Deep into the wilderness
The weather in the wilderness is unpredictable. It was sunny in the morning, but in the afternoon, dark clouds covered the sky, and strong winds mixed with drizzle hit us in the face, making the desolate land even more desolate and dangerous. Nike and Ellie walked on the edge of the wilderness, and the surrounding environment became more and more desolate, and even the dead grass became sparse.
"Brother, how long will we have to walk?" Ellie's voice was a little tired, and her steps were a little staggering.
Nike stopped and turned to look at her. His eyes softened a little: "There is a cave ahead, we will rest there for one night."
Ellie nodded, lowered her head and followed him. Although the wilderness environment made her feel scared, Nike's back was like an indestructible wall, which made her feel at ease.
Discovery in the cave
They soon found a hidden cave, the entrance of the cave was covered with vines, and it was dark inside. Nike drew out the iron sword, carefully pushed aside the vines, and walked into the cave. A ball of dark energy condensed in his palm, and the black light was weak but enough to illuminate the surrounding environment.
"Is it really safe here?" Ellie looked around nervously. The cave wall was engraved with strange patterns, like some ancient runes.
Nike looked around and suddenly stopped when he walked deep into the cave. He squatted in front of a stone wall and pointed to the ground: "Look here."
Ellie leaned over and saw some broken crystals scattered on the ground, flashing a dim black light, like some destroyed energy crystals.
"Is this... a dark crystal core?" Ellie asked in surprise.
Nike nodded, picked up a piece of debris, and felt the remaining energy in it: "There used to be a powerful dark monster here."
"What about it now?" Ellie took a step back, her voice full of uneasiness.
"It has left, or died." Nike stood up and put the crystal core fragment into his pocket. His eyes were deep and his tone was low: "But what it left behind may be useful to me."
Sudden attack
At night, the wind was howling outside the cave, but it was so quiet inside that only the crackling of the burning campfire could be heard. Nike closed his eyes and leaned against the wall, holding the sword in his hand, always alert. Ellie curled up by the campfire, trying to fall asleep.
Suddenly, a sharp hissing came from outside the cave, followed by the sound of heavy objects stepping on the ground. Nike opened his eyes instantly and whispered: "Ellie, wake up, something is coming."
Ellie opened her eyes in a daze, and was about to ask what happened when a muffled breathing sound came from outside the cave. In the light of the fire, a huge shadow appeared at the entrance of the cave.
It was a level 2 shadow wolf, covered with black hair, with eyes glowing with a faint green light, and sticky saliva dripping from its mouth. It growled, and its sharp claws scratched the stone ground with a harsh sound, obviously treating Nike and Ellie as prey.
"Ellie, get back." Nike stood up and protected Ellie behind him. The iron sword in his hand was covered with dark energy, and black air swirled around the blade.
The shadow wolf didn't give them extra time, growled, and pounced on Nike. It was extremely fast, and its claws cut through the air, bringing a suffocating sense of oppression.
Nike dodged to the side and slashed with the iron sword, but the shadow wolf retreated swiftly and avoided his attack. Its flexible movements merged with its dark body, making it almost difficult to catch in the dim environment.
"Don't panic." Nike whispered to himself, he closed his eyes, concentrated his mind, and felt the breath of the shadow wolf. His palm condensed a shadow blade again, and this time, he threw the shadow blade at the wolf's leg.
The shadow blade hit accurately, and the shadow wolf let out a painful roar, and its movements became a little slower. Nike seized the opportunity, rushed forward quickly, and stabbed the sword into its chest. However, before the Shadow Wolf died, it struggled to swing its claws, hit Nike's shoulder hard, and knocked him back a few steps.
Blood flowed from Nike's shoulder, but he gritted his teeth and made no sound. He stood firm, and his eyes ignited a stronger fighting spirit. He rushed forward again, and this time the iron sword pierced the Shadow Wolf's throat, blood gushed out, and the Shadow Wolf fell down weakly, and his body gradually lost its vitality.
Signs of awakening
After the battle, Nike knelt on one knee, and the wound on his shoulder made his movements a little stiff. But when he raised his head, he found that the Shadow Wolf's body gradually turned into wisps of black energy, slowly flowing towards him.
"Brother, what is that?" Ellie exclaimed, she had never seen such a scene.
Nike frowned, stretched out his palm, and let the black energy gather in his hand. He felt an unprecedented power surging in his body, and the black light enveloped his body, as if the whole cave was shaking.
"This is... the evolution of the dark system." Nike whispered, with a strange light flashing in his blue eyes.
When all the energy was absorbed, his body shook slightly, and he felt that his strength had taken another big step forward. He clenched his fists, feeling the changes in his body, and raised a sneer at the corner of his mouth: "They thought the dark system was a lowly power, but now, my dark system will surpass everything."
Ellie looked at his changes, her heart full of mixed emotions. She vaguely felt that Nike's power was developing in an unknown direction, and this direction might change everything.
New goal
After a night's rest, Nike took Ellie out of the cave. His shoulder was simply bandaged with a cloth strip, and although he was still bleeding, his expression was calmer and more determined than ever.
"Brother, is the power you just absorbed from the Shadow Wolf?" Ellie asked in a low voice.
Nike nodded: "The monsters in the wilderness are not enemies, but my nutrients. As long as they exist, my strength will continue to grow."
"Where are we going next?"
Nike looked up into the distance, his eyes fell on the deeper wilderness, the area where the monsters gathered. A sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth: "Go to a more dangerous place. Only in danger can you become stronger."
Ellie looked at his determined profile. Although she was still afraid in her heart, she did not retreat: "Okay, I will follow you."
The morning sun penetrated the dark clouds and sprinkled on the figures of the two. Their direction was an unknown future, but Nike's steps were firm and cold. He had only one belief in his heart - to become everyone's fear and to become his own sole master.