The forest fell silent.
Eren stood over the lifeless form of the Direwolf, his chest heaving. The blood soaking his torn sleeve was real, the ache in his muscles undeniable. But alongside the pain was a profound, undeniable clarity.
The screen shimmered once more before his eyes, revealing a new notification:
Essence Absorption Initiated.
A warm sensation bloomed in his chest, spreading outward as a soft, silver mist rose from the Direwolf's corpse. The energy flowed into him, seeping into his bones, his muscles, his very essence. Strength. Power.
Essence +10 Acquired.
Rank Progress: 30/100 (Mortal - Unawakened)
Eren exhaled shakily, the energy infusion leaving him slightly dizzy. The fatigue from battle lingered, but there was a subtle, growing awareness—his senses sharper, his pain less oppressive. He never felt something as good in his, not even the touch of a woman could compare. The sensation was addictive.
Suddenly, the ground beneath him trembled. The forest seemed to pulse, the shadows deepening as if the world itself acknowledged his kill. From the void above, a single droplet of silver light descended and embedded itself into the back of his left hand.
Pain flared—brief but intense. When he lifted his hand, a faintly glowing mark, a circular glyph entwined with ancient runes, pulsed softly beneath his skin.
Mark of Awakening Imprinted.
A surge of new information flooded his mind.
The Mark of Awakening: The sigil of a chosen participant in the Ascension Trials. Grants the ability to absorb Essence from fallen foes and grow stronger. The stronger the enemy, the greater the reward.
Eren clenched his fist, the mark fading back into his skin but leaving a lingering heat. "So... this is how it works?"
He had questions—endless questions—but the forest was no longer silent.
A distant, guttural howl echoed through the woods. His gaze snapped toward the sound, heart racing.
New Objective Unlocked: Survive the Hunt.
Multiple Direwolves detected nearby. Threat Level: Moderate.
Eren forced himself to focus. Panic would get him killed. He scanned his surroundings, noting the terrain—dense foliage, towering trees, and patches of mist curling along the ground.
His status screen shifted once more, revealing the skill he had just unlocked:
Skill: Spirit Surge (Active)
Effect: Temporarily amplifies physical attributes by 30% for 10 seconds. Costs 5 mana per use.
He had a choice: stand his ground or flee deeper into the unknown. But with the howls growing louder, he realized there was no running from this.
Time to test this power.
The first Direwolf burst through the underbrush, fangs bared and eyes glowing with unnatural malice.
Eren activated Spirit Surge.
A silver aura flared around him as raw energy flooded his limbs. Time seemed to slow as the beast lunged, but Eren moved faster. His punch connected with brutal force, sending the creature sprawling.
Mana: 5/10 Remaining.
Two more wolves emerged, their snarls vibrating in the air. Eren braced himself, prepared to face them head-on.
Eren didn't hesitate. The primal energy of Spirit Surge thrummed through his body, making his muscles feel like coiled springs ready to release. The two Direwolves circled him, low growls vibrating through the air as they sized him up.
The first lunged, jaws snapping for his leg. Eren twisted, his enhanced speed making the dodge almost effortless. His fist lashed out, connecting with the beast's skull in a crushing blow. A pulse of light radiated from the point of impact as the wolf yelped and skidded across the ground.
The second Direwolf seized the opening, leaping from Eren's blind spot. But his senses were sharper now, his awareness heightened. He spun, catching the wolf mid-air with a sweeping kick. The creature tumbled, landing in a heap but scrambling back to its feet with a snarl.
Eren's vision flickered with a new notification:
Mana: 0/10 Remaining. Spirit Surge Deactivated.
A wave of fatigue washed over him as the silver aura around his body faded. His limbs felt heavy, his breathing ragged. The power boost had run its course, leaving him drained.
The wolves, however, were relentless. The one he'd struck first was already back on its feet, though it limped slightly, blood matting its fur.
I need to end this fast.
Eren clenched his fists, forcing himself to focus despite the exhaustion. He could feel the Mark of Awakening on his hand, its warmth pulsing faintly.
The wolves attacked in unison. Eren sidestepped the first, but the second raked its claws across his chest. Pain flared as he stumbled back, warm blood seeping through his torn shirt.
Health Warning: Severe Injury Sustained.
Eren gritted his teeth. The pain was real, sharp, but it grounded him back to reality. He saw an opening—one chance.
Summoning the last reserves of his strength, Eren dove forward, driving his knee into the first wolf's jaw with a sickening crack. It collapsed instantly, its body dissolving into silver mist.
Essence +10 Acquired. Skill Unlocked: Minor Mana Recovery.
A surge of warmth spread through him, the Mark glowing brighter. The fatigue ebbed just slightly as energy flowed back into his limbs.
The remaining wolf hesitated, sensing the shift. Eren locked eyes with it, his voice low and steady.
"Your move."
The wolf lunged, and this time Eren met it head-on. His fist, empowered by newfound strength, struck true, the creature's skull fracturing beneath the impact.
Essence +10 Acquired. Rank Progress: 50/100 (Mortal - Unawakened)
Silence returned to the forest. The mist cleared, leaving Eren alone once more, breathing heavily, but alive.
And stronger.