The forest was silent once more, save for the rhythmic hum of the Spirit Core nestled within the ancient tree. Jian stood motionless, his breath steady as the adrenaline of battle slowly faded. The hooded figure and their team were gone, leaving behind only questions.
They had known his name.
They had planned for him.
His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword. This wasn't just a chance encounter. They had been waiting, testing him, seeing if he was worthy of something—what exactly, he wasn't sure.
The Nightfang Alpha's massive form lay still at his feet, its amber eyes dim. Even in death, the beast's presence was formidable. Jian knelt beside it, placing a hand against its thick fur. A faint energy still lingered.
[ Spirit Absorption Available ]
Jian's gaze flickered. This was new.
Would you like to absorb the essence of the Nightfang Alpha?
A choice. He could feel the Wilds still pulsing through his veins, strengthening his connection with nature itself. If this ability allowed him to grow even stronger, he had no reason to refuse.
Accept.
A surge of raw energy coursed through him the moment he made his decision. Jian's vision darkened for an instant, the world around him fading into an abyss of raw power. His breath hitched as tendrils of green and gold energy wrapped around his body, seeping into his core.
The Wilds roared in his veins.
His senses sharpened. He could feel the faintest vibrations in the earth, hear the rustling of leaves from miles away. The instincts of the Nightfang Alpha—its speed, its hunting prowess—melded into him, becoming part of who he was.
[ Spirit Absorption Complete. New Ability Acquired. ]
Beastwalker's Instinct (Epic) – The instincts of a seasoned predator now flow within you. Increased reflexes, heightened senses, and enhanced tracking abilities in natural environments.
Jian exhaled, his eyes snapping open. Everything felt… clearer. The world around him moved in slow motion for a fraction of a second before returning to normal. His muscles coiled with newfound strength, his movements lighter, smoother—more natural.
He clenched his fist, testing the flow of power. This wasn't just raw strength. It was instinct, precision, control.
A rustle in the distance.
Jian's head turned sharply, eyes locking onto the movement before he even realized what he was doing. A rabbit, small and nearly invisible against the underbrush, darted away.
I wouldn't have noticed that before.
The upgrade was already working.
He turned his attention back to the Spirit Core, still pulsing gently within the ancient tree. This place—this battle—had changed him.
And whoever those people were, they had been watching. Studying him.
Jian sheathed his sword and exhaled. He had no doubt they would return. The real question was when.
For now, he had grown stronger. And when they came again, he would be ready.
The Wilds were his to command.