Tebu," he said, his voice barely audible. "How much stronger do I need to be?"
"Strength is relative," the system replied. "Survival requires adaptability, strategy, and alliances."
"Alliances," Kai muttered, his gaze distant. "Easier said than done."
The shadows around him shifted, their movements restless. They seemed to sense his turmoil, their presence both comforting and unsettling.
Kai closed his eyes, the weight of the world pressing down on him. He didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain: he couldn't keep running forever.
"Let them come," he whispered, his voice filled with quiet determination. "I'll be ready."